Former Sunderland academy forward joins Gateshead on one-year deal | OneFootball

Gateshead have signed former Sunderland academy forward Michael Spellman on a one-year deal.

According to Sunderland Echo, the 23-year-old has returned to the North East to join Lee Cattermole’s squad.

Spellman spent two years in Sunderland’s Academy of Light under former Under-21s head coach Graeme Murty, featuring alongside Harrison Jones, Tommy Watson and Timur Tuterov.

He joined the Black Cats from Chester-le-Street United after a successful trial, then gained senior experience on loan with Blyth Spartans and Whitby Town. He made one senior appearance as a substitute in a Carabao Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday before becoming a regular for the Under-21s.

Spellman left in the summer of 2024 to sign a two-year deal with League Two side Newport County, scoring seven goals in 72 appearances. He was Newport’s Fans’ Player of the Season in 2025/26 and departed when his contract expired earlier this summer.

He now links up with former Academy team-mate Tommy Lavery at Gateshead and says he wants to bring goals and assists, excite supporters and enjoy being back home. He adds that his time at Newport boosted his confidence and that he simply wants to play and score.

Spellman could make his debut against Woking on Saturday after receiving international clearance.

Source: Sunderland Echo

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”