Former Sunderland and Hartlepool United defender set for key role with Gateshead | OneFootball

Former Sunderland and Hartlepool United defender David Ferguson is set for a key role under new Gateshead manager Lee Cattermole in the National League this season, according to Sunderland Echo.

The Wearside-born defender joined last summer and endured mixed fortunes as Gateshead laboured through a poor first half of the campaign before Rob Elliot’s appointment sparked a major upturn and a remarkable escape from relegation to the National League North.

Primarily a left-back, Ferguson moved into the centre of defence during the run-in and brought calm at a nervy finish. He has stayed in that role across the first three pre-season friendlies under Cattermole, a win at Northern League Division One side Blyth Town followed by draws at Heaton Stannington and National League North newcomers Hebburn Town.

Ferguson previously trained alongside Cattermole as a young player at Sunderland, and was an unused substitute in a 1-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur in May 2013. He later featured for Blackpool, York City and Hartlepool.

After the Hebburn draw, Cattermole said Ferguson has been excellent, looks in outstanding shape and has settled into the centre of a back three. He added that regular minutes are sharpening Ferguson’s reading of the game and that the 32-year-old will be a big player for Gateshead.

Source: Sunderland Echo