Tommy Lavery joins Gateshead on two-year deal and reflects on Sunderland exit | OneFootball

Former Sunderland youngster Tommy Lavery has become Lee Cattermole’s first signing as Gateshead manager, agreeing a two-year deal at the International Stadium.

The 20-year-old full-back was released by the Black Cats at the end of last season, and now aims to make his mark under the former Sunderland captain.

Lavery spent the first half of last season on loan at Northern Irish club Cliftonville, then finished the campaign with National League rivals FC Halifax Town. A regular for Sunderland’s Under-18s and Under-21s, he received several first-team call-ups, but seven unused substitute outings across the last two Championship seasons were as close as he came to a debut.

“They were good talks to be fair,”

He was speaking to the Heed website.

“When I came in, he knew a lot about me. He seemed like he’d done his research and that’s such a great thing when you’re coming in and knowing someone knows about you. We sat and spoke and he said he likes me as a player and thinks I can fit in here. I’m buzzing with it. Being at Sunderland for 11 years, when you leave, people think it’s scary, but I was ready for my next steps, ready to play men’s football, full-time and get in there. It was good to get this sorted. I’m ready for the new season.”

“That two-year deal shows the belief they have in me and shows what this club wants to do moving forward. I am looking forward to getting in an playing as many games as I can. That’s what I want to do. Play football, win games and push Gateshead up the table.”

Source: Sunderland Echo