Tommy Lavery signs two-year Gateshead deal after Sunderland release | OneFootball

Tommy Lavery, the 20-year-old full-back, has signed a two-year deal with Gateshead, becoming Lee Cattermole’s first recruit as manager.

Released by Sunderland at the end of last season, he was a regular for the club’s Under-18s and Under-21s and made seven unused Championship benches.

He spent the first half of last season on loan at Cliftonville in Northern Ireland, then added senior experience with National League rivals FC Halifax Town in the final four months.

"They were good talks to be fair. 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."

He was speaking to the Heed website.

"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 and 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