Lee Cattermole ‘to make’ former Sunderland defender first Gateshead signing | OneFootball

Thomas Lavery is set to join Gateshead on a free following his Sunderland release. According to Sunderland Echo, the right-back is closing in on a move to the National League club.

Lavery came through Sunderland’s academy after joining at the age of nine, featuring regularly for the under-18s and under-21s. He marked his under-21 debut in September 2023 with a late comeback winner against Aston Villa. He was also named among the first-team substitutes three times during the 2023-24 Championship campaign.

He made 24 appearances across the under-21 and under-18 sides in 2024-25, but was not retained this summer as part of the club’s academy release decisions.

A switch to Gateshead would offer a first sustained step into senior football under a manager well versed in Sunderland’s pathway. Cattermole was appointed Gateshead boss this summer after previously working within the Black Cats’ youth set-up.

If completed, the deal would represent Cattermole’s first signing since taking charge as he begins shaping his squad for the new season.

Source: Sunderland Echo