Former Sunderland and Hartlepool defender set for key Gateshead role under Lee Cattermole | OneFootball

Former Sunderland and Hartlepool United defender David Ferguson is set for a key role at Gateshead under new manager Lee Cattermole, who is preparing for his first season in charge, according to Sunderland Echo.

The Gateshead captain joined last summer and had a mixed first campaign, with a poor first half followed by Rob Elliot’s arrival and a surge that saw them avoid relegation to National League North.

Usually a left-back, Ferguson moved into the centre of a back three during the run-in and brought calm. He has kept that role in the first three pre-season friendlies, winning at Blyth Town of Northern League Division One and drawing at Heaton Stannington and National League North newcomers Hebburn Town.

Ferguson previously trained alongside Cattermole as a young Sunderland player, coming closest to a senior debut as an unused substitute in a 1-0 loss away to Tottenham in May 2013. He has since played for Blackpool, York City and Hartlepool.

After the Hebburn draw, Cattermole said Ferguson has been excellent, praised his fitness and welcomed the chance to reconnect. He noted the defender has settled impressively at centre of a back three and that minutes are sharpening his reading of play. Cattermole believes Ferguson can be a major figure for Gateshead this season.

Source: Sunderland Echo