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

Thomas Lavery is set to become Lee Cattermole's first signing at Gateshead following his summer exit from Sunderland.

According to Sunderland Echo, the right-back is closing in on a free transfer to the National League club after his release by the Black Cats.

Lavery came through the Academy of Light after joining at the age of nine, featuring regularly for Sunderland's under-18s and under-21s. He marked his under-21 debut in September 2023 with a late comeback winner against Aston Villa.

He was named on the first-team bench three times during the 2023-24 Championship campaign. Across 2024-25 he made 24 appearances for the under-21 and under-18 sides, and was not retained this summer as part of the club's academy release decisions.

A switch to Gateshead would hand Lavery a first crack at regular senior football under a manager well versed in Sunderland's pathway. Cattermole took over at Gateshead this summer after coaching within the Black Cats' youth set-up.

Source: Sunderland Echo