By Matt Badcock
Luke Hannant signed off his Gateshead career with a bang by scoring the replay winner that sent the Heed through in the FA Trophy – and he wants a ticket if they get to Wembley!
The 24-year-old is reuniting with former Heed boss Neil Aspin at League Two Port Vale, where he has signed an 18-month deal.
Hannant has impressed in the National League side's midfield this season and a number of Football League clubs were thought to be watching before Vale pounced.
And after bagging the crucial goal in the 2-1 midweek victory at Boreham Wood that booked a place in the last 16, the former Cambridge United youngster says he'll be keeping a close eye on their progress.
Hannant told The NLP: “If they get to Wembley I will be buzzing for them but I'll expect them to get me a ticket! I didn't know if I would be travelling (on Tuesday) because of everything that was going on but whoever I'm playing for I will give 100 per cent.
“I got the call at half-time from the bench and was lucky enough to score the winning goal so it was a nice way to sign off because they've been good to me at Gateshead.
“All the lads have congratulated me and given me advice for the future. They've told me to express myself and go forward now.
“I follow Gateshead on twitter and I'll obviously still speak to the lads, so I'll be keeping an eye on them – and I'll expect that ticket!”
Confidence
Hannant was playing for Team Northumbria just two years ago while studying for a sports science degree at Northumbria University.
He says a football education in the Northern League was just what he needed and feels he goes into the Football League with his game brimming with confidence.
“It's been a long time coming,” he said. “I've been aiming to get to the Football League since I was 18 and it's finally done – I can't wait.
“It's always been in the back of my mind that I would have a good chance of getting there if I worked hard but I never took it for granted.
“I had my time out at Uni and then thought I've got one opportunity left so I gave it my all. The time playing Non-League football has been important.
“I wasn't ready at 18, I didn't think I was ready to progress so coming away and getting first team appearances in Non-League has built me up to go into the Football League with a bit more confidence and experience than I would have had.”
*This article originally featured in The @NonLeaguePaper, which is available every Sunday and Monday
