Pic: Gateshead FC
NEIL ASPIN has continued to shape his Gateshead squad for next season, bringing in defenders Liam Hogan and Jamal Fyfield as well as striker Reece Styche.
The Heed finished ninth in the National League last season and Aspin has already made four impressive signings as they aim for a play-off berth next term.
The boss worked with Hogan, 27, while in charge of FC Halifax Town and the versatile defender spent last season with Tranmere Rovers.
He made 18 appearances after suffering from a knee injury in November and will be hoping for better luck at the International Stadium where he has signed a one-year deal.
Aspin said: “I've always kept tabs on Liam. I rate him highly, and I know that he was outstanding when he was playing last season.
“Tranmere were very disappointed when he got injured, but I'd like to think that with a clean run, he could really do well for us.
“He is mobile, he has really good pace, he is a good competitor, and his attitude is first-class.”
Aspin has also swooped for former York City, Grimsby, Welling and Wrexham defender Jamal Fyfield, his third signing from north Wales so far.
The boss said: “If I get the basis of the spine of the team in place – especially the back-four – I'll feel a lot happier. Jamal is experienced, and he is left-footed – and there are not a lot of left-footed centre-halves.”
Joining Hogan and Fyfield at Gateshead is forward Styche, who ended last season on loan at Macclesfield Town from Kidderminster Harriers.
The Gibraltar international caught Aspin's eye while playing against Gateshead for Macc in March, scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 win on Tyneside.
“I want him to do the business on the pitch, but I also see him as someone who can do something in the dressing room as well,” Aspin added.
“We had a good team spirit last season, but I see him as someone who can be a little more vocal and livelier. I want to have a few players with a voice off the pitch – I think we were a little too quiet on and off the pitch last season.
“I know he wound everyone up in the Macclesfield game – he wound me up, as well – but I saw that as a positive. I'd like someone to be doing that in a Gateshead shirt.”
Hogan, Fyfield and Styche bring the amount of Gateshead signings this summer to five, following on from the additions of former Wrexham pair Wes York and Manny Smith, who both signed two-year deals.
