Pic: Gateshead FC
NEW Gateshead goalkeeper James Montgomery hopes he can help the Heed climb to the “next level” after completing his move from AFC Telford United.
The 22-year-old has impressed during his near two year stint at the New Bucks Head and was reportedly being watched by a number of higher division clubs.
Despite Telford's testing season in the National League North, Montgomery has continued to garner attention and has moved back into full-time football with the Heed after an undisclosed fee was agreed.
The Sunderland-born stopper started his career with Middlesbrough but left in 2013 before having spells with Guiseley and the Nike Academy.
He signed for Telford in March 2015 and went on to make 73 appearances between the sticks for the Bucks, earning an England C call-up for the trip to Estonia last November.
Montgomery also recently signed up for Jamie Vardy's V9 Academy and he told Gateshead's website: “It's nice to be back home with my family again. Obviously being from the area, I know how passionate people are about football up here because it's what we've been brought up on and I can't wait to finally be part of it.
“Obviously I've had a lot of good times at Telford with it being the first club where I've played regular senior football but the chance to be full-time here with Gateshead in the National League was too good an opportunity to turn down.
“As a club they are always there or there abouts and it's just about taking things to the next level in order to compete at the very top of the league.
“I've never played against Gateshead in my career so I'm eager just to get out there on the pitch and see what it's like.”
Bucks boss Rob Smith added: “It has been with a heavy heart and reluctance that we have had to agree the sale of Monty to Gateshead, ultimately Monty felt the opportunity of National League football at a club local to him and a chance of full-time football was too much to turn down.
“James will be very difficult to replace but I wish him all the best and have no doubt he has a fantastic career ahead of him. He is a great lad and I personally thank him for his massive contribution to the team over the last two years.”
