Lee Cattermole says Alfie McCalmont arrival will give Gateshead a ‘big lift’

Lee Cattermole says Alfie McCalmont’s arrival will give Gateshead a “big lift” after the midfielder returned to English football from Australia.

The 26-year-old has joined the Tynesiders on a free until the end of the 2026-27 season, having spent the past two campaigns with Central Coast Mariners.

McCalmont made 49 appearances in the A-League and brings plenty of Football League experience to Gateshead as well.

He previously played for Oldham Athletic, Morecambe, Carlisle United and started his senior career with Leeds United after progressing the youth academy.

For exclusive stories and all the detailed Non-League news you need, subscribe to The Non-League Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.

WATCH THE LATEST NON-LEAGUE GOALMOUTH HERE

You can now listen to the Non-League Goalmouth on both Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Quality

On the arrival of the Thirsk-born midfielder, Cattermole told the club’s website: “Instantly you see his quality.

“He’s a very, very, very good footballer technically – he’ll definitely add quality to the group.

“He’s been great, he’s been around the squads and he’s built good relationships with the players already, and it’s one which will give the whole group a big lift.”

McCalmont will be available for immediate selection as Heed travel to face Wealdstone on Saturday.

It has not been a good start to the season for Gateshead, who remain bottom of the National League after nine games and on four points.

Their only victory of the campaign so far came in a 2-0 home win over Woking, since when they have lost six and drawn one – including a heavy 6-1 defeat at the hands of Southend United last time out.

Confidence

Cattermole has acknowledged supporters’ concerns over the club’s form but remains determined to turn things around.

Speaking to Chronicle Live, the Gateshead boss said: “My worry is that it’s not there on the pitch at the moment and that’s why I get that they are worrying.

“It’s their football club, they’ll be here long after I am – but the only thing I can say is I am working unbelievably hard to get it there and I want to get it there quick and soon.

“Once it comes on the pitch and they see it, they’ll regain the confidence, results help with them.”

The arrival of McCalmont gives Cattermole another option as he looks to improve Gateshead’s fortunes, with the midfielder seemingly making an impression on his new team-mates.

READ MORE: Jonny Williams hails ‘good feel’ at Eastleigh after dropping into the National League