Baxter Back With Gateshead After Terriers Stint

GATESHEAD stalwart Craig Baxter is back at the International Stadium after a year away playing Step

The full-back was released by the Heed last summer having made over 260 appearances in six years for them, during which time the club won back-to-back promotions into the Conference Premier.

He spent last term with Northern League side Bedlington Terriers but is now back with the Tynesiders and raring to get started again.

Speaking to the club’s website, the former Newcastle United trainee said: “It’s great to be back.”It was disappointing to be released by Gateshead in 2012 and you don’t often get the chance to rejoin a club after only one year away.

“I had six good years at the club after leaving Newcastle and the promotion campaigns were very special.

“I’ve kept in touch with some of the lads that are still there but it will still feel a bit strange when I go back at the beginning of July.

“Anth Smith, who I have worked with before in the reserves, is now the manager and I want to repay the faith he has shown in me.

“To be back in full time football at Gateshead is perfect for me. I did not feel I deserved to be released a year ago and it’s now up to me to show it was the wrong decision.”