Gateshead Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Aidan Rutledge!
The 22-year-old Gateshead born forward will now ply his trade at the Gateshead International Stadium, following his move from Birtley Town FC. A key player for Birtley, Rutledge amassed 61 goals in 43 appearances, including over 15 assists in the 2022/23 season as Birtley went on to secure promotion to the Northern League Division 1 for the first time in their history.
Finishing last season as the club and league record scorer, Aidan was named the BBC Newcastle Player of the Year at the Ebac Northern Football League awards.
Prior to his stint at Birtley, Aidan played in the Wearside League for Gateshead Leam Rangers where he scored 49 goals in 60 appearances over two seasons.
Here is what Aidan had to say after signing his contract:
“I’m absolutely buzzing, very excited to get started. There’s been a lot of talking back and forward between us and the club so it’s nice to final get it over the line.
“Obviously for me, it’s all about getting to work during pre-season and hopefully getting some minutes against the likes of Sunderland and Harrogate. I want to prove to the fans and the coaching staff that I can help the squad in the upcoming season.”
“I want to help the team push on this season and hopefully try and reach playoffs. Being from Gateshead, I use to come watch the Heed on a weekend and I want to make the fans happy and proud”.
“My main aim with Gateshead is to get some valuable minutes in the squad and I’d love to get a few goals during pre-season. I want to make my family proud, they’ve been with me every step of the way ever since under 7s. That’s what matters most to me.
“I already know some of the lads, due to being a northern lad and this is the right place for me to be right now. I’ve seen the shape that Mike and Ian like to play and this really suits my type of style.
Mike added, “He’s a very exciting prospect, he’s hungry and he’s ready to get involved and show this league his attributes. He’s a local lad and when you’ve scored that amount of goals in one season, it’s very hard to ignore. We’re sure he’ll fit right into the squad here at Gateshead.”
Welcome to Tyneside, Aidan Rutledge.
