Oli Thompson has joined Ashington on a season-long loan deal.
The 18-year-old links up with Gateshead FC Academy coach and Ashington manager Ian Skinner following The Colliers’ promotion to the Northern Premier League Division One East last season, with a 28-day re-call option available to the club.
Thompson has made five senior appearances for Gateshead in 2023, and has appeared once in the National League this season as a second half substitute at Hartlepool United.
“Oli is someone who we see consistently playing for the first team in the future, but his development is more important than getting minutes here and there for us at the moment,” said Technical Director, Rob Elliot.
“Ian Skinner is someone we know really well as part of our academy setup, and Ashington play a similar style which will help Oli’s development.”
“It’s a really difficult one for Oli, because he’s been brilliant,” added Mike Williamson.
“He could arguably feel a little hard done by going out on loan, because he should be getting minutes on the pitch here.
“He’s got so much ability, and he just needs to go and play week in, week out in a team where he needs to affect the game with his technical, tactical and physical ability.”
Best of luck at Ashington, Oli!
