Stephen Wearne has completed a permanent transfer to MK Dons, subject to FA & National League approval.
Wearne joins The Dons, led by former Gateshead management trio Mike Williamson, Ian Watson and Chris Bell, after the EFL League Two side triggered a release clause in the forward’s two-year contract.
The 23-year-old emerged as one of the Vanarama National League’s standout players this season after impressing towards the end of the 2022/23 campaign, and departs Gateshead having scored 12 goals and recorded 16 assists in 36 appearances for the club.
Wearne’s performances saw him named as the club’s Player of the Month in August and November, in addition to receiving the National League’s November Player of the Month award.
“It’s been the best nine months of my career,” said Wearne.
“It will be difficult to top the level of enjoyment I’ve had here, but unfortunately all good things have to come to an end.
“I signed a two-year deal, and I was planning on being here for those two years, but some opportunities are too good to say no to.
“Mike [Williamson] and Ian [Watson] are the ones who brought me in, are now doing well in the Football League and have offered me the opportunity to do the same, so I hope everyone can understand my decision.
“I really do feel like I’m a part of this club, and I’ll always follow the lads and get to the games whenever I’m back at home.
“For any player that has any qualms about going to this level, you can see what Gateshead does through the players who have been here before going on to do even bigger things.
“I’ve always said that you play your best football when you’re happy, and I believe that any player who comes to Gateshead will be very happy.”
All at Gateshead FC would like to thank Stephen for his contributions during his 10-month stay on Tyneside, and wish him the best of luck for the future.
