Gateshead FC is delighted to confirm the signing of Stephen Wearne.
The attacking midfielder joins on a free transfer from EFL League Two side Grimsby Town, where he made 12 appearances in all competitions, scoring once.
Wearne spent two months on loan with fellow National League side Torquay United earlier this season, scoring two goals in 11 appearances for The Gulls, following an initial loan during the 2021/22 season which saw him net three goals in 14 games.
The 22-year-old played alongside current Heed duo Kenton Richardson and Will Harris with Sunderland U21s prior to joining Grimsby in the summer of 2022, and has also plied his trade with Newcastle United and Middlesbrough’s academy sides.
“We’re really pleased to get Wearney, in he’s someone who we’ve liked for a long time,” said assistant manager, Ian Watson.
“We’ve tried to bring him in or two or three occasions over the last 10 months, but things haven’t fallen where he was able to come in.
“It’s a massive signing for us, and at a really important time as well. He gives us a bit more of a cutting edge at the other end of the pitch, he’s good in one-on-one situations, he finds spaces, he’s intelligent and he’s technically good.
“We’re hoping that he’s going to bring a new dimension to our game, it’s a massive signing for us and we’re really pleased to get it done.”
Stephen will wear the number 44 shirt and is eligible for inclusion in the match day squad for our trip to Aldershot Town.