Gateshead Football Club have completed two signings, bringing in defender Harrison Holgate and forward Jordy Hiwula. Both players have agreed contracts that run until the end of the current season and are immediately available for selection.
This recruitment news arrives as the National League club prepares for the new campaign. Gateshead finished 18th in the final 2025 table, securing 50 points from 46 matches with a record of 14 wins, 8 draws, and 24 losses. Their goal difference of -36, stemming from 54 scored and 90 conceded, is an area the new signings will aim to address.
Harrison Holgate is a 26-year-old defender who arrives as a free agent. He spent his entire professional career at Fleetwood Town, making over a hundred appearances for the club before his departure this summer. His experience at the back provides a solid option for manager Rob Elliot. Jordy Hiwula joins from fellow National League side Boston United. The 31-year-old forward scored seven goals in 39 appearances for Boston last season, offering proven attacking threat at this level.
The immediate impact is clear, with both players eligible for Gateshead's first home fixture of the season against Solihull Moors this Saturday. That match kicks off at 15:00 BST. Holgate will compete for a place in a defensive unit that conceded 90 times last term, a clear target for improvement. Hiwula adds competition up front, aiming to boost a strike force that managed 54 goals. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on the club's fixtures page.
These signings represent a proactive start to the club's squad building. The deals are short-term, running only until next summer, giving both player and club a clear assessment period. Gateshead ended the 2025 season 58 points behind champions York. Strengthening the squad in key areas is a necessary step. Supporters can view the full roster, including the new arrivals, on the official squad list.
The primary objective will be to build on last season's 18th-place finish and push further up the standings. Holgate's defensive stability and Hiwula's goal-scoring pedigree from a direct rival are calculated moves. Their availability from the opening weekend is a significant boost. The club has acted swiftly to secure targets, ensuring they integrate from day one. Both players have signed contracts that expire at the conclusion of the 2026-27 National League season.
