Gateshead have signed midfielder Alfie McCalmont on a free transfer until the end of the 2026-27 season, with manager Lee Cattermole hailing the move as a 'big lift' for his struggling side. The 26-year-old arrives from Australian side Central Coast Mariners to bolster a squad that sits 24th in the National League with only four points from nine games.
Cattermole was immediately impressed with the new arrival's ability. "Instantly you see his quality," the manager said. He elaborated on the technical skills McCalmont brings to the group. "He’s a very, very, very good footballer technically, he’ll definitely add quality to the group."
McCalmont brings extensive experience from over 100 Football League appearances with clubs like Oldham Athletic, Morecambe, and Carlisle United, having started his senior career at Leeds United. His two-season stint in the A-League saw him make 49 appearances for the Mariners. His arrival is a direct response to a dismal run of form that has seen Gateshead lose six of their last seven matches, culminating in a 6-1 home defeat to Southend United last week.
The club's current position is perilous. They are 19 points behind leaders Boreham Wood and have conceded 20 goals while scoring just six. The immediate task is to stop the rot, starting with this weekend's trip to face 20th-placed Wealdstone. McCalmont is available for selection for that key fixture.
Supporters can check the full schedule for the vital weeks ahead on the club's fixtures page, while the updated squad list now includes the new midfielder. Gateshead's next match is away to Wealdstone on Saturday.
Read the full report at The Non-League Football Paper
