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Former Sunderland academy forward joins Gateshead on one-year deal National League club Gateshead have added another former Sunderland youngster to their squad ahead of Saturday’s home game with Woking. Former Sunderland youngster Michael Spellman has returned to the North East after agreeing to join Lee Cattermole’s Gateshead on a one-year deal. The versatile forward spent two years within the Academy of Light setup as he featured alongside the likes of Harrison Jones, Tommy Watson and Timur Tuterov during his time working under former Under-21s head coach Graeme Murty. Spellman had joined the Black Cats from Northern League side Chester-le-Street United after a successful trial period and went on to earn valuable senior experience during loan spells with Blyth Spartans and Whitby Town. After making one senior appearance as a substitute in a Carabao Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday and becoming a regular in the Black Cats Under-21s, Spellman left Sunderland during the summer of 2024 and penned a two-year deal with League Two club Newport County. He went on to score seven goals in 72 appearances for the Welsh outfit and was named as the Fan’s Player of the Season for the 2025/26 campaign - but left the Exiles when his contract came to an end earlier this summer. The 23-year-old will now return to his native North East as he joins former Academy of Light team-mate Tommy Lavery at Gateshead - and the forward is relishing the opportunity he has been handed with the National League club. He told the club website: "I can't wait to get started - there's no better feeling than being at home [in the North East]. First and foremost, I want to bring goals, I want to bring assists and I do want to excite the fans and get them off their seat. I'm delighted to be here, and I can't wait to get started and meet the fans." "It was a big decision for me [moving to Newport], but it was something I needed at the time and I'm so glad I did that because it helped me become the player I am today. I'm a lot more confident, I believe in myself a lot more, and I just want to play football and score goals." Spellman could make his debut in Saturday’s home clash with National League rivals Woking after receiving international clearance.