Ex Hartlepool United man signs two-year deal with non-league side

 Former Sunderland and Hartlepool United player Kenton Richardson has signed a new two-year contract with Gateshead.

The 25-year-old defender rose through the youth ranks at Hartlepool United, making 53 first-team appearances in all competitions. He moved to Sunderland in 2020 but was limited to just three EFL Trophy appearances over two years. Following Sunderland’s promotion to the Championship in 2022, he was released after a loan spell at Notts County.

Richardson joined non-league Gateshead two years ago and has since made 78 appearances for the club, including two at Wembley in the FA Trophy final, which Gateshead won last season. Despite interest from several League Two clubs and being linked with a return to Sunderland, the England C defender has chosen to extend his stay at Gateshead.

“I am over the moon,” Richardson said after signing the new deal. “We had a really good year last year, and I think we are definitely at the start of something special. You saw what we did last year, getting into the play-offs and winning the FA Trophy. We are at the start of something very good, and I am buzzing to be part of it.”

Sunderland will face Gateshead next Saturday, July 13, at the Gateshead International Stadium as part of Régis Le Bris’ pre-season preparations. This match follows their earlier game against South Shields on the same day.

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