Carlisle United Football Club

"We've had more talks with Gateshead this week and the clubs are close to agreeing the details which will allow this move to be completed," managing director John Nixon said. 

"There could still be some minor issues to resolve but we are now in a position where Josh can sign his contract."

“As I said the other day, the key for us throughout the ongoing talks has been that Josh really wants to be here,” manager Greg Abbott told us. 

“He has been very positive about the move from day one and the only thing stopping him from signing his contract was the need to resolve the issue of compensation with Gateshead.

“We’re delighted to say that we’ve got there now because their intention has never been to hold the player back. As with any deal in football, it had to be right for them and both clubs have worked hard to make sure that all parties are satisfied.”

“Josh now has a fantastic opportunity to take the step into professional football. We think he’s ready to do that. There is work for him to do, but his attitude and desire to succeed are there. We’re all really looking forward to working with him.”

Gillies, 22, has spent his entire career in non-league football and has openly admitted that he now feels ready to take on the challenge of life in the Football League.

“I just want to get on with this now,” he told us. “It’s been a frustrating five weeks but I only ever really wanted to come here.

“I’ve met the lads and the next thing for me is to do as well as I can in training so that I can hopefully earn a place in the team.”

The Sunderland-born player enjoyed an excellent season last term as he bagged 15 goals for Gateshead and he can also boast a strike in the FA Vase at Wembley as he helped Whitley Bay to retain the trophy for a second successive season prior to his move to the Blue Square Bet Premier side.

Full reaction from Josh Gillies and Greg Abbott to follow.