Centre half Nathan Buddle agrees deal with Gateshead
Carlisle United can confirm that defender Nathan Buddle has agreed to sign for Gateshead following a mutual agreement with the player which will allow him to take his next step in the game with the north-east based outfit.
Buddle, 21, agreed a short-term deal in principle with United at the beginning of this month but, following talks with the club and his representatives, has now taken up an offer to join The Heed in the National League for the coming campaign.
Head of recruitment Lee Dykes said: “We always saw opportunities to play first team football as part of Nathan’s development path. Gateshead was one of the options we were looking at to make sure he got that, particularly at the start of the season.
“Having spoken to the player we feel this will be a really good move for him and it goes without saying we wish him every success in the future.”
The big centre half enjoyed an extended trial spell with the Cumbrians at the beginning of this year, which included pitch time in friendly fixtures against Newcastle United, Burnley and Blackpool. He made a total of three appearances for the Blues, which included a fantastic defensive display against table-toppers Burton, and he made his full debut in the 3-3 home draw against Hartlepool in May.
He started his career at Hartlepool but moved to join Blyth Spartans at the start of the 2013/14 campaign. He made a total of 83 appearances for the Spartans and scored five goals during his time at Croft Park. He was captain of the England C representative team which celebrated the 125th anniversary of the Northern League.
Manager Keith Curle said: "Nathan spoke to us and he felt he'd get more opportunity for first team football by making this step.
"He's a very good lad and we want him to feel happy with what he's doing, so we're pleased that he's got this move. It'll be a good club for him because he's a player we were looking to develop and we know they'll look after him. We wish him well as he heads back to the north east to join them."
