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Armstrong out as others sign on the dotted line

Date: Wednesday 12th May 2010, by Tynesiders

Gateshead Striker Graeme Armstrong has sadly left the club today after weeks of rumour he has decided against becoming a full-time pro. Employed as a PE Teacher in Hexham, the 26-year-old striker will continue as a part-time player most likely at another local club.

Signed for five grand from Northern League Dunston Fed at the start of the 2007/08 season, going on to score 20 goals in a fruitful partnership with Davy Southern. Two promotions and three seasons later, having made the number 9 his own, Armstrong has scored nearly a half century of goals in the white shirt of Gateshead.

Who will forget his late crashing header at Croft Park to win the Derby one and a half seasons back, or his brilliant brace at Brentford in the FA Cup this season. He's chipped in with 10 crucial goals this campaign, including the winner at home to wrexham not so long back.

HeedArmy.co.uk would like to say a big thank you to Graeme for all he's done for our club. His never say die attitude, his willingness to run himself into the ground for the cause and not forgetting most importantly scoring vital goals that have won him many fans and friends amongst the Heed Army. We wish him well for the future, and he will always be remembered fondly for his time at the club.

Cheers Graeme!

Update: Graeme Armstrong has subsequently spurned attempts from the Scottish club up the road to join Harrogate Town along with Heed legend Steve Bowey.

Retained: The rest of the current crop have signed on the dotted line, including player of the season James Curtis. Both loanees Peter Winn and Paul Heckingbottom are yet to sign deals, but are said to be keen to do so, only time will tell whether that equates to pen on paper.

Incoming: Gateshead are said to be looking at a number of options between the sticks, however it's unlikely January target Dale Roberts will be one of those as he's on Rushden's retained list. Wearside midfielder Oliver Hotchkiss is rumoured to be donning the white shirt for next season, but no deal has been officially announced.