National League side Gateshead FC have announced the loan signing of James Montgomery from National League North side Spennymoor Town, as confirmed via a statement on the club’s website.
The 29-year-old makes a return to the club for his fourth spell with The Heed on a deal that lasts just one month.
Montgomery’s first spell with the club came in the 2016/17 season when he joined the club from Telford, where he would spend two years at the club before making the move to Forest Green Rovers in 2018. With a move to AFC Fylde in between, the shot-stopper re-joined Gateshead in 2020 for a short spell before moving to Chesterfield.
He didn’t find himself away for long though, moving back to the club in 2021 where he helped The Heed gain promotion to the National League and survive their first season back in the division. This season Montgomery has spent his time at neighbours Spennymoor Town, where he has made 26 appearances for the club.
Why has Gateshead moved for Montgomery?
The return of the popular goalkeeper has come around to provide depth in the position in the short term. Harrison Bond has been the current keeper of choice for Rob Elliott as of late as Chelsea loanee Eddie Beach is out of action with the club through illness for now.
Montgomery joins from a local side and knows the squad and club well, so Rob Elliott using his contact to bring him back on a short-term basis provides the club with a second option if anything is to happen to Bond.
Will Montgomery Come In As A Starter For Gateshead?
I think Montgomery’s re-joining is a smart deal. So far Bond has held his own and put in some impressive performances when called upon so bringing in a backup option who knows the club well is a smart piece of business.
Work commitment played a role in Montgomery leaving during his last spell and I feel if it wasn’t due to this he would be at the club still as he is a National League standard goalkeeper. A good move for all parties except for Spennymoor who will miss him for the month.