Gateshead FC have announced that right back Jordan Hunter has re-joined South Shields on a loan deal until the end of the 2023/2024 season via a statement on their official website.
The 24 year old rejoins the Mariners after leaving for Gateshead in the summer of 2023. Hunter has since gone onto make 27 appearances for the Heed, scoring three goals and getting one assist in all competitions. In an interview available on South Shields’ website Hunter spoke about his enjoyment in being back at South Shields for his third spell with the club.
“It’s great seeing all the lads again and the standards been really good in training so I’m enjoying it”
Hunter joins a South Shields side who currently sit in 11th place in the National League North, just three points off the play-off places. He reunites with Elliot Dickman, his former U21s manager from his time at Sunderland, who is currently in charge on an interim basis following the dismissal of Juilo Arca in December.
South Shields are currently in impressive form having only lost once in their last five games as they look to mount their play-off charge going into the second half of the season.
Hunter departs a Gateshead side with play-off aspirations of their own, with Rob Elliot’s side currently occupying the final play-off position in the National League.
What can South Shields fans expect from Hunter?
South Shields fans will certainly already be familiar with Hunter and his abilities from his previous spells with the club, but Hunter will certainly add a new dimension to the Mariners.
Hunter is a very attack-minded wing-back who likes to get up the pitch and attack and has scored three goals in the National League this season for Gateshead. The addition of Hunter will provide South Shields with a new batch of creativity and quality that bolsters their attack ahead of their play-off challenge.
Hunter is eligible for South Shields’ trip to relegation strugglers Gloucester City in their next fixture on Saturday.
Writer’s View:
In my opinion, this is a good addition for a South Shields side who are chasing the play-off places in the National League North.
The acquisition of a player who possesses attacking quality and has played 26 games in the league above this season could play a significant role in the Mariners’ play-off charge and could potentially be the difference between success and disappointment this season for Elliot Dickman’s side.