Connor extends stay at Gateshead FC

Former student Connor Pani has agreed a long-term contract extension with Gateshead FC.

The midfielder extends his stay at Gateshead International Stadium after playing a key role in securing National League safety towards the end of the 2022/23 season, making 10 appearances after spending time on loan with Morpeth Town and Blyth Spartans earlier in the campaign.

The Gateshead FC Academy graduate has made 24 appearances across two years as a first team player after penning his first professional contract in July 2021, and also scored his first goal for the club against Yeovil Town in April, a strike which was voted by supporters as their Goal of the Season for 2022/23.

“I couldn’t be happier,” said Pani.

“Playing from the back end of last season and the way I played, I was hoping to get to this point so now I’m just looking forward to the next season with the lads.

“I’ve been training as much as possible, and I’m going to be training as hard as I can to make sure I can get a regular start in that starting 11 next season.”

Connor, 19, completed a BTEC in Sports Coaching and Development at the college where he was part of the Gateshead FC Academy, a unique partnership between Gateshead College and Gateshead FC where students play or coach at the football club while studying for nationally recognised qualifications.