Young Newcastle United goalkeeper, Dan Langley, has revealed the reasons why he has chosen to move on loan to neighbours Gateshead for the upcoming season. The 21-year-old has joined a growing list of Newcastle youth players who have crossed the Tyne at some point during their career.
In an interview on Gateshead's official YouTube channel, Langley stated that: "It started probably last year. It's always been in the offing - really happy to get it done this summer."
Langley added that he had spoken to Gateshead boss and ex-Magpie, Mike Williamson: "I spoke to the gaffer a few weeks ago and he said I've watched you play, and your attributes really suit the way we play. Coming in [I'll be] trying to build into the way they play, and help them progress.
"I'm comfortable with the ball at my feet, so hopefully I'll be able to come in and fit right in, and fit the way we play."
As mentioned, Langley is not the first Newcastle player to spend a portion of their career south of Tyne at the International Stadium. Gateshead's current squad features several former Newcastle academy players, including captain Greg Olley, Dan Ward, Adam Campbell and Owen Bailey, with the latter having a good relationship with Langley.
This is something that the young keeper mentioned: "Hopefully I can come here and follow the same way that they have and progress here as well." Like Bailey, Langley has arrived at Gateshead in search of senior football, having both played at the under-23 level extensively for Newcastle.
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Bailey signed permanently for Gateshead last summer, and was influential in helping the Tynesiders win the National League North and gain automatic promotion to the National League, which is the fifth tier of English football. Langley then spoke about what playing in this league might be like.
"I think for me it's just coming in and playing as many games as I can. It's a tough league and a long season, so [I'll] hopefully be able to manage to do that and help Gateshead [be] as high as possible in the league."
This move further strengthens the links between the two Tyneside clubs. During the pre-season for 2021/22, Gateshead defeated Newcastle's under-23 side 4-1 at the International Stadium, with the Heed due to take on the Magpies' first team this weekend in a behind closed doors fixture at Newcastle's training ground.
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