Gateshead FC First Team Squad - Defenders
David Brown - Defence
- Date of Birth:
- 19/02/1991
- Previous Clubs:
- Sunderland
A former England youth international who was a member of the England under 16 side that won the Victory Shield in 2006.
The cultured left back joined Gateshead during the close season following his release from Premier League club Sunderland. The 20 year old played in 16 of Sunderland reserves 21 games last season but was unable to break into the Black Cats first team and joined Gateshead after a trial at Crewe Alexandra.
2. Craig Baxter - Defence
- Date of Birth:
- 27/09/1986
- Previous Clubs:
- Newcastle United
- Sponsors:
- Graham Wood
An attacking defender now in his fifth season at Gateshead following his release by Premier League neighbours Newcastle United in the summer of 2006. Baxter has made the right back position his own with some excellent displays and contributed some impressive goals.
The 23 year old was Gateshead's only ever-present during the 2008/9 Blue Square North promotion campaign and has made over 200 appearances for the Tyneside club.
3. Paul Heckingbottom - Defence
- Date of Birth:
- 17/07/1977
- Previous Clubs:
- Sunderland, Scarborough (Loan), Hartlepool United (Loan), Darlington, Norwich City, Bradford City, Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley, Mansfield Town
A vastly experienced left back who made over 300 Football League appearances for six clubs and who joined Gateshead initially on loan in January 2010 from Mansfield Town before signing on a permanent basis in the summer.
The 32 year old made over a century of appearances for Darlington during a three year period and a similar amount for Bradford City in two spells. Heckingbottom, whose career began at Sunderland, has also played for Norwich City, Sheffield Wednesday and hometown club Barnsley.
5. James Curtis - Defence
- Date of Birth:
- 13/04/1982
- Previous Clubs:
- Kennek Ryhope, Washington
- Sponsors:
- Bensham Washeteria
The longest serving player at the club having joined Gateshead in the summer of 2003 from Northern League side Washington, after he had started his career at Kennek Ryhope. Towering central defender Curtis is a firm fans favourite and his impressive performances have brought several accolades including Player of the Year twice, including last season.
He has remained loyal to Gateshead and made his 300th appearance against Crawley Town in November 2009. Having played in four different leagues for the club Curtis penned a two-year professional deal during the summer.
6. Ben Clark - Defence
- Date of Birth:
- 23/01/1983
- Previous Clubs:
- Manchester United, Sunderland, Hartlepool United
Former England Youth international Clark was a major signing for Gateshead during the summer from League One club Hartlepool United where he made 181 appearances in six years. Originally with Sunderland the central defender played 14 games for the Black Cats before he joined Hartlepool in 2004.
The 27 year old former England under 19 captain, who can also play in midfield, signed a two-year contract with Gateshead during the close season.
15. Carl Jones - Defence
- Date of Birth:
- 03/09/1986
- Previous Clubs:
- Hartlepool United, York City
- Sponsors:
- Kelben Flooring 07860 760573
A pacy central defender who joined Gateshead in a permanent deal from York City in February 2008 and went on to play a key role in the Tynesiders promotion from the UniBond premier division.
The 23 year old began his career with with Hartlepool United where he made two appearances before he moved to York in the summer of 2007. He was unable to make an impact at Bootham Crescent due to a long-term injury but has been an important part of Gateshead’s back-to-back promotions.
