Connor signs for Gateshead Football Club

Gateshead Football Club has signed Gateshead College student, Connor Pani on a one-year professional contract.

Connor who has been studying a BTEC in Sports Coaching and Development at the college, becomes the fourth Academy for Sport player to progress into the Heed squad this year after Nelson Obegwe, Ryan Bolton and Adam Cameron signed contracts in recent months.

Mark Spencer, Head of Men’s Football at Gateshead College said: "It’s fantastic to see Connor signing a professional contract with Gateshead Football Club. To have four of our college students with contracts at the club shows that our academy model of coaching and training young talent for progression into the first team is working. Well done Connor.”

Connor joins the first-team setup following a period of training with Mike Williamson’s side, as well as appearing in the opening pre-season fixture at Hebburn Town.

“He’s an extremely talented player and he’s got a lot of potential,” said player-manager Mike Williamson.

“We saw a young lad who came in and handled himself very well didn’t get flustered looked confident accomplished and is technically very good.

“It’s up to him now to work hard and find his level but he’s certainly got a lot of potential, and that’s something we’re all excited about.”

Gateshead FC Academy is a partnership between Gateshead College and Gateshead FC where students play or coach at the football club while studying for nationally recognised qualifications.