Gateshead FC have brought in 25-year-old defender Jack Robinson on a one-year contract, the club announced on Wednesday. The left-sided player joins the National League side after a spell out of first-team football following his release from Hartlepool United in the summer of 2025.
Trial led to swift deal
Robinson was part of Lee Cattermole's pre-season working group, appearing in friendlies against Blyth Town and Hebburn Town. Those outings preceded a short trial period and quick negotiations that resulted in a contract to the end of the 2026/27 season. The defender will be based at the International Stadium for the coming campaign.
- Contract length: One year (to end of 2026/27).
- Manager: Lee Cattermole, who took charge this summer.
- Previous club: Hartlepool United (released summer 2025); earlier spells include Carlisle United and time on Middlesbrough books).
Robinson joins a club now managed by Cattermole following Rob Elliot's move to Carlisle. Gateshead's announcement and accompanying social posts welcomed the defender, who said he was keen to put an injury-affected period behind him and push for a strong season.
"I'm delighted to be here - so far I've loved it. I came in for the first couple of weeks as a trialist, then conversations happened pretty quickly over a deal and I was just looking forward to getting it sorted and getting started. I've had a tough time with an injury, but I'm really looking forward to getting a good season in me and pushing Gateshead on."
Playing background and appearances
Robinson's senior career has included time at Middlesbrough (during which he had a loan spell), Carlisle United and Hartlepool United. Reports note his initial loan to Carlisle in the 2022/23 season led to seven appearances, after which he joined Carlisle permanently and made further first-team appearances. He was part of the Carlisle squad that secured promotion via the League Two play-offs in 2023 and featured in the third tier the following season.
| Detail | Reported figure / note |
|---|---|
| Age | 25 |
| Contract | One year (to end of 2026/27) |
| Home ground | International Stadium |
Club statements indicate the move is subject to FA approval. For Gateshead, the addition of a left-sided defender adds depth as Cattermole prepares his squad for the coming National League campaign; for Robinson it is an opportunity to return to regular football after injury curtailed his 2025/26 season.
Supporters arriving for pre-season and early league fixtures can expect Robinson to be available once registrations are complete and any necessary clearances are received.
Further details, including squad numbers and availability for the opening fixtures, will be confirmed by the club in the coming days.
