Double swoop brings in teen and SPL defender

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), June 16, 2009

GATESHEAD have made a double swoop in the transfer market to land two players at the opposite end of their football careers.

Former Ipswich Town central defender Chris Swailes, 39 in October, has signed from SPL outfit Hamilton Academicals, while teenage keeper Paul Farman has also put pen to paper.

Farman made 17 appearances for Blyth Spartans last season, while Swailes played 63 games for the Accies in the last two campaigns.

Swailes faced both Rangers and Celtic several times last season and, despite his advancing years, is confident he has plenty to offer Gateshead..

He said: "My career has come full circle as Gateshead is my hometown club and it will be great to end my career there and help them become established in the Blue Square Premier.

"My fitness levels are good and I've got a lot to offer. What Gateshead has achieved over the past two years has been fantastic and has created a stir in the town, and I want to be part of that.

"I have played in both the premier divisions in both England and Scotland.

Hopefully my experience will be invaluable and I certainly don't expect us to struggle.

"It's another step up, and Lee Novak will be a big miss, but Ian

Bogie has done a great job at Gateshead and there are good players at the club." Blyth had hoped to hold on to Farman, but with the dependable Paul Musselwhite retiring, Gateshead needed another keeper with Jim Provett already on board.

Manager Ian Bogie said: "Farman is a good prospect who did well for Blyth last season, and I expect him to put pressure on Provett for the number one jersey.

"Swailes, meanwhile, has played at all levels in the game, including non-league football, as well as the top level in both Scotland and England.

"He started 27 games for Hamilton last season and, as a

Gateshead lad, is keen to play for his hometown club having also played for Oldham, Bury and Rotherham United.

"His pedigree speaks for itself. He has looked after himself and will bring a wealth of experience to what is a relatively young squad." The Tynesiders, who have so far made three summer signings, are trailing two North East-born strikers, one currently with a Football League club.

Two midfield players, one with League and Conference experience and the other having played abroad and in Scotland, will attempt to impress during pre-season training..