Newcastle United prospects Tom Heardman and Alex Gilliead have secured loan moves to League One clubs today, with striker Heardman signing for Lee Clark’s Bury on season-long loan, whilst winger Gilliead joins last season’s promotion contenders, Bradford City.
6ft 4′ striker Heardman, often dubbed the new Andy Carroll, enjoyed an impressive season for Beardsley’s U-23’s, scoring 7 times in 14 appearances this season and was recently rewarded with a new deal on Tyneside.
I watched Heardman in Newcastle U-23’s play-off final defeat to West Ham at St. James’ Park in May and he impressed me. He bullied West Ham’s centre-backs, showing his ability to hold up the play and cause havoc in the air. A year playing senior football week in week out in League One will do him the world of good.
Promising winger Alex Gilliead has joined last season’s League One play-off finalists Bradford City once again on a 6-month loan deal. The 21-year-old now looks set to play against Newcastle later this month, with Rafa’s men travelling to Bradford for a pre-season friendly on 26th July.
