Moors have completed a double signing ahead of the weekend with the arrival of Gateshead duo Tom Allan and Elliot Forbes on loan until the New Year.
The highly rated duo have both signed terms with the Club in time to go straight into contention for debuts when Jason Ainsley’s side travel to Farsley Celtic on Saturday.
Allan joined Gateshead in the summer when they fought off competition to land the talented forward on a two-year deal following his departure from Newcastle United where he had been on the books since 2016.
The versatile attacker, who celebrates turning 23 today, made a First Team debut for the Magpies during their 4-1 win over Rochdale in the FA Cup at St James’ Park in 2020.
He also gained further senior experience in 2020/21 when he spent time on loan in League One with Accrington Stanley before heading to the Scottish Championship for a spell with Greenock Morton.
“Tom is really well thought of at Gateshead and has already scored for them in the National League earlier this season,” said Ainsley, who has moved quickly following the departure of Jude Oyibo to Radcliffe.
“We’re really pleased they have allowed us to look after him until January because he’s sharp, he’s bright, he can play off the shoulder and can operate on either side, so he gives us options.
“He’s a player that a lot of clubs were chasing so we’re grateful to Gateshead for doing the deal and we’re excited to get working with him.”
Meanwhile, Forbes – who is comfortable in defence or midfield – joins his teammate in agreeing a loan switch to The Brewery Field which will run until the end of 2022.
A graduate of Gateshead’s Academy, Forbes went on to sign his first professional contract at The International Stadium in 2018 after impressing for the club’s Under-19s side.
Injury limited his involvement during Gateshead’s promotion from National League North last term but he is highly regarded and signed new terms with the club during the summer.
A powerful and strong competitor, 23-year-old Forbes will be hoping to get some regular senior football under his belt with Moors after making only two appearances so far this term.
“He’s 6ft 2ins, he’s strong and he’s a real competitor,” Ainsley explained.
“He’s been a little bit unlucky with injuries but we know that the staff at Gateshead hold him in high regard so he’s another we’re really pleased to be able to bring to the Club.
“Like Tom, he is a local lad and he fits the bill in terms of what we were looking for – he’s got real quality and he can play in a number of positions in midfield or defence so we’re really pleased to get him.”
Allan has been handed squad number 25, while Forbes will wear number 23 during his time at The Brewery Field.
