Earlier this week it was announced that Dwight Gayle had signed for Newcastle United.
What few people actually know is that just five years ago, Gayle was still playing grassroots football with Essex based side Stansted.
His fairy tale rise is certainly admirable, as we take a look at the career of Dwight Gayle so far:
Stansted (2009-2011) – After being released by Arsenal as a teenager, Dwight Gayle joined Stansted, who play in the Essex Senior League. He demonstrated his goal scoring ability during his time at the club, netting an incredible 57 goals in just one season.
Dagenham & Redbridge (2011-2013) – His impressive performances at Stansted saw League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge sign the striker for an undisclosed fee. He was immediately sent out on loan to Bishops Stortford, where he scored 29 goals in 42 games. The following season he began as a major feature in Dagenham’s plans, scoring seven goals in 18 games.
Peterborough United (2013) – Originally, Gayle joined the Posh on a loan deal, with a view to a permanent move. In his loan spell, he scored seven goals in nine games, which prompted Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony to get Gayle signed as quickly as possible. He cost the Posh £500,000 up front, but Dagenham also added in a sell on clause. He went on to become a regular in Peterborough’s squad that season, but was unable to help them survive relegation from the Championship. Posh knew that realistically Gayle was too strong for League One, and that he’d be moving on.
Crystal Palace (2013-2016) – Following their promotion back to the Premier League, Crystal Palace signed Dwight Gayle for a fee reported to be £4.5million. Dagenham were entitled to £1million of this following the sell on clause they negotiated when he moved to Peterborough. Gayle struggled to get any real runs in the first team during his time at Selhurst Park. Despite this, his four goals in the final game of the 2013/14 season saw him crowned as the club’s top goal scorer for that season. Overall, he scored 15 goals during his time at Crystal Palace.
Dwight Gayle is now a Championship player once again, this time with Newcastle United. Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony described it as the “signing of the summer” for Newcastle United, and many Newcastle fans are optimistic about Gayle’s prospects, as you can see here.
