Winger Brittain signs for Gateshead

The 24-year-old was released by Harriers at the end of the season for financial reasons, with a view that the right-winger could return if the situation changed as the summer wore on.

That will not happen now, with the Cramlington-born former Newcastle youngster returning closer to his roots by penning a deal with the newly-promoted Blue Square Premier club.

Brittain could not really leave it any longer, he was still without a club as teams up and down the league return for pre-season training this week.

Added to that, he had already seen his best friends - and housemates from last season - Andy Ferrell and goalkeeper Adam Bartlett move on from Aggborough this summer, to York and Hereford respectively.

Now he has followed suit, joining former Harriers player and Tynesiders boss Ian Bogie at the Gateshead International Stadium.

A former midfielder himself, the manager is delighted with his new capture.

He said: "Martin is another player with a professional background in the game that we have managed to bring to Gateshead. He is a really good signing for the club.

"He comes to us after a solid season at Kidderminster and is a local lad. At 24 he is at the right age and will be keen to make an impression here."