Brundle Moves North

The former Bristol City under-21 captain has played in the Football League and extensively in the National League over the past two years.

Brundle had two years at Yeovil Town as a teenager and then a year at Bristol City where he played seven League Two games on loan at Cheltenham Town.

Although a central midfielder by trade, he showed his utility value by featuring five times at full-back for the Robins.

He can also play behind the striker but is keen to make an impact in the engine room at Gateshead where he has signed a one-year contract.

"My versatility can be both a plus and a negative," said Brundle, "and I want to develop my game in my strongest position in the middle of the park.

"I have taken a punt to move up country from London but I wanted to join a club that would be in and around the play-offs.

"Being involved in the play-off games against Grimsby Town last season for Braintree was a real buzz and I want more of that at Gateshead.

"I know a couple of the lads here, Gus Mafuta and Toby Ajala, who were with me at Bristol, and that always helps."

Brundle, 21, played every minute of the two semi-final games against the Mariners and made eighty-seven appearances during his time at Braintree.

"They were two good years at Braintree and it's a shame the way the squad has broken up, but I'm delighted to be back in full-time football.

"That can only benefit my game. I'm still only young with a long career ahead of me and I'm really looking forward to the challenge at Gateshead."

Tynesiders boss Neil Aspin has cast his net far and wide during the close season and is delighted to bring a third player from the capital to Tyneside.

"Brundle is a player who can play in a number of positions," said Aspin. "that can sometimes work against you but for us it's ideal.

"He is two-footed and comfortable on the ball. He also has a good attitude and comes from a side that had an excellent work ethic.

"Alan Devonshire had him at Braintree and rates him, and he has been a fixture in a successful side for the last two years.

"He can play at full-back, in midfield and in a more advanced role. He is another in the squad with great potential and the ability to make an impact."

Brundle scored Braintree's third goal with an angled shot into the far corner from the corner of the six-yard box in a 3-2 win at Gateshead in April.