Derby County academy right-back Ryan Bartley has joined National League side Gateshead on a permanent transfer until the end of the season, as reported by the Derby Telegraph.
The move sees the youngster link up with Carl Magnay’s side as they continue their bid for promotion to the Football League.
Bartley’s move was heavily influenced by a recommendation from former Derby player Ben Radcliffe. Now at Crawley, Radcliffe previously enjoyed a loan spell at Gateshead and was consulted before the deal was completed.
“We picked Radders’ brain, and he can be quite harsh with his critique on players – but he was really positive about Ryan,” said Magnay.
Gateshead’s Growing Links with Derby County
Gateshead have enjoyed great success with former Derby academy players in recent seasons. Owen Oseni signed for the club last summer after leaving the Rams and scored 12 goals in 24 appearances before securing a move away in January.
Radcliffe was another successful recruit from Derby, impressing during his time at Gateshead before being recalled and eventually moving to Crawley.
With Bartley now making the switch, Gateshead will hope that their positive relationship with Derby’s academy continues to yield results.
What Bartley Brings to Gateshead
Bartley, who joined Derby from Crystal Palace in 2023, has been gaining experience on loan at Hereford United. A composed defender with strong positional awareness, he now has a chance to prove himself at a club competing for promotion.
With Gateshead pushing for a top-seven finish in the National League, the right-back’s defensive attributes and attacking support from the flank could be key in their remaining fixtures.
Magnay praised Bartley’s ambition, stating that he has shown a real willingness to be part of the project at Gateshead.
Future Prospects for Bartley
While Bartley has yet to make a first-team appearance for Derby County, his move to Gateshead presents an opportunity to gain consistent minutes at a competitive level. If he impresses, it could lead to further opportunities, either at Gateshead or higher up the football pyramid.
With the National League proving a strong breeding ground for young talent, a successful spell could put him on the radar of Football League clubs in the near future.
Site Opinion
Derby County’s academy has once again provided Gateshead with a promising young talent, and Bartley’s move could be a win-win for both parties. For the player, this is a chance to establish himself at a club with clear ambitions, while for Gateshead, it is another smart acquisition from a well-respected academy setup. If history is anything to go by, Bartley could be the next former Ram to thrive in the North East.
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