Carl began his youth career with Leeds United. Released at 16 years old, he was to take a unique route into the professional game in 2006, as the winner of Sky One’s soccer talent show, Football Icon.

As a result, he signed an initial 6 month deal with Premier League giants Chelsea. Carl went on to spend 5 years in West London enjoying loan spells with MK Dons and Northampton Town. He returned home to play for Gateshead FC after suffering a cruciate ligament injury in his final year with the club.

Carl went on to play at Wembley in two successive conference play-off finals, suffering heartbreak with Gateshead and Grimsby Town respectively. Although he did collect 6 awards including player of the year at the Mariners end of season presentation.

He has since returned to the North-East signing for League 2 Hartlepool United. He is the clubs vice captain.

As well as playing Carl has coached around the world with football charity Right To Play in countries such as Israel and Jordan, whilst also assisting Chelsea’s U13 academy group. He is an FA level 2 qualified coach and is our Academy Director here in Gateshead.

MEET THE COACH – COMING SOON