The 22-year-old striker amassed 61 goals and 15 assists in 43 games for Birtley Town last season as they secured promotion to Northern League Division One for the first time in their history.
And his reward this week was to be offered a contract with the Tyneside club who, under boss Mike Williamson, helped launch the career of last season’s National League top goal scorer, Macaulay Langstaff.
Clutched from Wearside League side Gates-head Leam Rangers, Rutledge enjoyed a ground-breaking season with the Hoops last term and was named the BBC Newcastle Player of the Year at the Ebac Northern Football League awards.
“I’m absolutely buzzing, very excited to start,” said the Gates-head-born forward on his new deal with the Heed.
“There’s been a lot of talking back and forward between us and the club so it’s nice to finally get it over the line.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 11, 2023-Ausgabe von The Non-League Football Paper.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 11, 2023-Ausgabe von The Non-League Football Paper.
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SHAKERS REVEL IN MAKING HISTORY
DAVE McNabb says Bury's FA Cup heroes are proud to be writing their own chapters in club history.
WILCOX: WE FEEL COMPLETE WITH WIN
RUSS WILCOX'S verdict after watching his Gainsborough Trinity side outmuscle and outplay their hosts was that it was \"probably our most complete performance\".
CRACKER BY KABIA TOPPLES TUDORS!
ASSISTANT boss Stewart Yetton said his Truro City side were good value for their win over table-toppers Hemel Hempstead Town.
BRAKES PUT STOP ON BORO BATTLERS
SEPARATED only by goal difference before kick-off, these sides remain neck and neck in the embryonic table after playing out 90 minutes in the October sunshine that was a great advert for the division.
BOSS COTT'S GOT A REALLY GOOD THING WITH ROVERS
STEVE Cotterill hailed Forest Green Rovers’ first class performance as they produced a spirited comeback to topple fellow high-flyers Eastleigh at the Silverlake Stadium.
SKIPS STEER HEED'S SHIP
GATESHEAD captains of the past and present are playing a lead role in helping the National League club move on from the departure of FA Trophy-winning manager Rob Elliot.
FA CUP PREVIEW: SWEET! 'DREAM' DRAW IS CHANCE OF OUR LIFETIME
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PARKER'S HEART IS STILL AT HOME
FORMER England right-back Paul Parker has revealed he would never completely rule out a return to management – but says he would only do so for one of his beloved local clubs.
LOCALS RALLY TO REBUILD BRIDGE
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RUTHLESS BEES FIND THEIR FEET
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