After graduating from the Academy and skippering the reserves, he hoped for that one first-team appearance.
Geordie Boy's Dream Fades
He is attracting interest from Scunthorpe United, two unnamed League Two clubs and St Mirren in Scotland, but Gretna seem to have won the battle.
Gate: "I felt I was disregarded under Glenn Roeder after spending six years with the club.
"Not playing for my hometown team is a massive disappointment at first-team level.
"After only having brief meetings with Glenn about my future, I realised my No 1 priority of staying with Newcastle was not going to happen.
"I was involved in a few squads under Sir Bobby Robson and Graeme Souness, who I think liked me, but the interest was not followed up.
"It was in the Newcastle against Manchester United game in January at St James' Park when it became obvious.
"That day Nicky Butt was missing so I thought I had a chance to be on the bench at least, especially with all of the other defenders at the club injured.
"I thought `it must be me', but Albert Luque, Alan O'Brien, Matty Pattison and Andy Carroll were all in there ahead of me - it was obvious at that point.
"As a local lad I am gutted not to be in the United side and I am not happy I did not receive a fair chance.
"I do not want to sound bitter, but that is how I feel.
"Now I am looking forward to continuing my career in professional football."