Key Points
- Dom Telford has moved to Bury from Gateshead on a permanent transfer, as reported by Gateshead FC.
- The striker is moving out of Gateshead International Stadium, having signed for the club in summer 2025.
- Telford has played 22 matches for Gateshead and netted four goals for the club.
- The 29-year-old had signed for Gateshead on a two-year deal on 25 July 2025.
- Prior to joining Gateshead, Telford had played for Bury in the period between 2018 and 2019, featuring in 48 matches and netting 14 goals for the club.
- Bury will be playing against Harrogate Town at Gigg Lane in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round on 17 October 2026.
- The match against Harrogate has been described by Bury manager Anthony Johnson as the toughest challenge for his team.
- With Telford moving away, Gateshead have fewer options in attack now.
Bury (Manchester Mirror) October 17, 2026 – Dom Telford has completed a permanent transfer from Gateshead to Bury, with the National League club confirming the forward’s departure after 22 appearances and four goals for the Tyneside side.
Gateshead FC announced the move, stating that Telford had left Gateshead International Stadium to rejoin Bury. The club did not disclose the transfer fee or the length of Telford’s contract at Bury in the available announcement.
As reported by Gateshead FC, the club said: “Dom Telford has joined Bury in a permanent transfer.” It added that the forward departs “after arriving in the summer of 2025, going on to make 22 appearances for the club and score four goals.”
Who Is Dom Telford?
Telford is an English centre-forward born in Burnley on 5 December 1996. He is 29 years old and primarily plays as a striker.
Before his move to Gateshead, Telford had a wide-ranging career across English football. His previous clubs include Stoke City, Bristol Rovers, Bury, Plymouth Argyle, Crawley Town, Newport County, Blackpool, Barrow and Barnet.
He initially joined Bury on a two-year contract in July 2018. During that spell, he made 48 appearances and scored 14 goals, according to player-statistics data compiled by FootballTransfers.
His most productive period at Bury came during the 2018-19 season, when the club won promotion from Sky Bet League Two. As reported by Plymouth Argyle in a 2019 club article, Telford scored six League Two goals from 16 starts and added seven goals in seven EFL Trophy matches.
Why Has Gateshead Allowed Telford To Leave?
Gateshead’s announcement confirms the transfer but does not provide a detailed explanation for the decision. The club’s statement focuses on Telford’s service, appearances and goals rather than the circumstances behind the sale.
Telford had arrived at Gateshead on a two-year deal in July 2025, meaning the permanent transfer ends his association with the club well before the original contract expiry date of 30 June 2027.
His playing time in the current campaign appears limited. Flashscore records two National League appearances for Gateshead in 2026-27, with no goals, while FotMob lists 24 minutes of league action this season.
Gateshead had been scheduled to face Stafford Rangers in FA Cup qualification on 17 October 2026, according to FotMob’s fixture listing.
What Does The Move Mean For Bury?
For Bury, the signing brings back a forward with prior experience at the club. Telford’s earlier Bury spell coincided with a successful 2018-19 promotion campaign, in which the club finished as League Two runners-up and reached the EFL Trophy semi-final.
Bury’s current squad listing on ESPN includes Dominic Telford as an attacker, indicating that the club has registered the player following his return.
The transfer arrives immediately before an important fixture. Bury are due to host Harrogate Town at Gigg Lane in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round on 17 October 2026, with the match scheduled for 11:30am UTC.
As reported by Harrogate Town News, Bury manager Anthony Johnson said facing second-placed Harrogate Town was “the toughest possible test” for his side, while also viewing the match as an opportunity to measure progress against a full-time professional team.
How Has Telford Performed At Gateshead?
Telford joined Gateshead in July 2025 and made an immediate contribution across his first season. Gateshead FC says he made 22 appearances and scored four goals for the club.
Transfermarkt lists his Gateshead move as a free transfer on 25 July 2025, with a contract initially running until 30 June 2027.
His overall Gateshead record is recorded by FootballTransfers as 24 appearances and four goals, a figure that may include competitions beyond the league.
The forward’s departure comes at a stage when Gateshead are still active in both the National League and cup competition. ESPN’s player listing had shown Telford as a Gateshead player shortly before the transfer, while the club’s latest announcement confirms his permanent exit.
What Happens Next?
Bury will now look to integrate Telford into their squad ahead of the Harrogate Town fixture. The club has not publicly stated whether he will be available for selection in the FA Cup tie.
For Gateshead, the immediate task is to adjust following the loss of an experienced striker. The club’s announcement marks a clear squad change but does not indicate a replacement signing.
Telford’s return to Bury also reunites him with a club where he previously established himself as a regular goalscorer. His earlier record of 14 goals in 48 Bury appearances provides the clearest available measure of his prior impact at Gigg Lane.
Background Of The Development
Dom Telford began his senior career after coming through Stoke City, before gaining experience through loans and permanent moves across the English football pyramid.
His first Bury spell began in July 2018 and became a significant part of his career. Plymouth Argyle’s later signing announcement described him as part of Bury’s promotion-winning group and highlighted his EFL Trophy scoring record.
After leaving Bury, Telford moved to Plymouth Argyle in 2019, where he worked under former Bury manager Ryan Lowe.
He later played for Crawley Town, Newport County, Blackpool, Barrow and Barnet. At Barrow, he signed a two-year deal in August 2023, before joining Barnet on loan in January 2025 and being part of the squad that won the National League title.
Gateshead then signed him on a two-year contract in July 2025. His 22 appearances and four goals for the club form the basis of the departure announcement now confirmed by Gateshead FC.
Bury’s current FA Cup meeting with Harrogate Town provides the immediate sporting context for the transfer. The fourth qualifying-round tie is being hosted at Gigg Lane, with television coverage planned for the fixture.
Prediction: How This Affects Bury Fans And Gateshead Supporters
For Bury supporters, Telford’s return is likely to increase competition in the attacking positions and give manager Anthony Johnson another experienced forward option during a demanding FA Cup period. His previous familiarity with Bury may help him settle quickly, although his current match sharpness will depend on selection and playing time.
For Gateshead fans, the transfer removes a recognised senior striker from the squad and may place greater responsibility on the remaining forward players. With Telford having made only two league appearances in 2026-27, the footballing impact may be limited in the short term, but the club will still need to manage its attacking depth across the National League and cup fixtures.
The immediate effect for both sets of supporters will be seen in team selection. If Telford is eligible and involved against Harrogate Town, Bury fans will watch closely to see whether he can quickly reproduce the goal return he produced during his first spell at the club.
