In what seems to have been an extremely protracted deal United have finally got pen to paper on the Sunderland-born winger after weeks of negotiations on a compensation package between the two clubs, with Gillies even offering to take a pay cut on his initial Brunton Park two-year contract offer in order to push the deal through quicker.
The 22-year old was released by Newcastle at the end of his schoolboy days and has since gone on to play for Sunderland Nissan, Blyth Spartans, Whitley Bay and Gateshead. Gillies really becoming a name on the radar last season as he scored 15 goals and created 15 assists for Gateshead, while also making appearances for the England non-league team.