Gayle’s rise up the divisions is something that has to be appreciated, after his dramatic late show at St. James’ gave Newcstle United a crucial three points against Norwich.
Dwight Gayle celebrates after scoring the second goal for Crystal Palace
Stansted FC – Essex Senior League
The ninth tier of English football was where it all began for the forward. He scored 57 goals in the 2010-11 season after he was released from Arsenal’s academy at the age of 12, before doing diplomas in sport and carpentry. He helped the Airportmen to a second place finish.
Bishop’s Stortford – National League North
After his impressive stint at Stansted FC, it wasn’t long before local club Bishop’s Stortford snapped the forward up. In 42 games at Woodside Park he scored 29 goals in 42 appearances.
Dagenham & Redbridge – League 2
After making noise in non-league football, League 2 outfit Dagenham & Redbridge decided to take a gamble on the youngster, he featured 18 times for the Essex side scoring seven goals.
Gayle (R) in action for Peterborough
Peterborough United – Championship
It was in November 2012, when Peterborough United signed Gayle on loan with an option to buy in the upcoming January, that his career really gather momentum. His first Posh goal came at Blackpool after latching onto a poor back pass.
On 24 December 2012, he agreed to sign permanently for Peterborough after a successful loan spell scoring five goals in six games. He joined on 2 January 2013 on a four-and-a-half-year contract for a fee of £500,000 rising to £750,000. On 2 March 2013, he scored a hat-trick in a 3–2 win against Blackburn Rovers
Dwight Gayle celebrates after scoring the second goal for Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace – Premier League
In July 2013 Gayle signed for Crystal Palace, his first goal for the club came in a 3-1 win over Sunderland at Selhurst Park where he scored a penalty to make it 2-1 to the Eagles.
Throughout his spell in South London, the striker struggled to nail down a regular place under Ian Holloway, Neil Warnock or Alan Pardew. Despite this Gayle finished as top scorer in all competitions for Crystal Palace for three consecutive seasons.
He played 64 times scoring 15 goals.
Newcastle United – Championship
In July it was confirmed that Gayle signed for Newcastle United under Rafael Benitez in The Championship. Gayle was given the famous number nine at St. James’ and he has lived up to the expectations scoring seven goals in eight games, with his treble against the Canaries the highlight so far.
Dwight Gayle scores the fourth goal for Newcastle United
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