Career So Far: Dwight Gayle
A natural born goalscorer. Find out more about Hibernian FC’s new striker, Dwight Gayle!
Born in Walthamstow, London, England, Dwight’s career began in the Arsenal Academy, however, he suffered an early setback being released by the Gunners aged 12.
After completing his education, he played semi-professional football in the Essex leagues, whilst taking courses in carpentry and refurbishing offices.
In the summer of 2011, the striker was signed by Dagenham & Redbridge, who competed in the fourth-tier of English football, but spent his first year at the Club out on loan with Bishop's Stortford where he scored 29 goals in 42 games.
His professional debut followed a year later in August 2012, and seven goals in 18 league games saw him catch the attention of English Championship side Peterborough United. He joined the Posh on loan in November 2012 before moving permanently in January 2013. He shone in his first year at Peterborough United scoring 13 goals in 29 league games and again caught the eye of potential suitors.
Six months after that permanent switch to the Posh, he was snatched up by Crystal Palace who had just been promoted to the Premier League for a reported fee of £4.5m – a record fee for the Eagles.
The step up to Premier League football didn’t faze the 5ft 9’ tall striker, who scored nine goals in his first season at Selhurst Park. He continued to impress for Palace over the next two campaigns, and almost won silverware. He came off the bench at Wembley Stadium in the FA Cup Final as Palace were beaten 2-1 by Manchester United.
The following summer, he made the switch to Newcastle United and bagged 23 goals in 32 games during the 2016/17 season and helped the Magpies achieve promotion back to the English Premier League, being named the PFA Fans’ Player of the Year, in the PFA Team of the Year and the EFL Team of the Year in the process.
The following campaign he was virtually ever-present at St. James’ Park helping the Club to a 10th placed finish, scoring six goals in 35 matches.
The 2018/19 season saw a loan switch to West Bromwich Albion where Gayle, once again, showed his lethal form in-front of goal scoring 23 goals in 39 matches, helping WBA reach the Championship Play-Offs. He then spent a further two campaigns at Newcastle United.
18 months at Stoke City in the Championship followed before a switch to Derby County in February 2024 where he scored three goals in six games, helping them win promotion.
Following the expiration of his contracts with the Rams, the now 34-year-old striker completed a full pre-season with the Professional Football Association, which included training and matches led by the PFA’s coaching team.