Ever since leaving Newcastle United, things have been tough for Dwight Gayle.
In fact, it was even tough for him at St James’ Park after his heroics under Rafa Benitez during the Championship winning campaign of 2016/17.
Dwight Gayle scored 23 times that season after his £10million arrival, then only managed 11 more goals in 88 appearances in all competitions for the Magpies after promotion.
In the summer of 2022, Gayle left Newcastle permanently. He signed a two-year deal with Stoke City, and it looked like a perfect move.
He had proven himself to be an elite goalscorer in the Championship, so Stoke probably thought they had struck gold by bringing in a former Newcastle number nine.
However, that did not prove to be the case. Gayle played 50 times in all competitions for the Potters, and only managed to find the net on three occasions.
The forward was then released by Stoke City last month, and has now signed for Derby County in League One.
And, thankfully, Gayle is suddenly looking back to his best.
Dwight Gayle is ‘on fire’ at Derby County
The 34-year-old has enjoyed a bright start to life with Derby County. He has made five appearances for the Rams, and has scored three times.
In fact, he has scored three goals in his last three games, with his latest strike coming in a 2-1 win over Reading on Tuesday night.
Gayle took to Instagram after the game to celebrate, reflecting on a third consecutive win for his new club.
He received a reply from former Newcastle teammate Isaac Hayden, who commented: “On fire.”
The striker certainly is on fire, and it is great to see him scoring goals again. It has been a tough few years for Gayle, but this move to League One is already proving to be a success.
Gayle is back doing what he does best and scoring goals, and long may it continue.
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