Former Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle has officially retired from football.
Gayle, who scored 34 goals in 122 games for Newcastle United between 2016 and 2022, came off the bench for Hibernian as they finished the Scottish Premiership season with a 2-2 draw at home to Rangers.
The 35-year-old proved a cult hero during his short stay at Easter Road, scoring a late winner for Hibs against Edinburgh rivals Hearts back in December.
Gayle has confirmed he wants to become an agent after retiring, and has now brought an end to a career that saw him go from non-league all the way up the ladder to the Premier League.
Speaking after his final game in professional football, Gayle admitted his surprise.
Photo by Callum Landells/Getty Images
Photo by Callum Landells/Getty Images
Dwight Gayle admits surprise as former Newcastle United star retires
The former Crystal Palace striker played the final 33 minutes against Rangers, though was sadly unable to score.
Still, Gayle played a role in a successful season for Hibs, who finished third in the Scottish Premiership to secure qualification for Europe.
Games Goals Assists
122 34 11
Dwight Gayle’s stats for Newcastle United
It was a feel-good day in the Scottish capital, but Gayle admitted he was shocked to have been awarded Man of the Match.
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Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I managed to get Man of the Match somehow!
“I gave the ball away three or four times, but someone managed to work that out!”
He later said that some of his Hibs teammates were trying to get him to reverse his decision and carry on playing football.
“Every so often they try and twist my leg to convince me to sign for six months, for one month, for one game.
“They’ve been in my ear about it.”
“To finish on a high is fantastic”
Dwight Gayle on deciding to retire, the love from Hibs fans & hoping to be in the stands when they play European football next season pic.twitter.com/HgSZapgLtS
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 17, 2025
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What did Dwight Gayle say about Steve Bruce?
The former striker hit headlines recently, and not for what he did on the pitch for Hibs.
Gayle criticised former Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce, suggesting he did not do a lot of tactical work during his time in charge at St James’ Park.
Bruce responded to Gayle’s comments in sarcastic fashion, bringing up a chance the striker missed for Newcastle while playing against Manchester City in the FA Cup.
That was harsh on Gayle. He was a vital part in the team who got promoted from the Championship under Rafa Benitez, while also helping ensure they weren’t relegated during the Bruce era.