Sunday 29th August 2010

Darlington took all three points in the first North-East derby between the two clubs for 50 years. Sloppy goals from a Gateshead point of view scored by ex-Heed trialist Paul Terry on the stroke of half-time and Joe Clarke 10 minutes into the second half were enough to kill any resistance from the Tynesiders.

Switching to 4-4-2 for the first time this season saw Nathan Fisher start up front alongside Gary Mulligan as Ian Bogie went on the offensive. Gateshead made a bright start having the majority of the possession, and looking like the only side wanting to play football. Unfortunately it was a similar tale of no end product in the final third of the pitch as Darlington got into the game through strong arm tactics. Set pieces/high balls into the Gateshead box caused havoc with our backline all day.

The first-half saw Nathan Fisher and James Marwood make darting runs at the Quakers defence causing them trouble with their pace, but unfortunately a combination of no end product and being crowed out by a well drilled big outfit saw them come to nothing. Craig Baxter came the nearest with a drive from outside the area that the excellent Sam Russell saved with ease. The former Gateshead goalkeeper gobbled up every high ball and always looked in command of his penalty box.

A first half slightly edged by Gateshead came to a conclusion with a sucker punch goal from Paul Terry. Terry captaining the Quakers came in for some stick from the away fans, but produced the goods in the centre of midfield and had Darlo ahead after a scramble in our area from an Arnison cross was pulled back for him to rifle home.

Brian Wake came on for the injured Gary Mulligan at half-time and Gateshead pressed looking for an equaliser, however the contest was effectively over 10 minutes in, as Deasy was beaten by Joe Clark at his near post from an angle after another Arnison delivery.

After that Gateshead huffed and puffed, a possibly penalty was waved away after Nathan Fisher was taken out on the touchline. From there Mark 'Sam Allardyce' Cooper had his troops well drilled and they easily soaked up our powder puff attack.

Gateshead (4-4-2): 1. Deasy; 2. Baxter, 6. Clark, 15. Jones, 3. Heckingbottom; 7. Brittain (12. Ferrell), 4. Gate, 8. Turnbull, 21. Marwood; 18. Fisher (11. Nelthorpe), 19. Mulligan (17. Wake). Subs (not used): 20. Cook, 23. Brown.

415 Heed fans made the short trip down to Darlington, and left frustrated to say the least. Ian Bogie will have to think long and hard about tactics and utilising his personnel to get points on the board. Games such as this are there for the taking, it's no good having played passages of pretty football if you get nothing from them. One thing's apparent, the team badly lacks a spark/special player in the final third to lift the side.

Friday 27th August 2010

Gateshead make the "long trek" (had to be done) on Saturday to face Darlington in the first league match between the two clubs in over 50 years (Saturday 28th August, Kick-off 3pm).

Darlington, relegated from League 2 last season have seen three managers in pre-season with Simon Davey quitting, closely followed by his asssistant Ryan Kidd leaving soon after taking the management post. Former Kettering and Peterborough boss Mark Cooper quickly took over the club and has made good progress in putting a solid team together. A raft of new signings have come in, including former Heed keeper Sam Russell, strikers Liam Hatch, Tommy Wright and Chris Senior, along with the loan signing of Richard Offiong from Carlisle.

Making a similar start to the season to Gatehead, Darlington find themselves one place below the Tynesiders in 13th. Their season started with them beating Newport 1-0 on opening day, followed by coming back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Altrincham, then a 0-0 at Kettering and losing 1-0 at home to Grimsby last Tuesday. Mark Cooper was angry with players after the Grimsby defeat, and may make changes to the line-up with the axe threatening Richard Offiong.

Gateshead meanwhile have no new injury worries, but Jon Shaw and James Curtis will continue to miss out through their ongoing injuries. Whether Bogie changes the system is to be seen, but the personnel is highly likely to be different with both Nathan Fisher and Andy Ferrell in contention to start.

The Quakers play at Darlington Arena on the southern outskirts of the town. Heed fans will be housed in the East Stand (behind the goal), with ticket prices being £18 on the day (£16 if you pre-book before Saturday). Gateshead FC Supporters Club are running transport to the match at a reasonable £10, so to book a place contact their away travel co-ordinator Tony Carter on 07713 723586. If you're driving down, parking at the stadium is £5.

Tommy Wright could pose a threat with his aerial ability. Here seen scoring at Alty in the 2-2 draw.

Wednesday 25th August 2010

Team tinkering turned to team stinking. The midfield change of Alex Francis for Andy Ferrell left a gaping hole in the teams central midfield three. Punishment for Ferrell giving the ball away for the FGR goal on Saturday, Francis' good display at right-back for the Reserves, whatever the reason it certainly backfired.

Against a team with dangerous players, The 4-5-1 formation struggled to generate anything going forward leaving the lone striker Gary Mulligan looking helpless during the first 45 minutes.

Ben Clark gave a commanding performance at the back with Carl Jones, yet the defensive pair had to cope with wave after wave of the Fleetwood Town attacks.

Magno Vieira Opened the scoring for the visitors on 35 minutes slotting the ball deep in the bottom right corner to give the travelling Cod Army something to cheer about.

Fleetwood then doubled there lead on 44 minutes when Maguire’s rocket of a shot from outside the 18 yard box travelled through a crowded box to nestle in the bottom left corner, leaving Tim Deasy scrambling.

After the break Francis was replaced along with the quiet Craig Nelthorpe, their replacements Martin Brittain and Nathan Fisher preformed better in the reshuffled 4-4-2 formation.

The second half saw the Tynesiders grow with enthusiasm and kept possession for the first ten minutes, pinning Fleetwood in there own half.

Martin Brittain (a surprise substitute on recent form) showed why he is always a contender for his name being in the starting line up by whipping in dangerous ball and linking up with Baxter with what seemed telepathy at timers.

Nathan Fisher was more than a hand full for the stocky Fleetwood number 5 and striker who partnered him in defence, maybe a full 90 minutes will result in the onion sack ripples to the chants of FISHER!

The harsh reality is that Gateshead were given a wake up call tonight. After picking up points in hard fought tight games, the evidence of the evening suggests the Tynesiders are short of real quality to worry the better teams. That needs to be addressed by the manager and that doesn't mean just adding any old bodies.

Tuesday 17th August 2010

Ian Bogie set his stall out again with the 451 formation he used in the opening game against Kettering Town.

The opening exchanges had a few scrappy moments, after 9 minutes Phil Turnbull gave a great cross field ball to Martin Brittain after taking the ball away from the his own area, sadly Brittain after receiving the ball looked up and had no one to pass the ball to and the move came to nothing, with mulligan (the lone striker) being marked.

After 15 minutes Gateshead passing game came to the fold, with the ball moving well from defence to midfield, with Craig Baxter and Martin Brittain showing some good link up play down the right.

Phil Turnbull forced a corner after a good 25 yards run and shot that forced the Barrow keeper to tip it round the post.

Barrow took a big risk playing Mike Rutherford, who was struggling after 20 minutes for fitness, having to stretch his legs out in the first half. But as the half went on he started to move more freely.

Tim Deasy was called upon on 23 minutes when he had to make a good save after Andy Cook tried a cheeky lob over his former team mate.

Mark Boyd  25 yard  free kick gave Deasy no chance to give Barrow the lead on 29 minutes.

Brittain showed he has talent by replying in the same style as Mark Boyd by scoring his own free kick on 33 minutes.

As the game went towards half time it was clear that both sides had there defence to thank for going in level, as it was all about the tackle and interception. Leaving the forwards little chances.

After the break Deasy was called into action again on 51 minutes, and Paul Heckingbottom cleared a resulting shot from Jason walker.

Craig Nelthorpe came on for the hard working James Marwood on 60 minutes.

Vice Captain Kris Gate forced a save from keeper Alan Martin on 62 minutes after some good play from Mulligan in the box.

On 69 minutes the travelling Heed fans where sent into raptures after martin Brttain crossed a ball into the 6 yard box, the keeper Martin came for it missed and Phil Turnbull put the in back of the net.

Martin Brittain made the result safe when he slotted him the third and his second  from the penalty spot after Gary mulligan was brought down in the box on 82 minutes.

Striker Nathan Fisher replaced Andy Ferrell on 86 minutes. While Johnny Allan replaced goal scorer Brittain on 88 minutes.

Line Up: 01 Deasy 02 Baxter 03 Heckingbottom 06 Clark 15 Jones 04 Gates 07 Brittain 08 Turnbull 12 Ferrell 21 Marwood 19 Mulligan
 
Subs: 20 Cook 23 Brown 11 Nelthorpe 10 Allan 18 Fisher

Martin Brittain steps up to score from the penalty spot to make it 3-1.

Sunday 15th August 2010

Next up for the Heed is an away trip to our neighbours from Cumbria Barrow.

The FA Trophy holders fell to a 3-1 opening day defeat away at Histon on Saturday. All four goals beings scored by Histon players, with Barrow’s goal coming through an own goal.

Yet an away trip to the Bluebirds is never an easy task and Joint managers David Bayliss and Darren Sheridan will be plotting the down fall of Gateshead already.

Keeper Tim Deasy will be returning to his former stomping ground after and impressive debut on Saturday  against Kettering Town. Deasy was with Barrow between 2007 and 2010 making 51 appearances at Holker street. During his time at Barrow his highlight was playing in the FA Cup 3rd round away to Sunderland last season, where he gained praise from Black cats boss Steve Bruce after the 3-0 defeat.

Craig Nelthorpe may well be in line to get his name in the starting line up after an impressive performance after coming on as a second half substitute against Kettering Town, making some direct runs with the ball and crossing quality balls in the box. Ian Bogie must also decide whether or not to stick with the 4-5-1, which was effective in snuffing out Kettering.

Saturday 14th August 2010

Gateshead’s first game as a full time side since 1960 ended in a 0-0 draw at home to Kettering Town. The Tynesiders dominated for large portions of the match, but lacked the killer instinct in the final third.

Ian Bogies men started the game well, passing the ball with a confidence and a moving well all over the pitch. Captain and debutant Ben Clark was a commanding presence through out, while new keeper Tim Deasy was dominating in his 18 yard box.

The Tynesiders started with a 4-5-1 formation, which used wide men Martin Brittain and James Marwood to great effect. Brittain was in eye catching form whipping in balls in to the 1box for the full 90 minutes, it was even more impressive with it being his first competitive game since his horrific leg break in September last year against Hayes & Yeading.

New striker Gary Mulligan was the point of  attack and had little joy in front of goal, but as the game went on and the introduction of Nathan Fisher later in the game mulligan came into life. Showing a strong and controlled technique in and around the box.

The midfield consisted of  Brittain and Marwood down the flanks, but in the middle of the park was the hard working trio of Vice Captain Kris Gate, Andy Ferrell and Phil Turnbull, who all played admirably.

Kettering where reduced to 10 men after defender Dempster received his second yellow on 83 minutes after fouling Heed left back Paul Heckingbottom.

Craig Nelthorpe made an appearance as a sub in the second half and tore up the left flank repeatedly crossing in decent ball into the box. Showing the form that made him a fan favourite during his UniBond loan spell a few year ago.

Line Up: 01 Deasy; 02 Baxter 03 Heckingbottom 06 Clark 15 Jones; 04 Gate 07 Brittain 08 Turnbull 12 Ferrell (73 Fisher ) 21 Marwood (65 Nelthorpe); 19 Mulligan

Subs: 20 Cook 23 Brown 11 Nelthorpe 10 Allan 18 Fisher

Friday 13th August 2010

Gateshead begin the journey as a full-time club tomorrow as Kettering Town visit The International Stadium for the first Blue Square Bet Premier League match of the season (Sat 14th August, kick-off 3pm).

Jon Shaw pulls on a Gateshead shirt, hopefully to be seen wearing it during a match soon.

Gateshead were out classed twice by the Poppies last season, but go into this fixture with the hope of getting better following a poor pre-season from Kettering, who're also suffering injury and suspension to key players. Keeper Nathan Abbey is suspended meaning manager Lee Harper will be between the sticks, and star striker Moses Ashikodi is struggling through injury and lack of fitness. However they have added experienced Football League striker Paul Furlong to their squad, and the player/coach will pose a giant headache for our backline.

However, our own pre-season can hardly be described as ideal, finishing the build-up with defeat at Conference North side Guiseley last weekend. That match saw trialists Bernard Quainoo, Callum Morris and left-back Darren Lough play. Lough has trained with the squad this week, Quainoo wasn't seen again and Morris was allowed to leave after failing to impress (subsequently signing for the Scottish club up the road).

The impressive James Marwood is expected to start tomorrow, alongside other new signings Tim Deasy, Ben Clark and Gary Mulligan. Whilst everything isn't rosey in the garden, it's a real chance to make a good start to the season before tough trips to Barrow (Tuesday 17th August) and newly taken over Forest Green Rovers a week Saturday (Sat 21st August).

League sponsor Blue Square Bet are offering fans the chance to win a season ticket for their club over on their website - www.bluesqfootball.com.

Monday 9th August 2010

With days until the start of the new season, has Ian bogie finished in the transfer market for the time being at least.

Trial players have came and went throughout pre season, ranging from Bermudan Internationals to Dutch and Danish strikers.
Bernard Quainoo a Dutch striker played against Guiseley during the 4-1 defeat to the Conf North outfit.
Quainoo (pictured) had previously been on the books with Dutch giants PSV and with FC DEN BOSH, sadly for Bernard his decent footwork on the ball did not earn him more time with the Tynesiders after one friendly game.

Although Quainoo has bitten the dust, another trial striker Gary Mulligan (pictured Below) did show enough to earn a five month contract with the Heed.
The former Gillingham and Northampton striker looks as though he could start against Kettering on the 14th of august, but who will partner the Irish target man.
Brian Wake or Johnny Allan would be the betting mans selections, but don’t count out fellow strikers Nathan Fisher and David Dowson.

Midfield is also a discussion point with lots of player in line to be in the starting XI come 3pm Saturday.
Kris Gate is still Captain but who joins him in pulling the strings in midfield??
Many fans speculate that Craig Nelthorpe will be starting down the left with James Marwood pushing Martin Brittian for the wide right slot.
That leaves either Phil Turnbull and Andy Ferrell battling for centre midfield alongside Gate.

The defence was rocked by the bad news that club legend James Curtis would miss the first few weeks of the season with a broken foot.
New signing Ban Clark, who joined after his release from Hartlepool United has impressed in pre season and looks like the second name on the team sheet after captain Gate.
Carl Jones will also be looking to establish himself back in the starting line up this season after what was a stop start season last campaign due to a few injuries.
Paul Heckingbottom and Craig Baxter also look set to be keeping there wingback places.

Paul Farman is also missing the start of the season through a knee injury, new keeper Tim Deasy will start in goal and should be more than capable of filling in for Farman and pushing him for the position on his return.

Saturday 7th August 2010

Pre season is over for Gateshead Football Club, with each fixture complete, but has it been a good pre season??????

Sgt Jones would say DON’T PANIC, yet alarm bells are ringing in the ears of the Tyneside faithful, with the last pre season fixture ending in yet another defeat, this time at the hands of Conf North side Guiseley.

With Pre season looking like this:

Middlesbrough XI 1 Gateshead 0

Workington Reds 1 Gateshead 0

Gateshead 0 Morton 1

Spennymoor Town 0 Gateshead 1

Harrogate Town 1 Gateshead 2

Sunderland XI 3 Gateshead 1

Gateshead 0 Newcastle XI 3
 
And finally  Guiseley 4 Gateshead 1

Goals have been on the rare side for Ian Bogie’s man scoring only  five goals in total yet conceding a massive 14.

Some may argue that a Gateshead XI demolished team Northumbria 5-0 of the Northern league second division  to be a positive result, but the team was made up of fringe players and a few trialists that should be beating a NL2 side.

Next Saturday’s opening league game against Kettering Town will see if the alarm bells are justified or just an over reaction from nervous fans.

Thursday 29th July 2010

Gateshead trialist Paul Terry will reportedly turn out for Conference neighbours Darlington tonight at Kendal. Having appeared twice for the Tynesiders in pre-season, Terry the elder was spotted to be watching Whitley Bay v Hartlepool last night with rumours of him having been offered to Pools.

He had been expected to appear for Gateshead against a Newcastle United XI at the International Stadium on Friday Evening (kick-off 7:30pm), this now looks to be in doubt assuming he does as expected turn out for the Quakers tonight.

Tuesday 27th July 2010

Gateshead lost their behind closed doors friendly at Sunderland's training ground as goals are once again hard to come by. Jonny Allan hit the consolation from the penalty spot and in doing so bagged his second of pre-season and in a Heed shirt.

Sunderland fielded a strong side, including Northern Ireland International David Healy, keeper Martin Fulop and Teemu Tainio. Midfielder Jordan Cook gave Sunderland the lead before David Healy doubled it. Allan reduced the deficit before half-time, but Sunderland striker Oumare Tounkara made sure of the win in the second-half.

Gateshead fielded trialist keepers Mark Cook and Jack Binks, defender Callum Morris and midfielder Paul Terry. However the Danish strike pair of Mark Sundstrup and Kenneth Djoeneri weren't playing today as Bogie watched on last night whilst they turned out for a Darlington XI at Whitley Bay, with Djoeneri scoring. The location of the unnamed Danish pair (defenders), who also turned out in the open day match is unknown.

Gateshead will now move on to face a Peter Beardsley Managed Newcastle United XI at Home on Friday night, when striker Jon Shaw will hopefully make his home debut. Kick-off 7:30pm.

Monday 26th July 2010

Ian Bogie has shifted his attention to 6ft 2" Venezuelan Goalkeeper Mikhael Jaimez-Ruiz. Ruiz left Aldershot at the end of last season and was thought to be heading back to Venezuela, but has since turned up on-trial at Southend United.

Joining Aldershot in 2007 from Northwood, Ruiz was mainly second choice to Nikki Bull until his departure in August 2009. Ruiz took over as first-choice at the beginning of last-season and won the October player of the month award. However, he lost his place to back-up Australian keeper Jamie Young only to get it back for the play-off semi-finals against Rotherham. Aldershot Manager Kevin Dillon decided to release him at the end of the season and he was reported to have signed for Venezuelan side Yaracuyanos FC.

Ian Bogie has also been in contact with 6ft 2" former Carlisle and Huddersfield keeper Matt Glennon who is currently believed to be on-trial at Yeovil Town. The 31-year-old Stockport born keeper was released by Bradford at the end of last season and is said to be holding out in hope of landing a league club.

Due to Paul Farman being injured (knee), Saturday's Open Day Match saw two other keepers wearing the Gateshead shirt. 21-year-old ex-Newcastle reserve Mark Cook (Formerly of Hartlepool United) and 18-year-old Darlington born Jack Binks, who was with Charlton Athletic. Both will train with Gateshead this week alongside fellow trialists Paul Terry, Callum Morris, Mark Sundstrup, Kenneth Djoeneri and presumably the two mystery Danish defenders.

The trialists will get two more chances to shine this week. First up Gateshead will travel to the Academy of Light tomorrow to face a Sunderland XI (Tues 27th July, kick-off 12pm). Unfortunately this match is closed to the public, and whilst there is a public footpath running through the middle of their training ground, it would appear they have built grass banks up alongside the footpath to stop the public looking in.

Then on Friday you will get a chance to watch the team as Gateshead entertain a Newcastle United XI at The International Stadium (Friday 30th July, kick-off 7:30pm).

Friday 23rd July 2010

Gateshead hold their Open Day at The International Stadium tomorrow (Saturday 24th July) from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. The main even will see a match between two sides made up from our squad and featuring six trialists looking to impress the management team of Ian Bogie and Terry Mitchell:

Two unnamed Danish defenders - a Centre Back and Right Back.

Mark Cook - 21-year-old 6ft 3" Goalkeeper. Came through the Newcastle United Academy, featuring for their Reserves before moving onto Hartlepool United. Featuring mainly for their Reserve Team, Cook has featured for Blyth in pre-season since his release bu Hartlepool.

Mark Sundstrup - Danish Midfielder/Striker, formerly of Brondby and having trialed for Hartlepool United and Tranmere Rovers.

Callum Morris - 20-year-old 6ft 3" Irish Under-21 Centre Back. Again a product of the Newcastle United Academy, featuring for their Reserves.

Callum Little - 21-year-old 6ft Central Midfielder. Came through the Newcastle United Academy, featuring for their Reserves before moving onto Dutch side FC Emmen who play in the 2nd Division.

It doesn't look like the other trialists Paul Terry, Tyrell Burgess and Danish striker Kenneth Djoeneri will feature tomorrow. Terry and Djoeneri are due to attend training next week, whilst the status on Burgess is unconfirmed but rumoured to be trial over.

Thursday 22nd July 2010

Gateshead FC will hold an open day for fans at the International Stadium this coming Saturday (24th July 2010). FREE ENTRY to everyone, with the event featuring a friendly between two sides made up from our squad (kick-off 1:30pm).

The club will be selling merchandise and season tickets, with fans having the chance to meet and mingle with the players and officials in the bar after the match. Half-time will give Under 16's the chance to take part in a penalty shootout on the pitch, so if you fancy a go then wear a pair of trainers.

Tonight (Thursday 22nd July 2010) also sees the Gateshead FC Talk In at the Gateshead Corporation Club (on Alexandra Road, across the road from Gateshead Leisure Centre), starting at 7:30pm. This event will be hosted by BBC Radio Newcastle's Barry Hindson featuring Manager Ian Bogie, his Assistant Terry Mitchell and the Gateshead FC squad. As well as a question and answer session there will be a pie & peas supper, free raffle and a quiz. Entry is only £5 and tickets will be available on the door, so turn up to have your questions answered about the coming season.

Also, don't forget to listen to The Grassroots Sports Show, it's back tonight on NE1FM and every Thursday night to discuss everything Gateshead FC and local non-league football. You can listen on Tyneside using your wireless (102.5 FM), or via the new fangled Internet technology online at http://www.ne1fm.net/listen.

Tuesday 20th July 2010

Midfielder Paul Terry, Brother of former England Captain John is currently trying to impress Gateshead boss Ian Bogie to earn a deal with The Tynesiders.

Paul was named as a substitute in Gateshead's 2-1 friendly victory over Conference North side Harrogate Town last Tuesdays night.

He has played his career at the lower levels of the English Football League gaining the reputation as a no nonsense defensive midfielder. Having played for Dagenham & Redbridge, Yeovil Town, Leyton Orient, a three game stint with Grays Athletic, before joining Rushden & Diamonds last season making 31 appearances.

Bogie told the Chronicle that Terry will join the players for training next week and turn out against Sunderland on Tuesday and Newcastle on Friday in a bid to earn a contract.

Coming off the bench for the second half at Wetherby Road, Terry looked composed on the ball. Gateshead started the brighter of the two teams, but a quartet of ex-Tynesiders (Steve Bowey, Graeme Armstrong, Wayne Phillips and trialist Paul Talbot) imposed themselves for Harrogate as the hosts took a lead into half-time.

Goals at the start and end of the second-half from Nathan Fisher (cooly slotting after going through 1-on-1) and Tyrell Burgess, getting his head to a scramble following a corner saw Gateshead record a second pre-season victory.

Of the other trialists: Tyrell Burgess is rumoured to be heading back to Bermuda, Matt Heywood left before the Morton defeat, whilst David Dowson and David Brown joined the club on non-contract terms.

Thursday 15th July 2010

Gateshead face Scottish First Division side Greenock Morton at The International Stadium tonight (Thursday 15th July, kick-off 7:30pm). This pre-season friendly will see striker Brian Wake go up against the team we bought him from for the first time.

Gateshead used 23 players over in Cumbria last weekend as the Tynesiders lost by 1-0 to Workington. In a game where the Tynesiders dominated possession for long periods but lacked cutting edge up front, former Newcastle Blue Star loanee Matty Tymon scored the only goal of the game in the second-half from a right wing cross.

Trialist goalkeeper Josh Mimms played the entire 90 minutes and looked ok (apart from one spill), but has since moved on to Chesterfield on-trial, Bogie will now wait on news of Ben Smith (on-trial at Shrewsbury) to see if he is offered a deal elsewhere.

Of the other trialists ex-Sunderland pair left-back David Brown and striker David Dowson showed the most. Dowson looked busy up front first-half and Brown looked comfortable on the ball. Both have subsequently been offered non-contract terms by the club.

Defender Shaun Kelly and midfielder Michael Carr also featured but have now moved on having not been offered a deal. Ex-Burnley, Swindon, Bristol City, Brentford and Grimsby centre-half Matt Heywood played the first half alongside the impressive Ben Clark and will get another chance tonight against Morton.

Gateshead are expected to use less players tonight, with striker Jon Shaw making his belated home debut up front with Brian Wake. Phil Turnbull is expected to also return, but captain Kris Gate and defender James Curtis will sit it out.

Thursday 15th July 2010

Gateshead will almost certainly spend two more seasons at The International Stadium as the planning application submission date is put back.

Speaking to former Gateshead Chairman John Gibson, Chairman Graham Wood told the Evening Chronicle: "We will be in a position to seek planning permission by the end of next month" (August 2010, assuming the interview took place in July).

"The quickest planning permission can go through is 13 weeks which would take us to November."

"The stadium itself will take only one year to build, which means we could probably go in halfway through the 2011-2012 season, but for impact and the benefit of the pitch itself we will probably wait until the start of the new season."

"The main stand will have four floors with the top three all used to generate income, The idea is that the top floor will consist of medical outlets involving GP surgeries and so on. Moves have already been made to setup such a scheme."

"We believe there will be a quantum leap in attendances at the new stadium, we have worked out that with the other income streams we can be self-sufficient at our new ground on attendances of 1,250 in the Conference and 2,000 in the Football League."

www.HeedArmy.co.uk: Whilst the thought of two more seasons at The International Stadium is disappointing, in theory the new main stand should be able to generate income from the lettable space for a full six to eight months before we move into Prince Consort Road. It also gives the fans and New Supporters Club ample time to get organised, ensuring we make as much an impact as possible when moving in.

Friday 9th July 2010

Ian Bogie has moved quickly to fill the void left from the departure of Adam Sadler by Appointing Terry Mitchell. Mitchell joins the club from Hartlepool United where he was Director of Youth Development.

UEFA 'A' Licenced Coach since 1999, Terry Mitchell joined Hartlepool in October 2005 from West Allotment Celtic where as Manager he had successfully transformed the club from a Northern Alliance side to a well established Northern League team. Having also previously managed Newcastle Blue Star in the Northern League he has become a sucessful Youth coach and mentor to other aspiring coaches including putting Ian Bogie through his badges.

Speaking to the club's official website he said Gateshead were a progressive club and he had missed the involvement of management and coaching at a senior level. Mitchell will be on the team coach to Workington tomorrow and will start taking training on Monday.

Friday 9th July 2010

Gateshead went down to a late goal on Teesside as Boro won a close training friendly 3-2. Kris Gate and Martin Brittain scored for the Tynesiders as most players saw game time.

Gateshead travel to Workington tomorrow (Saturday 10th July, kick-off 3pm) to take on the Conference North play-off semi-finalists with a number of trialists to feature again. However James Curtis will be missing with an injured foot, Phil Turnbull has a groin strain and Jon Shaw has calf trouble (hopefully not a re-occurance of the injury which blighted his loan spell last season).

Trialists: Josh Mimms (Goalkeeper, last at York City), Shaun Kelly (Defender, last at Burton Albion), David Brown (Left Back, last at Sunderland), Michael Carr (Midfielder, last at Stalybridge Celtic), Tyrell Burgess (Winger, last at Bermuda Hogees), David Dowson (Striker, last at Sunderland).

Linked: Ben Smith (Goalkeeper, on-trial at Shrewsbury), Darren Lough (Left Back, on-trial at Inverness), Nick Deverdics (Midfielder, on-trial at Scottish Spartans).

Thursday 8th July 2010

The FA Youth Cup has been drawn and will see Gateshead FC Juniors travel to Chester-le-Street Town in the Preliminary Round, the week commencing Monday 6th September. The winners of that tie will host Whitley Bay in the next round.

Preliminary Round - Week Commencing Monday 6th September 2010

Chester-le-Street Town v Gateshead

First Round Qualifying - Week Commencing Monday 20th September 2010

Chester-le-Street Town or Gateshead v Whitley Bay

Second Round Qualifying - Week Commencing Monday 4th October 2010

Chester-le-Street Town or Gateshead or Whitley Bay v Ryton or Workington or Ashington