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Cambridge United v Gateshead

Saturday 4th August, 3pm

Blue Square Bet Premier

Abbey Stadium

Last time out...

Darlington 2 Gateshead 0

Blue Square Bet Premier

Saturday 28th August

New stadium...

Dates for your diary...

Sat 04/09/2010 - Cambridge United (BSBP), 3pm - Away @Abbey Stadium

Tues 07/09/2010 - Southport (BSBP), 7:45pm - Home, Gateshead International Stadium

Sat 11/09/2010 - Altrincham (BSBP), 3pm - Home, Gateshead International Stadium

Sat 18/09/2010 - Crawly Town (BSBP), 3pm - Away @ Broadfield Stadium

Tues 21/09/2010 - Grimsby Town (BSBP), 7:45pm - Home, Gateshead International Stadium

Sat 25/09/2010 - Luton Town (BSBP), 3pm - Home, Gateshead International Stadium

Tues 28/09/2010 - Histon (BSBP), 7:45pm - Away @ Glassworld Stadium

Links...

North Durham Cricket Ground

Date: Friday 4th May 2007, by Tynesider

North Durham, a long time favourite of many fans. Located across the road from Gateshead Civic Centre, as a location you can't get much more central to the Town. Locating here would be challenging but could also be very rewarding for both the Football Club and helping to revitalising the Town Centre.

Advantages:

• Location. In the Town Centre, so plenty of pre/post match amenities.
  Transport. 5 Minutes walk from Gateshead Bus/Metro Interchange.
  Local potential fanbase. To the west and South of the location is large housing estates.
  Self promotion. On a main thoroughfare so the problem regarding the local populations awareness of the club would be greatly improved. Also good match day advertising position.
  Empty site. North Durham is currently playing fields, so building wouldn't include demolishing too much existing structures.
  Town Centre Boom. The Council are planing to redevelop the Town Centre and the possible income a successful football club could bring to the local traders.

Disadvantages:

• Property value. It is rumoured the current owner is holding onto the land hoping to have the covenant decreeing it to be only used for leisure activities removed. They are then hoping to sell the land for a large amount to a property developer.
  Plot size. A stadium the size of for example Chester City's Deva Stadium would fit on the plot. But future expansion of the end stands would be made difficult because of the Masonic Temple and Bowling Club on the North of the plot.
  Parking. The Civic Centre over the road would be a likely venue for parking, but any success along with clashes with Council working hours could cause minor problems.
  NIMBYs. Could be a problem with any of the Locations, however North Durham has large residential housing estates to the West and South.

It may appear to be ideal, but unfortunately the chances of it becoming a reality because of the first and last disadvantage points, probably put it at the bottom of the list of the three.

Our rating 4.5 out of 5