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

Tuesday 6th July 2010

Newly appointed Assistant Manager Adam Sadler has left the club having been offered a coaching position at League 1 Plymouth by Argyle Manager Peter Reid and Assistant John Carver.

Ian Bogie told the Evening Chronicle that he's close to appointing a replacement who's currently at a Football League Club, and hopes to have him in place for the weekend friendly at Workington.

Our first friendly will take place against Middlesbrough at their Hurworth training complex on Thursday afternoon, before heading over the Pennines to Cumbria on Saturday. Trialists Josh Mimms (England C Goalkeeper), defender Shaun Kelly, midfielder Michael Carr, Bermudan winger Tyrell Burgess and ex-Sunderland Reserve left-back David Brown will all be featuring as they look to secure a deal with the Tynesiders. Manager Ian Bogie is looking to add four or five players to the squad before the big kick-off.

Note: Thursdays friendly against Middlesbrough is being held behind closed doors at Fort Knox, where fans of either club will not be allowed in.

Saturday 3rd July 2010

Thursday the 1st of July saw Gateshead FC enter into a brave new World as a full-time professional football club. However the Tynesiders had to begin this era without last-seasons top scorer Daryl Clare. Wednesday evening saw Clare move to Cambridge United in a two year deal for £10,000.

Ten thousand pounds for a striker of his age is good business by Gateshead, however a percentage of the Clare fee is expected to go to Mansfield Town due to a sell on clause. Clare had opted to join Gateshead from Mansfield (where he was training full-time) so he could become a part-time player, with Gateshead only operating a full-time squad this season, and Clare being based in Lincolnshire something had to give and with Cambridge able to offer him part-time training a transfer was inevitable. 

Brought in to fire us to safety he did just that, but the second half of the season saw him off the boil for a period until the final two or three matches of the season. Whether this was a result of the drop to part-time training, or a loss of form is now irrelevant. Daryl will be remembered fondly by most Heed fans for scoring the crucial winning goal against AFC Wimbledon on the final day to ensure our safety. His transfer to Cambridge sees him leave with a record of 15 goals (13 league, 2 FA Trophy) in 34 appearances for Gateshead. Good luck at Cambridge Daryl, and thanks for the goals last season!

Full-Time Pros

Full-time training came to the International Stadium, with the local press in attendence to record the moment. Gateshead featured on BBC Look North, ITV Tyne Tees Tonight and BBC Radio Newcastle as the players were put through early fitness training carried out by the sport scientists of Northumbria University (Photos on the Official Website).

Backed by the Gateshead board of Directors, Manager Ian Bogie has moved quickly in pre-season to put the majority of the squad in-place for the beginning of pre-season. Eighteen of the current nineteen man squad were present on Thursday, with Northern League top-scorer Nathan Fisher still away on holiday. Also present were two trialists, goalkeeper Josh Mimms and defender Shaun Kelly.

Notably missing from trainning was new Assistant Manager Adam Sadler, who the Chronicle reports was in Manchester talking to a potential new signing with Bogie looking to add four or five players to the squad before the season begins. Top of the agenda is another keeper to push Paul Farman, however it wont be target Jonny Brain who unfortunately has signed for Walsall.

The new Blue Square Bet Conference Premier League fixtures were also released on a busy Thurdsay. Gateshead open the season on Saturday 14th August at Home to Kettering Town, then travel to Barrow the following Tuesday night (Tues 17th August). August will be ended with a trip on Saturday 28th to new local rivals Darlington. Other fixtures for your diary see us have some exciting matches over the Christmas/New Year period. Boxing Day (Sun 26th Dec) away at York City, Tues 28th Dec at Home to Darlington and New Years Day (Sat 1st Jan) at Home to York City.

Don't forget to back our clubs ambition through doing your bit by buying a season ticket. The club have now added a new fantastic offer for the fans, if you buy your ticket now you'll also get FREE ENTRY to all of Gateshead Thunders remaining home matches of their season - Click here to read more on this and buy your Season Ticket Online...

Wednesday 30th June 2010

An open forum meeting has been organised for Thursday 8th July at Gateshead Civic Centre Bar starting 7.00pm. The bar is open from 6.30pm till 9.30pm.

The Supporters Club needs all your help,  its about time the supporters showed our ambition for our Club as the Chairman is showing.

All matters are up for debate :

Re-forming the supporters club

Away Travel

Home support & facilities

New Ground

Fund Raising

Social Events ect..

SO... come along and get have your say, and get involved if you can.

Lets hope from this night we can move on and have an active voice for supporters in supporting our club.

Directions to Civic Centre:

View Larger Map

Sunday 20th June 2010

Gateshead have completed a swoop for talented Northern League trio, striker Nathan Fisher (Chester-le-Street Town), wingers Josh Gillies (Whitley Bay) and James Marwood (Team Northumbria). Added to this is the confirmed capture of left-winger Craig Nelthorpe following his release by York City.

Nelly, twice a Tynesider already comes back for a third spell this time on a permanent deal. Starting out as a youngster in the local Yorkshire leagues he was taken on by Doncaster Rovers. However as Doncaster climbed the leagues his chances of regular fist-team football diminished. After loan spells away at Kidderminster, Halifax, Darlington including ourselves twice he was released by Doncaster. A spell at Oxford United followed, he then joined York City at the beginning of last-season. His career as a Minsterman never got going after being charged by the police following an incident in a local sandwich shop involving three other York players. A successful spell away at Barrow was followed by a loan-spell at Luton Town where he mainly used as a substitute. Undoubtedly a talented player, he now has to try and focus that in the right manner, as for such a young age he's had far too many clubs so far.

Next season will see our trio signed from the Northern League initially forming a strong part of Gateshead Reserves Central League squad, with an eye on pushing their way into 1st team reckoning. Having Steven Baptist already in place, to also be joined by a core of Gateshead College players and a few first team members, the Reserve team could start to produce some quality additions to the club.

Nathan Fisher started out at Middlesbrough's academy as a striker, but was released after failing to push through into the first-team. Joining then Scottish Premier League club Gretna, he made one appearance as a substitute in the SPL against Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Moving back home he signed for Durham City, making fleeting appearances as a winger. It was after his move to Chester-le-Street Town, where he was switched back up front and came alive scoring 44 goals in 49 league and cup games. With many Northern League and higher clubs sniffing about, Richmond based Fisher opted to return to full-time football with the Tynesiders for a nominal four figure fee (including a 5% sell on clause to CLS).

Josh Gillies featured for new Reserve Team/1st Team coach Paul Bryson at Gateshead College. A two footed winger who also worked with Assistant Manager Adam Sadler at Blyth Spartans last season, moved onto Whitley Bay for the last couple of months and ended the season scoring Bay's final goal at Wembley as they won the Vase.

James Marwood is also a winger who mainly features on the right side. Son of ex-Arsenal player Brian, Marwood came up through the Newcastle United setup featuring for their reserves before being released. Following his release he went on-trial to Carlisle United and then featured for Blyth Spartans before following Adam Sadler to Northumbria University.

Elsewhere, no mention of left-back Darren Lough in the current group of deals. Reportedly having agreed a deal it may now be a case of sit and wait to see if it comes off as League Clubs sniff about. With most of the pieces of Bogie's jigsaw in place before training starts on July 1st, another goalkeeper to challenge England C International Paul Farman is a must. Ben Smith has been mentioned in the local press, and once again it could well be a case of watching this space.

Monday 14th June 2010

Gateshead Manager Ian Bogie has today completed the signing of former Hartlepool United and Sunderland centre-half Ben Clark.

The 6' 2" defender, from Shotley Bridge was released by the Pools at the beginning of this month following six seasons at Victoria Park.

Clark began his career in the youth ranks with Manchester United before joining Wearside outfit Sunderland. Ben made 8 appearances for Sunderland between 2000 and 2004.

It was at Hartlepool he made his name in the Football League making an impressive 162 appearances in the white and blue of the town that once famously hung a monkey.

He created an effective central defensive partnership with Gateshead born Michael Nelson, as Pools went through their most successful period of recent times. He has also been utilised in midfield at times for Hartlepool.

Chris Turner failed to renew Clarks contract and rumours were rife that both Conference Premier clubs Darlington and Gateshead were battling it out for his signature. But it's The Tynesiders who've come out on top in the race, with Clark telling the official website:

"Both the manager and chairman at Gateshead are very ambitious and, while I had a few other options, it just felt right to join Gateshead, It took just a couple of hours to sort everything out and I am delighted to link up with Gateshead and help the club to progress."

"I was taken aback with how good the facilities are at the International Stadium and with a new stadium on the horizon Gateshead is a club on the up. I have taken a significant pay cut but money was never the main issue. I didn't enjoy my last season at Hartlepool where I missed most of the first half of the season through injury. I had always been a regular at Victoria Park and at the end of the day I just want to play football week in week out."

Ian Bogie has also agreed terms with ex-NUFC Reserves pair left-back Darren Lough and right-sided midfielder James Marwood. Lough was released from Newcastle at the end of last-season, whilst James Marwood spent time with new Assistant Manager Adam Sadler at Blyth Spartans and Team Northumbria last-season.

Pre-season Friendlies

Our cancelled friendly at Halifax Town has now been rescheduled for Tuesday 3rd August, kick-off 7:30pm.

We will also visit Graeme Armstrong and Steve Bowey's new team Harrogate Town on Tuesday 20th July, kick-off 7:30pm. By then Harrogate may also include Wayne Phillips, who's said to be in talks with the Wetherby Road side.

Thursday 10th June 2010

Gateshead will be offering a trial to a player with 9 caps at International level.

Tyrell Burgess the Bermudan winger will be trying to show his worth to Ian Bogie and his coaching staff in the weeks that follow July 1st.

Burgess had been with North American side Vancouver Whitecaps (1 divion below the MLS), he made 25 appearances for them scoring 2 goals. In week 17 of their season he the won player of the week award, he only lasted one season with the whitecaps after falling out of the managers plans. Since leaving Vancouver Burgess has been on trial at Rochester Rhinos in the US.

The Bermudan International is making his own way over to England to try and earn a full time contract at the Heed, with his farther footing the bill for his travelling costs. With such endeavour to travel the globe to impress Gateshead, hopefully he will do just that.

In the video below is an interview with Tyrell Burgess just a week after his player of the week award, he talks about his preferred position to play. Its about 2 minutes into the video:

Saturday 29th May 2010, by Tynesider

This past week saw Gateshead complete a triple signing of striker Jon Shaw from Mansfield, left-back Paul Heckingbottom from Mansfield and striker Jonny Allan from Northwich Victoria.

Jon Shaw is a old fashioned style centre forward similar to the departed Graeme Armstrong, but has a pedigree from a higher level. The Sheffield born striker started out at home town Sheffield Wednesday before moving onto Burton Albion in the Conference to link up with fellow Heed striker Daryl Clare where he finished top scorer twice. Moving onto Halifax Town for the 2007/08 season he scored 20 goals and won supporters club player of the season. He moved into the football league in July 2008 with Rochdale for £50,000. His stint at Rochdale was a frustrating one, with then Manager Keith Hill sending him regularly out on-loan.

Having joined Gateshead on-loan last December from Rochdale, Shaw only made one appearance on Boxing Day at Barrow due to injury. That match saw him link up well with Daryl Clare and Gateshead subsequently attempted to sign him in the January transfer window. However the move was aborted when the plug was pulled on the deal, with Shaw then joining Mansfield Town.

His contract at Mansfield has been terminated by mutual consent, with him having made six starts and eight substitute appearances, scoring three goals for the Stags.

Shaw told www.mansfieldtown.net: "My family are in the north-east and I want to take my wife and son nearer to them".

"I have enjoyed my time at the Stags and wish them all the best for the future. They are a club destined for the Football League.

Mansfield Manager David Holdsworth added: "I wish Jon and his young family all the very best.

"I respect his honesty regarding this situation."

Shaw joins Gateshead on a 2 year contract, with Heed Manager Ian Bogie telling www.gateshead-fc.com: "Jon Shaw is a big signing for this club. He was excellent in the one full game he played for us on loan and I was disappointed to miss out on him in the January transfer window, Mansfield Town manager David Holdsworth has been very accommodating in allowing him to move to the North East where he has family."

"Shaw will give us a physical presence up front. He is great in the air, at 26 is at the peak of his powers and his stats and pedigree are impressive."

Jonny Allan joins from Northwich Victoria, where the striker has spent the last eight years as a very loyal servant to the Vics. Born in Penrith, Allan started his career at Carlisle United making 19 appearances before moving onto Northwich in 2000.

The last eight seasons have seen Allan regularly finish as leading scorer for Northwich in the Conference and Conference North. 2006 saw him form a formidable partnership with ex-Heed striker Paul Brayson (who's currently slumming it north of the border), with the Vics going on an FA Cup run including a visit to the Stadium of Light.

With Northwich looking likely to be thrown out of the Conference due to the dreaded Appendix E, Allan saw it as time to move on, telling the official club website: "I enjoyed my eight years at Northwich but off the field problems have made life difficult in recent times and the club have just suffered a second successive demotion.

"Ian Bogie contacted me last week and I was immediately interested. It is great to be back in the Conference Premier and the facilities at Gateshead are excellent.

"It was time to move on and Gateshead is a new challenge that I am looking forward to. Having four good strikers will keep us all on our toes and is just what we need.

Paul Heckingbottom was the third signing. The experienced left-back who joined on-loan in the 2nd half of last season penned a permanent deal after his release by Mansfield Town. Heckingbottom was a massive plus during the run in, putting in some solid performances at left-back and centre-back when called upon.

Other speculated transfer activity

Gateshead were linked to Kidderminster Harriers 28-year-old striker Robbie Matthews, with their Assistant Manager telling a local paper "Gateshead have been in contact with us expressing an interest in taking Robbie on board there.  I'm sure the two parties will now get together and we'll see whether or not they can thrash out an agreement that suits them both." With the subsequent addition of Shaw and Allan giving us a four man strike force, it's unlikely this deal will be pursued.

Gateshead will have to shift their attention elsewhere in search of a left winger as Peter Winn has signed a 1 year deal for newly promoted League 2 side Stevenage FC. Added to this the news that South Shields born winger Adam Rundle turned both ourselves and Darlington down to sign a 2 year deal at Morecambe.

Bogie is said to be looking for 6 more recruits, after missing out on Winn. With Gateshead being linked to York left-back Andy McWilliams, goalkeepers Ben Smith and Adam Bartlett amongst others.

Whilst it's still early days, the standard of targets coming in and being linked in the last week, certainly help to ease worries on the desired quality wanted by the club, after the failed bid for the part-time pub worker annoyed a number of fans.

Saturday 29th May 2010, by Tynesider

Gateshead's Pre-season Friendlies are:

Middlesbrough XI v Gateshead @ Rockliffe Park (Hurworth), Thursday 8th July, 2pm

Workington AFC v Gateshead @ Borough Park, Saturday 10th July, 3pm

Gateshead v Greenock Morton @ Gateshead International Stadium, Thursday 15th July, 7:30pm

Spennymoor Town v Gateshead @ The Brewery Field, Saturday 17th July, 3pm

Harrogate Town v Gateshead @ CNG Stadium, Tuesday 20th July, 7:30pm

Sunderland XI v Gateshead @ Academy of Light, Tuesday 27th July, 12pm

Gateshead v Newcastle United XI @ Gateshead International Stadium, Friday 30th July, 7:30pm

FC Halifax Town v Gateshead @ The Shay, Tuesday 3rd August, 7:30pm

Guisely v Gateshead @ Nethermoor Park, Saturday 7th August, 3pm

Note: The friendly at home to Hartlepool on Saturday 24th July has been cancelled due to Hartlepool arranging a friendly with Leeds United.

Wednesday 12th May 2010, by Tynesiders

Gateshead Striker Graeme Armstrong has sadly left the club today after weeks of rumour he has decided against becoming a full-time pro. Employed as a PE Teacher in Hexham, the 26-year-old striker will continue as a part-time player most likely at another local club.

Signed for five grand from Northern League Dunston Fed at the start of the 2007/08 season, going on to score 20 goals in a fruitful partnership with Davy Southern. Two promotions and three seasons later, having made the number 9 his own, Armstrong has scored nearly a half century of goals in the white shirt of Gateshead.

Who will forget his late crashing header at Croft Park to win the Derby one and a half seasons back, or his brilliant brace at Brentford in the FA Cup this season. He's chipped in with 10 crucial goals this campaign, including the winner at home to wrexham not so long back.

HeedArmy.co.uk would like to say a big thank you to Graeme for all he's done for our club. His never say die attitude, his willingness to run himself into the ground for the cause and not forgetting most importantly scoring vital goals that have won him many fans and friends amongst the Heed Army. We wish him well for the future, and he will always be remembered fondly for his time at the club.

Cheers Graeme!

Update: Graeme Armstrong has subsequently spurned attempts from the Scottish club up the road to join Harrogate Town along with Heed legend Steve Bowey.

Retained: The rest of the current crop have signed on the dotted line, including player of the season James Curtis. Both loanees Peter Winn and Paul Heckingbottom are yet to sign deals, but are said to be keen to do so, only time will tell whether that equates to pen on paper.

Incoming: Gateshead are said to be looking at a number of options between the sticks, however it's unlikely January target Dale Roberts will be one of those as he's on Rushden's retained list. Wearside midfielder Oliver Hotchkiss is rumoured to be donning the white shirt for next season, but no deal has been officially announced.

Thursday 6th May 2010, by Heed Army

With the recent news of Gateshead FC going full time on the pitch, it was inevitable that some players from last seasons team would not be staying on the Heed’s books.

One of the notable names not on the retained list published by the club was the left wing master Wayne Phillips.

Wayne a former Blyth Spartans Player (we can forgive him he was young and misguided) joined the Tynesiders from then Northern League Champions Whitley Bay. He made an instant impact scoring on his debut away to Eastwood Town in the UniBond Premier Division.

During both promotion seasons in 2007/08 and 2008/09, the pint sized marvel was the master mind behind so many goals and attacks. His ronaldo-esq step over and beating the last man down the left (or did ronaldo steal those moves from Wayne?) kept all Heed fans on the edge of their seats, especially in the play off semi final against Southport April 2009.

Sadly, last season Wayne never really found the form of the prior campaign that saw him make the headlines in the play off final against Telford, scoring the winning goals as Gateshead returned to the top flight of the non-league pyramid.

Last season aside, Wayne’s contribution to Gateshead FC since he arrived in 2007 has been indispensable, an integral part of two promotion sides and he did his part to help Gateshead stay in the top flight of non-league football this season.

For all of the above, HeedArmy.co.uk would like to thank Wayne Phillips for his hard work and entertaining style of play, we wish him all the best for the future.

Update, Message from Wayne:

I’d like to say thank you to the lads and lasses of the Heed Army for their support over the past few seasons.
The two promotions season will always stay with me, with the Telford Play Off Final being the jewel in the crown.
Good luck with next season in the Conference Premier, Gateshead will always be the first result I look for.

Many Thanks

Wayne Phillips

Wednesday 5th May 2010, by Tynesider

Both Gateshead Chairman Graham Wood and Vice-Chairman Brian Waites appeared on NE1FM's Grassroots Sports Show to talk everything Gateshead FC. Included in the two hour chat was the latest details on the new stadium.

Gateshead's proposed new stadium on Prince Consort Road won't be arriving as quickly as all Heed fans had hoped. The current position is that the club are close to finalising the planning application, with planning consultants and the architects working on this. The delay has been due to various reasons with the most recent being that the planners requested the addition of a visual impact survey.

The timescale once the planning application has been submitted (assuming everything goes through smoothly) is now 16 weeks, with the hope of submitting the application around the end of June/beginning of July to start building in October 2010. With an estimated 9 month construction phase, completion at the earliest would be towards the end of July 2011, meaning it would likely be too tight a timescale to move in for the start of the 2011/2012 season. At this point it's unsure whether the club would opt to move in halfway through the 2011/12 campaign (upon completeion) or look to move in for the start of the 2012/2013 season, with the stated reason being that moving in part-way through a season doesn't have the same grand impact it does for the beginning of a new season (Big stadium opening match in pre-season).

The initial public consutation back in October 2009 returned 77% of local residents who attended in favour of the new ground, but the club also listened to those against and have altered their plans accordingly, such as moving the Main Stand to the East side of the ground away from the houses. The Main Stand (East/PCR side), will have four floors with the ground floor being almost entirely for use by the football club. The first floor will be offices and conference rooms and the second and third floors will be the lettable business space. The types of businesses they've been in discussions with for the top two floors are mainly medical related, discussions have been held with a lot of the GP practices around the area (20 different GPs being interested), along with opticians, dentists and cryogenics businesses. The club also intend to donate space for community use too.

Away fans will be situated in the South Stand, with a small proportion of away seats being available in the south side of the West Stand. This means the clothesline fans will be moved to the North Stand of the new ground, that's the end next to the bowling green nearest the Tyne & Gateshead Metro Interchange.

With both the East (Main) Stand and West Stand now seated, leaving the North and South Stands as terraces, the total capacity of the new ground will be 7,856.

Wednesday 5th May 2010, by Tynesider

Gateshead have completed the appointments to their backroom staff. With Jeff Wrightson and Paul Thompson unable to take up full-time roles, former Newcastle Academy Director Adam Sadler becomes Bogie's right-hand man, and Gateshead College's Football Head Coach Paul Bryson becomes Reserve Team Manager.

Sadler joins the club on a full-time basis to work day in day out with Ian Bogie and the squad. Contrary to popular belief he hasn't made any dodgy Hollywood films, instead he started his career as a young goalkeeper at Newcastle United before moving onto Manchester United, Barnsley and Gretna. Injury curtailed his playing career, so he turned his hand to coaching. Taking up a role at Newcastle's academy, he became goalkeeping coach and then reserve team manager. He briefly moved onto to Norwich to become 1st team coach to Glenn Roeder before moving back to the area following Roeders sacking. Taking up the role as Assistant manager to Mick Tait at them up the road, he then traded up by joining Northumbria University and taking the reins of Team Northumbria in the Northern League. Sadler holds the full UEFA pro licence.

Bryson will work part-time as coach of the Reserve Team and on match-days as a 1st team coach. Being Head Coach of Gateshead College's Football Academy, coach of England College's Under 19's and working at Sunderland Academy with the under 12's to 16's. Bryson was a midfielder who played Conference football for Gateshead in the mid '80s, before moving onto the likes of Spennymoor and Dunston Fed amongst others. As a coach he's led Gateshead College to 14 trophies including winning this season's English College's National Championships. Bryson will continue at Gateshead College, but has given up his role as English Colleges coach and at Sunderland Academy to join Gateshead FC.

Chairman & Vice Chairman on Grassroots Sports show

Both Graham Wood and Brian Waites appeared on NE1FM's Grassroots Sports to talk everything Gateshead FC. Here's a summary of goings on, including information from the show:

Pre-season. The age old probem of booking the International Stadium for home pre-season friendlies (due to the Summer athletics) has raised it's ugly head again. Bearing in mind that bigger teams will only travel to smaller clubs for friendlies, the club had hoped to get a team such as Hearts or Hibs down here. Unfortunately, that's looking unlikely due to the only available Saturday (at home) being July 24th and with the Scottish Premier League starting earlier than down here, by that time they'll be looking to step up the calibre of opposition they play. It's highly likely we'll open up pre-season at one of the better Northern League teams such as Spenny/Whitley, then step up the opposition with a few away trips against teams such as Queen of the South and possibly Leeds United at home in mid-week.

Squad. Contracts have been offered to 15 of the squad that ended the season. The club are looking to run a 22 man squad, so that means Bogie and his team shall be looking to bring in 7 or 8 new players (Assuming all current agree to the tabled offers). From the sounds of it, the entire squad will be full-time with no part-time players. Rumours have one or two players going due to their full-time work commitments, with others giving up the day job to live the dream as a professional footballer.

Reserves & Gateshead College link-up. With the dual role of Paul Bryson, the reserve team shall be made up of a mixture of fringe first team players and Gateshead College players. Both teams (Gateshead & the College) will be training day in day out on Gateshead Stadium's back pitches. This will make for the ideal environment to cross-over College players with the first team, not to mention Gateshead being able to utilise the sport science and training facilities at the College's Academy for Sport. It is envisaged that players developed in the Gateshead FC Juniors setup can move onto scholarships at Gateshead College, before progressing to the 1st team. The reserve side should also allow the club to trial players at a high level and look at opposition players from the likes of Leeds and Middlesbrough, whilst also aiding fringe players to stay match fit.

Community Programme. With the players and staff going full-time, the club will be looking to extend beyond their current community coaching programme and go into the schools inconjunction with Gateshead College to foster links with the local public.

New Stadium. As mentioned last-week Gateshead's proposed new stadium on Prince Consort Road won't be arriving as quickly as all Heed fans hoped. The current position is that the club are close to finalising the planning application, with planning consultants and the architects working on this. The delay has been due to various reasons with the most recent being that the planners requested the addition of a visual impact survey.

The timescale once the planning application has been submitted (assuming everything goes through smoothly) is now 16 weeks, with the hope of submitting the application around the end of June/beginning of July to start building in October 2010. With an estimated 9 month construction phase, completion at the earliest would be towards the end of July 2011, meaning it would likely be too tight a timescale to move in for the start of the 2011/2012 season. At this point it's unsure whether the club would opt to move in halfway through the 2011/12 campaign (upon completeion) or look to move in for the start of the 2012/2013 season, with the stated reason being that moving in part-way through a season doesn't have the same grand impact it does for the beginning of a new season (Big stadium opening match in pre-season).

The initial public consutation back in October 2009 returned 77% of local residents who attended in favour of the new ground, but the club also listened to those against and have altered their plans accordingly, such as moving the Main Stand to the East side of the ground away from the houses. The Main Stand (East/PCR side), will have four floors with the ground floor being almost entirely for use by the football club. The first floor will be offices and conference rooms and the second and third floors will be the lettable business space. The types of businesses they've been in discussions with for the top two floors are mainly medical related, discussions have been held with a lot of the GP practices around the area (20 different GPs being interested), along with opticians, dentists and cryogenics businesses. The club also intend to donate space for community use too.

Away fans will be situated in the South Stand, with a small proportion of away seats being available in the south side of the West Stand. This means the clothesline fans will be moved to the North Stand of the new ground, that's the end next to the bowling green nearest the Tyne & Gateshead Metro Interchange.

With both the East (Main) Stand and West Stand now seated, leaving the North and South Stands as terraces, the total capacity of the new ground will be 7,856.

Tickets. Season tickets prices for next season are: Adult (16 and over): £265, Concessions (OAP, Students, Unaccompanied under-16s): £150, Under-16s accompanied by a full price Adult: FREE.  Season ticket holders get free entry to all home totesport.com reserve team matches. Click here to purchase online...

Pay on the day prices are: Adult (16 and over): £13, Concessions (OAP, Students, Unaccompanied under-16s): £8, Under-16s accompanied by a full price Adult: FREE.

Totesport.com Central League Reserve Team match prices are: Adult (16 and over): £3, Concessions (OAP, Students, under-16s): £1.

Supporters Club. A meeting has been arranged between representatives of the supporters club and GFC, with the intention of reiventing the supporters club. Looking at the SC doing things in a slightly different way, to come up with certain objectives and initiatives to promote greater membership and therefore greater support of the Football Club. Both would like more fans to get involved, and if you you're interested please get in touch with the supporters club.

Break Even. In the the Conference at the new stadium we could be self-sufficient with a 1,500 crowd. In the Football League at the new stadium it would be about a 2,000 average attendance to break even.

Tuesday 4th May 2010, by Heed Army

Tonight (Tuesday the 4th of May) between 9pm and 11pm, Gateshead Chairman Graham Wood and Vice Chairman Brian Waites go live on NE1 FM’s Grassroots Sports Show to talk about the future of Gateshead Football Club.

There should be plenty to talk about with the club surviving the threat of a drop back down to Conf North, going Full Time, New Ground and of course Ian Bogie’s new contract.

This is the perfect opportunity for any Heed fan to get to ask that burning question they have always wanted to ask the men at the top!

As well as questioning Graham and Brian, Heed fans could use this show to send thank you messages to the out going Assistant Manger Jeff Wrightson and Coach Paul Thompson.

To make sure you have your question or thank you message read out on air it is advised you e-mail your question in advance to sportsshowne1@aol.com

To listen to what will be a show loaded with information for every Gateshead fan far and wide you can listen in the Tyneside area on 102.5 FM. Alternatively you can listen on-line via the NE1 FM website: www.ne1fm.net

Friday 30th April 2010, by Tynesider

On-loan Gateshead winger Steven Baptist came on as a late substitute in normal time as Ashington lost on penalties to South Shields.

The Colliers took an early lead and looked like they would go on to win at a canter, but after missing numerous chances South Shields hit back late on to take the tie to extra time. Baptist coming on as a sub in the last quarter of the match for ex-Heed player David Colvin, got on the ball making some trickey runs at the full-back and looked comfortable in possesion.

It was a Baptist run in the 1st half of extra-time that saw Ashington reclaim the lead, bogged down deep in their own corner, he cleverly worked the ball out and drove down the left wing beating 3 or 4 players before laying the ball off on the edge of the Shields box leading to the goal. The Mariners were level again in extra time and Baptist had the chance to win it for the Colliers in the last minute, but his well hit low shot went inches wide of the far post.

Penalties it was, and after a couple of misses it went to sudden death. Unfortunately, it was Baptist penalty towards the corner that was saved as the Mariners lifted the Brooks Mileson cup.

Very raw still and needing to work on his fitness, Baptist showed quality on the ball and the Mariners defence struggled to get the ball off him. He certainly looks to have something about him and hopefully this will develop in the newly formed reserve side next season. He sees the season out this Wednesday as Ashington make the short trip to Bedlington for the Wansbeck derby.

Friday 30th April 2010, by Tynesider

Gateshead fans will have the pleasure of the International Stadium for a little longer than initially anticipated. Today's Evening Chronicle carries confirmation that the move in date at North Durham (start of 2011/2012 season) will be pushed back most probably towards mid-season due to the lengthy planning process.

Graham Wood told the Chronicle, "The site is right and the stadium, which will be covered on all four sides, will be a tremendous facility, but these developments often take longer than you would like.

"While it is unlikely we will be in the new stadium for the start of the 2011/ 12 campaign I am optimistic that we will be able to move in at some point during the season."

Other changes to the plans will see a reduction in capacity from 9,000 to just under 8,000 with the West Stand now becoming seated instead of standing. This leaves the stadium with the two covered standing terraces behind each goal, meaning the Heed Army will have a distinct home end.

A planning application was expected to be submitted last February, after it does go in there will then be a 16 week planning process with construction expected to take 9 months there after (subject to successful application).

Wednesday 28th April 2010, by Heed Army

Ian Bogie is now full time manager of Gateshead FC, following his success in the three and a half seasons as part time Manager he has signed a two year deal.

Ian's first job will be to build his backroom staff from scratch after the sad news that Assistant Jeff Wrightson is unable to take a full time role within the club which he has served so well as first player and captain and later Assistant Manager. Coach Paul Thompson is also unable to take up a full time role and is also leaving the Heed after many great years with the club.

Gateshead fans far and wide will be sensing a wave of relief that GFC Chairman Graham Wood has took swift action in appointing Ian as full time Manager. Many Conference Premier rivals have already been diving into the transfer market and releasing players in preparation for the new season that starts in August. AFC Wimbledon have released no fewer than twelve players as they prepare for the summer transfer window.

The official GFC website states that Ian is about to offer 14 current players within the squad full time contracts, no doubt details of which players will be announced by the club when deals have been confirmed.

The future of GFC on and off the pitch should make for exciting times, we wait with baited breath!

(Jeff and Ian at Harrogate 08/09 season)

Not only will Ian be running the rule over the first team he will be able to take a in-depth look at potential new signing via the reserve team that is coming next season. Gateshead FC reserves will be hoping to be playing in the TOTESPORT League, this will be an ideal opportunity for players recovering from injury to regain match fitness.

Monday 26th April 2010, by Heed Army

An exciting summer is ahead on Tyneside for all Gateshead fans, with the team going full time in the summer months and reserve team as well.

Full Time football opens up Gateshead  FC’s net for attracting players from far and wide, as in the season just gone players avoided the Heed in favour of Full time football.
One such player to do so publicly was Tomi Ameobi, who joined Forest Green for a full time contract instead of playing on his native Tyneside, (unlucky Tomi, enjoy the Conference South next year kidda).

Another name that have been rumoured and linked with Gateshead was former Newcastle, Leeds Utd and Sunderland Striker Michael Bridges, Michael opted for full time football down under with Sydney FC first and now with Newcastle Jets.

(Michael Bridges being unvailed in Austrailia joining Syndey FC)

The appeal of full time football will bring players that used to be out of reach.

The next question is???? Bogie does he stay or does he go???

Ian has done wonders for the club in recent years, two promotion and keeping Gateshead in the Conf Prem.

But should Gateshead have been anywhere near the relegation zone in the first place, a top ten budget in the league and nearly 40 players later have the doubters asking is full time football under Ian Bogie a wise move?

The powers that be have a tough choice in the summer, glad its up to them and not us!

UPDATE

The Heed Army Site would like to apoplogise for the wrong facts previously stated in this article.

Monday 26th April 2010, by Heed Army

Saturday night seen Gateshead FC’s Player Of The Year Awards held at the Schooner Inn down the road from Gateshead International Stadium.

The night was in jubilant mood following the afternoons celebrations after surviving relegation to the Blue Square North.

The Awards Winners:

Supporters player of the year:

1. James Curtis

2. Kris Gate

3. Graeme Armstrong

Players player of the year: James Curtis

Goal of the season: Peter Winn - Home v Forest Green Rovers

Top scorer: Daryl Clare

Saturday 24th April 2010, by Tynesider & Heed Army

Gateshead beat the drop to the Conference North thanks to a Daryl Clare goal as the Tynesiders beat AFC Wimbledon 1-0.

Elsewhere Forest Green Rovers took our place in the relegation zone as they conceeded a crushing goal in the last 10 minutes to lose at rock bottom Grays Athletic. Cheers Julian!

Gateshead's survival Saturday couldn’t have got a better start as the Tynesider’s took advantaged after just 4 minutes. Daryl Clare scrambled the ball home  after a Craig Baxter free-kick. Celebrations soon turned to worry though as Gateshead bombarded the Wimbledon Goal mouth. The worry was that we couldn't extend the lead, as chance after chance fell to the Gateshead forward line, with notable misses from both Peter Winn and Daryl Clare.

Although the Heed had accomplished their end of the bargain (to sustain Conf Premier survival), other teams had to loose, each golden opportunity Gateshead missed the beads of sweat grew on the fans brows.

Half time came and went, but felt like a week, with the strain and stress of hoping the team stayed up.

The second half was still giving Gateshead opportunity after opportunity to double the lead and put fans minds at ease. Scores in the other matches gave a brief rest bite as Eastbourne were still drawing 0-0 and Barrow was winning at Histon 2-1, the Heed safe at this point.

Wimbledon themselves had two good chances to score in the second half and thankfully they had the same luck had the Heed.

The full time whistle brought ecstatic scenes as players and fans celebrated, nearly too early as Forest Greens and Histon's results weren't over. A point for both would've condemned the Heed to the drop!

Hang on, Barrow have scored an own goal and Histon now have a point! Someone says Forest Green are now level at Grays, HOW, we're DOWN! NO, they're wrong! Grays have beat Forest Green, we're STOPPING UP!

The stadium terraces turn into a Brazilian carnival, but with out the good looking lasses in bikinis and pre-op transsexuals.

HEED SAFE, JOB DONE!

HEED HEROS: Farman; Baxter, Curtis, Swailes, Heckingbottom; Phillips (Parkinson), Gate (Ferrell), Turnbull, Winn; Clare (Wake), Armstrong. Subs (not used): Provett, Cave.