HEED: OPPOSITION VIEW

Ahead of our first preseason game, we spoke to the Heed Army podcast (HA) and also non-league football journalist Mark Carruthers to see how our opponents, Gateshead, are feeling ahead of the new season and the fixture.

Gateshead narrowly missed out on the playoffs on the final day of the season last time out, how much of a disappointment was that and how do you see this season going?

HA: Last season was a real tale of two halves. If you had said in mid-September we would miss out on the play offs and use over 50 players, I would have been flabbergasted and disappointed, which I ultimately was. There are only so many times you can lose your manager every year and best players in January and keep up with the big boys. I think last season the club lost some of its identity, bringing players in willy nilly and them not buying in to what made the club successful over the past six years. That said, we are such a small club beating former Football League sides every other week, I can't really be that disappointed, it's like dropping Peterborough in the Premier League and being unhappy they finish in the top 10. This season will be a different Gateshead, back to basics and fundamentals, local lads again and building some of the bridges we lost as a club.

MC: I think the second half of last season was nothing but a major disappointment for everyone connected with Gateshead. From top to bottom, it simply was not good enough and a lot of soul-searching and a lot of changes have taken place during the summer months. Predicting this season is no easy task as a rebuild is ongoing and a very new squad seems likely to head into the new season. That said, Tuesday’s 4-0 friendly win at Hebburn showed a lot more positives than negatives and it has given hope to supporters who may have been fearing the worst.

In the off-season a takeover deal for the club fell through, how did your fans react to that and is there anyone else interested in purchasing Gateshead?

HA: The takeover deal was an interesting one, like any set of fans our ears pricked when you hear a famous footballer is heading up a group of millionaires to take the club forward. These days you almost think "we are going to be the new Wrexham". Alas, a deal is never done till the ink is dry. As for the club having offers, nothing is in the pipeline I believe but the club and board are always open to offers to invest or take the club forward.

MC: Not at the moment as far as I am aware. The Anichebe-led deal is dead in the water and won’t be resurrected any time soon. You always hear whispers of interest but there is nothing to be taken seriously. At the moment it is very much a rebuilding process after what has been a chastening six months on and off the pitch. Under new chairman Bernard McWilliams there are small signs of progress but it is very, very early days and there is still a lot of work to be done.

How’s your transfer window been going and what positions would you like to strengthen before the season gets underway?

HA: The transfer window has been a slow burn, with waiting to get a new manager and a FIFA transfer ban for compensation payments for a player signed two years ago. The ban will be lifted soon. We have had players leave, but that was expected with the size of last season's squad. A National League team can't have 30 plus players draining the budget, a budget that has been cut as well. We signed David Ferguson from Hartlepool and expect a few new faces to be on trial in preseason.

MC: Oof! Where to start on this? Now it’s important to say the club are no longer under a FIFA registration ban and can register new signings. They are well-stocked with goalkeepers but probably require new additions in most areas. That is not always a starter as there is strength initially - but they need more options across the pitch in case of injury and suspensions. A striker would be paramount and I’d argue there is probably a need for another midfielder to come in. Obviously, if players go out, replacements will be required too.

Who’s your best player?

HA: We have a host of good players, but Kenton Richardson has just been made club captain, a great defender who carries the ball forward and he's involved.

MC: Regan Booty! A classy midfielder that can dictate play and is always capable of providing a goal. He has an outstanding set-piece delivery too. There is speculation of EFL interest in him and it would likely take a six-figure sum for a deal to come to fruition.

How have former Sunderland players, Harrison Bond, Ben Williams and Kenton Richardson been getting on?

HA: Kenton speaks for himself, an FA Trophy winner at Wembley for us, legend status! Harrison Bond found it hard to cement a starting place with other keepers having great performances, limiting game time. Ben Williams, I'm sure we will see more of this season.

MC: Harrison Bond was released during the summer but is in demand elsewhere and I believe there are National League North and Northern Premier League clubs showing an interest. Ben Williams is yet to be given a real chance to impress and spent last season out on loan - but he could be handed opportunities this season. Kenton is a Heed legend already and was part of the side that lifted the FA Trophy in May 2024. He is now club captain and marked his first game in his new role with the opening goal in a 4-0 friendly win at Hebburn Town on Tuesday. That game also saw David Ferguson (ex-Sunderland, recently signed) make his first Heed start and his experience will be crucial for the Gateshead side this season. He will likely operate as a left wing-back and he can provide a useful outlet in that position.

What are your thoughts on new manager Alun Armstrong?

HA: I had the pleasure of doing a little interview with Alun when he was unveiled as manager, very down to Earth and understands the task at hand. It is not the best budget but he will create an 18-man squad that will compete, and use youth from the academy when needed.

MC: To me, Alun feels like a very safe appointment - and I don’t want that to come across as a criticism in any way, shape or form because it’s anything but. He has experience, he has contacts and he knows what he wants from his side. He will give youth a chance and he will improve the more experienced members of his squad. He has already put smiles back on faces across the playing squad after a difficult summer and will have his squad ready for day one of the season no matter what.

Score prediction?

HA: 3-1 Sunderland

MC: Gateshead 1-3 Sunderland