Graham Wood, the interim chairman of Gateshead FC, has described his return to the International Stadium as 'a tough habit to kick' and revealed he is working towards a more permanent role. Wood previously led the club from the Northern Premier League into the National League with consecutive promotions in the 2007/08 and 2008/09 seasons, and now steps in to replace Bernard McWilliams, who resigned due to ill health.
Interim role due to regulatory requirements
Wood explained that the interim nature of his position is partly due to emergency provisions under the new independent football regulator. He told Chronicle Live: 'There are two reasons for the interim element. In football now, if you bring in a new investor or someone in senior management, you have to get the independent football authority approval. Even though I have been here before, I still had to do that. There is a provision for emergencies and, of course, Bernard’s illness was.' The emergency approval lasts only 13 weeks, but Wood is simultaneously applying for indefinite approval.
Additionally, Hartlepool-born businessman Stephen Paylor is in the process of becoming a co-owner, and Wood is waiting for that to conclude. 'Stephen Paylor has made an investment into the club and that’s still in process. I am waiting to see how that turns out so that’s another reason for the interim,' Wood added.
Appointment of Lee Cattermole as manager
One of Wood's first major decisions was appointing Lee Cattermole as the new manager, following the departure of Rob Elliot to Carlisle United. Cattermole, a former Sunderland and Middlesbrough midfielder, now leads the Heed into the new season. Wood insisted on having 'free reign' to make decisions before agreeing to return. 'One of the things I insisted upon in coming back on an interim or any basis was that I was given a free rein. So Lee and his contract, his direct responsibility is to the chairman,' Wood stated.
Wood's history with Gateshead
During his previous tenure, Wood oversaw a remarkable rise from the Northern Premier League to the National League, with back-to-back promotions. The club came close to reaching the English Football League in 2014, losing in the National League play-off final to Cambridge United. Wood left a year after that defeat but has now returned to steer the club through a transitional period.
Wood, acknowledging his age, said: 'I am aware I am getting on in years but I feel fit and well.' He remains open to a permanent role, depending on the new ownership structure. 'I am ready with the caveat I want to see how things settle with the new ownership. They might not want me here. But I am making a provision to stay on permanently,' he concluded.
