Gateshead caretaker manager Ben Clark has revealed he is planning talks with interim chairman Graham Wood as a shock takeover moves closer at the International Stadium.
Saturday's 4-1 defeat at FC Halifax Town left the Heed sitting at the bottom of the National League table and they are eight points from safety following their loss at The Shay.
Takeover announcement
However, it was off-field events that dominated preparations for the game as Friday evening brought an announcement United States-based investment group Flacks Group had agreed a takeover 'in principle' amid ongoing concerns over Gateshead's short and long-term future.
The agreement is not yet completed as it must be ratified by the Independent Football Regulator before what Heed fans will hope can be a bright new era can get under way.
Clark's plans for talks
Amid a flurry of chaos and frustration, club legend Clark remains a reason for hope with his natural positivity and energy recharging a club that has been meandered into crisis once again.
With a National League Cup game against Wolves Under-21s on Tuesday night and Saturday's FA Cup fourth qualifying round home tie with Stafford Rangers next on the agenda, Clark revealed he will hold talks with interim chairman Wood ahead of what he described as 'a big week for the football club'.
Speaking to the club website after the defeat at The Shay, the Heed legend said: "It'll be a big week for the football club. I'll speak to the chairman on Monday, we'll have a plan. Obviously, I'm sure his phone is going already, I'm sure he will have people interested in the manager's job."
"The club will assess that. I'll do this job as long as the chairman wants me to but I think the group is ready for a new voice so something will come in with new ideas. I'm sure the chairman will be looking at that."
Defeat at Halifax
A week of turmoil and change on and off the pitch came to a depressing end for Clark and his players as they suffered a tenth defeat in 11 games at Halifax.
Clark watched on as a stunning strike from on-loan Plymouth Argyle winger Freddie Issaka put his side in front just before the half-hour mark and that lead remained in place when the half-time whistle was blown.
Two goals either side of the hour-mark turned the game on its head as Raheem Conte and former Gateshead loan signing Conor Carty gave the Shaymen a lead they did not let slip.
Ben Tollitt extended the lead with four minutes remaining before Conte doubled his personal tally in injury-time to leave the Heed eight points from safety.
Speaking after the game, Clark said: "Credit to Halifax, they deserved to win. They had the better chances to win the game. We did well first-half, had moments, scored a great goal from Freddie - but second-half, again a few moments, but no problem with the score, Halifax deserved to win. I'm disappointed with the scoreline but the lads gave us everything and that's where we are with the group."
