Gateshead FC are close to a takeover by the US-based Flacks Group, pending approval from the Independent Football Regulator. Interim chairman Graham Wood has outlined priorities for the new owners, including appointing a new manager and addressing the club's stadium situation.
Takeover Nears Completion
After weeks of uncertainty, news broke on Thursday that the Flacks Group only require a green light from the Independent Football Regulator to finalise the takeover of the National League club. The group is now within touching distance of securing the keys to the door and kickstarting what Graham Wood hopes will be a bright future on and off the pitch.
In a statement released on Friday, Wood said: ”Exciting times lie ahead as we learn of Flacks Group’s plans for the club and seek to turn a disappointing start to the season around with the appointment of a new manager. Staff and players have now been paid and funds are in place to satisfy HMRC and other creditors. My thanks to the club’s former shareholders for their part in facilitating the change of ownership and to the staff and players for their forbearance during the tough times of the past two months. Gateshead Football Club has a bright future and we now look to the townspeople of Gateshead to embrace the opportunity, get behind the club and swell the numbers of our loyal fan base.”
Manager and Squad Priorities
Gateshead are without a permanent manager since Lee Cattermole’s departure just over a month ago. Club legend Ben Clark has overseen on-field matters on an interim basis over the last five weeks, but there is a need for a long-term appointment to be made. That is the main priority, with the Heed sitting 13 points from safety at the bottom of the National League table.
The squad also needs assessment, as there are around 28 full-time professionals within their ranks, which is too many for a club at their level. A new manager or head coach will need to put their own stamp on the squad, meaning several players will need to be moved on to allow new players to come in. Despite abysmal results, there is a core of battle-hardened National League players within the squad who can make a difference at both ends of the pitch.
Infrastructure and Community
Gateshead has always been a club where too few do the jobs of too many. Bringing in new people with experience of the football industry should be a priority as the Flacks Group look to build something more sustainable over their time as owners.
Several years have passed since Gateshead Soul, now known as Gateshead FC Supporters Society, played a lead role in hauling the club back from the brink of going out of business with just 72 hours to spare. The Supporters Society have already expressed a determination and willingness to work with the new ownership group. However, the wider fanbase and the local community must be engaged, as attendances at the International Stadium are not good enough and have not been for a number of years.
Stadium Options
The International Stadium has witnessed some wonderful moments over the last decade, but in its current form, it is not and never will be a football stadium. Consideration must be given to where Gateshead will play their home games. Can a new stadium be built within the borough? Can they find somewhere where a more welcoming and more accessible home can be created, one that can benefit Gateshead as a football club and as a town for generations to come?
