Gateshead FC interim manager Ben Clark has revealed the crisis at the club has provided 'dark moments' - but the Heed legend is now hopeful a more positive future lies in wait for the club closest to his heart.
The former Tynesiders centre-back will remain in temporary charge of first-team affairs for Saturday's home game against National League rivals Barrow as his side look to claim what would be only their second win of a dismal campaign.
As it stands ahead of their meeting with the Bluebirds, the Heed are 13 points from safety in non-league's top tier and relegation is becoming increasingly inevitable as their long wait for a much-needed win continues.
Takeover close after breakthrough
However, the events of the last two months have become about far more than on-field events as Gateshead's long-term future has been put at severe risk for the second time in seven years.
Mercifully, a breakthrough in discussions with several parties last week means a takeover by US-based investors Flacks Group is now close, with only a green light from the Independent Football Regulator standing in the way of completion and what could be the start of an exciting new chapter at the International Stadium.
For Clark, an improvement in fortunes on the pitch can not come soon enough as he reflected on a troubling time at the club he loves.
He told Chronicle Live: "It's been tough and when the situation happens you think you might have to look for another job. That's the brutal reality of the situation. That was for all of us and it's been 24-7, you live it, you breathe it.
"It has been difficult but we are hoping that good things are around the corner for the football club and that's all everyone wants here. Of course, it's been challenging for everyone and there have been some dark moments.
"I just want what is best for the football club, what is best for the borough, the town and the people that come here. You get invested in it, I've seen the highest highs and the lowest lows after being here for so long. I just want us to come out of the other end of this and get something positive moving forwards."
Players 'effectively on trial'
Top of the agenda for the incoming owners will be the appointment of a new manager or head coach in a move that will bring some relief for Clark, who has already stated he would not be interested in taking on the role on a permanent basis.
With potential candidates potentially watching on from near and far, the Heed interim boss has admitted his players are now 'effectively on trial', despite praising the attitude and mentality they have shown during two consecutive months where they failed to receive their wages on time.
He said: "The lads have been a credit to themselves and the football club. They've played three games without being paid and that says a lot about them. We know results haven't been good enough, we have been honest and open in our conversations about that and we had a meeting this morning.
"But they are all effectively on trial now because even if a potential manager isn't in the stands, they will no doubt watch the game back so they have an opportunity to show what they can do."
Supporters urged to get behind the club
The Gateshead Supporters Society have already pledged to work with the potential owners at the International Stadium - and they are playing their part ahead of Saturday's home game with Barrow by launching a 'Project 2K' campaign in an attempt to get over 2,000 supporters through the gates.
Clark, who has always enjoyed a positive relationship with the club's supporters during his time as a player and coach, believes he and his players must also play a part as he encouraged the local community to get behind their club.
"We need the community behind us and I've seen how that looks," he explained. "I've seen over 2,000 here, I've seen 8,000 here but they had a good product to watch and that's down to us as players and staff to provide that now.
"The community and the local support will always back the team. Gateshead is a big borough and there aren't any local games at higher levels here so hopefully the community can come out and get behind."
