Gateshead have received a major boost just days before the start of the new National League season after a registration ban imposed by FIFA was lifted.
The Heed have been able to add to their squad throughout Lee Cattermole's first summer in charge at the International Stadium - but those new additions were unable to be registered to feature in National League fixtures whilst the ban was in place.
The restrictions were imposed on the club earlier this summer over two separate issues with historic transfers - but both have now been resolved with world football's governing body and the ban was officially lifted earlier this week.
Cattermole ready to move on
Cattermole is keen to move on from the matter as he now prepares for his first competitive fixture in charge of Gateshead as they make the long trip to National League rivals Eastleigh this weekend.
He told Chronicle Live: "It's something that's been rumbling on and it was nice for it to get sorted. It's sorted, cleared and we are good to go. It was never really a concern for me because they always told me it would be sorted and they understood why it was there."
"It's sorted so let's move forward now and keep looking forward to see how we can improve as a club."
New signings bolster squad
Cattermole has added several new faces to his squad during the summer months with the likes of former Sunderland youngster Tommy Lavery, Scottish defender Kyle Ferguson and New Zealand youth international Luke Supyk both joining the club.
The recruitment drive has continued in recent days with the addition of former Hull City and Boston United midfielder Rocco Coyle on a two-year deal and an attacking player is also on the verge of joining Cattermole's ranks ahead of Saturday's long trip to the South Coast.
The Heed boss reflected on what he described as a 'positive' period of recruitment during his first summer in charge at the International Stadium - and revealed the process is still ongoing.
He said: "My understanding is it's forever changing, you just don't get finished with that side of it. There are always opportunities to bring more in and there's always things happening during a season.
"I think that's a good thing but sometimes you aren't as keen to get it wrapped up and done. I'm just trying to move with the squad all of the time and I know where we are it.
"I'm constantly speaking to those at the club above me, the staff around me and the players to see where we are at and we know we can keep strengthening.
"The recruitment has been positive, I'm really happy with the people we have brought in and I would like more in - but we will see how that looks moving forward."
Focus on first game
After overseeing a busy pre-season, Cattermole is now solely focused on the first competitive fixture of his managerial career - and the former Sunderland captain admitted there is an excitement around the club over the challenge that lies in wait.
He said: "We have had five weeks preparing for the first game and it still feels like there's a rush going on - but that's the nature of the game and it's the same with any club.
"Everything builds up to that first game and we are all really excited for it."
