Gateshead bosses 'overwhelmed' by response as supporters look to raise £10,000 towards playing budget

Gateshead supporters are helping to raise funds for their club.

The National League North club are currently preparing to move into their second year under the ownership of a supporter-led consortium.

However, much like many other clubs around the country, they are having to contend with the financial restraints imposed on them by the ongoing coronavirus epidemic.

The Heed supporters have rallied behind their club by launching a ‘budget booster’ to help managerial team Mike Williamson and Ian Watson as they look to build a squad capable of helping challenging at the top end of the National League North next season.

The ‘Gateshead FC Budget Booster’ officially launched on Sunday evening with an initial target of raising £10,000 for the club and the fundraising total was already set to surpass £4,000 by Monday lunchtime.

Heed chairman Neil Pinkerton believes that the supporters initiative will provide the club with some much-needed assistance as they look to safely navigate their way through a challenging time.

He said: “The football club has been overwhelmed and the support that has come in through this fans initiative is fantastic.

“The supporters are the heartbeat of the club and in this current situation, where workers are furloughed and we’re ever more reliant on loyal volunteers, the impact the supporters are having on morale and the finances is going to directly benefit Mike (Williamson) and Ian (Watson).

“We have come a long way since March and the income that we budgeted for was significant in the latter part of the season, so we have had to adjust our forecasting and budgeting accordingly.

“That overlaps into pre-season, so this initiative set up by the supporters is essential.

“Everyone at the club, Mike (Williamson) and Ian (Watson), myself and the board are so appreciative of their hard work.

“The fans will get to see directly how they have impacted the club by what is produced on the pitch next season.

“This perfectly highlights the strong bond between supporters and the football club.

“We thank the supporters and the local community for their loyalty as we move into the next chapter of our football club and we hope we can bring you some positive and uplifting news over the coming days.”

Pinkerton also revealed that the club are keen to continuing providing support in the the local community during the coronavirus epidemic.

Heed legend Ben Clark has provided several messages via social media and the club’s foundation have provided support through their ‘Heed at Home’ initiative as they invite anyone that is struggling during lockdown to get in touch.

“Whilst these difficult times may continue for a period of time, the club is there for everyone,” explained Pinkerton.

“Whether that is reaching out to the foundation and Ben Clark, needing help or support, or just wanting a chat about football, we are there to help.

“We realise that the football club has a responsibility to be there for the community and our supporters and we will continue to do that throughout these tough times.”