Former Sunderland and Middlesbrough midfielder Lee Cattermole is preparing for his first season in charge of National League club Gateshead.

Lee Cattermole is pressing on with plans for his first season in charge of Gateshead and has his sights set on next Saturday’s pre-season friendly with Newcastle United.

The former Sunderland and Middlesbrough midfielder has overseen a win at Northern League club Blyth Town and draws at Hebburn Town and Heaton Stannington over the last week as his side prepare for the new National League season. Although the Heed are currently working with the Football Association and FIFA to resolve a registration ban imposed upon them, the situation is not expected to hamper Cattermole’s attempts to add further new faces to his squad.

Lee Cattermole has been named as manager of National League club Gateshead (photo Jack McGraghan) | Jack McGraghan

placeholder image — Lee Cattermole has been named as manager of National League club Gateshead (photo Jack McGraghan) | Jack McGraghan

As it stands, former Sunderland youngster Tommy Lavery is the only new addition to the Heed ranks - but Cattermole is working to strengthen in a number of areas ahead of the friendly with the Magpies. The Heed has reflected positively on what his squad has produced over the first fortnight of pre-season and is confident he will have them in shape for the opening day visit to Eastleigh.

He said: “We chucked the Heaton friendly in and that was a good test on a long pitch. They were a big, physical team, they loaded our box, it was like a cup tie and it was great seeing the lads stand up to that. Hebburn was similar and we moved the ball brilliantly at times. You could see a lot of stuff we have been working on and there is a team being shaped there. I don’t like saying it’s just pre-season because there is work to be done and we need to prepare. We know where we are at, teams will be well-drilled and we will be the same. We are sure we can get it right.”

Meanwhile, Gateshead and National League North neighbours Spennymoor Town have confirmed their pre-season friendly on Saturday, August 1 will be a testimonial fixture for Moors stalwart Rob Ramshaw. The midfielder, who started his career at Gateshead, will donate proceeds from the game and a Golf Day in September will go to St Cuthbert’s Hospice and Willow Burn Hospice.

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