Carlisle United and ex-Gateshead defender opens up on club's upturn in fortunes ahead of friendly clash

The young defender was a key member of the Heed squad that made light of off-field distractions to challenge for a National League play-off during the 2018/19 season.

Despite the controversial ownership of Dr Ranjan Varghese and Joseph Cala taking the club to the brink, the Heed took their brave battle to the last weekend of the season - before their weakened squad succumbed to defeats against Harrogate Town and Barrow.

Mellish’s form during the season earned him a move to League Two club Carlisle United and he watched from afar as his former club were relegated into the National League North before being rescued by a supporter-led consortium.

He will make his first return to the International Stadium on Tuesday night when his current and former employers meet in a behind closed doors friendly.

Ahead of the game, Mellish described his happiness at seeing Gateshead back on solid foundations.

He told The Echo: “It’s great to see Gateshead on the up again because we obviously went through a tough time in my last season at the club.

“A lot of hard work went into that season despite everything going on behind the scenes.

“It wasn’t great what happened after the season finished but the supporters worked hard to save their club.

“The players and staff are a big part of the community and that probably started because of what went on during that season.

“Obviously it was disappointing that they didn’t get back up in the play-offs - but hopefully they can get up this season.”

Tuesday’s game will see Mellish take his place in a much-changed United squad.

The addition of former Gateshead goalkeeper Paul Farman on Monday took the telly of new signings made by Cumbrians manager Chris Beech into double figures.

Mellish believes that his side will face a tough test at the International Stadium.

“I’m not sure how it will feel going into the away dressing room to be fair,” he joked.

“We’ve obviously made a number of signings over the last few weeks but they have all added quality to the squad.”