Gateshead captain Scott Barrow is open to extending his stay

The Welsh wing-back has become a cult hero with the Heed Army since Neil Aspin brought him to Tyneside ahead of the 2017-18 season.

Barrow was a key part of the Heed side that reached the semi-final of the FA Trophy during his maiden season with the club and remained with the club throughout the tumultuous tenure of former owner Dr Ranjan Varghese.

It was Barrow that gave the first indication of trouble behind the scenes under the Hong Kong-based businessmen when he revealed to the Sunderland Echo that he had been offered to a number of National League clubs.

Although the 31-year-old was linked with a move to Hartlepool United and Harrogate Town following Gateshead’s enforced relegation into the National League North as punishment for financial irregularities, Barrow remained with the club and made 31 appearances before the coronavirus pandemic brought a halt to the season.

Despite the uncertainty over how the current campaign will be officially ended, and when the new season will get underway, Barrow stressed that he is keen to discuss staying with Gateshead.

He told The Echo: “I have made Gateshead a bit of a home and my aim is to get the back up this season.

“I have had a home throughout my career like Tamworth, but I never thought I would find a home like this so far from home in Wales.

“It’s the same with JJ (O’Donnell), we both miss our families, but we help each other.

“I want the club back in the National League because that would be one of the best achievements of my career.

“I’m 31 now, and I am probably the fittest I have ever been, but I know that I don’t have too many years left in my career.

“If Gateshead want me back, if the manager and chairman want me back and everyone still wants me, then I would be happy to talk about it.

“If they come calling, I would consider it 100% because I love the club and I want to make a name for myself here.”