Gateshead to launch ladies team for 2020-21 campaign

It is just over a year since the National League North club came underway supporter-led ownership and the board of directors are now looking to move on to the next stage of their development.

The formation of the club’s first ever ladies team is seen as a key part of their future and the Heed have confirmed that they are awaiting FA approval before entering a team into the Durham FA Development Division when the all-clear is given for competitive action to return.

A head coach has already been appointed as former East Durham Belles manager Michael Gray takes charge of the new side.

Club chairman Neil Pinkerton revealed that offering opportunities to players and coaches in the local community was the key driver behind the decision.

He said: “We want to give an opportunity for girls across the local community to get involved with Gateshead Football Club.

“And we also wanted to offer an opportunity to a local coach to lead this new team and we have done that with Michael.

“They were the main factors behind this decision, and it is another key move in the next chapter of the football club’s development.”

Meanwhile, Gateshead’s supporters have launched a ‘budget booster’ initiative to provide additional funds to former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson as he looks forward to his second season in management at the International Stadium.

The former Magpies centre-back helped the Heed stabilise in non-league’s second tier last season and they looked well placed to challenge for a play-off place when the campaign was curtailed in March.

The ‘Gateshead FC Budget Booster’ set an initial target of £10,000.

Tracie Wilson – secretary of the Gateshead Soul supporters’ group – told the club’s website: “We know times are hard for many people at the moment and the future is very uncertain, but the support and goodwill we have been shown so far has given everyone connected to the club a massive lift.

“We hope we can continue to back Mike Williamson and Ian Watson as they take us into the next chapter.”