Greg Olley has this message for his Gateshead teammates

Mike Williamson’s side saw their hopes of making an immediate return to the National League dashed last weekend when they were beaten in the National League North play-off semi-final by Boston United.

But the former Newcastle United defender has already began what should be a busy summer as he looks to continue building a squad capable of challenging towards the top end of non-league’s second tier once against next season.

Williamson and assistant manager Ian Watson have already secured the services of former Heed favourites George Smith and Jack Hunter and have also drawn up a shortlist and held discussions with other potential additions to their ranks.

Unlike last summer, when recruitment efforts were hampered by the red tape surrounding a supporter-led consortium’s takeover of the club, the foundations of a squad are already in place as Williamson looks to build on a steady first season in management.

Several current squad members have already committed to remaining at the International Stadium including centre-back Elliot Forbes, midfielder Nicky Deverdics and long-serving winger JJ O’Donnell.

Former Newcastle United and Hull City midfielder Olley has also put pen-to-paper on a new deal to extend his time with the Heed into a third season – and he believes that his side can put in another push for promotion if everyone connected to the club shows a united front once again.

He told The Echo: “It’s been very quick progress and it’s very good progress.

“For Mike (Williamson), Busted (Ian Watson) and all of the backroom staff to have done what they have done, in getting us into the play-offs is remarkable.

“All of Gateshead has been together, not even just the football club, it’s everyone getting involved now, which is what we need.

“That’s especially needed again when the new season starts and the fans come back.

“Hopefully we can carry on where we left off and have another good season.

“We have to stick together as a club and as a town.”