Returning to Gateshead has given Adam Campbell ‘a new lease of life’ on the pitch.
The forward has been ever-present in Mike Williamson’s starting 11 since re-signing in the summer – over six years after he first joined the club on loan from Newcastle United as a 20-year-old.
Campbell has started all but one game in his 12 appearances this season, scoring two goals and recording three assists as part of a three-pronged strike force alongside Macaulay Langstaff and Cedwyn Scott.
“This season has been like a new lease of life for me,” he said.
“I had two years in part time football before coming back to Gateshead, and now that I’m back I’m fully embracing it.
“I’m enjoying coming into work every day and I’m trying my best to get as fit as possible to help us get to where we want to be as a team come the end of the season.”
Photo: Charlie Waugh
Gateshead sit fourth in the Vanarama National League North ahead of this weekend’s fixtures and have won six from six on home soil in all competitions so far.
The postponement of Saturday’s home fixture against Brackley Town leaves Campbell and company with an extended break following Tuesday’s Emirates FA Cup win over Marske United – a result which the forward had confidence in getting over the line.
“We had to grind out results in the FA Cup games against Marske,” he added.
“Anyone who watched both games will know that the first was a bit of a carnival atmosphere at their ground.
“We were always confident we could get the job done if we brought them back to our place where we’d be able to play our football a little better, and we showed the attacking intent that we wanted to show in the first game in Tuesday’s replay.
“The first round draw has handed us a tough tie against Altrincham and it will likely be the toughest game we’ve had so far.
“Both sides will be going into it expecting to win, but we feel confident in the way we’re playing at the moment.”
Campbell’s role in the side, largely on the right side of the front three, has rarely seen him static off the ball with a high-pressing style indicative of the manner in which his side want to control games.
“Something that Mike wanted from us as a team from the get go was to be one of the fittest teams in the league, pressing from the front,” said Campbell.
“Everyone in the squad has the mindset of starting fast and sharp from the first whistle.
“It takes time to get used to a new team and tactics, but I feel I’m settling in quite nicely now and understanding more about the way Mike wants me to play.”
Campbell added his second goal of the season in Tuesday’s replay against Marske in a high-energy performance which saw him named as the Modular Man of the Match.
Although adding to his goal tally remains on the agenda for the 26-year-old, he admits only one thing matters at the end of the day.
“It’s a bit of cliché, but if the team is winning then that’s all that really matters.
“From a personal point of view, if we’re winning and I’m playing then there’s something I’m doing right to contribute to that, but hopefully the goals can keep coming for me.”
