On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the unwavering and loyal backing given to us by our wonderful fans during what has been one of the most difficult things to deal with since I became chairman.
We understand that fans have been left frustrated that we were unable to communicate to you what was going on behind the scenes, however there were wider implications which prevented us from doing so.
Witnessing your support and seeing you commit your hard-earned money and time to Gateshead Football Club makes us realise just how fortunate we are to be custodians of this club, and we will continue to do our very best for the club and its supporters.
Our exclusion from the play-offs was naturally a bitter pill to swallow for everyone connected with the football club.
Mike Williamson and Ian Watson put in a lot of work putting the foundations in place over their memorable reign before Rob Elliot, Carl Magnay and Louis Storey then put their own stamp on things to guide us expertly throughout the remainder of what was a memorable season on and off the pitch.
We had confidence and belief that we could have made a successful push for promotion via the play-offs had we been given an opportunity to compete.
The calibre of the opposition we would have faced meant the challenges that were lying in wait were significant, and that is why we strengthened the squad towards at the end of the season, in readiness to face those challenges.
We also know that there is a need for clarity over the situation with Gateshead International Stadium, and we appreciate there is understandable concern and a burning desire for further updates.
We attended the National League AGM last weekend and were shown unprecedented support from the National League and from those participating in it. We were able to place on record at the meeting our thanks to the National League Board and management for their support over this very difficult and complex situation, something they had not previously encountered in the past, and something which required them to seek their own legal advice.
The National League are working with the EFL that would mean the entry qualifications for National League clubs to the EFL would be changed in the very near future.
The Board are working tirelessly to ensure that we will never be in that situation again, and we are working with Gateshead Council to ensure that any new criteria would be acceptable to them.
We are also working on a plan B, which could see a move away from Gateshead International Stadium, but would ensure that our club, players, supporters and fans alike would be able to be part of a club that should we reach promotion in the future, we would be eligible.
It is perhaps worth remembering that over the last five years the club has survived, become champions of the National League North, gained promotion to the National League, achieved a top six berth, had two cup finals at Wembley and lifted the FA Trophy.
Wembley is still fresh in the mind, and seeing everyone connected with the club doing our town and our region proud on one of the biggest stages in world football will live with us for the rest of our lives. These are moments for those fortunate enough to be in attendance and for those watching from afar, to pass on from generation to generation.
It has been an absolute pleasure to be able to take the FA Trophy to many of the schools throughout the Borough of Gateshead and to fully engage the children in our great club.
During the close season, we continue to work to strengthen our management team and playing squad to build upon what we already have. I hope we can go into 2024/25 with as much enthusiasm and ambition as we ended 2023/24.
Once again, on behalf of the Board, I would like to put on record our thanks for your continued and loyal support.
Kind regards,
Neil Pinkerton
Chairman
On behalf of the Board of Directors
