Firstly I would like to address the issue released in the press this afternoon.
We do have a situation with FIFA relating to a previous transfer from several years ago. This issue has been going on for some time, and as far as myself and other directors were concerned, the matter had been resolved.
However, we were informed today a FIFA registration ban that covers both domestic and international transfers had been imposed against us. Once I became aware, I contacted FIFA over the matter to identify what needs to be done to rectify and lift the ban and we should have it resolved swiftly.
This will not impact any planning we have in place with both manager and player recruitment.
We are working tirelessly to reorganise and restructure the football club from top to bottom, so work can continue with building the team on and off the pitch for next season.
Following the departure of Carl Magnay as first team manager, we have been inundated with applications with a range of calibre and experience. We are currently vetting them as an ongoing process, and we will be assessing these applicants over the weekend so we can shortlist those of interest for interview early next week. We hope to be in a position to appoint a new manager by the end of next week.
I would also like to take this opportunity to confirm the departure of Luke Clark as Head of Recruitment. We thank him for his valuable assistance over the last few seasons, as well as thanking him with his help as we transition to a new structure and look to move forward.
His role was part time, but his work ethic and experience has been invaluable to the football club and he has made his stamp via the quality of players he identified for us. He provided the club with a dedicated scouting network, alongside support from David Bujara, to support our growing recruitment structure. Luke will still be helping us in the background during this transitional period.
Lastly regarding other club departures, we wish our club doctor Ross Floyd all the best for his hard work over the years as he departs the club for personal reasons. Ross has supported the club since our return to the National League, and will support the club in recruiting a new club doctor.
We are in discussions with the players indicated in our retained list, as well as in discussions with others, to build a competitive squad for the forthcoming season and we are confident that this rebuild will produce a competitive squad.
Off the pitch, there is an ongoing review of our backroom setup, with which we are well underway. With this in mind, I would like to take this opportunity to confirm the return of Mike Coulson as our General Manager.
Mike is no stranger to Gateshead FC, having held a variety of key roles over many years and stints at the Heed, not least over the last season supporting with Football Administration.
He will work closely with Simon Johnson in overseeing football operations to make sure that we deliver what is needed so the lads can do their bit on the pitch, as well as strengthening and rebuilding Gateshead Ladies which will see closer ties with Gateshead College.
Work continues with a full review of all procedures and practices so that the club can support the new manager when they are appointed.
We are also in the final stages of planning our pre-season fixtures, and this should be released in the next few days once the final few clubs confirm. We will then post out a full schedule with relevant ticketing information.
Along with this, we hope to have our season ticket pricing structure announced, and they are due to be made available to purchase within the coming weeks.
There still are many challenges that lie ahead, but I am thankful to the many people who have offered assistance which make those challenges less daunting. I aim to make regular updates when the time is appropriate and thank you all for your patience.
I am sure we will come together in true Gateshead style and make this a club to be proud of.
Bernard McWilliams
Chairman of Gateshead Football Club
