James Montgomery and Greg Olley reflected on a day they believe Gateshead can take pride in as the club were recognised at the 2024 North East Football Writers Association Awards for reaching the 2023 FA Trophy final
Gateshead received special recognition at Ramside Hall last Sunday night following the historic exploits of the 2022/23 season, progressing to the FA Trophy final for the first time in the club’s history while also making a second-ever Wembley Stadium appearance.
“It was a good season, although we didn’t get the success we wanted in the end,” Montgomery told Mark Carruthers.
“I think we can all take pride in the day we gave the community on that day in May.
“It was very special – I think you can tell from all of the photos where my head was at!
Photo: Emilio Kirtley
“I was just absolutely buzzing to be on that grass to be honest, but I’m sure if we get there this time around I might have a little more of a serious head on.
“We’re hoping to achieve more this year, and hopefully give them two successful days this time around.”
Montgomery made his Wembley bow alongside Heed captain Greg Olley, who became one of two players to lead Gateshead out at the home of football after Ben Clark did so in the 2014 Skrill Premier play-off final.
The midfielder has been absent for almost four months through injury, and is now mere weeks away from returning to full fitness as his side compete to reach the FA Trophy final once more as well as finish in the National League play-off places.
“The club has just come on leaps and bounds since the first year I was here,” said Olley.
“The group is ever-changing at Gateshead, I don’t think we’ve ever had a settled team.
Photo: Emilio Kirtley
“Last year was a bit similar when we had a few leave in January and a few come in, and that’s just the way it goes, but I think we’ve adapted at every point.
“As Monty has said, [Wembley] is a really special place to play football and it does make you want to go back and play there again, even more so when you lose.”
