Gateshead FC Ladies manager Carl Morrison says he is thinking ahead following a “transitional season” for the lasses this year.
The team finished seventh in the NERWFL Northern Division, with a mixed record of seven wins, four draws and nine defeats – plus a goal difference of exactly zero.
Despite this, the Heed did mount a successful Women’s FA Cup charge, which saw the lasses knock out NERWFL Premier Division outfit Hartlepool United Women en route to the first round proper.
“It’s been very much a transitional season for us,” he reflected.
“Our focus for this football club is long term. This season we have implemented how we want to play, while also embedding a group of young players into the first team from our very talented U16s team.
“Apart from the Sunderland [U23s Women] games, I don’t think we have been ‘outplayed’ in any game this season, however fine margins have always seemed to go against us.”
That FA Cup run is perhaps the standout moment for Morrison when he looks back on the season just gone.
Although the Heed were knocked out at the next hurdle to Alnwick Town Ladies (who they pushed to extra time nonetheless), he can be proud of how the team performed to get to that stage.
Morrison continued: “Our biggest success this season for me was our FA Cup run.
“The girls gave everything, [they] showed amazing commitment and character during the whole run and were very unfortunate to be knocked out in extra time due to a dubious penalty decision.”
The manager remains confident heading into summer, and by extension next season, as the team looks set to strengthen on and off the pitch.
“There has been lots to reflect on and learn from this season,” he shared, “and once we do that, I’m sure it will put us in a stronger position going into next season.
“We’re looking to add to our coaching staff during the summer as well as looking to bolster the current squad by adding some ambitious players to the group.”
Gateshead FC Ladies will be holding open day trials to recruit new players ahead of next season.
