Heed Confirm They Will Play Part Time Football Next Term

The Heed have been unable to secure fresh investment and chairman Richard Bennett says it is important the club are practical.

Gateshead have been full-time since their promotion into the top tier of Non-League football but Steve Watson and his squad will operate as semi-professionals next season.

A club statement revealed the reasons why the steps have been taken.

Bennett said: “I met with the potential buyers following the meeting with the National League and it quickly became clear that they had been withholding important information from us during the due diligence process.

“It’s very disappointing for everyone involved especially given the work that has gone into this.

“First and foremost in our minds is the long-term future of the club and Julie and I have decided to continue our ownership until such time as a credible buyer can be found. Someone who, in our opinion, is right for the club.

“However, we simply cannot afford to continue running the club on a full-time basis in the meantime and regrettably cuts in all areas of expenditure are a necessity.

“Naturally, we’ll look to remain competitive at the highest level of non-league football but we’ll need to become one of a growing number of part-time clubs in the national division.

“We fully realise that this isn’t the outcome anyone was looking for but we strongly believe it’s important that the town of Gateshead maintains its football club.

“We hope that everyone understands the situation and gets behind the club wherever and however possible to ensure this set-back is merely temporary.”