Heed determined to silence the doubters
SQUAD TIPPED TO GO DOWN HAS POINT TO PROVE - BOSS
STEVE Watson has urged his newlook Gateshead squad to prove the doubters wrong – starting at Maidenhead United tomorrow.
Seventeen players have departed the international Stadium and 12 have come in so far, two of those on loan from Middlesbrough.
Boro pair Aynsley Pears and Luke Armstrong will look to do the business at both ends of the pitch, Pears in goal and Armstrong up top.
Former Newcastle defender Mike Williamson could yet sign for the Tynesiders while ex-Carlisle striker Steven Rigg has been on trial.
Gateshead are 11/10 joint favourites to be relegated along with Barrow and Solihull Moors after their playing budget was halved.
Manager Watson has placed his faith in youth, mainly local, and believes his side can confound the doubters.
He said: “The bookies’ odds just make us more determined to prove people wrong - and that starts on the opening day at Maidenhead.
“We are a tight group with a lot of spirit. We are all in it together and have a siege mentality.”
With Player of the year Scott Barrow not returning until September, Watson is hoping Fraser Kerr is able to shrug off a knock. The former Motherwell defender, at 25 one of the senior players, has missed the last few friendlies along with former Magpie Jack Hunter. “I am hoping both will be fit as squad numbers are tight,” added Watson, “and we are hoping international clearance comes through for Tom Devitt.” Devitt has been playing in America and if he or Kerr miss out rising star Jon Mellish, outstanding in pre-season, will play at the heart of the defence.
Gateshead beat Maidenhead 10-1 on aggregate last season, including a 3-0 in Berkshire last November.
Unlike last season they will not benefit from an overnight stay due to cut-backs, so it is a 6.00 departure for a 300-mile trip which will take more than six hours.
Watson admitted: “It is not idealbut it is what it is.
“We will have two or three stops on the way down and there will be no excuses – we will be ready to go and hopefully get a result.
“We played very well in the two games against Maidenhead last year, but it is a new season and both sides will be different.”
Gateshead follow up the trip with home games next week against Salford City and Dover Athletic.