Seven-game pre-season for Tynesiders

GATESHEAD’S players, old and new, face a baptism of fire when preparations for the new season get underway.

Strikers Tom Allan, released by Newcastle, Lewis Knight and defender Kenton Richardson are the new additions to the Vanarama National League North champions’ squad.

More signings are on the way with the Heed monitoring Harrogate Town’s transfer-listed front man Aaron Martin.

Giant Newcastle United goalkeeper Dan Langley is expected to join Gateshead in a season-long loan.

The Heed have other irons in the fire ahead of what is a demanding start to their planned seven-game warm-up schedule.

They kick off at Championship newcomers Sunderland on Saturday in a 60-minute training game against Alex Neil’s men.

That will take place behind closed doors at the Academy of Light at 11am, the Black Cats then taking on Blyth Spartans in the afternoon.

After a second week of training Gateshead will head across the Tyne to face rejuvenated Premier League neighbours Newcastle United.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe will use the fixture to give his first team squad a run out against Tyneside’s other black-and-whites.

Once again the game at United’s Benton training complex is behind closed doors – and it will be a daunting occasion for Mike Williamson’s men.

Player-manager Williamson is one of eight players in the Gateshead squad with connections to Newcastle United.

The big defender, 39 in November, made 169 appearances for the Magpies during his seven years at St. James’ Park – all but one in the Premier League.

While Gateshead then head across town to face Dunston FC three days later when Newcastle jet off for a week-long training camp in Austria.

Gateshead, meanwhile, have confirmed that their pre-season friendly against League Two outfit Harrogate Town on Saturday, July 23 will take place at the International Stadium.