CAN EARLY-BIRD ASPIN RIDE THE WAVE?

LIKE me, Neil Aspin can’t have seen too much of Euro 2016.The Gateshead manager has spent the month wheeling and dealing like Del Boy at a carboot sale.

No fewer than 13 new faces had pitched up at the International Stadium by the end of June, with Barnsley full-back George Smith the latest to arrive on Tyneside. Perceived wisdom dictates that glory is founded on a settled squad, but a well-timed overhaul, such as Aspin’s, can also work wonders.

Back in the summer of 2012, Charlton manager Chris Powell wielded the axe in similar fash- ion, recruiting an incredible 17 summer signings while ushering 13 others out the door.

At the time, few expected such a dramatic transition to succeed, yet speed was key.

All but four of Powell’s transfers were completed by July 1, leaving him six weeks to knock them into shape and work out what was missing.

The result was an explosive start.

The Addicks lost just once in their first 22 matches in League One, building a lead that even a mid-season wobble failed to derail. Powell’s men finished as champions.

That’s not to suggest Gateshead will follow suit.

All the speed in the world won’t compete with a budget like Forest Green’s.

But, while other clubs hang on for a bargain, Aspin’s quickfire work could just give Gateshead the edge in the early months of the season.

And, if they can ride that wave as Charlton did, who knows?