Captain Barrow departs Gateshead after three seasons

Gateshead captain Scott Barrow is to leave the club after three seasons at the International Stadium.

It was former Heed manager Neil Aspin that brought the Welsh wing-back to Tyneside in the summer of 2017 and he established himself as a key player at the club during an impressive first season.

He signed a new one-year deal at the end of the campaign and he became captain of a new-look Heed squad that defied the off-field issues surrounding the club to challenge for a play-off place in the National League.

It was Barrow that spoke out over those issues when he revealedthatformerownerDr Ranjan Varghese and his controversial financial advisor Joseph Cala had offered his services to a number of clubs.

Gateshead were relegated intotheNationalLeagueNorth lastsummerastheFootballAssociationpunishedtheclubfor financial irregularities under their former owners – but Barrow solidified his position as a firm favourite with the Heed Army when he signed another one-year deal.

However, his time with the club is now over after Gateshead confirmed that he would be released at the end of his contract along with defender Toby Lees, midfielder Connor

Oliver and forward Connor Thomson.

In an emotional social media post, Barrow said: “Didn’t think it would come down to this but my time at Gateshead has come to an end.

“Really disappointed and lostforwords.Firstoff,Iwould like to thank the club, great memoriesandgreatgoals.Was anhonourtoplayforthebadge andanhonourtobecaptainfor the past two seasons.

“The last three seasons was the best group of lads I’ve ever played with, was an honour to be your captain in the last two seasons. Going to miss the changing room a lot.

“To the fans – I don’t know where to start. Thank you for looking after me for the past three seasons.

“For taking a Welshman into your family, supporting me throughtoughtimesattheclub and for the amazing bond we havebecausethat’swhatmakes the club special.

“It’s a family club run by the supporters. Onto the next chapter, wherever it will be.”

Paul Blackett has become the latest player to commit his future to Gateshead after agreeing a new one-year deal at the International Stadium.

Gateshead have also completed the signing of left-back George Smith, after he agreed to a second spell at the club.