One chapter closed at Heed - now it's time for an exciting new one
The contrasting emotions in the dressing rooms at the Jakemans Stadium in the immediate aftermath of the National League North play-off semi-final were all too evident.
Joy, elation and celebration oozed from the Boston United squad after they had battled their way past Gateshead to give themselves a chance to dine at non-league’s top table for the first time since 2002.
A highly impressive Altrincham side, fresh from a hardearned win at York City, stand in their way in what will be the final game at the historic home of the Pilgrims.
By contrast, with the sharp sting of defeat etched on their faces and bitter disappointment quietening their tone, Gates head players were visibly hurting as they said their final farewells for the season.
Mike Williamson stood pitchside as he eloquently dissected his side’s performance during the previous 90 minutes and over the last 11 months during his first foray into management.
There was a refreshingly open and honest criticism of his own performance during the defeat – but obvious pride in how his players, and the club as a whole, have evolved throughout a period of change at the International Stadium.
The events of the last 18 months at Gateshead have been well-documented regarding the club’s previous ownership. However, their actions did take one of the North East’s highest-ranked non-league clubs to the precipice and left the supporter-led consortium that seized control with an unenviable task of rebuilding and reinvigorating.
Naming Williamson and Ian Watson as their new management team was one of their first actions and the duo quicklyassembled a squad capable of competing in a division.
The Heed squad has evolved in terms of style of play, formation and in personnel throughout a season that has been largely positive.
Disappointing results against the likes of Blyth Spartans, Guiseley, Halesowen Town and Bradford Park Avenue shows that there is still room for improvement.
But in reaching the playoffs, even benefiting from the points per game method used to calculate the final standings, is an achievement in itself.
Using the events of last season as a yardstick shows that Gateshead have progressed on and off the pitch throughout the season.
Williamson admitted that his backroom staff and the club’s board are “learning on the job”, but they have proven that they are quick learners throughout the season.
If there is a positive for Williamson and Watson, it is that the foundations of their squad are already in place, unlike last summer when their hasty recruitment efforts were dictated by a takeover delayed by red tape through no fault of the new owners.
Progress has already been made after Greg Olley, Jordan Preston and Elliot Forbes committed, with Jack Hunter and George Smith added to the squad. However, with the benefit of a year in their roles, Williamson and club chairman Neil Pinkerton will know that they cannot fall back on the actions of the former owners if targets are not met next season. One chapter of controversyand anguish has been closed – and now it’s time for an exciting new chapter full of new challenges to begin.