Shrimpers get the full Monty, but Heed want him to stay
GATESHEAD goalkeeper James Montgomery is the envy of his Heed team-mates. The rest of the Tynesiders’ squad is ticking over on a flexi-furlough scheme after their season was curtailed.
Talks for an interim National League North/South League continue, despite an earlier vote declaring the sixth tier null and void.
Montgomery, meanwhile, answered a late SOS call to join League Two strugglers Southend United on Monday.
The Wearsider duly linked up with the Shrimpers on an emergency seven-day loan.
Because of a knee injury and the league ending, the former England C gloveman had played only once in the last four months.
Nevertheless, he went straight into the Southend side for Tuesday’s game at Cheltenham Town.
Montgomery was beaten only once, by a second-half penalty, as Cheltenham hit the top of the table with a 1-0 win.
Southend remain third bottom ahead of today’s trip to Oldham Athletic.
Despite a lack of game time, and far from ideal preparation, Montgomery rose to the occasion in midweek.
Southend boss Mark Molesley said:
“I was really pleased with Montgomery.
“Considering we only met him prematch he looked very assured.
“He handled the occasion well as he turned up for the game without knowing anyone’s names.”
With two of their goalkeepers injured, Montgomery only received the call to arms on Monday afternoon.
He said: “I was second in line to go to Southend for a week but my agent had alerted me to the possibility.
“I was given the green light to head south but didn’t get there until 2am, which wasn’t ideal.
“I did not know anyone at Southend and only met everyone in the changing room before the game.
“For me it was the chance to play in the Football League again and apart from the penalty it went well.”
The 26-year-old spent the rest of the week holed up in a Southend hotel and expects to play again today.
Preparation will be better for this one, Montgomery afforded the luxury of two days’ training with his temporary team-mates.
He added: “I’ll be making my own way to Oldham and will then head back to the North East after the game.
“The injuries to their goalkeepers aren’t major ones so that might be it, unless they need to extend the loan.”
Montgomery is hoping his only other appearance at Boundary Park in January 2019 will be a good omen.
He recalled: “I kept a clean sheet for Forest Green Rovers in a 0-0 draw at Oldham and am looking for another with Southend.
“It is also my 20th EFL game, which is a nice personal record as playing in the league was always an aim.”
The last three years have been blighted by injury with Montgomery’s future, like all Heed players, still to be decided.
Gateshead player-manager Mike Williamson, however, is keen to retain the talented keeper’s services.
He said: “I’m pleased Monty has had the chance to play for Southend.
“It’s a good opportunity for him and no surprise he did well on his debut.
“He is one of the players we want to keep at Gateshead as he’s been a great influence on and off the pitch.”
Montgomery, though, was noncommittal on what lies ahead.
He added: “It’s a tough one because I want to play at the highest level possible.
“I have spoken briefly to the manager but next season is a long time away. Circumstances change but I want to play football and be happy.”
For me it was the chance to play in the Football League again and apart from the penalty it went well. James Montgomery