‘Let’s give stars a real promotion celebration’
CHAIRMAN Neil Pinkerton wants a bumper turn-out got Gateshead’s promotion party on Saturday when they host Hereford.
The Tynesiders clinched the Vanarama National League North title at Chorley on Monday with a victory, ending their three-year exile from non-league football’s top tier.
Gateshead’s final game of a memorable campaign has now been designated an all-ticket fixture.
Tickets are available from the club’s website with all under-16s gaining free entry. The ticket office at the International Stadium will also be open between 4.00 and 6.00, with interest in the game high.
Gateshead need just three goals to bring up a century of league strikes, a feat they are aiming to achieve for just the third time in the club’s 92-year history.
Mike Williamson’s men haven’t been out of the top two since January 10 and have been the division’s frontrunners for all but one week since the start of February.
Chairman Pinkerton will be on hand to see Gateshead presented with the National League North trophy after the final whistle.
He is keen for as many as possible to be part of what will be a carnival atmosphere as the Tynesiders look to sign off a remarkable campaign in style.
“We are excited to celebrate what has been a phenomenal season alongside our supporters,” said Pinkerton.
“The players and coaching staff have defied the odds to earn automatic promotion back to the National League.
“Saturday will be an historic moment for the club as we lift the National League North trophy.
“The club is challenging all supporters and the North East to break all attendance records.
“We want to give the team a reception worthy of champions in the final game of the season this weekend.”
Captain marvel Greg Olley will be handed the trophy and is keen for his side to round off the season with a win.
“I’m super proud of what we have achieved considering all we have been through over the last four years,” said the former Newcastle academy graduate and Hull City midfielder.
“We have deserved to get promoted and it feels so good to be back where we belong in the National League.
“It’s good that we have got the job done and we want to win the final game against Hereford.
“That is the mentality Mike Williamson has set. We are going to enjoy it and Saturday should be a really good occasion for everyone.”
For player-manager Williamson it will be the first trophy of his fledgling managerial career, the former Magpies defender a revelation in the Tynesiders hot seat.
We have deserved to get promoted and it feels so good to be back where we belong in the National League. It’s good that we have got the job done Greg Olley