Stadium upgrades for Tynesiders in off season

GATESHEAD will have a new playing surface and lights when they return to the National League after a three-year absence.

The pitch at the International Stadium has been ripped up and re-turfed, while new LED lights are set to be installed next month.

The floodlights had deteriorated so much that less than 50% of the lights were working last season.

The floodlights are required to be up to A standard for the National League and they currently have a B certificate.

As a promoted club Gateshead have special dispensation and will be allowed to play in the top level of non-league football.

They must, however, have an A grade lighting system in place by March 31 next year or they will be demoted at the end of the season.

Chairman Neil Pinkerton said: “The council have got a work passage and we will have new bulbs put in, which will make a big difference.

“At the moment the lights aren’t up to Football League standard, but there is no issue in taking our place in the National League.”

While the pitch and floodlight upgrade are in place replacing the East Stand roof is proving to be a long, drawn-out process.

Plans are in place to install a new roof for the 4,000-capacity stand where away fans are located, but there is no timescale.

“The issue is with the previous contractors and the council,” added Pinkerton. “That is a situation I can’t comment on. But it has to be done. It is just a matter of time, and it will be good to have both sides of the stadium covered again.”

Gateshead FC are paying for the pitch replacement themselves and both Pinkerton and player-manager Mike Williamson are looking forward to the new surface.

“It’s almost a decade since the pitch was last dug up and replaced, and but for Covid it would have been done by now,” said Pinkerton. “The pitch looks great from a distance but it had some issues, which were not unexpected – it didn’t stop us winning the league, though.”

A good playing surface is essential. They got that in the first half of the season at the International Stadium, but the second half was more challenging.

Williamson said: “The pitch was in poor condition after Christmas, so it’s good news that we’re able to put a new one down.”