Stadium situation at an ‘impasse’ for the Heed
THE Chairman of Gateshead FC has said there has been no movement in the stadium dispute and that “the situation is at an impasse”.
It comes after the club were denied the chance to compete in the National League play-offs, after a dispute over the lease on the Gateshead International Stadium.
After they had secured their place in the top seven of the National League, a statement released by the National League on April 21 said that a leasing issue over the International Stadium had brought a halt to the Heed’s plans for the play-offs.
EFL regulations require member clubs to have a ten-year security of tender in place on their home stadium.
Gateshead Council have offered assurances that the club would be granted the 10-year-lease if promoted, but uncertainty over the venue’s future was deemed to be too great by football authorities, with the council in the process of seeking a new operator to take over the stadium in an effort to cut costs.
It came as a devastating blow for Gateshead, which has an FA Trophy final against Solihull Moors to prepare for later this month.
Club chairman Neil Pinkerton said: “The situation is at an impasse, but we have not exhausted all avenues and we want to make sure that we do so.
“It has been great to see the support from fans and we have been quite overwhelmed by the attention we have received both nationally and worldwide.
“I think that the situation can definitely be translated into a positive as we look ahead to Wembley, which is something that we have been talking about internally. Of course we won’t let the situation settle and want to do all that we can, but it is important that we don’t look at the FA Trophy as a consolation prize and ultimately we want to settle it on the pitch.”
Gateshead Council Service Director Michael Lamb said: “Whilst the announcement by the league is extremely regrettable and we understand the club’s disappointment, our priority is to ensure that we can provide sustainable and accessible leisure services for all our communities.
“We remain committed to working with all interested parties to achieve a positive resolution and will continue to advocate for the success of Gateshead Football Club.”