HEED GET A BOOST AS BARROW STAYS PUT
WHAT price loyalty ? A trait so often lacking in the game today this week manifested itself against the odds on the banks of the Tyne.
After a troubled summer, Gateshead’s roll call on the first day of pre-season training numbered just eight.
A raft of trialists boosted numbers in typically baking conditions, but it’s what happened after the session that gave the Heed a huge boost.
Last season’s Player of the Year Scott Barrow had been courted by several National League clubs, including Harrogate, Halifax and Hartlepool.
Tentative interest had also been expressed by Football League outfits Crewe and Morecambe.
The Welshman could have picked up more money by leaving Gateshead and had the incentive of a two-year offer from north-east rivals Hartlepool.
The Heed had gone seven weeks since the 2017/18 campaign ended unable to sign or re-sign any players after a takeover bid fell through.
A mass exodus of players meant Scottish defender Fraser Kerr and left-sided schemer JJ O’Donnell were the only senior players still at the club.
The signing of versatile former Heed loanee Robbie Tinkler from Middlesbrough on a permanent basis lifted spirits.
But with last season’s ever-present Paddy McLaughlin then opting to join Hartlepool, all eyes were on former Newport County defender Barrow.
The 29-year-old had spent the first half of the summer playing cricket back in his native Swansea as he waited for the situation at Gateshead to be resolved.
It wasn’t the outcome Barrow or manager Steve Watson hoped for with the budget more than halved – but the talented left-back still committed.
“With the situation the club is in, I couldn’t walk away,” said Barrow. “I’m a loyal person and had a great first year on Tyneside.
“I really enjoyed it and and took my game to a new level, scoring four goals and contributing ten assists.
“The budget has been massively reduced but it’s not part-time football as we are training four days a week, just as we did last season.”
Two of Barrow’s four goals, all from outside the box, came against Hartlepool on Boxing Day. He admitted Pools were a pull.
“They came straight in for me after the season ended and offered me a good deal, as did Harrogate,” added Barrow. “Hartlepool did intrigue me and made me think.
“But with Steve Watson remaining at Gateshead and my terms staying the same, it was a no-brainer to stay at Gateshead and give it a fight. “I could have earned more money by moving on, but I’ve always been loyal and I have a great relationship with the fans.
“Anything can happen over the next year. Hopefully the club will be taken over and we can push on, but it’s going to be a challenge.
“The next few weeks are massive. It’s all about bringing the right players in and being ready to go next month.
“If we stay up it will be a fantastic achievement given that we’ll have the smallest budget. It’s all about the dressing room.
“The organisation and work ethic all have to be spot on. There’s no pressure so we can go out and enjoy ourselves – anything can happen.”
Gateshead open their 11th consecutive fifthtier campaign at Maidenhead and then take on big spending title favourites Salford in their first home game.
That will be a clash between the haves and have nots. But at least Barrow has given the cash-strapped Heed a lift.