Gateshead to remain full-time

Gateshead FC's new Operations Director Michael Williams has outlined the club's aims and vision following last week's takeover, which includes remaining a full-time professional club.

The following statement has been released by Williams via the club:

The takeover of Gateshead Football Club last week has brought with it an exciting five-year plan.

A five-year plan to create an established, League Two level, secure and self-sustaining football club. One which prides itself on its openness and transparency with fans, one that can be built on ethical and moralistic principles. We want to build a club that is a beacon of the local community, one that works in unison with the fans and a club with a true winning culture that both the fans and the town of Gateshead can be proud of.

As Dr Varghese oversees things from afar as owner, my role at Gateshead as operations director is to manage the day to day running of the club. I will be based at the International Stadium, working closely and personally with the club's management and backroom staff, moving towards a vision that will bring success and sustainability to the club.

Gateshead Football Club will continue as a full-time professional football club, operating this season with a modest budget and a young, hungry and competitive side.

Our primary aim at Gateshead FC is to become a sustainable, dynamic, entertaining and community engaged football club. A club rooted in its own communities, respectful of its heritage and represents the town of Gateshead with pride.

We need to be able to draw support from a diverse, inclusive range of fans which we will be working and engaging with as they are the bedrock and heartbeat of the club.

We want a side that plays to entertain at the highest level possible with passion, skill, integrity and a constant desire to win.

After speaking with Steve Watson, our club will continue to develop its strong focus on youth development, especially with those from the North East.

We have recruited a fine selection of young, local and highly motivated players which fits in perfectly with our aims to become a club that the region can be proud of and passionate about.

The club will look to maintain and develop, good, progressive and mutually beneficial relationships with local business and suppliers and be transparent in all its activities, welcoming feedback from all stakeholders, fans and commercial partners.

The International Stadium will have a positive atmosphere in which all staff are motivated to excel and embrace the overall club ethos, philosophy and vision.

We want to ensure that the club is developed, managed and marketed both on and off the field, to the highest standards achievable at all times.

Ultimately, our vision is to create our own unique club DNA, one that everyone can embrace, promote and be proud of.

“Alone we can do so little. Together, we can do so much.” - Helen Keller

“You can’t build a great building on a weak foundation. You must have a solid foundation if
you’re going to have a strong superstructure.” - Gordon B. Hinckley