Football Season Guide

Gateshead

In


Nyal Bell (att), Rochdale), Reece Styche (att), Macclesfield), Manny Smith (def), Wrexham), Toby Ajala (mid), Torquay), George Smith (def), Barnsley), Wes York (att), Wrexham), Jamal Fyfield (def), Wrexham), Mitch Brundle (def), Braintree), Antony Sweeney (mid), Hartlepool), Liam Hogan (def), Tranmere), James Bolton (def), Halifax), Sam Johnson (gk), Port Vale - loan), Sam Jones (mid), Alfreton)

Out


Jamie Chandler (sp)(mid), Spennymoor), Jamie Marwood (sp)(mid), Josh Gillies (r)(mid), Darlington), Rob Ramshaw (sp)(mid), Matthew Pattison (r)(mid), Daren Holden (sp)(def), Simon Ramsden (r)(mid), James Curtis (r)(def), Spennymoor), Sam Russell (r)(gk), Forest Green), Craig Baxter (sp)(def), South Shields), Jon Shaw (r)(att), South Shields)

Gateshead are targeting the big time as Neil Aspin shapes up a new-look squad for the upcoming season. The Tynesiders fell badly off the mark in the play-off chase last season, even if they looked to be in a good position at one point, and the manager has been keen to have a full pre-season with the team and shape it his own image. He has been busy in the transfer market and has not shied away from releasing some established and well-liked players like James Curtis, Craig Baxter, Josh Gillies and Jon Shaw. He has been keen to bring fresh blood into the team and it cannot be denied that some of his signings look pretty impressive. Manny Smith is one of the best defenders in the league and has been followed by other former Wrexham players in Jamal Fyfield and Wes Yorl. A pretty good and versatile player in Mitch Brundle arrived from surprise package Braintree too whole Liam Hogan and Anthony Sweeney have Football League experience and should be fine acquisitions too. Sam Russell is a serious loss on goal as he was probably the team’s best player last season. Sam Johnson arrives as a replacement and while the Port Vale goalie is a decent player, he did suffer relegation from this division from Halifax this season. The midfield looks slightly weaker and lacking in image so far but Aspin will be confident that his team have what it takes to go the distance and reach the business end of the season very much in contention for the play-offs. Yet there are too many new faces and not enough standout quality to make Gateshead a true contender at the moment.

Target


Unlikely to go close to the play-offs place but they have a good coach and a few strong additions. Should be able to command a place between 12th and 8th.