1) Formation and Roots
The club was formed in 1977, but it has its roots in South Shields Adelaide, who were formed in 1889. The club was formed and re-formed several times until the current incarnation, which has remained to this day.
2) Northern Premier League
The first six years after their formation were spent in the Northern Premier League, before they achieved promotion with a record points and goals tally.
3) Conference North
At the conclusion of the 2008/09 season, Gateshead finished in second place, qualifying for the playoffs. They beat Southport 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-final, and confirmed promotion to the Conference Premier with a 1-0 win in the final against Telford United.
4) Full-Time Staff
In October 2009, just after the start of the 2009/10 season, Gateshead announced their decision to move to employ a full-time playing squad for the beginning of the 2010/11 season.
5) Wembley
At the end of the 2012/13 season, Gateshead finished third in the Conference Premier, and thus qualified for the playoffs. A 4-2 aggregate win in the semi-final against Grimsby Town gave the Heed their first ever trip to Wembley. However, they fell 2-1 to Cambridge United in the final.
6) Stadium
Gateshead International Stadium can hold up to 12,000 people, and is the third largest in the region after Newcastle’s St. James’ Park and Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.
7) New Plans
In October 2009, alongside their announcement about employing a full-time playing squad, Gateshead also announced plans for a new stadium that would be built in the town centre. It is still being developed, and is yet to be named.
8) Local Rivalries
During their time in the Football League, Gateshead maintained local rivalries with Hartlepool United, Darlington, and Carlisle United. They also met Darlington for two seasons in the Conference Premier. Other rivalries include Byth Spartans, from their time in the Northern Premier League.
9) Largest Home Attendance
The biggest home crowd Gateshead International Stadium has seen was 8,144, who turned up for the Conference Premier playoff semi-final second leg, against Grimsby Town. The match finished 3-1 (making it 4-2 on aggregate), and catapulting the team to Wembley. A pitch invasion ensued amongst the celebrations.
10) Colours
The traditional colours of the club were actually claret and blue, used during a past incarnation. However, they now play in a white shirt and black shorts, but keep their traditional colours as an away kit.
Read more posts by Kelly Gilchrist
;
