(19 May 2014, 8:29 am)Andreos Constantopolous wrote I have been going on and off for years - being a 'regular' this season. Probably would have been cheaper buying a season ticket, but would never have anticipated going as often or having a trip to Wembley.
A couple of lads I went with, were watching their first ever Gateshead game and are now converts.
They got caught right up in the atmosphere.
I think I mentioned a week or two ago, that I will always support Newcastle and they will always be my team, but appreciate the effort and teamwork that Gateshead have.
The fact Cambridge parked the bus and had two rigid lines in midfield and defence, tells me that they were worried about Gateshead and had to adapt their gameplan to suit the opposition.
The topic of Torquay and Bristol Rovers was discussed on the bus.
The general consensus was that we had no idea about their team, players or financial situation.
Is moral and off the field issues affecting things?
Are contracts up and does a mass rebuilding programme need to be carried out?
Then there is Gateshead.
Hopefully Mills will extend his 1 year contract and the squad can be strengthened.
A few players will be on their way too - Oster, Lester etc and I imagine a few league two clubs may be tempted with bids for a few Gateshead players too.
I cant see Mills doing anything but sign a new deal and the club is being bankrolled, so I am sure they will have the resources to compete next season and do not see why players would be tempted to leave.
Brizzle Rovers will be the team to beat next season, Torquay might find the going tough, they have been there before and took a while to get out, any sensible bookie will have Brizzle as favourites with The Heed not far behind, interesting times are ahead.
As you said, Cambridge defended like there lives depended on it, packed midfield and parked the bus, they were running scared and Gateshead just could not break it down.
I hope we play you in Pre Season again this year, I dont like the Int'l Stadium as a football venue, but I do enjoy local derbies, even if it is only a friendly
Fair play to you for following them, I understand that Newcastle will always be 'your team' but you cant beat lower league football when you see the direction the higher leagues are going. For me as a kid I watched Sunderland, as a teen, I watched both SAFC and NUFC, although I was predominantly a Sunderland fan, now, I do nothing more than keep an eye out for Sunderland and Newcastle results and watch them on telly now and again, I never really felt part of something at SJP or the SOL and always felt accepted and part of something good with Darlington.
So will you be planning to get a ST for Gateshead next year?