The staff of Gateshead FC have been kicked out of the offices at the International Stadium because of an unpaid bill, though just hours after, the club have agreed a deal to be taken over.
It’s been reported by the Sunderland Echo that they have been told to collect their things at lunchtime today and leave by the Gateshead Council.
This situation at @GatesheadFC is now very serious.
The actions of some are starting to have an impact on people's lives and something needs to be done.
Plenty will happen between now and the end of today, but I hope the club's supporters, players and staff are put first
— Mark Carruthers (@MarkCarruthers_) March 29, 2019
Breaking news: Joe Cala moments before being escorted from Gateshead Stadium @GatesheadFC @GatesheadFCSoul pic.twitter.com/RmALaJQryY
— Heed Army (@Heed_Army) March 29, 2019
This however will not affect the club’s fixtures as they will be allowed to play on the ground, use the facilities and fans can continue to come in a watch. Training there though will not be allowed.
A spokesman for Gateshead Council said, as quoted by Sunderland Echo: “Gateshead FC is in breach of its licence for use of the International Stadium, and the Council has asked the company to vacate the offices at the Stadium.
“This action follows a protracted period of negotiation with the current owner to settle outstanding debt with the Council.
“To be clear, the issue is with the company, not the club.
“Gateshead Council is a long-time supporter of the club and it remains our wish that Gateshead FC has a long and prosperous future, preferably with the Stadium as its home.
“The Council has made an offer to the club to use the Stadium for its remaining home fixtures this season and the play-offs. It is in the hands of the club’s owner as to what now happens.
“The Council has spoken with the National League about the position; and we are continuing to work with the owner and the League to try to find a solution to the current situation. The Council is making every effort to try to ensure that these ‘off the pitch’ matters do not have an impact on the club fulfilling its league obligations.”
Players are yet to have been paid for March, that though is expected to change within the day.
Despite that, former Rochdale chairman Chris Dunphy has had his deal to takeover the National League side agreed.
As well as revealing his delight at the deal, he also stated that is isn’t done yet but it is in principle.
He was excited and told of how Cala didn’t understand them and that the club was about the fans.
Supporters association ‘Gateshead FC Soul’ buy lunch packs for the squad who have travelled for Braintree Town tomorrow.
A message from @GatesheadFCSoul chairman Bernard McWilliams "The hard work starts now. It's time for the supporters and the public of Gateshead to get behind this club because we have been to the edge and it can't happen again."
— Mark Carruthers (@MarkCarruthers_) March 29, 2019
Since learning of the news that the staff at Gateshead have been kicked out, fans took to give their reaction, others were relived to hear that the club have had a takeover deal agreed – find out what they had to say on the next page.
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