Wake relishes Gateshead challenge

26/01/2010, by Jeff Bowron

New Gateshead striker Brian Wake has a reputation for troubleshooting having scored priceless goals at both Carlisle United and Morton to ensure both clubs avoided relegation.

The 27 year old Teesider however hopes his famed late season heroics are not required at Gateshead and that his latest club are well clear off the drop zone come the end of the season.

With Gateshead currently in the bottom four of the Blue Square Premier more fire-fighting will need to be done before calmer waters are found.

But Wake, delighted to be back in his native North East after several years in Scotland, is confident the only way is up for the Tynesiders.

"I've got a reputation for scoring goals to keep clubs up but I am confident there won't need to be a repeat of that scenario at Gateshead," said Wake.

"I have scored in a few relegation deciders but hopefully it won't come to that and I can help Gateshead climb the table and stay on the Wembley trail.

"I knew Gateshead were interested in me during the summer but I was offered another one year full-time deal at Morton so decided to stay there.

"There has been no indication however that I would be offered another deal at Cappielow so I'm delighted to finally get the chance to join Gateshead.

"They are a progressive club who have big plans on and off the field and I want to be part of that. It's also good to return to the region after a number of years over the border.

"Hopefully it will go well for me at Gateshead and we can sit down and discuss a new deal in the close season, and I can't wait to get started.

"My final game for Morton last week was a massive one against Celtic in front of a packed 10,000 crowd at Cappielow so it was good to go out on a high even if we lost the game 1-0."

So what does the 6' 1" front man believe he will bring to the table at Gateshead?

"I am a hard working player who puts himself about and will be a physical presence up front. I win my share of flick-ons, hold the ball up and play others in.

"The aim is to be a pest and cause defenders problems. If I can do that and chip in with my fair share of goals then I'll be delighted."

It remains to be seen whether international clearance will be received to allow the Stockton-born player to feature in tonight's Blue Square Premier game against Kettering Town.

If not his debut will be put back to Saturday's trip to Barrow in the FA Trophy where there will at least be one familiar face in the Gateshead ranks.

"I spent a few weeks on trial at Grimsby Town when I was a teenager and was offered a short-term deal which I didn't take," added Wake.

"Daryl Clare was playing for the Mariners at the time and we trained together a few times - though I doubt he'll remember me!"

Brian Wake in action against Scottish giants Celtic last week.

Photos courtesy of the Greenock Morton website: www.tontastic.com