Gateshead accepted into totesport.com Central League

02/05/2010, by Jeff Bowron

Gateshead's application to join the totesport.com Central League has been formally accepted.

The Tynesiders newly formed reserve team, managed by Paul Bryson, will join the Eastern division which last season included the second strings of the following clubs;

Bradford City, Grimsby Town, Hartlepool United, Huddersfield Town, Leeds United, Lincoln City, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United, Rotherham United and Scunthorpe United.

There will be no derbies with Newcastle next season, however, because the Magpies return to the Premier League will also see their reserve side move up the Premier Reserves League.

Gateshead reserves home games will take at the International stadium on a Monday night while away games will also be during the week rather than on a Saturday.

Commenting on the move to install a reserve team - part of a master plan to bring League football back to Gateshead - chairman Graham Wood said.

"Having a reserve side playing at a strong level of competition can only be good for the players who will go in against professional Football League clubs," said Wood.

"With a strong junior section the missing piece of the jigsaw was a reserve side and it will be will be a benefit in many ways.

"It will keep fringe players match fit, give run outs to players returning from injury and allow young players the chance to impress.

"It was a logical step after the switch to becoming a full time club and it will give supporters the chance to watch a good standard of football on a Monday night."

As well as league games there is also a League Cup competition and Gateshead reserves will also enter the Durham Challenge Cup.

It is envisaged that Gateshead reserves will continue to play their games at the International Stadium when the club relocates to a new purpose built stadium in the centre of town.