Gateshead Reserves gear up for new season

21/06/2010, by Jeff Bowron

Gateshead reserves have been placed in the east division of the totesport.com Central League following Friday's AGM at Hillsborough.

There are eight clubs in the competition including four from the Championship, one from League One, one from League Two and two from the Conference Premier.

The eight clubs comprising the east division are:

• Leeds United
• Middlesbrough
• Hull City
• Scunthorpe United
• Hartlepool United
• Lincoln City
• Gateshead
• Grimsby Town

Games are played on a home and away basis and there is also a League Cup competition which is run on a group basis.

Gateshead reserves will also be entered into the Durham Challenge Cup this season and will supplement their league and cup fixtures with a number of friendlies.

"There are some big clubs in the competition, none more so than Leeds United," said reserve team manager Paul Bryson. "but we are looking forward to the challenge with confidence."

"We aim to be very competitive and the side will be a mix of first team squad players in need of a game, promising youngsters and some of the top players from Gateshead College.

"I expect players in the reserves to have the mental attitude that they want to force their way into the first team and running two teams has plenty of benefits.

"It keeps everyone match fit, keeps everyone on their toes and presents an opportunity for every player at the club to stake a claim."

Former Chester-le-Street Town player / manager Bryson will also assist with first team coaching duties when pre-season training gets underway on July 1st.

The totesport.com Central League fixtures are expected to be out at the end of the month or the beginning of July with the season getting underway in August.

Gateshead reserves will stage their home games at the International stadium on Monday night's with entry free to season ticket holders.

Leeds United won the totesport.com east division last season with Hartlepool United runners-up.