Bogie hails historic day

01/07/2010, by Jeff Bowron

Gateshead manager Ian Bogie has hailed an historic day - July 1st 2010 - that saw the Blue Square Premier Bet club's professional era launched at the International Stadium.

Not since Football League status was unjustly taken from the Tyneside club in 1960 has Gateshead operated as a fully professional club.

The new era got underway under the media glare of BBC TV and Radio and Tyne-Tees Television, who all gave the occasion excellent coverage.

Club photographer Martin Avery and Media Manager Jeff Bowron were also on hand to record the historic occasion.

Northumbria University personnel were utilised to put the players through a series of fitness exercises on the 3G pitch behind the International Stadium after Bogie had held a team meeting for half an hour behind close doors.

Bogie, Jon Shaw, Ben Clark and James Curtis were all interviewed by either Jeff Brown, Simon O'Rourke or Matthew Raisbeck for transmission.

After the morning session lunch was taken and technical work introduced during the afternoon session.

"It was a great day and a massive one for Gateshead Football Club," said Bogie "the steps we've made over the last few years have been tremendous.

"It is half a century since this club was last run as a professional outfit and this has been a pivotal day for the club.

"This season we will train every day, the preparation for games will be better and the lads will be physically and mentally brighter."

"The transition from part-time to full-time cannot be underestimated and we will compete on an even playing field this season.

"Gateshead are back now and we're determined to push on. The only way is up and we're looking forward to a really healthy campaign.

"We are very excited about the players we've got in at the club now. We've got some good talent and I am still looking to bring in another four or five to complete the squad."

Gateshead FC's squad assembles for pre-season training