Gateshead FC Open Day - International Stadium, Saturday 24th July, 1:30pm-4:30pm
23/07/2010, by Jeff Bowron
SIX TRIALISTS ON SHOW AT OPEN DAY.
Gateshead Football Club will stage an Open Day at the International Stadium this Saturday afternoon with FREE ENTRY to all supporters.
A Gateshead v Newcastle junior athletics meeting will precede the main event which will kick-off at 1:30pm and will involve a full scale practice match between the full Gateshead squad excluding injured trio Jon Shaw, James Curtis and Craig Nelthorpe and possibly goalkeeper Paul Farman who is struggling with a knee injury.
Manager Ian Bogie, delighted with the success of Thursday's Talk In at Gateshead Corporation Club, has revealed that as many as six trialists could be given a run out on Saturday.
Two unnamed Danish defenders, a centre half and right back, and fellow countryman Mark Sundstrup will all feature.
Sundstrup is a tall, 21 year old striker or attacking midfield player previously with Brondby who has been on trial at Hartlepool United and has been linked to Tranmere Rovers.
Bogie will also give a run out to goalkeeper Mark Cook, 22 in September, who was on the bench for all but one of Hartlepool's games last season having originally been at Newcastle.
Another hoping to impress will be former Magpie Callum Morris who has just completed a three-week trial at Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
The 20 year old centre back has been capped at under 19 and under 21 level by the Republic of Ireland having come through the ranks at Newcastle.
Central midfielder Callum Little, 21, has returned to Britain after a spell in Holland where he has been playing for FC Emmen and is also expected to feature.
Gateshead will have a look at two more trialists next week, midfielder Paul Terry and Danish striker Kenneth Djoeneri, while other players are on the radar.
"It is hotting up on the transfer front," said Bogie "and the Open Day will be the chance for the fans to look at the summer signings and the various trialists on view.
"Thursday's Talk In was a huge success with the room at Gateshead Corporation Club virtually full, with around 130 people in attendance.
"There are not many clubs that would take their entire playing squad along to a function like this, it is normally just one or two players and the management.
"It was a great opportunity for the fans and players to bond ahead of the new season and there will be another chance to mingle with the players after the practice game on Saturday.
"The game will be very competitive, one side wearing the white home shirt the other the blue away shirt, and there will be an independent referee and linesmen.
"The players are playing for a shirt against Kettering Town on August 14th and obviously the trialists will be out to impress."
Merchandise and season tickets will be available for purchase during the afternoon and every spectator will receive a free raffle ticket with a signed Gateshead shirt from last season the prize.
There will also be a half-time penalty shoot out for under 16s with a signed Gateshead football the prize for the winner. Younger children will shoot from a spot nearer to the goal. Those interested should bring their boots / trainers.
"The idea of the Open Day is for Gateshead fans to be able to watch the club's first professional squad for half a century play a competitive game," said chairman Graham Wood.
"The fans will also be able to purchase or order merchandise buy season tickets, mingle with the players in the bar after the game - and entry to the event will be free."
"Thursday's Talk In was a great success and hopefully as many people as possible will take the opportunity to enjoy Saturday's free event at the International Stadium.
"If we can attract members of the public who may be potential supporters to come along that will be a plus.so I would encourage fans to spread the word.
"There has been a lot of activity during the close season and there will be more signings to come as we build up to the big kick-off."
