Musser returns to Tyneside with Imps

Paul Musselwhite, forever revered by Gateshead fans for his heroic displays in goal during the back-to-back promotion campaigns in 2007/8 and 2008/9 is back on Tyneside on Monday.

Musselwhite is goalkeeping coach at Lincoln City and the Imps second string play Gateshead reserves in a totesport.com league game on Monday (15th November) at the International Stadium.

'Musser', 42 next month, is Lincoln City reserves regular keeper and the club's number two, and as such is on the bench for all first team games..

The former Port Vale and Scunthorpe United keeper had announced his retirement after leaving Gateshead but is still going strong.

The veteran was a key member of the Gateshead side that won promotion from the UniBond premier division and Conference North.

Musselwhite, a former team-mate of Gateshead manager Ian Bogie at Port Vale, is relishing appearing at the International Stadium again.

"I didn't expect to be playing at Gateshead again after I left the club following two promotions in 18 months during my time on Tyneside," said Musselwhite.

"It was a great time and I really enjoyed my stay at Gateshead. It was a very successful period and one I remember fondly.

"It will be good to see some old faces. It is a game I have been looking forward to since the fixtures were announced and I still follow Gateshead's results closely.

"I had a good relationship with the fans. They must have wondered why Boges (Bogie) was signing a 39 year old but it went really well and I'm sure they appreciated my efforts.

"It will be strange facing Gateshead, even at reserve level, but it will be great to come back to the club and hopefully it will go well."

Musselwhite was a rock at the back during his period at Gateshead and Bogie, as usual, will take in Monday's reserve game.

"Musser did an excellent job at Gateshead," said Bogie "he has been a top goalkeeper for many years and was a popular figure at the club.

"We have kept in touch and discussed football matters since then. It will be good to see him again and to still be playing at his age is testament to his durability."

. Gateshead reserves will be looking to back up the 4-2 win over Grimsby Town when they go in against the Imps.

Jonny Allan steps up his comeback from injury and is pencilled in to play the opening 45 minutes, while goalkeeping coach Chris Porter will be between the posts.

Bogie will have another look at French striker Wesley Ngo Baheng who will play up front alongside Brian Wake, the Teesider looking for his third consecutive hat-trick.

Gateshead include four strikers - Nathan Fisher and Allan are both in midfield - while attacking wide player Josh Gillies plays at right back.

Kick-off at the International Stadium is 7pm.

Gateshead Reserves: Porter, Gillies, Jones, Gilbert, Brown, Fisher, Ferrell, Allan, Baptist, Wake, Baheng. Subs: Briggs, Curry, Scott, Lay, Wilkinson