Gateshead

The Case For Them

Gateshead work as a second team because they come with their own geography: England, Gateshead International Stadium, and a set of rivalries you will absorb faster than you expect.

• Deep roots

  Founded in 1889, Gateshead were playing organised football before floodlights, substitutes or televised highlights existed. You are adopting 137 years of accumulated grudges.

• Something to defend

  The cabinet is not empty: FA Trophy and National League. Small enough to recite from memory, big enough to argue about in a pub.

• Close to the pitch

  Gateshead International Stadium holds about 11,800. You can hear the defenders shouting at each other, which is the single best argument for lower-capacity football.

• You get a nickname

  Known as The Tynesiders, The Heed. That is your new shorthand, your search term and your excuse for buying a scarf.