Gateshead legend Ben Clark has played a 'massive role' in helping former Sunderland and Middlesbrough star Lee Cattermole settle into life as new manager of the National League club. After spending time working as an academy coach at Middlesbrough and in the first-team setup at Bristol Rovers, Cattermole landed his first opportunity in management when he agreed a two-year deal with Gateshead's interim chairman Graham Wood earlier this month.
Cattermole Takes First Steps in Management
Clark also put pen-to-paper on a long-term deal to continue in his role as first-team coach prior to Cattermole's appointment - and the duo have been working hard over the last week as their squad prepare to return for pre-season training. Cattermole could consider adding another new face to his backroom staff over the coming weeks - but he stressed he will not be rushed into any decisions until he and Clark experience working together on the training pitch.
He told Chronicle Live: 'We will do whatever we can do help us - but that (a new coach) is not something we've discussed at the moment. At the moment, it's more about seeing what is already here. Meeting Clarky has been really important because he's a big character at the club and I know what I'm going to bring - but he doesn't know me as a coach as a manager. So once we figure out whatever we need around us, if we do, and things can help us, then great, but it's not something we've thought about at the moment.'
Player Retention Talks Underway
A number of current Gateshead players are believed to have interest from elsewhere after impressing throughout last season's 'Great Escape' from relegation into the National League North. The likes of Harry Chapman and Kenton Richardson find themselves out of contract this summer - and Chronicle Live understands Cattermole has led positive talks with the latter in recent days although there is still no clarity over whether the Heed captain will extend his time with the club.
Cattermole gave an insight into the conversations he knew he was facing with players when he accepted the role to become Rob Elliot's successor at Gateshead - and stressed he will work hard to keep them on board. 'They're the conversations we want to go and have and we've been really clear with the players we want to keep,' he explained. 'I am sure they've enjoyed being here and it's up to me to reiterate the message of how I want to work and get them on board. Ben has been massive for us, telling me about the squad and we have a good retained list and a good core group, and then we will look at trying to get a few in and be as strong as we can as soon as we can.'
First Signing: Tommy Lavery
Cattermole has completed his first signing as Heed boss after he handed a two-year deal for former Sunderland defender Tommy Lavery following his departure from the Academy of Light. The full-back brings National League experience after enjoying a productive loan spell with FC Halifax Town during the final months of last season on the back of a similar spell with Northern Irish club Cliftonville during the first half of the campaign.
The youngster admitted he has been impressed with Cattermole during discussions over a deal and is now determined to make a serious impact during his time at the International Stadium. 'They were good talks to be fair,' he told the Heed website. 'When I came in, he knew a lot about me. He seemed like he'd done his research and that's such a great thing when you're coming in and knowing someone knows about you. We sat and spoke and he said he likes me as a player and thinks I can fit in here. I'm buzzing with it. Being at Sunderland for 11 years, when you leave, people think it's scary, but I was ready for my next steps, ready to play men's football, full-time and get in there. It was good to get this sorted. I'm ready for the new season. That two-year deal shows the belief they have in me and shows what this club wants to do moving forward. I am looking forward to getting in an playing as many games as I can. That's what I want to do. Play football, win games and push Gateshead up the table.'
