Former Sunderland man Victor Anichebe’s proposed takeover of Gateshead has been assessed.
One of the surprise stories over the last week has been former Sunderland man Victor Anichebe’s proposed takeover of Gateshead.
The former Nigerian international’s time at the Stadium of Light wasn’t full of glory, with the striker notching just three Premier League goals for the Black Cats, but he looks set to return to the North East, where he is heading a consortium to take over from National League side Gateshead.
The Heed are an ambitious club circling around the National League play-offs, a place where they finished last season, but were unable to compete for promotion to League Two due to issues with their stadium.
However, Gateshead boss Carl Magnay has reflected on the process, one which hasn’t been the most straightforward.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Gateshead boss praises ‘incredible plans’ by former Sunderland man but notes the ‘reality’ of takeover
The takeover of a club can always be a drawn-out and strenuous process, and that has certainly been the case for Gateshead and former Sunderland striker Anichebe.
Speaking about the proposed takeover, per Sunderland Echo, Gateshead boss Carl Magnay said: “The reality is that it has made an impact – but it hasn’t just been this week, it’s been for a number of months. From a recruitment point of view, we don’t know what structure we are working under because we have been told it’s happening imminently since January. So week-to-week, we don’t know if it’s happening.
“The players have been exposed to it, they’ve been aware of it and they know, we know, they need help, we need help.
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“It’s been frustrating and people upstairs need to take accountability and realise just how exposed players are to it isn’t good. The uncertainty has been a hinderance and we are feeling the brunt.”
Despite the complications and the toll it has had on players, as alluded to by Magnay, he is still nonetheless delighted with the plans that have been sent his way on the takeover.
“The plans are incredible, it’s exciting. I’m disappointed with results and the situation we are in but I’ve been privy to what Gateshead FC could become and it’s unbelievable, it’s nothing but positive for the club and the area.
“I want that, and whether I’m in this position or not, that remains to be seen but it’s what’s best for Gateshead. I want that future for the club regardless and I want what is best for Gateshead.”
Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images
Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images
Victor Anichebe admitted difficulties he had to overcome on Wearside
Looking at Anichebe’s time at Sunderland, it was clearly one that saw the attacker struggle infront of goal, notably in a season that saw the Black Cats lured into relegation to the Championship.
Per Sky Sports, Anichebe admitted: “I was saying to some of my friends and to other people, it’s becoming a lot more difficult.
“When I first came into the side after doing a pre-season, teams didn’t really expect (it).”But now teams are trying to stop our left-hand side of attack. Teams are really ready for us, they are a lot more aggressive with me, they are a lot more aggressive on our side.”
Ultimately, Anichebe never looked fully comfortable up front for Sunderland and was simply overshadowed by Jermain Defoe, one of the few goal threats that the team had in that disastrous 2016/17 campaign.