Gateshead manager Lee Cattermole is keen to discuss potential loan deals with Sunderland and Middlesbrough.
Former Sunderland and Middlesbrough midfielder Lee Cattermole is ready to play a waiting game to secure loan signings as he prepares for his first season in charge of National League club Gateshead.
The 38-year-old was appointed as successor to former Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot at the International Stadium last month and he made his first signing when he snapped up defender Tommy Lavery following his release from Sunderland. However, Cattermole has already stressed he would be keen to talk to his old clubs and other Premier League and EFL clubs about possible loan deals for promising youngsters.
Lee Cattermole has been named as manager of National League club Gateshead (photo Jack McGraghan)placeholder image
Lee Cattermole has been named as manager of National League club Gateshead (photo Jack McGraghan) | Jack McGraghan
The Heed kicked off Cattermole’s reign with a 6-0 win in their opening pre-season friendly at Northern League club Blyth Town on Tuesday night - and the former Sunderland and Boro captain warned any potential loan additions they will face a sizeable challenge in the National League as he pondered further new additions to his ranks.
He told The Echo: “We will probably have to wait for them to finalise their plans for the season and that is definitely the way the conversations are going. I think the loans will probably be first loans for players so I don't think they're going to come and walk into this team because the level from Under-21's football to the National League is different. It’s a high level of opposition they will be facing and that is a challenge.
“So if we're going to be a club for first loans, they're probably going to come later in the window when those clubs are sorted. That's probably something I've realised, just from being in the conversations that are taking place. I’m quite relaxed on that, and if we're the right fit for the player, if the players are at the right stage in their development, then we'll do something - but our priority is getting another two or three players in, and they would be players that will start for us.”
Gateshead are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Northern Premier League East Division side Heaton Stannington before making the short trip to National League North newcomers Hebburn Town on Tuesday night.
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