Former Middlesbrough and Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole is preparing for his first season in charge of National League club Gateshead.
Gateshead captain David Ferguson (photo Jack McGraghan)placeholder image
Gateshead captain David Ferguson (photo Jack McGraghan) | Jack McGraghan/Gateshead FC
The Wearside-born defender joined the Heed last summer and experienced mixed fortunes during his first season at the International Stadium as the Tynesiders endured a poor first half to the campaign before the appointment of Rob Elliot inspired a major upturn in fortunes that resulted in a remarkable escape from relegation into the National League North.
Gateshead captain David Ferguson (photo Jack McGraghan)placeholder image
Gateshead captain David Ferguson (photo Jack McGraghan) | Jack McGraghan/Gateshead FC
Although primarily used at left-back during his career, Ferguson was utilised at the heart of the Heed backline during the final months of the season and he provided a steadying presence during a nervy end to the campaign. The 32-year-old has continued in the same role in Gateshead’s first three pre-season friendlies under Cattermole as they eased to a win at Northern League Division One side Blyth Town before earning draws at Heaton Stannington and National League North newcomers Hebburn Town.
Ferguson trained alongside Cattermole during his time as a young player at Sunderland - although the nearest he came to a senior appearance was remaining as a substitute in a 1-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur in May 2013. Since then, the defender has gone to feature for the likes of Blackpool, York City and Hartlepool - and Cattermole believes he can extend his ‘fantastic career’ in his new role at the heart of the Heed backline.
Speaking after the draw with Hebburn, the Heed boss said: “Fergie has been excellent and he’s had a fantastic career. I knew him when he was a young player at Sunderland, he came for a pre-season with us in Portugal and then he’s gone on to Blackpool. He’s had a great career and I was delighted to see him in pre-season because he is looking unbelievably fit. It was great to connect with him again, he is a cracking lad and he has found himself a new position in the middle of the back three. Playing games helps you understand the game more and read the game more and I think he has slotted in there and done well. He’s going to be a big player for us.”
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