HEADS are turning at the success of Gateshead at the International Stadium – but for Tynesiders boss Ian Bogie, only victories can help his high-flying side stay in the limelight, with Premier League football a temptation at both ends of the A184.
Blue Square Premier joint leaders Gateshead today take on Nicky Law’s Alfreton Town, who go into the game as Conference new boys, having taken a point at Darlington and won at York City in an impressive list of scalps.
Law’s Reds will be aiming for more of the same but with Bogie’s CV impressively showing how he has transformed the Tynesiders from Unibond League also-rans into play-off challengers at fifth-flight level, he admits Gateshead have their own agenda.
Gateshead scored for a 1,000-plus holiday crowd against former Championship side Grimsby Town and Bogie hopes that more will take the chance to witness his side on a day when Newcastle United and Sunderland have no game because of the international break.
Bogie told The Journal: “With every victory you bring to the board, one or two people start to take a bit more notice.
“We are always going to be little Gateshead in some people’s eyes. We can only put that right by putting performances out on the pitch.
“Slowly but surely we are getting there and people are starting to turn a few heads. When people see that Gateshead are doing well it’s nice. We’ve had five victories out of six and that is a great return. When you are winning games you always look forward to the next game. We have a big test against Alfreton.”
The Heed Army were in fine voice against Grimsby and Bogie knows that they will be on the lookout for another three points with victory potentially making them outright leaders if former Newcastle assistant manager Deans Saunders sees his Wrexham outfit slip up against Kidderminster Harriers. Former Newcastle United midfielder Bogie said: “The expectations are always lifted when you are winning games. If you are going to be reaching for the play-offs it is your home form that counts.
“It’s making sure you win games at home. We have started well and two wins and a draw at home and three victories away is fantastic.”
Meanwhile, Heed striker Jon Shaw has been named the Conference player of the month. Shaw turned down the chance to sign for Luton Town before the window shut this week after the Hatters bid £40,000 for his services.
Shaw has banged in seven goals in the opening six matches. Bogie added: “Our ambition is to get back into the Football League. To do that you have to hold on to your best players and we have done that.”
