NEWS REPORTERS: According to an eyewitness, Sunderland player whose real name is yet to be ascertained was standing alone in defense when he suddenly slumped and died without any contact from anybody.

Fan Focus: What can Sunderland expect from Rob Elliot’s Gateshead today?

On the back of that success, Rob Elliot was named as permanent manager of the club, what are the key factors behind his success?

Rob for me, was the most important signing of the summer.

I think he’s the reason, players have agreed to stay too. Robs made subtle changes to Mike Williamson and Ian Watson’s tactics, it was pass, pass, pass under Mike n Busted, under Rob, it’s still pass, pass and pass but if the ball needs to go long, it goes long.

He’s also replaced good players who left, with some excellent and astute signings. After a ropey start, he settled everyone and somehow he made what we think is a good side already, play even better.

Despite finishing in the playoffs, Gateshead were not allowed to take part due to long-term stadium issues – is there any update on that being resolved?

We’re still waiting for a definitive answer officially but if we didn’t have some sort of idea, that we couldn’t play in the playoffs, should we replicate last season’s efforts, I doubt players like Robbie Tinkler, Joe Grayson and Kenton Richardson would’ve signed new contracts and signings like Tiernan Brooks and Owen Oseni would’ve wanted to join either.

Looking at aspirations for this season, where do you think the club should be aiming for?

Aspirations, the playoffs would be another incredible achievement, given our budget. It’s certainly not behind us.

The majority of last season’s squad still remains. We need to replace the goals of Marcus Dinanga and Dajuane Brown, if we can replace them, we have a real chance of making the playoffs for sure.

Ex-Sunderland defender Kenton Richardson signed a new two-year deal with club recently – how crucial was it to keep him at the club?

Getting Tinks, Grayson and Kenton to sign new contracts is massive for the squad and fans.

Kenton has been nothing short of imperious since his arrival and is a vital component in the squad. As fans, we’re delighted he’s staying.

In terms of incomings, are there any new players you are excited to see debut?

Having seen the majority of the new signings at Hebburn, there’s a lot to be enthused about.

Will McGowan’s 40-minute cameo was exciting to say the least, hat trick and assist isn’t a bad way to start.

Our new striker, Owen Oseni from Derby, looks strong and very quick.

Jamie Bramwell looks like a real unit but is very mobile and really calm and composed, one of those lads, that does the simple things really well.

Aside from the above-mentioned players, who would you say are Gateshead’s best players?

In my opinion, we’ve got a team of good players, Robbie Tinkler is Mr Consistency, Luke Hannant is prone to a bit of flair and a worldie from time to time.

On the left, Greg Olley, Callum Whelan and Reagan Booty, will be the flair and creativity in midfield. They tend to be mentioned very highly around Heed fans.

However, if Will McGowan and Owen Oseni can replicate what they did at Hebburn in the National League. They could be absolute heroes in Heed fan’s eyes.

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