Common-sense thinking behind Lee Cattermole's Gateshead plan and transfer hope

New lessons are being learnt every day, trust is growing and the enjoyment levels are rising as the new National League season draws ever closer.

The last fortnight brought a return to pre-season training, a first chance to work with the players Cattermole inherited from predecessor Rob Elliot, and a first look at them in action during Tuesday’s pre-season friendly win against Northern League club Blyth Town.

Despite making just a solitary signing at the time of writing, the Heed boss has been busy working with his squad and speaking to agents and clubs about potential incomings.

Despite some frustration, Cattermole is enjoying the early steps he is taking in what he hopes will become a long and successful managerial career.

He told Chronicle Live: “I have enjoyed it so far, I’ve really enjoyed it to be honest with you. There are so many new experiences, walking into rooms and holding different conversations and being prepared.

“It’s about using common sense, using my football knowledge, using my experience in the game and trusting that.

“The phone has been really busy, and that’s a new experience, but I have to trust myself with that as well because it’s about bringing the right people into the building and those that will buy into what I’m trying to do here.

“I will keep driving that with the lads that are here and they’ve already shown they are willing to buy in, they want to be here and now it’s about trying to bring in some gems to help the team and improve us.”

Former Sunderland academy defender Tommy Lavery is the only new addition to the Heed ranks and he made a solid start to his time at the International Stadium with an impressive second-half display in the win at Blyth Town.

Cattermole also took an opportunity to assess a number of trialists during the game as he looks to add further depth and quality to his ranks and two of the Heed hopefuls caught the eye by finding the back of the net.

However, there is a balanced view on recruitment with Cattermole admitted he wants new faces to arrive - but stressed he won’t be ‘in a rush’ to make that happen.

“I’m trying to keep those trialists secret,” joked the Heed boss.

“We have identified a couple, they’ve done well and we will see. I would like to think we will get bodies in soon, we aren’t in a rush. We have a good retained list and it’s only right we keep working with the players we have now before we go into the market properly.

“We have our eyes on a few, we know where we are at and we are all aligned, from the chairman downwards, for what we want to do.”

Recently appointed first-team coach Martin Smith made a surprise appearance in the heart of the Heed midfielder during the win in Northumberland.

Cattermole explained the former South Shields and Hartlepool United midfielder will not work as a player-coach during the new campaign and his appearance at Gateway Park was a way to allow him to get an opportunity to experience the style of play he is looking to implement this season.

“There was a tactic there from a staff point of view where we thought why use a young player when Martin could go in and feel what we are doing on the pitch and make use of that as a coach.

"We have an added bonus having Smudge like that. The lads know that he is first-team coach, he’s not in a dual role here.”