Gateshead boss Lee Cattermole to show patience over loan deals amid Sunderland and Middlesbrough interest | OneFootball

Lee Cattermole says Gateshead will wait on loan recruits for his first National League season, and hopes to speak to Sunderland, Middlesbrough and others about possibilities.

“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.” He told Sunderland Echo.

“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.”

His reign began with a 6-0 win at Northern League side Blyth Town on Tuesday.

Gateshead visit Heaton Stannington on Saturday, then travel to National League North newcomers Hebburn Town on Tuesday night.

Source: Sunderland Echo