GATESHEAD FC SUPPORTERS SOCIETY

Lee Calder

Co-Chair

In March 2025, I was appointed Co-Chair of the Supporters Society.

I've followed Gateshead since I was 13 years old, attending my first game with a couple of friends. By 14, someone thought it would be a good idea to trust me in selling matchday programmes and 50/50's. I loved being involved! Some things never change.. 

Fast forward 15 years, and my love for Gateshead FC remains as strong ever - it's the people, the passion, the pride and that sense of belonging. At Gateshead, you feel part of something.  I'm a regular on the terraces and make it my aim to attend every game in a season, home and away. I thank my supportive partner, Josh, also a Gateshead supporter. 

Gateshead FC means the world to me, and it is an honour co-pilot your Supporters Society. 

By the fans, for the fans. 

Charlotte Hodgson

Co-Chair

Hi! I'm Charlotte, and it's a privilege to be Co-Chair of our Supporters Society. 

I attend all Gateshead home matches with my husband and two boys aged (nearly!) 15 and 10. We try and get to as many away matches as we can - my teenager would have us at all of them! 

On matchdays, I volunteer at the club and look after retail and sponsorships. I'm a lifelong football fan and love checking ALL the scores, from ALL the leagues at the end of a matchday. 

One of my prized positions is my first completed Premier League sticker album... which dates back 30+ years!

Lee McCormack

Treasurer

My journey with the Heed began back in the mid-1990's, loosely following during the memorable Colin 'Rico' Richardson era. After a period away, the pull of the International Stadium became irresistible in the late 2000's, and I became a matchday regular under Ian Bogie, witnessing the club's modern resurgence firsthand.

In January 2021, looking to give back to the club that had given me so much, I officially joined Gateshead FC Supporters Society. Driven to make a tangible difference, I stepped up to become a member of the Society Board in February 2023. Two years later, I was incredible honoured to be appointed as the Society Treasurer - a role I hold with immense pride as we work together to secure and support the club's future.

For me, non-league is where honest, pure football lives. Far away from the sanitized, corporate world of the modern elite game, the GIS offers the raw, genuine football experience.

The true joy of a matchday comes from the community. There is nothing better than turning up to the stadium, catching up with familiar faces, cheering the lads on for 90 minutes, and, of course, enjoying the obligatory pints with fellow supporters.

Wa Gateshead!

Michael Louis Avery 

Secretary

I've been following Gateshead FC since 1992, after being taken to my first game, aged 14, by my mate and his older brother. I certainly caught the Heed bug!

Since leaving school, I've worked in the construction industry, working around the UK, but I ensure I can get to most home games.

Over the years, I've been involved with Heed forums, ran prediction leagues, admin'd the (old!) Supporters Club website, drove minibuses to away games, organised matchday events and most recently, joined the Supporters Society board in 2022, where I now hold the position of Secretary. 

I update our website, post content on X, keep membership up-to-date and answer emails we receive from our members. 

Haydn Watson

I have been a Supporters Society member for 3 years, and I'm also a Season Ticket holder.

I am a retired teacher and a local author, having written 5 books. I also produce the programme notes for matchdays. 10% of my book sales go to the Supporters Society.

My interests other than Gateshead FC and NUFC include music. I am a Tenor in the Jarrow Choral Society and I enjoy playing guitar. 

I have three daughters and two sons. I also have 11 grandchildren, with another due in September.

Oh yes, I used to have money!

Mark Walton

I first came to watch Gateshead when I was 16 years old. I fell in love with the club as soon as I walked through the turnstiles. The fans and the club made me feel so welcome and have given me so many great memories, it felt like I had found a new family! My love for the club is just as strong now as it was then.

As the years went by, my own family fell in love with the club too, and now they come to all Gateshead home games.

The football club has given me so many wonderful memories that I will never forget, but one will always stand out above all others; the FA Trophy win at Wembley. I was part of the team there that day. The moment the winning penalty hit the back of the net, I was pitch side, and I raced down the Wembley turf straight towards the Gateshead fans in the corner, while my own family watched on from the stands. 

I work closely with staff and players on match days. I make sure all kit and equipment requests are dealt with before, during and after the game, so the players and management team can focus on the game. 

I joined the Gateshead FC Supporters Society board as I only want what is best for Gateshead FC fans and the football club. 

Patrick Rice

I’ve followed Gateshead FC for a long time, but my proper journey with the Club started on New Year’s Day 2011. I was invited to the York City match on a hospitality package by my friend (and former Chairman) Bernard McWilliams—long before he held an official role here.

That day hooked me. I attended sporadically for a few years before buying my first Season Ticket. Because my full-time job involves working every other weekend on a fixed shift pattern, and I also serve as the Corporate Safety and Security Stewarding Supervisor for Newcastle United, I knew my attendance would be limited. But I wanted to back the Club financially anyway.

A couple of years ago, I completed my national Safety Officer qualification. Since then, I’ve worked at the Club as either Deputy Safety Officer or overall matchday Safety Officer. In that role, I was proud to welcome Truro City to the International Stadium last season for what was the longest-distance fixture in English league history!

I later joined the Supporters Society Board to act as a bridge between the fans and the realities of stadium safety. Sometimes, the legal regulations I’m required to enforce—like leaving certain seating decks more empty due to older infrastructure and non-allocated seating rules—can look frustrating from the stands. By being on the Board, I can be transparent, have open conversations with you, and explain the why behind these legal safety requirements.

Just as importantly, it allows me to hear your feedback and suggestions directly.

Away from football, I sit on several other boards, including social/supported housing providers and rail/transport passenger bodies. I hope to bring that external governance experience to our Society Board to support my brilliant board colleagues and our matchday volunteers, without whom the club couldn’t function.

Fundamentally, my passion is Gateshead FC through thick and thin — though here’s hoping this coming season brings plenty more of the thick!

David Chambers

I was elected to the Supporters Society board in March 2026. 

I'm fully committed to improving both the home and away matchday experience for our members, and increase our fanbase. I've supported Gateshead for 8 years, along with my wife and son. 

I hope to bring fresh ideas for fundraising opportunities for the Supporters Society which benefit both the football club and it's supporters.