Championship 1 Preview: Gateshead Thunder

12 months ago, the Thunder were preparing for life in the Championship after being crowned National League Two champions.

Gateshead finished 2009 outside of the relegation spots but a financial meltdown off the pitch resulted in the Tynesiders being relegated and forced to release the bulk of their squad.

Club legend Kevin Neighbour has stayed faithful to the club with whom he’s spent his entire career and has been joined at the Thunderdome by highly rated youngster Richard Lopag, on a dual-registration deal from Huddersfield, along with Jamaican international Michael Brown.

Gateshead are another team who, under head coach Chris Hood, will consolidate in 2010 and aim to be competitive every week. With the ‘Thunder Army’ behind them, the lads have the potential to shock a few teams.

Prediction: 10th
Key Man: Kevin Neighbour