Blue Square Premier club Gateshead and groundsharers Gateshead Thunder have announced a unique sporting partnership agreement between the town`s two professional sports clubs.
Gateshead FC has stepped in at Thunder’s time of need after the rugby league club's future was recently put in doubt.
The initial one year agreement will involve Gateshead FC becoming one of a number of £10,000 stakeholders in Gateshead Thunder in 2010.
The partnership is intended to use the strengths of each club to deliver benefits for both and will concentrate primarily on commercial and community activities.
Gateshead FC chairman Graham Wood said: "I am pleased to be part of the initiative to preserve professional Rugby League in Gateshead and with the potential which this partnership offers both clubs in helping each other to go forward.
"It is a good arrangement for Gateshead Football Club as we can utilise Gateshead Thunder's full time staff which will be of great assistance on the community and commercial front.
"It is a win-win situation for everyone. We will get value for money, extra human resources and the chance to increase the profile of the club in the town and beyond.
"Hopefully the joint initiative will enable both clubs to benefit from increased crowds at the International Stadium and both Gateshead FC and Gateshead Thunder will go from strength to strength."
Gateshead Thunder, however, will not be following the club to Gateshead FC`s planned new Prince Consort Road stadium.
"An inevitable question is are there plans for Gateshead Thunder to accompany the Football Club to its new stadium?" added Wood.
"The answer is that whilst this can’t be entirely ruled out, it is most unlikely. However, not sharing a home in the future does not prevent the clubs from continuing to share other resources should it continue to be beneficial to do so.”
Gateshead Thunder chief executive Rod Findlay was also delighted with the historic link up with Gateshead Football Club.
“Gateshead Thunder are really grateful to Gateshead Football Club for stepping in at a time when we were looking for support for professional rugby league in the North East," said Findlay.
"There are a lot of similarities between the two clubs, and the partnership will provide benefits for both clubs."
