Novak backing Gateshead to put up a really good fight!

Aug 9 2009 by Lee Ryder, Sunday Sun

LEE NOVAK’S welcome to the big time was a right hook from Newcastle United defender Fabricio Coloccini that required stitches and caused a cut chin just weeks after joining the Terriers for real from Gateshead.

But while many see Gateshead’s return to English football’s fifth flight as the toughest for football battles for the newly promoted side, Novak believes that Ian Bogie’s side will be up for the fight in the Blue Square Premier.

Novak was signed by Geordie and Toon icon Lee Clark last season at Huddersfield then immediately loaned back to the International Stadium outfit before joining up with the Terriers again this summer.

But assessing Gateshead’s chance this term and what the season has in store for the Bogie men, Novak said: “I think they can have another good season.

“I think they will do well again next season.

“I will be following their progress all season still.

“Whenever we don’t have a game I will be straight on the phone to get tickets to get down to the International Stadium.

“I told that to Ian Bogie too, he knows!

“Gateshead was brilliant for me last season. I hope they do really well again in the Conference, they deserve to be there.

“It was the best season I’ve had in football – topped off with signing for Huddersfield Town.

“To leave them after helping them win promotion was great for me personally and the whole town of Gateshead.”

Novak, who Gateshead signed from Newcastle Blue Star, bagged 17 times in 19 games for the Heed last term to help fire the side to glory.