Gateshead have lost star striker Macaulay Langstaff to Vanarama National League rivals Notts County - and Mike Williamson could follow. The Meadow Lane outfit could also come in for Tynesiders player-manager Williamson in what would be a double blow for the Heed.
Williamson is one of the hot tips to take over at Notts County, who are desperate to return to the Football League. The 38-year-old has just returned from holiday after guiding Gateshead to the National League North title.
Teessider Langstaff, meanwhile, had a clause put in the new and improved contract he signed during last season meaning he could move on for just £50,000. Langstaff plundered 32 goals for the Heed in 2021/22, 28 of those in the league, as he secured the Conference North Golden Boot.
He was also voted the league's Player of the Year and his partnership with Cedwyn Scott produced 58 goals That saw Gateshead romp to the title and promotion back to the National League after a three-year absence.
Langstaff's wages at Notts County will be a significant hike on what he was on at Gateshead and he has also been handed the security of a three-year contract. Although in the same league County are one of the biggest clubs in the division with a rich Football League history.
They have lost out in the play-offs in each of the last two years and were interested in Langstaff before manager Ian Burchnall left for Forest Green Rovers. The Board of directors have gone ahead with the signing, despite not having a new manager in place.
A statement from the Notts Board said: "Macaulay possesses great pace, excellent movement and, most importantly, a genuine goal threat. His ability to attack spaces behind opposition defences creates chances from nothing.
"He has the poise and finishing technique to score goals at any level and he joins us after an incredible season at Gateshead."
Williamson, meanwhile, has been installed as one of the favourites to become the new manager at Notts County. Back on Tyneside after a holiday in Dubai he shared with good friend from his Newcastle days, Shola Ameobi, Williamson has a full in-tray.
Williamson has already held preliminary talks with Hartlepool United where he is also on short odds with the bookmakers. Gateshead remain optimistic he will remain in charge at the International Stadium, but if Notts County come calling it will be a tough one to turn down.
Williamson, meanwhile, had expected there to be interest in Langstaff and Scott this summer following their goalscoring exploits last term. He will be hoping Scott remains on board and has been working on a potential replacement for Langstaff.
That could see the Heed attempt to bring Boston United's top scorer Danny Elliott to Tyneside after a prolific campaign with the Pilgrims. Elliott, one of the leading marksmen in National League North last season, is out of contract with the Lincolnshire club.
The 26-year-old former Port Vale, Hartlepool and Chester forward scored 30 goals in 51 appearances in the last campaign - his first at Boston. Gateshead have also been strongly linked with winger or striker Tom Allan, who was recently released by Newcastle United.
Allan, 23 in September, spent time on loan at League One outfit Accrington Stanley and over the border at Morton while with the Magpies. Gateshead, still to release their retained list, have handed professional contracts to three of their successful Academy squad.
Striker Eddie Thomas, midfield man Lewis Leech and defender Kyle Errington have signed on one-year deals with an option of another year. Thomas scored goals in pre-season for the Heed last year and then spent time on loan at Crook Town where he finished top scorer.
They are ones for the future, how Gateshead negotiate the summer period will be crucial to their prospects in the top division of non-league football. A number of players are already tied down for next season and maintaining Williamson's services will be key.
The former Premier League defender is on a rolling contract at Gateshead, so the club will received five-figure compensation when he does move on. Chairman Neil Pinkerton, however, is hoping that will not be anytime soon and that Williamson will continue to drive the Heed forward - time will tell.
