History of the Club

Thunder Storm!

This history is based on a piece written by local journalist Jeff Bowron, with alterations.

A hastily formed supporters' group, Thunder Storm, proved to be the catalyst for a new club in Gateshead, with businessmen Steve Worsnop and Dave Whickham spearheading Thunder Mark II's bid to rejoin the fold.

Their application was successful, and a new Gateshead Thunder undertook their first Northern Ford Premiership campaign in 2001, again at their spiritual Thunderdome home, where they finished third bottom under coach Andy Kelly.

Back to back wins over Hunslet and York were the only League successes while Lancastrian amateurs Wigan St. Judes were overcome in the Challenge Cup.

The original Gateshead Thunder claimed to have lost £700,000 during their one year in existence, and financial problems were to dog the reformed club.

A bold bid to speculate to accumulate for the 2002 season failed, and when only one draw, 12-12 against Featherstone Rovers, was recorded after the first two months the Tynesiders were forced to cut their losses.

Kelly, and the clubs 15 Yorkshire based players, were jettisoned as Thunder went into Administration amid spiralling debts.

• Part four: The Kicks Leisure Era