GATESHEAD chairman Graham Wood has announced his intention to sell the Vanarama Premier club after nine years trying to deliver Football League status.

The Heed failed to secure a play-off for a second year in a row and suffered a further blow when Gary Mills opted to take over at Wrexham after receiving permission to talk to the North Wales outfit.

But after helping revive Gateshead back to the top tier of non-league football, Wood wants somebody else to take over the reins and try to take the Tyneside club to the next step.

Wood said: “This has undoubtedly been one of the toughest decisions I have ever taken. However, having reached the age of 71, I feel it is an appropriate time to hand over ownership to a suitable individual or individuals who share my aspirations for the club.

“When I became chairman in 2006 I set a target of creating a self-sustaining business by the time I was 70 through the creation of a new stadium designed to provide additional income streams and/or by regaining membership of the Football League.

“The new stadium project is ongoing and we came agonisingly close to regaining League status in last year’s play-off final at Wembley.

“However, it wasn’t to be, and despite having invested considerable time and money during the past nine years, I would be more than delighted if someone else came in and took the club past that final hurdle. I am a fan, first and foremost.”

Wood will continue as chairman until the end of next month. He will now work closely with Gateshead’s vice-chairman, Brian Waites, to try to find a new owner at the Gateshead International Stadium.