By Mark Carruthers
Gateshead captain Greg Olley has already had a glimpse of the glitz and glamour at the top end of the game during the early years of his career.
As a young player at Newcastle United, the classy midfielder shared a dressing room with the likes of Sean Longstaff and Adam Armstrong during his time with the Magpies academy.
A move to Hull City in the summer of 2015 saw Olley make a senior debut alongside Harry Maguire, Jarrod Bowen and Andrew Robertson in a Capital One Cup tie against Exeter City.
And he was an unused substitute for the Tigers on the opening day of the following season as they claimed a 2-1 home win against reigning Premier League champions Leicester City.
Olley's departure from the Championship club in 2018 and has become a firm favourite at Gateshead during a rollercoaster three-year stay at the International Stadium.
But Friday night will bring another hint of life in the elite when former Premier League club Charlton Athletic travel to Tyneside for a televised FA Cup second round tie.
Olley explained his pride at helping Mike Williamson's men reach this stage of the competition and setting up their meeting with the Addicks had only been enhanced by the fact he will lead out his side in front of a strong crowd on the south bank of the Tyne.
“I think it's probably going to be in my top three moments of my career,” he told The NLP.
“I am really excited and the nerves haven't kicked in just yet.
“I am sure they will on Friday and that's a good thing because having nerves only shows how much you care and want to do well.
“The last few years have been good for me, but now, being captain, it's even more special.
“We all have the weight of the club on all of our shoulders, but that doesn't mean we feel any pressure because we know what we can do against any side that is put in front of us.”
Olley and his team-mates have a right to be confident after making a strong start to their bid to return to the National League.
Gateshead currently sit in the National League North play-off places after losing just two of their opening 12 games of the season.
They hold as many as four games in hand on the clubs above them in the table and could move two points clear of leaders AFC Fylde if they take a maximum return from their rearranged fixtures.
Their FA Cup run has provided a further boost as they came through testing ties against Bradford Park Avenue, Runcorn Linnets, Marske United and Altrincham to set up their date with destiny against League One club Charlton.
Olley believes that the positivity surrounding the Heed squad has its roots in a largely positive preparations for the new season.
“The confidence has been there since pre-season when we got some good results and it grew from there.
“We have started well in the league and it's been a very positive start to the season.
“The cup run has helped with the confidence factor and I think barring Bradford Park Avenue, they have all be tight games that we have come through and maybe we wouldn't have done that in the past.”
“As a squad, we are so strong.
“This year has dawned on us that we are a good team and we can push for promotion and set our targets higher than ever.”
Friday night's meeting with the Addicks also marks another high point for Gateshead's supporters.
The club are now into their third season under the ownership of a supporter-led consortium and Olley revealed that the bond between players and fanbase is only getting stronger.
“From the first year I was here up to now, we have always had that close bond with the supporters and they helped us come through some difficult times.
“It's the same with all non-league clubs, but I think we are even tighter this season.
“The supporters deserve as much praise as we do because they turn up home and away, they spend their money and give us all of the backing.
“It's a great occasion for everyone connected with the club and we will all play a part in making sure we make the most of it.”
