LEE NOVAK’S appearance from the bench at Yeovil last Saturday was a bonus for Gateshead.
For it triggered a further £50,000 payment to the Blue Square Premier club as part of the deal agreed with Town for the striker, left, a year ago.
After an initial £50,000 payment, the same amount was due after Novak made 15 appearances, and again after 30.
The 21-year-old, of course, played out last season on loan at Gateshead, finishing with 28 goals in 38 games as they won promotion via the Blue Square North play-offs.
He’s been a big hit in his first season in the senior game, scoring eight times in his 21 starts and nine appearances as a substitute before today’s home clash with Carlisle.
The Novak deal is a record for a North-East non-league club, and Gateshead chairman Graham Wood said: “I’m not surprised he has done so well.
“Lee has been involved in the first team from day one. It shows what a quality player he is and he will only get better.
“It was a fair deal for a player who is a natural goalscorer and has a long career ahead of him.”
