Gateshead Confirm Major Managerial News

Gateshead confirmed on Thursday morning that Rob Elliot has put pen-to-paper and signed a permanent contract as Gateshead manager ahead of the 2024/25 National League season. 

The National League side secured the FA Trophy title at Wembley Stadium last month as well as securing a top-seven finish although they weren’t eligible to compete in the play-offs.

Elliot’s impressive interim spell

Having been named interim manager of the Heed in October, Elliot has now signed a contract after a successful seven months in charge of the club.

The former Charlton Athletic and Newcastle United goalkeeper was technical director of Gateshead until the departure of previous head coach Mike Williamson to Milton Keynes Dons led to the 38-year-old being given the managerial role on an interim basis. 

Despite losing key players such as Stephen Warne to Williamson’s new side in the January transfer window, Elliot managed to oversee an impressive spell by winning a total of 21 games from 38 in all competitions during his tenure. 

Scoring a total of 73 goals in the process, the Heed secured a place in the FA Trophy final and a sixth place finish. Despite the success of finishing in a play-off place, the club were barred from taking part due to a failure to secure a ‘10-year security of tenure’ note for their home ground, the Gateshead International Stadium. 

Despite an appeal, the club had to deal with the disappointment of not taking part in the end of season play-offs but that didn’t stop the Gateshead interim manager making history.

Elliot led the club to victory in the FA Trophy final at Wembley for the first time in their history, beating Solihull Moors 5-4 on penalties.

What the upcoming season holds for Elliot and Gateshead

Gateshead fans can certainly look forward to the upcoming season with Elliot being named as the permanent manager.

Having continued Williamson’s possession-heavy attacking football, the Heed will not only be entertaining to watch next season but pose a threat to those clubs looking to gain promotion to League Two.

The club’s chairman, Neil Pinkerton, is certainly looking forward to the new season with a positive mindset: 

“Rob, Louis and the entire team have been relentless in the off-season, so rest assure that we’re very well placed in terms of our on and off field recruitment plans”

Elliot will now look to build upon the work already done at the club last season with a place in the play-offs no doubt the objective.

The club are currently negotiating new deals for defensive trio Joe Grayson, Kenton Richardson and Robbie Tinkler and will look to add to the squad having not made any additions to the squad so far this summer. Eliott isn’t worried by the lack of transfer activity so far though: 

“One of the big things for me and the most pleasing reason to sign is there is a real hunger and appetite to go and put that [play off rejection] right next year. There will be a lot of positive news over the next few days and coming weeks over players”. 

With all the positivity coming from the club regarding managerial contracts and potential new players, they and Gateshead fans will hope that off-field politics doesn’t affect the club once again should they have a successful season.

The club have stated that they are doing everything in their power to ensure that they aren’t barred from a shot at promotion next season.

The Heed are even considering a ‘plan B’ option of moving out of the Gateshead International Stadium should it be required.