There was some big breaking news from National League club Gateshead on Wednesday evening.
Gateshead manager Rob Elliot (photo Emilio Kirtley)placeholder image
Gateshead manager Rob Elliot (photo Emilio Kirtley) | Emilio Kirtley
The former Magpies stopper returned for a second spell in charge at the International Stadium in January and was able to guide a new look Heed side away from an almost inevitable relegation into the National League North and preserve their status in non-league football’s top tier with three games remaining. However, talks over how Elliot and Gateshead can build on a miraculous escape from relegation have not progressed and that led the former Republic of Ireland international to consider bringing down the curtain on his time in charge. As revealed by The Echo on Tuesday, Elliot has been the subject of interest from at least two other clubs amid uncertainty over his future at the International Stadium - but that is not believed to have played a part in the parting of company with the Heed.
Further meetings have taken place in recent days without bringing any significant progress - and Gateshead have now confirmed they have been unable to agree a way forward with Elliot and claimed meeting his terms would ‘project the club immediately into an even more heavily negative financial position’. The now former Heed boss revealed he was hoping to ‘develop the club further on and off the pitch’ and stressed the need for a training ground and staffing to be put in place to get the most out of his squad and revealed he would be unbale to retain the services of some of the players and staff that had fought off relegation just weeks earlier.
In a statement released on the club website on Wednesday, the former Newcastle United goalkeeper said: “It’s hard to say goodbye when we achieved something so special last year. When I came back, I had belief we could stay up and keep the club in the National League. When I first spoke with the club, it was integral to me coming back that things were put in place to also develop the club further on and off the pitch, with a training ground and staffing to be put in place to help develop the players - regardless of which league we were in. Unfortunately, that isn’t able to happen. After speaking with the club at length over the last few weeks, it’s not something the club are able to commit to. Through this, along with not being able to retain all of the players and staff who achieved safety, it didn’t feel right for me to remain when others who gave so much aren’t able to continue the journey.
Memorable time
Gateshead celebrate during their 3-1 home win against York City (photo Emilio Kirtley)placeholder image
Gateshead celebrate during their 3-1 home win against York City (photo Emilio Kirtley) | Emilio Kirtley
Elliot also expressed his appreciation to Gateshead director and shareholder Mark Nellist for his ‘constant investment’ at the International Stadium and praised supporters for the backing they showed towards his players as they embarked on a miraculous escape from relegation.
He said: “I would like to mention Mark Nellist, without whom there would be no Gateshead Football Club. His constant investment is integral to the club being able to not only survive, but operate at this level. I want to thank all of the players, who have been immense, and the staff who have given so much. We have made lasting memories in such a short space of time. Lastly, a thank you to the fans who welcomed me back and have been a huge part of what we achieved - and how we achieved it. The support you gave me and the lads meant so much, and I’m forever grateful and proud to have been a part of another memorable time at this club. As this chapter closes, I’m sure another one will open one day.”
Final hurdle
Gateshead principal shareholder Mark Nellist (L), manager Rob Elliot (C) and new joint-owner Stephen Paylor (R) (photo Jack McGraghan)placeholder image
Gateshead principal shareholder Mark Nellist (L), manager Rob Elliot (C) and new joint-owner Stephen Paylor (R) (photo Jack McGraghan) | Jack McGraghan
Gateshead have reassured supporters they are now working to make an announcement on Elliot’s successor and to confirm details of their retained list and pre-season fixture schedule. The new man in charge will have to hit the ground running with a number of Heed players, including current captain and former Hartlepool United and Sunderland defender Kenton Richardson, now approaching the end of their current contract.
They also provided an update on the status of co-owner Stephen Paylor, who is still awaiting news a green light to take a more central involvement within the International Stadium hierarchy. The Hartlepool-born businessman has received approval from the Football Association and National League - but is now awaiting approval from the new Football Regulator under the new Football Governance Act. Gateshead have confirmed Paylor is ‘using his time to review the club from top to bottom, learn the people, current culture and talk to all partners’ and will put forward ‘ideas to action’ once approval has been received.
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