Rob Elliot guided Gateshead away from danger in the National League, but has left his post after failing to agree on plans for the club to progress
Rob Elliot has left Gateshead
Rob Elliot has left Gateshead(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)
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Gateshead have confirmed they have parted company with manager Rob Elliot just weeks after he guided them to a remarkable escape from relegation into the National League North.
The former Newcastle United and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper returned for a second spell as Heed boss in January and took charge of a side entrenched in a battle against relegation from the National League.
A raft of new signings were secured in the weeks that followed and after a slow start to his reign, Elliot’s side ended a 15-game run without a win by collecting an all-too rare victory at FC Halifax Town.
That kickstarted an unexpected push towards survival as the Heed embarked on a run of just two defeats in their following 15 games and their National League status was officially secured with a win at Aldershot Town in the final fortnight of another challenging season.
Elliot and the Heed hierarchy had been locked in talks over how to build on the unquestionable momentum gained throughout the final three months of the season - and it has now been confirmed they were unable to find an agreement on how to move forwards.
In a statement released on the club website on Wednesday evening, the Gateshead hierarchy have claimed meeting the terms set out by Elliot would send the club ‘into an even more heavily negative financial position and an uncertain future’ and revealed they were parting company with their FA Trophy-winning manager.
As Chronicle Live revealed on Wednesday, Elliot has interest from at least two other clubs but their interest is not believed to have played a part in his parting of ways with Gateshead.
The former Magpies goalkeeper expressed his sadness over his departure and explained why he felt the decision to move on was the right one.
He 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.
“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.”
Gateshead have also revealed they are working hard to make an announcement over a successor to Elliot and confirming their retained list and pre-season friendly schedule.