Elliot leaves Gateshead after relegation escape

Gateshead have parted company with Rob Elliot, the manager who oversaw their remarkable National League relegation escape.

The former Newcastle United goalkeeper inspired a dramatic turnaround in fortunes at the International Stadium after returning to the club midway through last season.

Elliot said, however, that the club were unable to commit to the infrastructure which would enable further progression and that has led to his exit.

"It's hard to say goodbye when we achieved something so special last year," he said., external

"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."

Elliot guided Gateshead to a 2024 FA Trophy triumph at Wembley in his first spell in charge before leaving to join Crawley Town the following season, but rejoined the club at the start of January with them in a perilous position

From bottom of the table in mid-February after 13 games without a win, they produced an astonishing U-turn, losing just twice in their next 15 matches to finish eight points clear of the drop zone in 18th place.

Elliot was named the league's manager of the month for March.

The club, who also confirmed that Stephen Paylor had joined the board, said that meeting Elliot's terms would mean the club would be placed in an "even more heavily negative financial position" and be facing an "uncertain future".

A statement added: "Unfortunately, terms could not be agreed between the club and Rob Elliot regarding budgets and access to certain immediate infrastructure.

"Rob only wants the best for the club and for it to thrive, as we're sure everyone does, and that is absolutely the plan being worked on behind the scenes with Stephen."