Gateshead F.C.
Gateshead Football Club is a professional association football club based in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, England, competing in the National League, the fifth tier of the English football league system.[1] Formed in 1977 as a phoenix club after the collapse of Gateshead United, the current incarnation traces its lineage to the 1930 relocation of South Shields AFC—then a Football League Third Division North side—to Gateshead amid financial difficulties, which became the original Gateshead AFC until its expulsion from the League in 1960 for similar economic reasons.[2] Nicknamed "The Heed" or "The Tynesiders," the club has achieved promotions through the non-League pyramid, including Northern Premier League titles in 1983 and 1986, and National League North championship in 2021–22, alongside reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals in 1953 as the earlier incarnation.[2] In 2024, Gateshead secured its first FA Trophy, defeating Solihull Moors 5–4 on penalties after a 2–2 draw in the final at Wembley Stadium.[3] However, the club faced a significant setback in April 2024 when it was barred from National League play-offs—and thus promotion to League Two—due to insufficient security of tenure at its home ground, the Gateshead International Stadium, failing to meet EFL requirements for a 10-year lease; this issue was resolved later that year via a council agreement ensuring future eligibility.[4][5] The Heed continue to contest the National League, emphasizing community ties and resilience amid repeated challenges to League status rooted in infrastructural and financial hurdles.[1]History
Origins and relocation from South Shields (1899–1930)
South Shields Adelaide Athletic was established in 1899 by Jack Inskip in South Shields, County Durham, initially as a junior club comprising local schoolboys from the Adelaide Street area.[6] The club progressed through regional competitions, securing victories in the South Shields Junior Alliance, the Shields and District League in 1904–05, and the Tyneside League in both 1905–06 and 1906–07.[6] By the early 1910s, the team had entered the North Eastern League, where it demonstrated dominance with championships in 1913–14 and 1914–15, alongside winning the Durham Challenge Cup in 1910–11 and 1913–14.[6] This pre-World War I success, marked by consistent high attendances exceeding 10,000 at Horsley Hill, positioned the club for national recognition.[7] Following the war, South Shields was elected to the Football League's Second Division in 1919, achieving a respectable sixth-place finish in the 1920–21 season.[6][8] Relegated to the newly formed Third Division North thereafter, the club maintained competitiveness, including strong FA Cup performances with runs to the fourth round in 1925–26 and 1926–27, the latter drawing a record crowd of 24,348.[6] Despite ending the 1929–30 season in seventh place in the Third Division North, persistent financial difficulties—stemming from declining public support and low attendances amid economic pressures—forced the club's relocation eight miles west to Gateshead in 1930.[6] Renamed Gateshead AFC upon arrival, it adopted Redheugh Park as its home ground, retaining its Football League membership while severing ties with South Shields, where no successor club immediately emerged.[2][9]Football League era and initial stability (1930–1960)
Gateshead AFC commenced its Football League tenure in the Third Division North following the 1930 relocation of South Shields FC to Gateshead amid the former club's financial difficulties, retaining its league membership upon approval by the Football Association.[2] The club adopted Redheugh Park as its home ground, where it hosted matches for the duration of this era.[2] Competitive stability characterized the period, with the team securing an average ninth-place finish across 21 seasons in the division, interrupted by the suspension of league football during World War II from 1939 to 1946.[2] Early performances included a strong second-place finish in 1931–32, where Gateshead scored 94 goals but missed promotion due to inferior goal average compared to champions Lincoln City.[10] Post-war resumption brought renewed contention for elevation, as evidenced by another runners-up position in 1949–50 behind Doncaster Rovers, with 53 points from 42 matches, yet only the champions advanced to the Second Division under the era's promotion rules.[10] A further near-miss occurred in 1952–53, when the club fell one point short of promotion.[2] The most notable highlight arrived in the 1952–53 FA Cup, where Gateshead advanced to the quarter-finals by defeating higher-division opponents including Liverpool in the third round, before a 1–0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers at Redheugh Park drew a crowd of 17,692—among the largest in club history.[2][11] League restructuring in 1958 positioned Gateshead as a founder member of the new Fourth Division after narrowly missing retention in the Third Division by one point, underscoring persistent mid-table consistency without achieving elevation.[2] This era reflected operational steadiness, with sustained membership despite the challenges of regional competition and limited resources.Decline, financial struggles, and expulsion (1960–1970)
In the late 1950s, Gateshead F.C. experienced on-field decline in the Football League's Fourth Division, finishing third from bottom in the 1959–60 season with a record that placed them above Oldham Athletic and Hartlepools United.[12][2] This poor performance, combined with persistently low attendance figures that reflected waning local support, contributed to the club's vulnerability under the League's re-election process for bottom-half teams.[12] On May 28, 1960, Gateshead was voted out of the Football League, receiving only 18 votes in the re-election ballot and being replaced by Peterborough United, despite not finishing at the very bottom of the division.[12][2] The decision stemmed from the re-election system's emphasis on broader League considerations, including southern clubs' reluctance to undertake long travels to Tyneside, rather than solely on-table position; club histories describe this as a "harsh" outcome, though the structural bias against northern sides with modest gates was a causal factor in such voting patterns.[12][13] Following the expulsion, Gateshead unsuccessfully applied to join the Scottish Football League and instead competed in regional competitions, initially the Northern Counties League before moving to the North Regional League from 1960 to 1966.[2] Financial pressures mounted amid these lower-tier placements, exacerbated by the loss of League status and revenue, leading to ongoing instability without the professional structure or gate receipts of prior years.[12][13] By 1968, as founder members of the newly formed Northern Premier League, Gateshead achieved runners-up status in their debut season but were relegated after two years, returning to the Wearside League by 1970.[2] This progression of demotions underscored persistent financial strains and inadequate competitive edge, setting the stage for further decline toward the club's eventual dissolution in 1973.[13][2]Reformation as Gateshead United and rebranding (1977–1998)
Following the collapse of Gateshead United in June 1977 due to financial insolvency, a new club was established in July 1977 under the name Gateshead F.C., taking over their place in the Northern Premier League for the 1977–78 season.[2][14] The formation aimed to revive senior football in the town, with the club adopting the black-and-white stripes associated with prior local teams and playing initially at the International Stadium.[2] The club quickly established itself in non-league football, securing promotion to the Alliance Premier League (later the Football Conference) after winning the Northern Premier League title in the 1982–83 season with a record 100 points and 114 goals scored.[2][14] Relegated after one season in the Alliance Premier League, Gateshead returned by clinching the Northern Premier League championship again in 1985–86.[2][14] Subsequent years saw fluctuating fortunes, with further promotion to the Conference in 1990 and consistent mid-table finishes, including 7th place in 1994–95 and 5th in 1995–96.[2][14] During the 1990s, Gateshead reached the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy on three occasions within four seasons, highlighting competitive cup form amid league stability.[2] However, financial pressures and inconsistent results culminated in relegation from the Conference after eight seasons, returning to the Northern Premier League in 1998.[2][14] This period marked a reassertion of local identity, though without formal name changes, as the club solidified its non-league presence under the Gateshead F.C. banner established at reformation.[2]Modern non-league progression and promotions (1998–2021)
In 1998, Gateshead suffered relegation from the Football Conference to the Northern Premier League Premier Division after eight seasons at the fifth tier, marking a low point amid ongoing financial and competitive challenges.[2] The club faced further demotion to the Northern Premier League First Division in 2003, but responded with resurgence under improved management and investment.[15] In the 2003–04 season, Gateshead secured promotion back to the Premier Division by winning the First Division play-offs.[15] Stabilization arrived in 2006 with businessman Graham Wood assuming control, providing financial backing that enabled squad improvements and competitive consistency.[2] By the 2007–08 UniBond (Northern Premier) Premier Division campaign, Gateshead finished third with a prolific 93 goals scored, qualifying for the promotion play-offs. They advanced past Fleetwood Town in the semi-finals before defeating Buxton 2–0 in the final on 3 May 2008 at Gateshead International Stadium, earning elevation to the Conference North.[2][16] The following 2008–09 Conference North season saw Gateshead as runners-up, scoring 81 goals and finishing just behind champions Tamworth.[2] This positioned them for the play-offs, where they overcame AFC Telford United 3–2 on aggregate in the final—2–1 home win followed by a 1–1 away draw—securing back-to-back promotions to the Conference Premier (now National League) on 3 May 2009 before a crowd exceeding 4,000.[2] In 2010, the club transitioned to full-time professional status, finishing 14th in their debut top-flight non-league season.[2] Subsequent years featured mid-table solidity interspersed with near-misses: eighth in 2012 with a FA Trophy quarter-final run; third in 2014, reaching the promotion play-off semi-finals but losing 2–1 to Cambridge United in the Wembley final on 18 May.[2] Positions of ninth (2016, FA Trophy quarter-finals) and eighth (2017, with a late-season form dip derailing play-off hopes) followed.[2] Financial difficulties culminated in demotion to National League North in 2019 despite a 12th-place Conference Premier finish, due to inability to secure stadium lease assurances for EFL promotion criteria.[2] The 2020–21 season was voided amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with Gateshead 10th at suspension.[2]Recent successes, playoff exclusion, and ongoing challenges (2021–2025)
In the 2021–22 season, Gateshead secured promotion to the National League by winning the National League North title with 84 points from 25 wins, 9 draws, and 4 losses.[2] The following 2022–23 campaign saw continued progress, including a run to the FA Trophy final, where they lost 1–0 to Warrington Rylands at Wembley Stadium on May 21, 2023. Gateshead's 2023–24 National League season yielded a strong sixth-place finish with 75 points from 22 wins, 9 draws, and 15 losses, initially qualifying them for the promotion playoffs.[17] However, on April 21, 2024, the English Football League (EFL) excluded the club from participating, citing failure to meet membership criterion C8, which requires a minimum 10-year security of tenure at their home ground.[4] [18] The club's application and subsequent appeal were rejected after Gateshead Council declined to guarantee the necessary lease extension at the International Stadium, where the team has played since 1993.[4] [19] These stadium-related issues stemmed from protracted negotiations with the Labour-controlled Gateshead Council, which in May 2024 voted down a proposal for a 10-year tenancy agreement including a break clause.[20] By November 18, 2024, the council issued a Letter of Guarantee confirming it would grant the required tenure should Gateshead achieve promotion, enabling potential EFL eligibility in future seasons.[21] In the 2024–25 season, Gateshead finished eighth with 67 points, missing the playoff positions despite the resolved tenure assurances.[22] Ongoing challenges persisted into 2025, including financial pressures exacerbated by a failed takeover attempt announced on May 9, 2025, which the club described as creating "significant challenges" for sustainability and operations.[23] These issues, compounded by historical council disputes over stadium access and maintenance, have hindered long-term stability despite on-field competitiveness.[24]Club Identity
Colours, crest, and kit evolution
Gateshead F.C.'s primary colours are black and white, with home kits typically consisting of white shirts, black shorts, and black socks.[25] These have served as the club's traditional palette since the mid-1980s, following a phase of inconsistent and varied designs in the years after its 1977 reformation as Gateshead United.[25] Prior to expulsion from the Football League in 1970, the original Gateshead A.F.C.—formed by the 1930 relocation of South Shields A.F.C.—adopted plain white shirts paired with black shorts around 1937, marking an early shift toward the monochromatic scheme that would later become standard.[26] The club's crest features a goat's head, symbolizing the etymological roots of "Gateshead," derived from the Old English or Latin "ad caprae caput" meaning "goat's head," possibly alluding to a local landmark, headland, or heraldic emblem in medieval times.[27] This motif reflects the area's historical identity rather than direct ties to the club's founding, with logo iterations evolving through the 1990s and 2000s to incorporate stylized versions alongside elements like the town's name and league affiliations.[28] Kit evolution traces back to the club's origins as South Shields Adelaide Athletic in 1899, which wore green and red shirts inspired by port navigation lights, transitioning to blue and white by 1924 before the 1930 move to Gateshead introduced claret and blue halves until the white-and-black adoption in 1937.[26] Post-1960 non-league play under Gateshead United saw experimental colours, including claret and blue in the early 1970s and white-green-red variations around 1974–75, before standardizing to black and white for stability and tradition.[29] Modern kits, produced by manufacturers like Puma (until circa 2023) and Patrick (from 2024), maintain the core black-and-white home design with subtle updates such as monochromatic patterns or sponsor integrations, while away kits occasionally incorporate contrasting hues for distinction.[30]Nickname, mascot, and fan culture
Gateshead F.C. are commonly referred to as The Tynesiders or The Heed, with the latter deriving from local Geordie dialect pronunciation of the town's name.[2][31] The nickname "The Tynesiders" reflects the club's location on the southern bank of the River Tyne, emphasizing regional identity shared with nearby Newcastle United but distinct in its Gateshead heritage.[32] The official mascot is Rooney the Goat, a character that has appeared at matches to engage supporters, particularly children, and promote club spirit.[33][34] In 2015, dedicated fan Mick Thornton, who portrayed the mascot, received tributes from the club community upon his passing, highlighting its role in fostering personal connections among attendees.[33] Fan culture centers on loyal, community-driven support, with the Gateshead FC Supporters Society (operating as Gateshead Soul) playing a pivotal role since its formation.[35] This co-operative group holds partial ownership of the club, providing an independent platform for fan input on decisions and advocating for sustainable growth amid challenges like council disputes.[35][36] Supporters emphasize building strong bonds with players and management, crediting resilience since 2019 internal issues for creating an "unbelievable" atmosphere at the International Stadium.[36] Initiatives such as fan surveys and matchday enhancements underscore efforts to improve experiences, while attendance reflects dedicated local followings rather than reliance on spillover from larger Tyneside clubs.[37][38]Facilities
International Stadium history and specifications
The Gateshead International Stadium, located in Gateshead, England, was constructed on the site of former chemical works established in 1827 and 1834, with the land cleared in 1942.[39] Originally opened as the Gateshead Youth Stadium on 27 August 1955 by marathon runner Jim Peters at a cost of £30,000, it featured an asphalt cycle track and a cinder athletics track, serving primarily as a multi-sport venue focused on youth athletics and cycling.[40] In 1974, renovations adapted the facility for broader use, including football, and Gateshead F.C. adopted it as their home ground upon the club's reformation as Gateshead United in 1977.[41] The stadium was renamed the Gateshead International Stadium in 1981 following the construction of a main stand and three additional stands, enhancing its capacity and functionality for both athletics and football events.[41] Further developments in 2010 expanded seating and facilities, while recent agreements in November 2024 secured Gateshead F.C.'s long-term tenancy amid promotion eligibility concerns, with operator GLL committing to community enhancements.[42] In July 2025, Newcastle United Women announced their relocation to the stadium for the 2025/26 season, including investments in the pitch surface and ancillary facilities to support elite-level play.[43] The venue is an all-seated, multi-purpose stadium with a capacity of 11,800, making it the third-largest in Tyne and Wear.[44] It features a bowl-like design with a prominent covered main stand on one side and open terracing elsewhere, centered around an international-standard athletics track that surrounds the football pitch, measuring approximately 100 by 64 meters.[45] This configuration accommodates track and field events alongside football, though the track distance from the pitch has been noted in discussions of viewing experience and league compliance. The record attendance for a Gateshead F.C. match is 8,144, recorded against Grimsby Town in May 2014.[39]Training grounds and lease disputes with Gateshead Council
Gateshead F.C. primarily utilizes training facilities integrated within the Gateshead International Stadium complex, which includes five artificial outdoor football pitches and indoor athletics training areas developed through phased redevelopments completed by 2006 and subsequent upgrades.[46] [41] These pitches support the first team's preparation and the club's academy program, which partners with Gateshead College for youth development.[47] A state-of-the-art 3G pitch and World Athletics-standard running track were added more recently to enhance community and club access.[48] The facilities occupy part of the 24.4-hectare site owned by Gateshead Council, serving dual purposes for matches, training, and public leisure. Lease disputes between Gateshead F.C. and Gateshead Council escalated in early 2024, centering on the security of tenure required for potential promotion to the English Football League (EFL), which mandates a minimum 10-year guarantee on ground usage.[49] The council, seeking to appoint an external operator for its leisure assets including the stadium to ensure financial sustainability, could not initially commit to an unbreakable 10-year license, introducing uncertainty over future management and prompting the EFL to deem the club ineligible for National League play-offs despite a third-place finish.[50] [21] Gateshead Council countered by offering a 10-year licensing arrangement with a break clause tied to operator negotiations, asserting ongoing support for the club while prioritizing community leisure services.[50] [49] The impasse, which risked disrupting not only matchday operations but also access to training pitches amid the council's procurement process, led to fan protests and the club's initiation of arbitration against the EFL and National League.[49] By May 2024, councillors rejected a direct 10-year tenancy guarantee, exacerbating tensions.[20] Negotiations progressed later that year, culminating in an in-principle agreement for a Letter of Guarantee on November 18, 2024, set for formal approval the following day, ensuring the license would be granted upon EFL promotion without altering the council's external operator plans.[21] This resolution addressed the tenure concerns underpinning the disputes, stabilizing the club's use of both stadium and training facilities.[24]Governance and Ownership
Managerial history
Gateshead F.C.'s managerial history reflects the club's non-league progression, with appointments often tied to performance in lower tiers of English football. Following the 1977 reformation as Gateshead United, early records are limited, but notable figures include Tommy Cassidy from July 1993 to June 1994 and Jim Platt from August 1996 to June 1997, during periods of regional league competition.[51] Kenny Lowe managed from July 1997 to June 1998, coinciding with the transition toward rebranding to Gateshead F.C. in 1998.[52] From the mid-2000s, managerial tenures became more documented amid climbs through the pyramid. Ian Bogie held the role from May 2007 to December 2012, achieving back-to-back promotions in 2008–09 and 2009–10 via the Conference North play-off final victory over AFC Telford United.[2][53] His successor, Anth Smith, served briefly from December 2012 to August 2013.[51]| Manager | Tenure | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ian Bogie | May 2007 – Dec 2012 | Back-to-back promotions to National League North.[2][53] |
| Anth Smith | Dec 2012 – Aug 2013 | Short stint post-promotion.[51] |
| Gary Mills | Sep 2013 – Apr 2015 | Third-place finish; National League play-off final loss to Cambridge United at Wembley in 2014.[2][52] |
| Malcolm Crosby | Apr 2015 – Nov 2015 | Sacked after six months despite initial promise.[2][53] |
| Neil Aspin | Nov 2015 – Oct 2017 | Ninth in National League (2015–16); play-off push in 2016–17.[2][51] |
| Steve Watson | Oct 2017 – Jan 2019 | Strong start with five wins in first seven games; FA Cup second round appearance.[2][53] |
| Ben Clark | Jan 2019 – Jun 2019 | Interim/caretaker role.[52][51] |
| Mike Williamson | Jun 2019 – Oct 2023 | National League North title (2021–22); FA Trophy winners (2024); consecutive finals (2023, 2024).[2][53] |
| Rob Elliot | Oct 2023 – Oct 2024 | Maintained play-off contention; finished sixth in National League (2023–24); permanent with assistant Louis Storey from June 2024.[54][52] |
| Ben Clark | Oct 2024 – Oct 2024 | Brief interim return.[51] |
| Carl Magnay | Oct 2024 – Jun 2025 | Interim to end of 2024–25 season.[53][52] |
| Alun Armstrong | Jul 2025 – present | Current manager as of October 2025.[53][51] |
Ownership changes and internal conflicts
In 2018, Gateshead F.C. was acquired by Hong Kong-based Indian businessman Rangan Varghese, in partnership with associate Joseph Cala, marking a significant shift from previous ownership under Richard and Julie Bennett.[13][55] This takeover, initially agreed upon in May 2018 as part of efforts to stabilize the club post-relegation threats, quickly deteriorated into operational turmoil, including unpaid bills and failure to secure league licenses, prompting widespread criticism from supporters and players.[56][13] By April 2019, the club's players issued a public statement condemning Varghese and Cala's stewardship, highlighting financial mismanagement and urging the owners to finalize a sale to avoid existential threats to the club.[56] Fan-led campaigns intensified, framing the ownership as detrimental to the club's survival, which culminated in the ousting of Varghese and Cala after a single season of near-collapse.[13] In the summer of 2019, control passed to a fan-backed consortium led by Neil Pinkerton and Trevor Clark, restoring stability through community financing and local governance.[2] Pinkerton served as chairman for six years, overseeing promotions and playoff campaigns, until May 9, 2025, when he resigned citing family and personal reasons amid the collapse of takeover negotiations with former footballer Victor Anichebe.[57][58] The failed deal, which had aimed to inject new investment, left the club facing "significant challenges," with vice-chairman Bernard McWilliams assuming the role on an interim basis.[23] Companies House records confirm Pinkerton's departure from significant control on May 5, 2025, underscoring the abrupt leadership transition without reported board infighting at that juncture.[59]Players and Staff
Notable historical players
Hughie Gallacher, renowned for his goalscoring prowess with clubs like Newcastle United and the Scotland national team, ended his career at Gateshead A.F.C. in 1938, registering 18 goals in 34 league appearances during the 1938–39 season amid the club's Football League Third Division North campaign.[60] His signing drew record crowds of up to 20,000 per week, reflecting his enduring drawing power despite being in the twilight of his career.[61] In the Conference era, Paul Dobson established himself as one of Gateshead's most prolific forwards, claiming the league's top scorer title in both the 1993–94 and 1994–95 seasons, including 25 league goals in the latter year.[62] His tally set a benchmark later surpassed only by Jon Shaw's 34-goal haul in 2011–12 across all competitions.[63] Lee Novak's breakout 2008–09 campaign saw him net 26 league goals for Gateshead in the Conference North, earning top-scorer honors and propelling the club to promotion via the playoffs before a £150,000 transfer to Huddersfield Town in January 2009, with an immediate loan return to aid the postseason push.[61] This performance marked a pivotal step in his progression to professional leagues, including spells in League One. James Tavernier featured on loan from Newcastle United during the 2010–11 Conference Premier season, contributing in 13 appearances as a right-back before advancing to higher-profile roles, culminating in his captaincy at Rangers with over 400 appearances since 2015.[64] Ian Bogie, a midfield stalwart from the Newcastle United youth system, represented Gateshead as both player and manager from 2007 to 2012, leveraging his professional experience from clubs like Port Vale to stabilize the team in non-league football.[61]Current first-team squad and out-on-loan players
As of October 2025, Gateshead F.C.'s first-team squad for the 2025–26 National League season comprises 25 players across goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, with contracts extending primarily to June 2026.[65]| Position | No. | Player | Nationality | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | 1 | Tiernan Brooks | Ireland/England | 23 |
| GK | 33 | George Shelvey | England | 24 |
| DF | 2 | Callum Johnson | England | 29 |
| DF | 3 | David Ferguson | England | 31 |
| DF | 5 | Kenton Richardson | England | 26 |
| DF | 15 | Ibrahim Bakare | England/Nigeria | 23 |
| DF | 18 | Joe Grayson | England | 26 |
| DF | 26 | Connor Pani | England | 22 |
| DF | 31 | Ben Williams | England | 20 |
| DF | 34 | Max Melbourne | England/Wales | 27 |
| DF | 37 | Carter Milmore | England | 19 |
| MF | 4 | Jacob Butterfield | England | 35 |
| MF | 6 | Will Flint | England | 19 |
| MF | 11 | Tyrelle Newton | England | 21 |
| MF | 17 | Josh Home | England | 20 |
| MF | 20 | Fenton John | England | 21 |
| MF | 22 | Curtis Edwards | England | 31 |
| MF | 23 | Ethan Fitzhugh | England/Ireland | 22 |
| MF | 32 | Harry Chapman | England | 27 |
| MF | 35 | Callum Bone | England | - |
| FW | 7 | Kain Adom | England/Ghana | 24 |
| FW | 9 | Dom Telford | England | 28 |
| FW | 14 | Frank Nouble | England/Cote d'Ivoire | 34 |
| FW | 21 | Kyle Hurst | England | 23 |
| FW | 27 | Kian Pennant | England | 21 |
| FW | 39 | Oli Thompson | England/Brazil | 20 |
Non-playing staff structure
The board of directors at Gateshead F.C. oversees the club's governance and strategic direction. As of October 2025, Bernard McWilliams serves as chairman, having been appointed in May 2025 following the resignation of Neil Pinkerton for personal reasons.[66][58] Lawrence O’Halleron holds the position of vice-chairman, with directors Laurence Dinning, Mark Nellist, and Tony Carter completing the board. Non-executive advisors Scot Ryan and Sonia Kulkarni provide additional counsel. Principal shareholders include Mark Nellist and the Gateshead FC Supporters Society Ltd., each holding more than 10% of shares.[66] Administrative operations are managed by key non-playing personnel. Mike Coulson acts as general manager, responsible for overall club administration. Simon Johnson serves as head of football operations, handling logistical and developmental aspects beyond the first team. Media relations are led by Jack McGraghan, while ticketing and IT are overseen by Michael Boyle. Charlotte Hodgson manages retail operations, and matchday activities involve volunteer coordinators Andrew Gelder and Paul Ternent. Additional roles include club chaplain Paul Baddams and PA operators Ken Richardson and Paul Pendleton.[66]| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Chairman | Bernard McWilliams |
| Vice-Chairman | Lawrence O’Halleron |
| Directors | Laurence Dinning, Mark Nellist, Tony Carter |
| Non-Executive Advisors | Scot Ryan, Sonia Kulkarni |
| General Manager | Mike Coulson |
| Head of Football Operations | Simon Johnson |
| Media Manager | Jack McGraghan |
| Ticketing & IT Manager | Michael Boyle |
| Retail Manager | Charlotte Hodgson |
| Match Day Volunteer Coordinators | Andrew Gelder, Paul Ternent |
Achievements and Records
Domestic honours and cup wins
Gateshead F.C. achieved its first national cup triumph by winning the FA Trophy in the 2023–24 season, overcoming Solihull Moors 5–4 in a penalty shootout after a 2–2 draw in the final at Wembley Stadium on 11 May 2024.[3] The club has secured two regional league titles since its reformation in 1977, first claiming the Northern Premier League championship in the 1982–83 season with a record 100 points and 114 goals scored.[2] More recently, Gateshead won the National League North title in 2021–22, earning promotion to the National League after finishing with 84 points from 42 matches.[2][14] These victories represent the primary domestic honours for the current incarnation of the club, with no successes in the FA Cup or higher-tier league competitions recorded.[14]League performance records
Gateshead F.C. entered the Northern Premier League upon its formation in 1977, achieving promotion to the Football Conference after winning the league title in 1982–83 with a record 100 points and 114 goals scored.[2] The club repeated this success in 1985–86, securing another promotion.[2] Further elevations to the fifth tier occurred via the 1990 Northern Premier League title and play-off victory from Conference North in 2008–09 (runners-up with 80 points), followed by direct championship in National League North during 2021–22 (94 points from 42 matches).[2][67] In the National League (formerly Conference Premier), Gateshead's highest finish is third place in 2013–14, earning 79 points from 46 games (22 wins, 13 draws, 11 losses; +22 goal difference) and advancing to the promotion play-off semi-finals.[68] The club recorded 75 points (sixth place) in 2023–24, its second-highest tally at this level.[68] Lowest standing in the division was 22nd in 1986–87 (31 points, relegated).[67]| Competition | Titles (Seasons) | Record Points |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Premier League | 2 (1982–83, 1985–86) | 100 (1982–83) |
| National League North | 1 (2021–22) | 94 (2021–22) |