Gateshead FC’s loyal fanbase has been a driving force behind the club, providing strong support despite its small size. Their dedication was on full display during the Isuzu FA Trophy win at Wembley in May 2024, where fans made their presence felt. This victory was especially significant as it marked the first time in the club's history that manager Elliot led them to a Wembley win, triumphing in a dramatic penalty shoot-out against league rivals Solihull Moors.
The trio at the heart of the club’s success has been crucial, guiding Gateshead to both the FA Trophy win and a place in the National League playoffs last season.
However, recent destabilisation of the club throws a huge spanner in the works for their hopes of climbing the football pyramid, casting uncertainty over the future
Nearly five months after the controversy over Gateshead FC’s axing from the National League play-offs due to uncertainty about the future of their home, Gateshead International Stadium, the club now finds itself near the top of the National League. Fans are once again hopeful for a long-awaited return to the Football League, a feat they haven’t achieved since 1960.
The issue last season was the club’s inability to meet the EFL’s requirement of having a 10-year lease on their stadium. Gateshead Council, who can no longer afford to run the stadium, is still in the process of finding a new operator to take over managing the site.
Despite this upheaval, Gateshead remains competitive. With Ben Clark stepping up as interim manager, supported by key players like Jacob Butterfield and Greg Olley. The club's current fourth-place standing in the National League table after 12 games shows they are still in the hunt for promotion.
Gateshead FC has shown resilience, not just in their on-field performances but also in handling changes off the pitch, including the shifting leadership of managers. In recent years, the club has gone through a few managerial changes, yet they’ve managed to stay competitive in the National League.
A carousel of managers can be disruptive, but Gateshead has adapted, keeping their ambitions of promotion alive
This season, with strong form on the pitch, they have a solid foundation to build on. If the team can stabilise off the field, including securing that crucial lease, and maintain consistency under their current management, Gateshead FC has a real shot at moving into the EFL.
