After a strong 75-point season for The Heed which included 22 wins, celebrations were short-lived after the EFL announced that the club would be barred from competing in upcoming National League play-off matches. The decision was made by the ruling body on the basis that Gateshead F.C. were unable to secure a 10-year lease for their ground, the International Stadium.
In order to be a member of the EFL a club must have a “10-year security of tenure” on their home ground. This rule is in place to ensure stability across England’s top-four leagues. Due to disputes amongst the council, the Tynesiders were unable to meet the security of tenure requirement and therefore, their application to join the EFL was denied. This was appealed by the club and has since been denied again by an independent arbitrator.
Gateshead were fixtured to play Solihull Moors in eliminator on April 23rd. This has now been cancelled and other play-off fixtures have been reconfigured, with Altrincham receiving a bye to the semi-finals.
Reactions to the EFL’s decision have been vocal in opposition. Gateshead fans staged a protest outside of the council headquarters – showing their disdain for the shortcomings of the council which created the scenario The Heed find themselves in.
David Gaddes, Gateshead fan and host of The Heed Army podcast said when interviewed by ITV that he feels as if the EFL have told Gateshead F.C., “this is your glass ceiling – you can’t go any further forward”.
The EFL have described the situation as “avoidable” and “highly disappointing”.
Gateshead fans are now left without the prospect of any more competitive fixtures this season. The theatrics of play-off football has been snatched away from the Tynesiders until at least next season, with the club now hoping to continue their strong form into the 2024-25 campaign – allowing them to have the chance at promotion once again.