Gateshead FC is delighted to confirm the return of club legend Ben Clark as a first-team coach.
‘Clarky’ makes his return to senior coaching as part of Rob Elliot’s backroom staff, having acted as Gateshead FC Foundation’s full-time Community Officer from June 2022 after originally taking up the role in March 2020 alongside coaching the club’s U19 side.
As a player, the centre-back needs no introduction to the Heed Army, arriving at the club in June 2010 and achieving legendary status across his 280 appearances, which included a run to the 2014 Conference Premier play-off final and saw him become the first player to captain Gateshead at Wembley Stadium.
Clark has led Gateshead as interim manager on two separate occasions, firstly stewarding the club under tumultuous off-field circumstances from January 2019 to April 2019 and finishing in ninth place, before taking charge of two games in October 2024 between the management tenures of Elliot and Carl Magnay.
Clark will officially begin his new role within Elliot’s coaching staff from the beginning of March, following the completion of his duties with Gateshead FC Foundation.
“I’m just really excited,” said Clark.
“Rob [Elliot] asked me to come to the last couple of games, I’ve just got that little bit of fire in my tummy again. I think I can make a difference, I think I can help the group, and I’m just really, really excited.
“I’ve missed the match day, I’ve missed that excitement and working hard during the week for the prep on a weekend, and I’ll give it absolutely everything.
“We’ll give our best version of ourselves, and hopefully results and performances will change.”
Welcome back, Clarky!
