Gateshead Football Club is thrilled to announce Stephen Paylor as the club’s new joint-owner, subject to National League approval.
Born and bred in the North East, Stephen has spent the past 20 years based in the USA, with various successful business interests in Las Vegas and Arizona.
Stephen now joins Gateshead FC’s ownership group having been in regular contact with club chairman Bernard McWilliams and principal owner Mark Nellist for the last year.
Stephen has seen first-hand the passion shown at Gateshead FC, particularly from the club’s dedicated fan base and Gateshead FC Supporters Society.
Club Chairman, Bernard McWilliams, said: “We believe Stephen is an ideal partner for Gateshead Football Club.
“He has a successful history in business, player and club development and is the Founder and President of Next Level Soccer in Arizona, a prestigious youth academy and current Arizona State Champions for both Men and Women’s senior teams.
“It is my pleasure to welcome him to Gateshead Football Club to join our family.”
Principal shareholder, Mark Nellist, said: “This partnership will allow our club to grow with the links Stephen has in the United States and will give us a wider global audience.
“It has come after careful consideration to allow someone to share control, my actions have always been for the interest of the people of Gateshead and what Stephen brings will only add to that.”
(left to right) Mark Nellist, Rob Elliot & Stephen Paylor.
Paylor added: “I do not know how to live a life without football.
“I still follow all of the North East teams, despite being 5,000 miles away, but for a long time the only one I could watch was Newcastle United in the Premier League.
“I follow the National League a lot having been born in Hartlepool, and in Gateshead I saw a club and community who had dealt with a lot after the challenges of the past year.
“I also noticed a real spirit and strength from so many to stick together when things didn’t go well – you learn who people really are when times are hard.
“Of course, we all want to win. I tell the players I coach that winning is almost everything in sport, but how you win, who you are and how you treat others will always matter more.
“World class people will always be better than world class players.
“For me, football clubs are for the community, and I feel strongly about fan ownership and integration.
“Knowing some of the people behind the scenes at Gateshead FC and learning what they give daily to the club has been emotional for me to see.
“The soul and spirit of Gateshead FC and the resurgence of the last few months gave me hope that there are still people in today’s world who value loyalty, family and community first.
“Football clubs are a collection of people, their passion, loyalty, community and values. That isn’t something you can just buy.
“People aren’t for sale and neither are football clubs, but I will work to show my love and passion and hopefully win the respect of you all over time. If those values are part of a Geordie spirit, then you have something special already, and I’m ready to fight side by side with you all for that.”
