In light of much online speculation, we would like to provide an update on the current situation at the club.
Firstly, we would like to thank supporters for their patience following the end of the season and apologise for the delay in communication.
Stephen Paylor has joined the board but is limited in his capacity to impact the club and take on a larger shareholding due to the ongoing process and the need for approval by the new Football Regulator under the new Football Governance Act.
Approvals from the FA and National League are complete, but we still have one final hurdle to clear. Stephen is using his time to review the club from top to bottom, learn the people, current culture and talk to all partners and will present his ideas for action once the Football Regulator’s process is complete.
Unfortunately, terms could not be agreed between the club and Rob Elliot regarding budgets and access to certain immediate infrastructure. Rob only wants the best for the club and for it to thrive, as we’re sure everyone does, and that is absolutely the plan being worked on behind the scenes with Stephen. However, meeting these terms would project the club immediately into an even more heavily negative financial position and an uncertain future.
Rob is at a point in his career where he rightly has his own ambition. We will always love and respect him, appreciate what he has done for Gateshead and welcome him back as soon as we can build a club that can match his ambition, which is of course the plan that we are working toward. We would like to place on record our deep appreciation and respect for Rob. We share his ambitions and will work to make him proud of the direction we move in and wish him nothing but huge success in any new role.
“It’s hard to say goodbye when we achieved something so special last year,” said Elliot.
“When I came back, I had belief we could stay up and keep the club in the National League. When I first spoke with the club, it was integral to me coming back that things were put in place to also develop the club further on and off the pitch, with a training ground and staffing to be put in place to help develop the players – regardless of which league we were in.
“Unfortunately, that isn’t able to happen. After speaking with the club at length over the last few weeks, it’s not something the club are able to commit to.
“Through this, along with not being able to retain all of the players and staff who achieved safety, it didn’t feel right for me to remain when others who gave so much aren’t able to continue the journey.
“I would like to mention Mark Nellist, without whom there would be no Gateshead Football Club. His constant investment is integral to the club being able to not only survive, but operate at this level.
“I want to thank all of the players, who have been immense, and the staff who have given so much. We have made lasting memories in such a short space of time.
“Lastly, a thank you to the fans who welcomed me back and have been a huge part of what we achieved – and how we achieved it.
“The support you gave me and the lads meant so much, and I’m forever grateful and proud to have been a part of another memorable time at this club.
“As this chapter closes, I’m sure another one will open one day.
Thank you all, Rob.”
We will work as quickly as possible to make an announcement on the club’s new manager, the list of retained playing staff and a schedule of first team pre-season fixtures.
