Gateshead FC is delighted to confirm the appointment of Alun Armstrong as the club’s first-team manager.
Armstrong arrives at Gateshead International Stadium to take on his third role in senior management, having previously acted as manager with Blyth Spartans from 2016 to 2019 and then Darlington from 2019 to 2023.
Armstrong led The Spartans to the Northern Premier League Premier Division title in 2017, before solidifying his side as a National League North play-off contender and ultimately reaching the quarter-finals in 2019.
He was then appointed as manager of fellow National League North side Darlington in May 2019, memorably leading The Quakers to the Emirates FA Cup second round with a 2-1 win away at League One outfit Swindon Town during the 2020/21 campaign, and remained at the helm until September 2023.
Armstrong took on the role as Head of Elite and Performance Football at Gateshead College in July 2024, working alongside Gateshead FC by taking charge of the club’s under-19 side, with six academy players included in the first team squad across the 2024/25 season.
“I see it as a challenge, and it’s something I’m really excited by,” said Armstrong.
“I want to bring some of the identity back to this club that I think it used to have. First and foremost, I want lads to work extremely hard for the team and that’s the biggest thing, but on top of that we want to be exciting and scoring goals.
“At the end of the day fans pay money to see goals, it’s an entertainment business, and we want to see the ball in the back of the net as much as we possibly can.
“I know it’s going to be a tough one, but no stone will be left for me to try and get this battle done and hopefully get to where we want to be.”
Club Chairman, Bernard McWilliams, added: “Can I firstly thank the many applications we received from some exceptional and well-qualified candidates for the post of first-team manager.
“It was a pleasure to take the time to read through some incredibly well-prepared applications, and we certainly appreciate the time taken by everyone to apply for the role.
“After pulling together a shortlist we have then taken the last few days to quickly interview those selected. I must say this, it was a very difficult decision as all those who applied and ultimately interviewed were of a very high standard.
“Only one person could be successful however, so with that said, I’m delighted to welcome Alun to the club as our new first-team manager.
“The last few weeks have seen quite a few changes at the club, and with Alun in position I feel we can begin rebuilding and bring a re-invigorated squad together ready to face the challenges that lie ahead.
“One thing that was at the centre of this process is that we are one club – ‘wor club’ – and with that said it is imperative that we re-connect through the manager and the players to our fans and our community, and Alun fully supports this.”
