Gateshead FC can confirm that manager Rob Elliot has departed the club to join Crawley Town.
A formal approach was made by the League One side last week, with a deal now agreed which sees Elliot join the Red Devils alongside assistant manager Louis Storey and first-team coach Antony Sweeney.
Elliot and Storey depart having etched their names into club history by becoming the first-ever Gateshead manager and assistant to lift the Isuzu FA Trophy in May 2024 while on an interim basis, shortly after ending the 2023/24 National League season inside the division’s play-off places for the first time since 2014.
Louis Storey, Rob Elliot and Carl Magnay after lifting the Isuzu FA Trophy. in May 2024. Photo: Ryan McDermott | @themedia_hq
Storey also played an integral role in Gateshead’s 2021/22 National League North title-winning campaign by making 50 appearances across all competitions after joining in the summer of 2021 – the joint-highest in that season’s squad – as well as recording six assists.
The defender went on to make 139 Gateshead appearances in total, including two Isuzu FA Trophy final appearances in 2023 and 2024, as well as scoring in the penalty shoot-out on The Heed’s way to lifting the trophy in May.
The duo were named as the club’s permanent management team in June 2024 ahead of the 2024/25 National League campaign – with Sweeney also joining as first-team coach – and the trio now depart Tyneside with The Heed sitting in fifth place in the league table after 11 games.
Jake Lloyd, Frazer Bell, Simon Johnson, Louis Storey, Rob Elliot, Antony Sweeney, Dale Walker and Josh Lucas.
Club Chairman, Neil Pinkerton, said: “Rob, Louis and Antony depart with the best wishes of everyone associated with Gateshead FC.”
“Rob and Louis have been an integral part of the club’s success in recent years, culminating in an unforgettable day at Wembley Stadium in May which saw them lift the FA Trophy for the first time in our history.
“Though we are all saddened to see Rob, Louis and Antony leave the club, we understand that the approach from Crawley represented an opportunity for the trio to progress their coaching careers at a higher level.
“I’m sure I speak on behalf of all supporters when I thank Rob, Louis and Antony for all of their efforts during their time leading the club, and wish them the very best of luck for the future.”
Ben Clark will take charge of first team matters on an interim basis for the immediate future, supported by Jacob Butterfield, Greg Olley and Luke Clark, with an update to follow in due course.
