https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/ Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:59:11 +0000 MyBB https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13851 Wed, 09 Jul 2025 06:45:22 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13851
The ban had been imposed last month and concerned a historic transfer issue, but it has now been resolved, the club has said.

"I am now pleased to say that official confirmation has been received from Fifa and we are good to go with registering our new signings," said, external chairman Bernard McWilliams.

The club can now step up preparations for the National League season under new manager Alun Armstrong, which begins on 9 August.]]>
The ban had been imposed last month and concerned a historic transfer issue, but it has now been resolved, the club has said.

"I am now pleased to say that official confirmation has been received from Fifa and we are good to go with registering our new signings," said, external chairman Bernard McWilliams.

The club can now step up preparations for the National League season under new manager Alun Armstrong, which begins on 9 August.]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13819 Mon, 16 Jun 2025 18:38:06 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13819
The 50-year-old replaces Carl Magnay who resigned earlier this month after a run of just five wins from the final 22 games of the season meant the Heed missed out on a play-off spot.

"I see it as a challenge, and it's something I'm really excited by," Gateshead-born Armstrong told the club website., external

"I want to bring some of the identity back to this club that I think it used to have."

Armstrong has previously had spells as manager of Blyth Spartans and Darlington.

During his playing career, striker Armstrong had notable spells at Stockport County and Ipswich Town, where he scored the winning goal against Inter Milan in the 2001-02 UEFA Cup.]]>
The 50-year-old replaces Carl Magnay who resigned earlier this month after a run of just five wins from the final 22 games of the season meant the Heed missed out on a play-off spot.

"I see it as a challenge, and it's something I'm really excited by," Gateshead-born Armstrong told the club website., external

"I want to bring some of the identity back to this club that I think it used to have."

Armstrong has previously had spells as manager of Blyth Spartans and Darlington.

During his playing career, striker Armstrong had notable spells at Stockport County and Ipswich Town, where he scored the winning goal against Inter Milan in the 2001-02 UEFA Cup.]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13804 Thu, 05 Jun 2025 16:43:55 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13804
Chairman Bernard McWilliams released a statement, external on Wednesday regarding the restriction on player registrations, arising from what he described as a "situation with Fifa relating to a previous transfer from several years ago".

But both club and board are confident the issue will not stop the club interviewing candidates to succeed Magnay, with a new appointment likely to be announced at the end of next week.

Gateshead are dealing with major upheaval following takeover uncertainty and the resignations of former chairman Neil Pinkerton and manager Magnay, plus the departures of head of recruitment Luke Clark, club doctor Ross Floyd and captain Greg Olley.

"A Fifa registration ban that covers both domestic and international transfers had been imposed against us," said a statement from the chairman, external. "Once I became aware, I contacted Fifa over the matter to identify what needs to be done to rectify and lift the ban and we should have it resolved swiftly.

"This will not impact any planning we have in place with both manager and player recruitment."

Magnay, who guided the club to eighth place in the National League last season, resigned on Monday but McWilliams said the club had already been "inundated" with applications for the manager's role.

The club plan to shortlist candidates this weekend for interviews and hope to be in a position to appoint a new manager by the end of next week.]]>
Chairman Bernard McWilliams released a statement, external on Wednesday regarding the restriction on player registrations, arising from what he described as a "situation with Fifa relating to a previous transfer from several years ago".

But both club and board are confident the issue will not stop the club interviewing candidates to succeed Magnay, with a new appointment likely to be announced at the end of next week.

Gateshead are dealing with major upheaval following takeover uncertainty and the resignations of former chairman Neil Pinkerton and manager Magnay, plus the departures of head of recruitment Luke Clark, club doctor Ross Floyd and captain Greg Olley.

"A Fifa registration ban that covers both domestic and international transfers had been imposed against us," said a statement from the chairman, external. "Once I became aware, I contacted Fifa over the matter to identify what needs to be done to rectify and lift the ban and we should have it resolved swiftly.

"This will not impact any planning we have in place with both manager and player recruitment."

Magnay, who guided the club to eighth place in the National League last season, resigned on Monday but McWilliams said the club had already been "inundated" with applications for the manager's role.

The club plan to shortlist candidates this weekend for interviews and hope to be in a position to appoint a new manager by the end of next week.]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13340 Wed, 16 Oct 2024 12:47:17 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13340
The 35-year-old made more than 120 appearances as a player in two spells at the Tyneside club and later joined Rob Elliot's coaching staff.

Elliot left the National League club, along with his assistant Louis Storey and first-team coach Antony Sweeney, to take over at League One Crawley earlier this month.

"We are fully confident that Carl is the right person to continue the club's progression - just as he has done in his previous spells as a player and a coach," chairman Neil Pinkerton told the Gateshead website., external

Magnay has spent time coaching at MK Dons and Carlisle this season under former Heed manager Mike Williamson, having left Gateshead in the summer.

He will be assisted by former Brighton, Sunderland, Leeds and Nottingham Forest midfielder Liam Bridcutt, with whom he played at Chelsea at youth level.

Former Scotland international Bridcutt, 35, has been coaching in Newcastle's academy system after retiring from playing earlier this year.

As a player Magnay helped Gateshead earn promotion from National League North in 2022 - scoring the goal in a final day draw at Chorley which sealed the title.

He also appeared in the 2014 Conference Premier play-off final at Wembley and the 2023 FA Trophy Final, before being part of the coaching staff as the Heed won the FA Trophy at Wembley in May.

"We are delighted to confirm the appointments of Carl and Liam," Pinkerton added.

"It was hugely important to the board that the necessary time be taken to bring the right people to the club, and we appreciate our supporters patience over recent weeks.

"We look forward to seeing them get to work this week."

After picking up 17 points from their first seven matches this season, Elliot left the club fifth in the league with 23 points from 11 games.

Ben Clark has been in interim charge, beating Wealdstone 1-0 before losing 2-1 at Tamworth.

They face an FA Cup fourth qualifying-round replay at home to Hednesford on Tuesday.]]>
The 35-year-old made more than 120 appearances as a player in two spells at the Tyneside club and later joined Rob Elliot's coaching staff.

Elliot left the National League club, along with his assistant Louis Storey and first-team coach Antony Sweeney, to take over at League One Crawley earlier this month.

"We are fully confident that Carl is the right person to continue the club's progression - just as he has done in his previous spells as a player and a coach," chairman Neil Pinkerton told the Gateshead website., external

Magnay has spent time coaching at MK Dons and Carlisle this season under former Heed manager Mike Williamson, having left Gateshead in the summer.

He will be assisted by former Brighton, Sunderland, Leeds and Nottingham Forest midfielder Liam Bridcutt, with whom he played at Chelsea at youth level.

Former Scotland international Bridcutt, 35, has been coaching in Newcastle's academy system after retiring from playing earlier this year.

As a player Magnay helped Gateshead earn promotion from National League North in 2022 - scoring the goal in a final day draw at Chorley which sealed the title.

He also appeared in the 2014 Conference Premier play-off final at Wembley and the 2023 FA Trophy Final, before being part of the coaching staff as the Heed won the FA Trophy at Wembley in May.

"We are delighted to confirm the appointments of Carl and Liam," Pinkerton added.

"It was hugely important to the board that the necessary time be taken to bring the right people to the club, and we appreciate our supporters patience over recent weeks.

"We look forward to seeing them get to work this week."

After picking up 17 points from their first seven matches this season, Elliot left the club fifth in the league with 23 points from 11 games.

Ben Clark has been in interim charge, beating Wealdstone 1-0 before losing 2-1 at Tamworth.

They face an FA Cup fourth qualifying-round replay at home to Hednesford on Tuesday.]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13313 Tue, 01 Oct 2024 16:24:16 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13313
Elliot has left, along with his assistant Louis Storey and first-team coach Antony Sweeney, to take up the vacant manager's job at the League One club.

Clark will be supported "for the immediate future" by Luke Clark, captain Greg Olley and senior player Jacob Butterfield.

This is the former Sunderland defender's third spell in charge, after previous stints in 2015 and 2019.

Gateshead are currently fifth in the National League.

Elliot led the Heed to success in the FA Trophy Final at Wembley in May.

Defender Regan Booty said on X, external: "A group of staff that would genuinely do everything possible to help bring out the best in you as a player and a person.

"They deserve the move more than anyone and long may their success continue. Time for us to carry on from where they’ve left off and keep kicking on."]]>
Elliot has left, along with his assistant Louis Storey and first-team coach Antony Sweeney, to take up the vacant manager's job at the League One club.

Clark will be supported "for the immediate future" by Luke Clark, captain Greg Olley and senior player Jacob Butterfield.

This is the former Sunderland defender's third spell in charge, after previous stints in 2015 and 2019.

Gateshead are currently fifth in the National League.

Elliot led the Heed to success in the FA Trophy Final at Wembley in May.

Defender Regan Booty said on X, external: "A group of staff that would genuinely do everything possible to help bring out the best in you as a player and a person.

"They deserve the move more than anyone and long may their success continue. Time for us to carry on from where they’ve left off and keep kicking on."]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13171 Thu, 20 Jun 2024 11:09:39 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13171
The club have also appointed Louis Storey as his assistant after the pair guided the Heed to a first FA Trophy triumph and sixth place in the National League.

That would have normally meant a place in the play-offs, but they were excluded for not meeting the Football League's ground ownership requirements.

Elliot and Storey were appointed after Mike Williamson left in October 2023 to take over at Milton Keynes Dons, with the team sitting in sixth.

The caretaker management team maintained that position and took them to Wembley with 21 wins from 38 games in all competitions.

Chairman Neil Pinkerton told the club website:, external "It was always our intention to sit down at the end of the season and agree terms, which we have now successfully concluded.

"Rob, Louis and the entire team have been relentless in the off-season, so rest assured that we're very well-placed in terms of our on- and off-field recruitment plans."]]>
The club have also appointed Louis Storey as his assistant after the pair guided the Heed to a first FA Trophy triumph and sixth place in the National League.

That would have normally meant a place in the play-offs, but they were excluded for not meeting the Football League's ground ownership requirements.

Elliot and Storey were appointed after Mike Williamson left in October 2023 to take over at Milton Keynes Dons, with the team sitting in sixth.

The caretaker management team maintained that position and took them to Wembley with 21 wins from 38 games in all competitions.

Chairman Neil Pinkerton told the club website:, external "It was always our intention to sit down at the end of the season and agree terms, which we have now successfully concluded.

"Rob, Louis and the entire team have been relentless in the off-season, so rest assured that we're very well-placed in terms of our on- and off-field recruitment plans."]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13142 Mon, 27 May 2024 14:33:41 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13142
It was tabled by Gateshead’s Liberal Democrats, after the club were denied the chance to compete for promotion to the English Football League (EFL) because of council uncertainties around a new stadium operator.

The Lib Dems had urged the Labour-run council to compel any external operator, that might take over the stadium from the local authority, to keep the club as a tenant.

Labour leader Martin Gannon accused the opposition party of a “ridiculous” proposal that he claimed risked exposing the local authority to legal action if it was enforced.

Despite the Club finishing in sixth place, which was enough to secure them a spot in the National League play-offs, they were barred from going for promotion as they could not meet an EFL requirement for aspiring members to have a 10-year lease on their home ground secured.

The Liberal Democrat leader for Gateshead, Ron Beadle, said: “What this motion would do is enable the club and its supporters to go forward with hope that next season and in subsequent seasons there won’t be a repetition of what has happened in this."

'Positive discussions'
Gateshead Council is in the process of seeking an outside operator to take over the venue, which Mr Gannon told colleagues is running at an £860,000-a–year deficit, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The council leader said that it would be “unsustainable” for the local authority to continue running the stadium and that decision-makers could not risk the civic centre going bust.

Mr Gannon added: “We are confident that will happen. I have taken views from officers and I am told that there are positive discussions, that we have partners who are interested and will secure the future of the football club."]]>
It was tabled by Gateshead’s Liberal Democrats, after the club were denied the chance to compete for promotion to the English Football League (EFL) because of council uncertainties around a new stadium operator.

The Lib Dems had urged the Labour-run council to compel any external operator, that might take over the stadium from the local authority, to keep the club as a tenant.

Labour leader Martin Gannon accused the opposition party of a “ridiculous” proposal that he claimed risked exposing the local authority to legal action if it was enforced.

Despite the Club finishing in sixth place, which was enough to secure them a spot in the National League play-offs, they were barred from going for promotion as they could not meet an EFL requirement for aspiring members to have a 10-year lease on their home ground secured.

The Liberal Democrat leader for Gateshead, Ron Beadle, said: “What this motion would do is enable the club and its supporters to go forward with hope that next season and in subsequent seasons there won’t be a repetition of what has happened in this."

'Positive discussions'
Gateshead Council is in the process of seeking an outside operator to take over the venue, which Mr Gannon told colleagues is running at an £860,000-a–year deficit, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The council leader said that it would be “unsustainable” for the local authority to continue running the stadium and that decision-makers could not risk the civic centre going bust.

Mr Gannon added: “We are confident that will happen. I have taken views from officers and I am told that there are positive discussions, that we have partners who are interested and will secure the future of the football club."]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13080 Sun, 21 Apr 2024 18:58:35 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13080
The club failed to secure a "10-year security of tenure" at the International Stadium, where they have played since 1971-72, by 1 March.

The National League said Gateshead cannot be replaced in the play-offs.

Gateshead finished sixth in the table and were set to play Solihull Moors.

"Gateshead Football Club are extremely disappointed to find ourselves in the position as outlined in the statements released by the EFL and the National League," the club said.

"Rest assured we will continue to challenge both on their decisions, and we will endeavour to ensure that footballing matters are decided on the pitch.

"Therefore our players and staff remain 100% focused on the task in hand, and we wish to go on record to express our gratitude to the National League for supporting our challenge to the EFL."

Gateshead's planned eliminator on Tuesday, 23 April has now been cancelled.

The National League initially said Solihull would get a bye to the semi-finals but then adjusted the draw based on final league positions.

Altrincham, who finished fourth, will now get a bye to the semi-finals, where they will travel to Bromley, while Solihull will host FC Halifax Town on Wednesday for the right to visit Barnet in the last four.

In a statement, the National League said it was "extremely disappointed" that Gateshead would not be able to take part after supporting the club's application for the security of tenure, allowing them to extend the lease on the stadium, which is owned by Gateshead Council.

"Unfortunately, the response received was not supportive of the club's requirements and placed the club at risk of a refusal of membership to the EFL and therefore forfeiture of any right to participate in the play-offs," the statement said.

"On 28 March 2024, following the deadline for licence applications to the EFL had passed, the council offered options to the club. However, in the opinion of the EFL these options still did not satisfy their requirements."

An appeal by the club, which was supported by the National League, was rejected by an EFL arbitration panel.

"As the EFL strongly believes in the principles of promotion and relegation it is therefore highly disappointing that appropriate solutions have not been put in place over the previous two-year period, as avoidable circumstances are preventing Gateshead from progressing up the pyramid even if the club achieves success through sporting merit," an EFL statement added.

"The League hopes that Gateshead and the relevant stakeholders can address this matter so that the club can meet the obligations of EFL membership and be eligible for promotion in future seasons."]]>
The club failed to secure a "10-year security of tenure" at the International Stadium, where they have played since 1971-72, by 1 March.

The National League said Gateshead cannot be replaced in the play-offs.

Gateshead finished sixth in the table and were set to play Solihull Moors.

"Gateshead Football Club are extremely disappointed to find ourselves in the position as outlined in the statements released by the EFL and the National League," the club said.

"Rest assured we will continue to challenge both on their decisions, and we will endeavour to ensure that footballing matters are decided on the pitch.

"Therefore our players and staff remain 100% focused on the task in hand, and we wish to go on record to express our gratitude to the National League for supporting our challenge to the EFL."

Gateshead's planned eliminator on Tuesday, 23 April has now been cancelled.

The National League initially said Solihull would get a bye to the semi-finals but then adjusted the draw based on final league positions.

Altrincham, who finished fourth, will now get a bye to the semi-finals, where they will travel to Bromley, while Solihull will host FC Halifax Town on Wednesday for the right to visit Barnet in the last four.

In a statement, the National League said it was "extremely disappointed" that Gateshead would not be able to take part after supporting the club's application for the security of tenure, allowing them to extend the lease on the stadium, which is owned by Gateshead Council.

"Unfortunately, the response received was not supportive of the club's requirements and placed the club at risk of a refusal of membership to the EFL and therefore forfeiture of any right to participate in the play-offs," the statement said.

"On 28 March 2024, following the deadline for licence applications to the EFL had passed, the council offered options to the club. However, in the opinion of the EFL these options still did not satisfy their requirements."

An appeal by the club, which was supported by the National League, was rejected by an EFL arbitration panel.

"As the EFL strongly believes in the principles of promotion and relegation it is therefore highly disappointing that appropriate solutions have not been put in place over the previous two-year period, as avoidable circumstances are preventing Gateshead from progressing up the pyramid even if the club achieves success through sporting merit," an EFL statement added.

"The League hopes that Gateshead and the relevant stakeholders can address this matter so that the club can meet the obligations of EFL membership and be eligible for promotion in future seasons."]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=12139 Wed, 01 Mar 2023 14:19:43 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=12139
The deduction sees the Heed slip back into the fifth-tier relegation zone.

The National League said in a statement that the player had featured in a game despite being suspended, and also fined the club £750.

In a statement Gateshead said "substantial" mitigation had been put to the league in their defence, but they have accepted the decision.

They also said the breach was made because of an "administrative error".

Meanwhile, National League South side Welling have also been deducted one point after failing to ensure a player had international clearance.

The Wings remain in 15th in the sixth tier.]]>
The deduction sees the Heed slip back into the fifth-tier relegation zone.

The National League said in a statement that the player had featured in a game despite being suspended, and also fined the club £750.

In a statement Gateshead said "substantial" mitigation had been put to the league in their defence, but they have accepted the decision.

They also said the breach was made because of an "administrative error".

Meanwhile, National League South side Welling have also been deducted one point after failing to ensure a player had international clearance.

The Wings remain in 15th in the sixth tier.]]>