A familiar face has returned as manager of National League strugglers Gateshead.

Former Newcastle United and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Rob Elliot has made a shock return to Gateshead by agreeing to a second spell as manager with the National League club.

Elliot served as the Heed’s technical director during Mike Williamson’s time in charge at the International Stadium before taking over as interim boss when his former Magpies team-mate was tempted away by an offer from League Two club MK Dons in October 2023. Despite losing a number of key players during the following January transfer window, Elliot guided Gateshead to a National League play-off place for only the second time in their history - but their promotion hopes were dashed over an issue with the security of tenure at the International Stadium.

The obvious anger and disappointment was washed away in fine style just weeks later when Elliot’s side lifted the FA Trophy for the first time in their history with a penalty shoot-out win against Solihull Moors under the famous Wembley arch. That provoked a permanent deal for Elliot and assistant manager Louis Storey during the following summer and they looked to be putting their side on their way to a serious push for promotion as they lost just two of their first 12 games during the first two months of last season.

However, their Wembley heroics and impressive start to the league campaign brought interest from a number of EFL club and Elliot, Storey and coach Antony Sweeney were quickly snapped up by then-League One club Crawley Town. During the time that has passed, Gateshead have suffered a number of key departures and an attempted takeover by a consortium led by former Sunderland and Everton striker Victor Anichebe fell through at the same time as the club’s play-off bid floundered and failed.

Talks

Former Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough striker Alun Armstrong took over as Heed manager during the summer - but despite losing just one of his opening five games and leading the club to the second round of the FA Cup, Gateshead have slid down the National League table and will head into Saturday’s visit to mid-table Tamworth sitting deep in relegation trouble.

The Heed hierarchy have remained in talks over a new role for Armstrong in a bid to strengthen the structure behind the scenes at the International Stadium - and it has now been confirmed he will become the club’s head of football development moving forwards.

Gateshead chairman Bernard McWilliams thanked Armstrong for the ‘hard work and commitment’ he had shown during his time in charge of first-team affairs and stressed the Heed hierarchy are ‘absolutely determined’ to do what they can to help the club remain in the National League this season.

He said: “It’s been a difficult week looking at the situation at the club. We thank Alun for the hard work and commitment he has shown during what has been a difficult situation in recent months. The run to the FA Cup second round, playing in a televised tie against league opposition and the first round win at AFC Wimbledon were memorable moments for the club.

“We now look forward to working with Rob once again as he comes in to help us stabilise and improve out situation moving forwards. There is a lot of hard work ahead of us all but are absolutely determined to do what we can to keep the club in the National League and build a solid foundation to move forwards.”

Speaking in a statement released on the club website, Armstrong added: “Over the last month I have had a lot to deal with personally, so after meetings with Bernard and Rob it is in the best interests of myself and the club to step to one side and let Rob take the reins. I will continue to help and support him, the players and the club in any way I can to make. sure the three-year plan is still achievable.

“I would like to thank everyone from the players to all the staﬀ, volunteers and fans for their work, help and support whilst doing this dual role. Let’s stick together and give the lads the best chance to get the job done.

Experience

Former Gateshead manager Rob Elliot and assistant manager Louis Storey (photo Jack McGraghan) | Jack McGraghan

Former Magpies keeper will be joined by former player-coach Storey after he also agreed to return to Gateshead following a spell with National League South club Dorking Wanderers.

The duo are hoping to add several new faces to a Heed squad is desperate need of strengthening and there are high hopes two new signings - a striker on loan and a defender with National League experience - can be concluded in time to feature in Saturday’s game at Tamworth. Further deals are being worked on and they could be concluded by the time Elliot’s side return to action at Southend United on Tuesday week.

However, one player that will not be with the Heed going forwards is on-loan Leicester City youngster Kian Pennant after his temporary agreement came to an end. The 21-year-old has now returned to the Championship club and the Foxes are hopeful he can earn a similar move to another EFL club throughout the course of the January transfer window.

Current player-assistant manager Jacob Butterfield will remain in place as a member of the coaching staff that will work under Elliot after initially joining the Heed during Elliot’s first spell in charge.