Former Newcastle United star set for surprise return to club one year after leaving
A former Newcastle United star is closing in on a shock return to the dugout over a year after leaving the National League club
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot is set for a shock return to Gateshead FC just over a year on from leaving the club.
The former Magpies shot-stopper helped guide the Heed to the National League play-offs and won the FA Trophy during his time at the club, continuing the good work of his predecessor, Mike Williamson, who had turned the club from relegation battlers into promotion contenders.
Elliot, who spent nine years at St. James’ Park, wrote his name into the Heed history books as the club won their first piece of silverware under his guidance, defeating Solihull Moors in the FA Trophy Final on penalties back in 2024.
However, his brilliant work as manager saw a number of EFL clubs register an interest in his services before Crawley Town came calling back in October 2024.
Elliot took several key figures with him to the struggling League One club, including influential defender Louis Storey, who is also on the brink of returning to the club.
The duo, alongside former Hartlepool United midfielder Antony Sweeney, were unable to turn Crawley’s fortunes around and were relieved of their duties in March 2025 with the club 12 points adrift of safety.
Gateshead, meanwhile, have struggled since Elliot left, winning just five league games in the current campaign under Alun Armstrong, continuing on from a dismal end to the 2024-25 campaign, which saw them miss out on the play-offs.
It’s been a tumultuous summer at the International Stadium, following the club’s missed promotion opportunity, budget cuts, and a significant overhaul of the playing staff.
Despite a positive start to the campaign, the Heed have not won a single National League game in their last 11 outings, picking up just two points along the way.
Armstrong, who worked at Gateshead College prior to taking the role as manager, has left his position as manager.
Gateshead are four points adrift from safety and dropped to the foot of the table after a 2-0 defeat to Scunthorpe United, leaving them on 19 points from 24 games, though do have a game in hand on some of their relegation rivals.
The Heed are next in action on Saturday, January 3rd when they take on Tamworth and are looking to add several players to their squad in the coming weeks.