First words from Gateshead’s new first team manager with passionate plea

We take a look at the first words from Gateshead’s new first team manager with a passionate plea as preparations get underway for 2025/26.

Alun Armstrong has been announced at the National League club, who will be hoping for a less turbulent season behind the scenes.

The 50 year old, who previously managed Blyth Spartans (2016-2019) and Darlington (2019-2023), led Spartans to the Northern Premier League title in 2017 and Darlington to the FA Cup second round in 2020/21.

Since July 2024, he has been Head of Elite and Performance Football at Gateshead College, coaching the club’s under-19 team, with six academy players featuring in the first team this season.

Armstrong says in the club statement that he wants to restore the club’s identity, urging for hard work, exciting play, and goal-scoring to entertain fans.

Chairman Bernard McWilliams praised the high-quality applicants but highlighted Armstrong’s alignment with the club’s vision to rebuild and reconnect with fans and the community.

Welcome to Gateshead, Alun! 🤝#WorClub ⚪️⚫️

— Gateshead FC (@GatesheadFC) June 16, 2025

CLUB STATEMENT:

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 its something 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, its 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.”

Here’s how fans reacted amid the first words from Gateshead’s new first team manager with a passionate plea also made…

@nathancoulson98: Really lads? Three weeks and the best you can do is someone who Darlo sacked in the league below? “We had many EFL applicants who were extremely impressive and decided to hire none of them.” Cut the board a lot of slack lately but thats a disgrace.

@ItsJustTheMess1: Definitely means the transfer ban is still in place track record is Abysmal too 😭

@magpies_bible:
26/27 National league north looking good 👀
Gateshead
South Shields
Stockton
Spenny
Hebburn

@tylerjamez2001: Definitely seems like the budget option but he did win the league at Spartans. Interesting appointment

@Isaac_GFC: This really the best we can do

@Dec6666: Absolute shocker from the chairman this. Been teaching college kids ffs. @SkyBet odds on Gateshead fc getting relegated please

@andymason86: Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse it does 🤣 the donkey coach lead by the cowboy outfit I want my club back 😭

@joshgfc23: wtf, that is fucking horrific

@WrathOfIan: Haha going back to where you belong.

@thompa1967: That is fucking horrendous 😂😂

@JamesRobbo98: Some of the reactions are absolutely crazy … clubs skint and needs rebuilt to start again- looks like he wants to bring back the identity of hard working local lads which was successful in previous years

@TheDB30: Scarborough away ole ole

@LiamButler03: Written off 10 mins after appointment, our social media fan base is atrocious

@S_Jupp_: Most negative fan base in the world, we’re not Chesterfield or York with a bottomless pit of money. So many entitled fans thinking we should be up there with them. Wise appointment in terms of bringing in a proper manager and not one without experience. Got to give him a chance

@MattyJHewitt: The responses to this are absolutely incredible yet again. Hasn’t been in charge more than nine minutes and people are already writing him off. Heed social media is absolutely rotten carrying on from last season.

@LRbix: People written off before the season starts says a lot from how our fanbase are 😂 But it’s one of those appointments where it could work or it could go tits up. Might aswell give him a chance 😅

@Boyle_Thomas08: Loads of negative comments but need to give him a chance he’s only been here 5 minutes. Still got a full pre-season of signings and departures to go through #WorClub

@OffTheLineBlog: An interesting appointment for #WorClub. An appointment – to me – that suggests pragmatism in their approach. Born and bred Gateshead. Should – you’d imagine – be well-connected in the NE / local footballing scene. An enjoyable spell @ Blyth. Can see +ve / -ves.

@joshgfc23: Bernard do us a favour and please fuck off you incompetent twat

@JackPug09814967: Gateshead NLN 26/27 confirmed. Horrible appointment

@HeedQuarters: Will obvs give him a chance but this really does not fill me with confidence. Such an uninspiring move. #WorClub

@ItsJustTheMess1: Worst Appointment Physically Fkn Possible 😭 National League North Beckons #WorClub