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Gateshead announce interims after losing their management team to Crawley Town

Gateshead announce interims after losing their management team consisting of Rob Elliot, Louis Storey and Antony Sweeney to Crawley Town.

A top 7 finish for the 2023/24 season and an FA Trophy win, and for this campaign, sitting 5th in the National League table.

The Heed Army have thanked Rob for everything he’s done. Now 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.

CRAWLEY STATEMENT:

Crawley Town Football Club is delighted to announce that Rob Elliot has been named as the club’s new Manager. Elliot joins the Red Devils from Gateshead on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

Rob will be joined by Louis Storey, who will assume the role of Assistant Manager, and Antony Sweeney, who joins the club as a first-team coach. Louis and Antony had both formed a part of the coaching team at Gateshead, who currently sit 5th in the National League.

Before his coaching career began, Elliot enjoyed a very successful playing career as a goalkeeper. After spells with Charlton Athletic, Bishop’s Stortford, Notts County and Accrington Stanley, Elliot signed for Newcastle United, where he spent nine fruitful years with the Magpies.

After his playing career ended, Elliot joined Gateshead as their Technical Director in August 2022. Elliot also assisted then-manager Mike Williamson throughout the 2021/22 season. After Williamson’s departure in October 2023, Elliot was named as the club’s Interim Manager.

Rob enjoyed a successful end to the season with Gateshead as he guided them to a sixth-place finish and lifted the Isuzu FA Trophy at Wembley Stadium. The former Premier League shot-stopper was then named as the club’s permanent Manager in June 2024.

After putting pen to paper on his deal, Elliot said: “When the opportunity came about, it was impossible to turn down. I heard there might be some interest, and we spoke to the owners and had such a positive conversation. It is so exciting to see the way these players play, and I am really excited to get to work with them on the training ground.

Speaking on Elliot’s arrival, Chairman Preston Johnson said: “We couldn’t be more assured and optimistic to have Rob stepping into this crucial role at such an important moment for Crawley Town Football Club. Once Scott informed us of his decision to leave the club, we of course began our due diligence of speaking with various potential candidates — but it quickly became clear to us that Rob is the best fit.

We’ve had tremendous success over the past year, and as a long-time player and more recently taking over the manager duties at Gateshead, Rob understands what it will take to continue building on that progress. We believe his style of play will bring continuity and greatly benefit our players — both on the pitch and in the dressing room — as they continue the current League One campaign.

But I also want to be clear: We’re not appointing Rob to be Scott Lindsey 2.0. We are bringing him on because he is a hungry young coach who brings plenty of experience and knowledge to the table in his own right, as well as a forward-thinking, data-driven approach to the game that will enable him to make the best decisions for the club and match what we value as an ownership group. Yes, our most immediate goal is to stay up this season — and we believe Rob gives us the best chance to do that — but this appointment is also about building sustainable success over the long term. I look forward to working with Rob and his staff in the days ahead and partnering with them as we explore every avenue to elevate the club to even greater heights in the months and years ahead.”

Ben Gladwin and Steve Hafner will remain in charge for this evening’s fixture against Mansfield Town.

GATESHEAD STATEMENT:

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.

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.

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.

Here’s how fans reacted as Gateshead announce interims after losing their management team to Crawley Town…

@nathancoulson98: Gave me some of the best moments and matches I’ve ever seen in my life and I’ll forever be grateful for that. Would’ve liked to see them at the helm for longer than a few months on a permanent level but its a huge opportunity. Hopefully we don’t get pillaged in January again.

@gallowgatenufc1: Huge loss. Pray the identity doesn’t get ripped out of the club. Especially the tactical side of things. Gateshead play a unique style, just hope they get someone in who can replicate that.

@SuperGregOlley: Hate to see this again but can do nothing but thank them have gave this club their day at Wembley and steered us in the right direction after mike left. Huge step up for them so hope to see them succeed. Forever Gateshead 🤍🖤

@gordonbennett12: Disappointed not the word but massive step up for them in all ways so hard to criticise. Massive blow though and just wonder where that leaves the heed. Hope the compo was in place

@StephenMurray87: Gutted, but wish them all the best. Losing Storey is a massive blow from a playing perspective as well, been like prime Beckenbauer of late. Fair play to Ben Clark for stepping back up when he’s needed. Heed legend 🖤🤍

@ItsJustTheMess1: Best of Luck Lads Love yous all Feels Like A Shot And Deja Vu all over again from last year with Mike and Busted Always And Forever Gateshead Football Club ❤️💔❤️

@jayfitzgerald95: One thing this club does best is bounce back, keep getting behind the boys and continue what was started.

@OnceADagger: Gateshead don’t half get a tough time with things. Can’t help but think if the shit show with their play off campaign didn’t happen they’d be in league two now, Elliot still as manager and never would have been slapped 7-1 by us. I’m sure they’ll bounce back though

@THftbl: I find it surprising everyone is quick to write off Gateshead after Elliott’s departure – this exact situation happened with Mike last year and they finished in a play-off position and won the FA Trophy. The board have continually got the decisions right – no need for panic.

@TomDearlove1: Can clubs stop taking gateshead players and staff pls.

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