Gateshead explain the current situation, the playoffs, the stadium, talks with the council, the EFL and the National League going forward.
This comes after the club were denied from participating in the National League playoffs at the end of the 2023/24 season.
After finishing 6th in the National League, the club were barred from competing after failing to meet the entry criteria for the Football League due to not obtaining a “10-year security of tenure” for their stadium.
They also reached a second successive FA Trophy final, this time defeating Solihull Moors on penalties following a 2–2 draw to win the competition, to at least end the season on a high.
An update from club chairman, Neil Pinkerton, on behalf of the Board of Directors.#WorClub ⚪️⚫️
— Gateshead FC (@GatesheadFC) June 17, 2024
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the unwavering and loyal backing given to us by our wonderful fans during what has been one of the most difficult things to deal with since I became chairman.
“We understand that fans have been left frustrated that we were unable to communicate to you what was going on behind the scenes, however there were wider implications which prevented us from doing so.
“Witnessing your support and seeing you commit your hard-earned money and time to Gateshead Football Club makes us realise just how fortunate we are to be custodians of this club, and we will continue to do our very best for the club and its supporters.
“Our exclusion from the play-offs was naturally a bitter pill to swallow for everyone connected with the football club.
“Mike Williamson and Ian Watson put in a lot of work putting the foundations in place over their memorable reign before Rob Elliot, Carl Magnay and Louis Storey then put their own stamp on things to guide us expertly throughout the remainder of what was a memorable season on and off the pitch.
“We had confidence and belief that we could have made a successful push for promotion via the play-offs had we been given an opportunity to compete.
“The calibre of the opposition we would have faced meant the challenges that were lying in wait were significant, and that is why we strengthened the squad towards at the end of the season, in readiness to face those challenges. We also know that there is a need for clarity over the situation with Gateshead International Stadium, and we appreciate there is understandable concern and a burning desire for further updates.
“We attended the National League AGM last weekend and were shown unprecedented support from the National League and from those participating in it.
“We were able to place on record at the meeting our thanks to the National League Board and management for their support over this very difficult and complex situation, something they had not previously encountered in the past, and something which required them to seek their own legal advice.
“The National League are working with the EFL that would mean the entry qualifications for National League clubs to the EFL would be changed in the very near future.
“The Board are working tirelessly to ensure that we will never be in that situation again, and we are working with Gateshead Council to ensure that any new criteria would be acceptable to them.
“We are also working on a plan B, which could see a move away from Gateshead International Stadium, but would ensure that our club, players, supporters and fans alike would be able to be part of a club that should we reach promotion in the future, we would be eligible.
“It is perhaps worth remembering that over the last five years the club has survived, become champions of the National League North, gained promotion to the National League, achieved a top six berth, had two cup finals at Wembley and lifted the FA Trophy.
“Wembley is still fresh in the mind, and seeing everyone connected with the club doing our town and our region proud on one of the biggest stages in world football will live with us for the rest of our lives.
“These are moments for those fortunate enough to be in attendance and for those watching from afar, to pass on from generation to generation.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to be able to take the FA Trophy to many of the schools throughout the Borough of Gateshead and to fully engage the children in our great club.
“During the close season, we continue to work to strengthen our management team and playing squad to build upon what we already have.
“I hope we can go into 2024/25 with as much enthusiasm and ambition as we ended 2023/24.
“Once again, on behalf of the Board, I would like to put on record our thanks for your continued and loyal support.
“Kind regards, Neil Pinkerton Chairman On behalf of the Board of Directors.”
This is what fans are saying as Gateshead explain the current situation, the playoffs, the stadium, talks with the council, the EFL and the National League
@nathancoulson98: Sounds canny positive, hopefully the strict criteria becomes a lot fairer asap. Hopefully the management team does get strengthened and hopefully Rob stays on permanently too because he’s been magnificent. I am still a bit wary mind, regarding the club having brought in several players late in the season for the promotion push, despite having been told several times that we weren’t eligible for promotion, as per the arbitrator’s report/statement.
Ken Peacock: Good statement the council should give Gateshead fc some land to build on in the future as a good will gesture they not only owe gfc that but also the people of Gateshead that
Sam Johnston: Heed army
Christopher Holmes: Im sure the board would tell us more of they could. Class act as usual neil. The efl’s rules are draconian to say the least
Kieran Burton: Don’t think you can ask much more than that, seems like usual the EFLs dodgy rules have prevented something good from potentially happening
Andrew Brittlebank: There’s a lot of clubs higher in the football pyramid that could learn about transparency and supporter involvement from this club.
Alan Weddle: Well done for all the hard work and thank you for sharing the news with us all. Hopefully we can all now look forward to the next and future seasons with excitement for what the lads may achieve.
Neil Carr: Nice read that statement I can see people working behind the scenes to make a bad situation better. Would be better with our own ground but we are a little acorn just sprouting again
Dek Simpson: Thank you Neil. Understand the position you are in now so your statement makes sense. Lets hope next season is a continuation of the success so far.
Ken Quinn: Quality statement
Graeme Greig: Get behind the team again, we’ve come so far.
Kevin McSkimmings: Well said and hopefully everything that is hoped for becomes reality. 🙏
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