Gateshead issue an update on the current situation and Rob Elliot explains the tough decision to leave the club.
In light of much online speculation, we would like to provide an update on the current situation at the club.
Firstly, we would like to thank supporters for their patience following the end of the season and apologise for the delay in communication.
Stephen Paylor has joined… pic.twitter.com/u7HlOrOmuo
— Gateshead FC (@GatesheadFC) May 27, 2026
The club said in a statement: In light of much online speculation, we would like to provide an update on the current situation at the club.
Firstly, we would like to thank supporters for their patience following the end of the season and apologise for the delay in communication.
Stephen Paylor has joined the board but is limited in his capacity to impact the club and take on a larger shareholding due to the ongoing process and the need for approval by the new Football Regulator under the new Football Governance Act.
Approvals from the FA and National League are complete, but we still have one final hurdle to clear. Stephen is using his time to review the club from top to bottom, learn the people, current culture and talk to all partners and will present his ideas for action once the Football Regulator’s process is complete.
Unfortunately, terms could not be agreed between the club and Rob Elliot regarding budgets and access to certain immediate infrastructure. Rob only wants the best for the club and for it to thrive, as we’re sure everyone does, and that is absolutely the plan being worked on behind the scenes with Stephen. However, meeting these terms would project the club immediately into an even more heavily negative financial position and an uncertain future.
Rob is at a point in his career where he rightly has his own ambition. We will always love and respect him, appreciate what he has done for Gateshead and welcome him back as soon as we can build a club that can match his ambition, which is of course the plan that we are working toward. We would like to place on record our deep appreciation and respect for Rob. We share his ambitions and will work to make him proud of the direction we move in and wish him nothing but huge success in any new role.
“It’s hard to say goodbye when we achieved something so special last year,” said Elliot.
“When I came back, I had belief we could stay up and keep the club in the National League. When I first spoke with the club, it was integral to me coming back that things were put in place to also develop the club further on and off the pitch, with a training ground and staffing to be put in place to help develop the players – regardless of which league we were in.
“Unfortunately, that isn’t able to happen. After speaking with the club at length over the last few weeks, it’s not something the club are able to commit to.
“Through this, along with not being able to retain all of the players and staff who achieved safety, it didn’t feel right for me to remain when others who gave so much aren’t able to continue the journey.
“I would like to mention Mark Nellist, without whom there would be no Gateshead Football Club. His constant investment is integral to the club being able to not only survive, but operate at this level.
“I want to thank all of the players, who have been immense, and the staff who have given so much. We have made lasting memories in such a short space of time.
“Lastly, a thank you to the fans who welcomed me back and have been a huge part of what we achieved – and how we achieved it.
“The support you gave me and the lads meant so much, and I’m forever grateful and proud to have been a part of another memorable time at this club.
“As this chapter closes, I’m sure another one will open one day.
Thank you all, Rob.”
We will work as quickly as possible to make an announcement on the club’s new manager, the list of retained playing staff and a schedule of first team pre-season fixtures.
Here’s the fan reaction as Gateshead issue a update on the current situation and Rob Elliot explains the decision to leave…
@andymason86: Shambles yet again. If you can’t afford to run a football club dont fucking own one!!!
@GFCJosh0503: How can you promise him something and then go back on it less than 6 months later. Absolute shit show from the board. Relegation next season it is.
@joshgfc23: club has shot itself in the foot, rob is the most clued up person we could possible have in charge. give him the access to whatever he wants.
@HeedFan: No more for me. Ive had my fill of it.
@tylerjamez2001: Fucking Disgrace. Basically you told Rob exactly what he wanted to hear so that he would come back and then when he does the impossible you then pull the rug and tell him that youse can’t give him what he was promised. Favourites for relegation again it is then, shambles.
@HeedFan: Well its goodbye from me.
@Cec6666: Absolute embarrassment of a board can fuck right off
@ahgfc27588i: “Along with not being able to retain all of the players and staff who achieved safety” There goes all the players out of contract
@ItsJustTheMess1: Shitshow of a club just fucking sick in all fairness
Pete O’Rourke (@SportsPeteO) first tweeted the news: “Understand Rob Elliott is set to leave his role as Gateshead head coach. #WorClub”
@MarkCarruthers_ posted: “A lot more to come from this – but as it stands Rob Elliot is set to step down as Gateshead manager. Understand there is interest from elsewhere but Elliot’s priority has always been to find a way forward with the Heed and it would play no part in any decision to leave.”
@RobLawTees: Gateshead fans seeking reassurances over Rob Elliot rumours. Can understand their concern – the turn around following his appointment was incredible. Understand he IS expected to leave his position. He won’t be short of offers that’s for sure.
Gateshead FC Supporters Society – Official Statement on the future of Rob Elliot pic.twitter.com/HB92ZJ6pf8
— Gateshead FC Supporters Society (@GatesheadFCSoul) May 27, 2026
At 9am on the 27th of May, Gateshead FC Supporters Society said “an email was sent on behalf of members to the directors of Gateshead Football Club yesterday evening following press speculation regarding the future of First Team Manager, Rob Elliot.
“We are writing to you as Shareholders of Gateshead Football Club.
“We are speaking on behalf of our members who pay money into the club every month. This money goes straight to the football side and helps run the club, and these fans are the lifeblood of Gateshead FC.
“There are now a lot of rumours and stories online, and on social media about the future of Rob Elliot. People are asking questions, and there is confusion amongst fans.
“As people who invest in the club – both as shareholders and as monthly contributors – we believe we have a right to know the current position. We want to be able to give proper updates to the fans who pay their money every month. They deserve to know what is going on.
“At the moment, we cannot give correct information because we do not have an official answer from you or the board.
“Please can you provide a clear update:
– Is Rob Elliot staying at Gateshead FC, or is he leaving?
– Can you confirm or clear up these rumours for us?
“Good communication helps everyone trust the club more, and those who pay in every month deserve to be kept informed. Regards, The Board – Gateshead FC Supporters Society.”
They added: “Following our email, we are grateful to Gateshead Football Club Director, Stephen Paylor, who responded to our concerns immediately, and would like us to pass on the following statement to our members and the wider fanbase.
“Heed Army, We understand your concerns and curiosity regarding speculation online and it mirrors that of our own and across the whole club. We are just searching for some clarity as to the entire situation before making any incomplete comments. There will be a full and formal announcement with an update at 4pm today, to allow us some time to have some more complete answers regarding the present situation and the immediate future.
“What I would say is that your need for transparency, clarity and to be part of that discussion I totally agree with. What I can tell you and can be made public is my own situation. I have passed the FA and National League approval processes, but I am also needing to be approved by the new football regulator before being able to take on a larger role and shareholding. I believe I am one of the very first to have to go through it.
“I am though watching, learning, talking with partners and making plans to be able to greatly impact once the Football Regulatory approvals happen. I am told to expect between two weeks and two months so hopefully not the latter.
“Your needs, concerns, hopes and dreams matter to me. I feel the same burning in my heart for you that you feel for the club. We need to stick together, talk all the time and be a real club, the way clubs should always be. By the people and for the people.
“Appreciate you all and hear your concerns fully.
Thanks, Stephen Paylor – Director – Gateshead Football Club.”
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