A familiar face could soon be back in the Gateshead dugout, with former Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot closing in on a surprise return to the club just over a year after leaving. The move has raised plenty of eyebrows, not least because of how much has changed at the International Stadium since Elliot last walked away.
Elliot’s first spell at Gateshead was widely viewed as a success. After retiring from playing, the former Newcastle shot-stopper quickly made an impression in management.
He took over a side that had already been transformed by Mike Williamson, who had guided the club away from relegation worries and turned them into genuine promotion contenders. Elliot built on that progress and added his own chapter to the club’s history.
During his time in charge, Gateshead reached the National League play-offs and enjoyed a historic moment by lifting the FA Trophy in 2024.
The final against Solihull Moors went all the way to penalties, and when Gateshead emerged victorious, Elliot became the manager who delivered the club’s first major piece of silverware. It was a defining achievement and one that firmly established him as a promising young coach.
His success did not go unnoticed. Several clubs from the Football League began to track his progress, impressed by the way he handled pressure and improved players.
That interest eventually turned into a concrete opportunity when Crawley Town approached him in October 2024. With Crawley struggling near the bottom of League One, Elliot saw a chance to test himself at a higher level.
He did not make the move alone. Elliot brought trusted figures with him, including influential defender Louis Storey and former Hartlepool United midfielder Antony Sweeney.
The hope was that familiarity and shared belief could help Crawley climb away from danger. Unfortunately, things did not go to plan. Results failed to improve, confidence drained from the squad, and the gap to safety continued to grow.
By March 2025, Crawley were 12 points adrift, and the club made the decision to part ways with Elliot and his coaching staff. It was a harsh reminder of how unforgiving management can be, especially in a relegation battle.
While the experience was disappointing, it did little to erase the positive reputation Elliot had built during his time at Gateshead.
Back in the North East, Gateshead have struggled badly since his departure. The club ended the previous season poorly, missing out on the play-offs, and hopes of a fresh start quickly faded.
Under Alun Armstrong, results have been hard to come by. Gateshead have managed just five league wins this season and have gone 11 National League games without a victory, picking up only two points during that run.
Off the pitch, the situation has been equally difficult. A missed promotion opportunity was followed by budget cuts and a major overhaul of the playing squad.
Several familiar faces left, and the club entered the new campaign in a period of transition. Although there were some early signs of promise, consistency never arrived.
Armstrong, who had a background working at Gateshead College before stepping into management, has now left his role. His departure came after a 2-0 defeat to Scunthorpe United, a result that saw Gateshead drop to the bottom of the table.
With 19 points from 24 games, the Heed sit four points from safety, although they do have a game in hand on some of the teams around them.
The club now faces a crucial period. Relegation is a real threat, and swift action is needed to steady the ship. A return for Elliot would bring familiarity, belief, and a clear understanding of what the club represents.
He knows the environment, the supporters, and the demands of the National League. His previous success at Gateshead gives fans hope that he could once again bring stability during a difficult time.
There is also the possibility of Louis Storey returning alongside him, which would further strengthen the sense of continuity. Gateshead are expected to add several new players to the squad in the coming weeks as they look to fight their way out of trouble.
The Heed are next in action on Saturday, January 3rd, when they face Tamworth. Whether Elliot is back in place by then remains to be seen, but the timing feels significant.
With the season slipping away, Gateshead may turn to a man who has already proven he can lift the club during challenging moments. If the return is completed, it would mark a remarkable comeback story and a chance for unfinished business to be addressed.
