Gateshead confirm Rob Elliot departure as Hartlepool-born businessman awaits green light
There was some big news from Hartlepool United's National League rivals on Wednesday.
Gateshead have confirmed they have parted company with manager Rob Elliot - and have delivered an update on Hartlepool-born businessman Stephen Paylor’s status at the International Stadium.
Former Newcastle United and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Elliot agreed to a second spell in charge of the Heed in January and inspired a remarkable turnaround in fortunes as his new-look side moved on from a 15-game run without a win to lose just two of their following 15 games to avoid what seemed to be an inevitable relegation from the National League.
Elliot has held talks with the Heed hierarchy over how they can build on and off the pitch in the aftermath of their escape from relegation - but no agreement has been reached and a joint-statement released on Wednesday evening confirmed Elliot’s departure from the club. In the statement, the former Premier League goalkeeper expressed his disappointment over the situation and praised shareholder and director Mark Nellist and the club’s supporters for the backing he received during a remarkable second half of the season.
There was also a further update given on Paylor’s current situation as he awaits final confirmation he can take his place as a new joint-owner. The Hartlepool-born businessman, who owns a coaching company in the United States, has received clearance from the National League and Football Association - but is now awaiting approval from the new Football Regulator under the new Football Governance Act.
A Heed statement read: “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.”
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