Gateshead dealt blow as major shareholder steps down

Gateshead major shareholder Mark Nellist has confirmed he has stepped down as a director of the National League basement club and revealed his concern over their future direction.

The local businessman has been a key backer of his hometown club ever since they were hauled back from the brink of going out of business by a supporter-led consortium during the summer of 2019 and remained an integral part of the International Stadium hierarchy over the last seven years.

With Nellist’s financial backing, the Heed bounced back from being relegated into the National League North when they were crowned as champions of the same division in 2022.

Under the management of former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson, the Tynesiders narrowly missed out on lifting the FA Trophy 12 months later when they fell to a 1-0 defeat against National League rivals FC Halifax Town.

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Major blow

However, a quickfire return to Wembley brought a more successful visit under Williamson’s successor Rob Elliot as they did experience glory in the same competition with a penalty shoot-out win against Solihull Moors in May 2024.

Nellist has continued to offer significant financial support to his hometown club in recent seasons – but he has now expressed his ‘great sadness’ over his decision to step down from his role as a director and explained he ‘no longer feet that the club is heading in the direction that he would have liked or hoped for’.

The news comes as a major blow for the struggling Heed after Lee Cattermole’s side slipped to the bottom of the National League table on the back of a run of just one win in 10 games and lie six points from safety ahead of Tuesday night’s home game with Altrincham.

In a statement released on the club website on Tuesday afternoon, Nellist said: “It is with great sadness that I confirm my resignation as a director of Gateshead Football Club.

“Having dedicated a significant amount of time, commitment and personal financial support to the club over the years, this is not a decision I have taken lightly.”

Genuine sadness

He added: “I have always wanted to see Gateshead Football Club succeed, develop and move forward in a positive and sustainable direction, and I have been proud to play my part in supporting the club throughout that journey.

“Unfortunately, I no longer feel that the club is heading in the direction that I would have liked or hoped for, and I therefore feel that the time is right for me to step away from my position as a director.

“I leave with genuine sadness, but also with the knowledge that I have given the club my full commitment and support, both personally and financially, throughout my time involved.

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported the club and worked alongside me during my time as a director, and I sincerely wish Gateshead Football Club, its players, staff, supporters and everyone connected with the club every success for the future.

“I wish the club all the very best for the future.”

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