Mark Carruthers: Gateshead’s latest crisis shows why the bigger picture matters

This has been a troubling week for Gateshead – and one that adds another crisis to a list that has grown over the last decade.

There can be no doubt there are difficult decisions lying in wait as Gateshead look to emerge from their latest issues.

Although the fire-fighting that never seems too far away at the International Stadium means short-term thinking is paramount at this point in time, there is a need to focus on the bigger picture and ensure the football club remains for generations to come.

Gateshead’s hardcore fanbase may well relatively small in number compared to some of their illustrious rivals across the National League – but their passion and dedication is as strong as any other set of supporters across the English football pyramid.

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New crisis looming for Gateshead

Their away days routinely clock up hundreds of miles, hours and, more importantly, pounds and pennies and they haul themselves the length and breadth of the country just to get behind their side.

Significantly, they played a part in hauling their club from the point of extinction as a supporter-backed takeover triggered a major upturn in fortunes at the International Stadium that was initially played out in the uncertainty of a Covid-19 world.

Success has followed with a National League North title win and maiden FA Trophy final appearance under Mike Williamson and a first ever win in the latter of the competitions under Rob Elliot.

Visits to the first and second round of the FA Cup and televised ties against EFL opposition and the sale of key players to big-name clubs at higher levels have also become regular features of life with the Heed in recent seasons.

Yet there has always been a feeling a new crisis is looming large – and several have presented themselves during that time.

‘Bomb Squad’

In my 13 or so years covering the club for local and national outlets, there have been just as many concerns over Gateshead as there have been reasons for celebration.

From being taken to the brink under a former owner who should have been nowhere near a football club, to two FIFA registration bans and being removed from the National League play-offs over issues with the security of tenure at their home ground.

There was also a failed takeover by a former Premier League striker, which led to Heed legend Greg Olley conducting a bombshell interview in which he gave an explosive account of the events that had unfolded over the previous month.

That was all before the recent ‘Bomb Squad’ situation that has been widely reported.

Now, a new crisis, and arguably the most worrying, is playing out in front of our eyes with key shareholder Mark Nellist stepping down from his role at the club and confirming he felt the club was no longer ‘heading in the direction that he would have liked or hoped for’.

Nellist exit leaves Heed facing fresh uncertainty

The local businessman has been integral within the club’s journey over the last seven years – and has been satisfied to do what is best for his hometown club despite not claiming any of the limelight in public.

He has not looked for headlines or looked to become a public figurehead, he has just done what he felt was required to benefit the club and the town as a whole.

I said on The NLP’s Non-League Goalmouth this week that Gateshead does not feel like a happy club right now – and although that is quite an obvious statement, there is no doubt the current situation has fragmented a club that thrived on togetherness and punching above their weight during the successes of recent seasons.

At the time of writing, players and staff have gone unpaid for September and although the club are working to resolve those issues, that can only add to the concern caused by a struggle to find results on the pitch that has left them six points from safety in the National League as October arrived.

In a statement released to the local media, the Heed stated they have been ‘fully focused on seeking new investment’ and confirmed an announcement could be made in the coming 48 hours with Nellist making his shares available for a nominal sum.

Awkward questions for the club

That would bring some relief – but there are more pertinent questions to be asked of how Gateshead’s future looks and what can be implemented to find a sustainable model moving forwards.  

Can a club with an average attendance of under 650 during the current season really remain as a full-time, professional outfit?

Can the club continue to absorb the costs of competing in a National League that is flush with big budgets?

Would a move into a hybrid model or part-time football ensure their long-term survival and make the financial picture on the south bank of the Tyne more manageable?

These are awkward questions that the latest Gateshead crisis should bring to the fore.  

What is important is ensuring Gateshead Football Club do what is best for their loyal supporters and that their beloved club is around for generations to come by focusing on the bigger picture.

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