Rob Elliot leaves Gateshead

By Mark Stillman

Gateshead have announced the departure of manager Rob Elliot to League One Crawley Town.

The former goalkeeper was only named permanent boss in June after eight months in caretaker charge. Heed finished 6^th in the National League last term and won the FA Trophy for the first time.

Elliot was voted manager of the month for August following an unbeaten six games which saw them top the table.

His final game in charge was a 3-1 win at Southend United on Saturday.  He leaves the club in 5^th spot.

Crawley Town have persuaded him to make the two division leap to replace Scott Lindsey. Lindsey had departed last month for Milton Keynes Dons, ironically in place of Mike Williamson, who left Gateshead for Dons just under a year ago.

The Reds are currently 20^th in the division and host high-flying Mansfield Town tonight. Elliot has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract.

Louis Storey and Antony Sweeney have followed Elliot to the Broadfield Stadium. Ben Clark will be in charge on an interim basis.

Gateshead chairman Neil Pinkerton told the club’s official website:

“Though we are all saddened to see Rob, Louis and Antony leave the club, we understand the approach from Crawley represented an opportunity for the trio to progress their coaching careers at a higher level.

“I’m sure I speak on behalf of all supporters when I thank them for all their efforts and wish them the very best of luck for the future.”