Gateshead Football Club has appointed former midfielder Lee Cattermole as their new manager ahead of the 2026-27 National League season, marking the start of his first managerial role. Cattermole, who ended his playing career at Dutch side VVV-Venlo and has since gained coaching experience at Bristol Rovers, Middlesbrough, and with the Northern Irish Football Association, signed a two-year contract to succeed Rob Elliot, who left for Carlisle United earlier this month.

Interim chairman Graham Wood, who recently resumed his position at the club’s International Stadium, expressed clear ambitions for the team’s future. Reflecting on his previous tenure, Wood revealed his continued desire to lead Gateshead back into the Football League, a goal narrowly missed in 2014 following a play-off final defeat to Cambridge United. “I was only 45 minutes away,” he said, emphasizing that despite a modest budget, the club aims to be competitive and pursue promotion, citing examples of clubs with small budgets such as Barrow and Macclesfield who have succeeded in recent years.

While Wood's aspiration for promotion is evident, Cattermole provided a broader perspective on his immediate priorities. Focusing on team culture and long-term development, he highlighted the importance of building a professional environment where players enjoy their football and remain competitive in every match. “It’s everything,” the new manager said, acknowledging the involvement of his coaching staff and emphasizing a desire for consistent performance and positive perception of Gateshead among players and fans alike.

Cattermole also recognized some of the practical challenges posed by the club’s current status, noting that Gateshead has become a stepping stone for players aiming for the English Football League. However, he stressed that his motivation centers on daily player development and creating an environment attractive to prospective recruits. With only 13 contracted players currently under his management, the club is actively negotiating contract renewals with key squad members, including captain Kenton Richardson and winger Harry Chapman, while looking to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season, which begins in August.

Working closely with first-team coach Ben Clark, Cattermole aims to build on a solid core group of players, though he acknowledged that assembling a fully competitive squad “might take a few weeks.” As Gateshead prepares for the upcoming campaign, the combination of Wood’s ambition and Cattermole’s focus on foundational growth suggests a multi-faceted approach to returning the club to higher tiers of English football.