Goalkeeper with 68 appearances for Newcastle United given permanent gig over the river

Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot has been handed the reins on a permanent basis at Gateshead after a successful caretaker spell.

Elliot took over from another former Magpie, Mike Williamson at Heed last season after Iron Mike took the manager job at MK Dons with Elliot already at Gateshead in the role of technical director.

The 38-year-old guided Gateshead to their first FA Trophy win and a decent 6th-place finish in the National League which was good enough to qualify them for a play-off place which was cruelly taken away from them.

Because the club couldn't secure a 10-year security of tenure at the Gateshead International Stadium, which would rule them out of competing in the English Football League, they weren't allowed to participate in the play-offs.

Gateshead-fc.com

Gateshead were denied the opportunity to compete in the play-offs

It was a real sucker punch to Gateshead who are now assessing their options going forward with many Newcastle fans suggesting our owners should step in and lend a hand in some way.

However, one thing they are sure of is that Rob Elliot has earned the job on a permanent basis as The Shields Gazette today confirmed that Elliot is now officially the Heed boss.

Fingers crossed the club can get something sorted with regards to their stadium arrangement and that Elliot can lead them to an automatic promotion next season.

We wish Rob Elliot and Gateshead the best of luck next season

Who knows, in a couple of years they could be facing off against Sunderland in League Two because the way things are going for them, it's probably on the cards.

It's great to see some of our former players carving out a career in management no matter what the level.

Good luck to Rob Elliot and Gateshead next season.