NL 2025/26 Preview: Gateshead

7th July 2025 2:58 pm

Gateshead FC: 2025/26 Season Preview – Transition Under Turbulence

Gateshead enter the 2025/26 National League season amidst an air of uncertainty. A promising campaign last year was followed by managerial upheaval, backroom restructuring, and a surprise FIFA registration ban (now lifted) that left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads.

After weeks of managerial limbo, Gateshead have named Alun Armstrong as their new boss. The former Middlesbrough and Ipswich striker returns to the dugout after nearly two years away, following his departure from Darlington in 2023. His arrival brings an end to the managerial vacuum that’s hung over Tyneside like a fog since Carl Magnay’s resignation — but the reaction from fans? Let’s just say it’s… mixed.

Armstrong’s CV includes success at Blyth Spartans and promise at Darlo — but also criticism for late subs, leaky defences, and lack of tactical flexibility. Some supporters welcomed his passion and non-league know-how. Others are wondering if this is a bargain-bin appointment during a summer when ambition is desperately needed.

While off-field restructuring dominates the headlines, the bigger question remains: what happens on the pitch? For many Heed fans, the wounds from last season’s collapse remain raw. Having spent 44 consecutive matchdays inside the top seven, they collected just 7 points from their final 10 games, crashing out of the play-off places in the penultimate week.

2024/25 Season in Review

Final Position: 8th (National League)
Average Attendance: 1,404 (19th)
FA Cup: Fourth Qualifying Round (lost at home to Hednesford Town, 1–3)
FA Trophy: Fourth Round (lost at home to Boston United, 1–3)
Top Scorer: Luke Hannant – 16 goals (all comps)
Key Player: Luke Hannant – 16 goals, 10 assists

Summer Business

It’s been a summer of change on Tyneside, with manager Carl Magnay resigning in early June and Alun Armstrong swiftly appointed to lead the Heed into the new season. Behind the scenes, chairman Bernard McWilliams has overseen a major restructure following Neil Pinkerton’s (previous Chair) departure, while work to lift a FIFA registration ban caused by a historic transfer issue is finally complete. The club has confirmed this did not delay squad planning, with Armstrong’s first signing, left-back Ferguson from Hartlepool, already on board and Callum Ferguson, a shrewd acquisition from Bradford, now following.

On the pitch, Gateshead bid farewell to captain Greg Olley after contract talks broke down, while fan favourite Luke Hannant departs for League Two Oldham Athletic. Hannant leaves a significant legacy, having scored 16 goals and provided 10 assists in 48 appearances last season. With new signings lined up and a clear plan in place, Gateshead aim to build on last season’s momentum under Armstrong’s leadership.

New signings: David Ferguson (Hartlepool United), Callum Johnson (Bradford City), Pete Jameson (Darlington, as player/coach; re-joins Darlo on loan until end of season), Josh Home (Birmingham City), Harry Chapman (Barnet), Dom Telford (Barrow), Will Flint (Doncaster Rovers, season loan)
Retained: Tiernan Brooks, Joe Grayson, Jovan Malcolm, Tyrelle Newton, Frank Nouble, Connor Pani, Kenton Richardson (named new Club Captain), Max Sheaf, Oli Thompson, Ben Williams, Kain Adom, Fenton John, George Shelvey, Lucas Lowery (Academy), Callum Bone (Academy), Carter Milmore (Academy), Jacob Butterfield (Player/Assistant Manager)
Released / Left: Greg Olley (York City), Tom Allan (Darlington), Jamie Bramwell, Jean Belehouan (Scunthorpe Utd), Robbie Tinkler, Branden Horton (Scunthorpe Utd), Aidan Rutledge (Darlington), Luke Hannant (Oldham), Ben Worman (Solihull Moors), Ryan Bartley, Harrison Bond, Charlie Colkett, Brandon Haunstrup (AFC Totton), Tim Akinola (Woking), Regan Booty (Barrow)
Sent out on loan: Will McGowan (Darlington, until end 2025/26)

2025/26 Prediction: Relegation battle looms large

Strengths:

Talented retained core
Clear off-field restructuring
Experienced senior players remain on the books

Concerns:

Transfer ban, now lifted, appeared to delay summer business
Late collapse last season exposes mental fragility
Key player Luke Hannant joins Oldham

Verdict:

Based on the forum comments, Gateshead fans do not expect a strong league finish this season, with most showing deep pessimism about the club’s direction and stability.

The FIFA transfer ban, which threatened to derail summer, has now been lifted, but a few unknowns remain: a depleted squad (but several more signings are likely over the next few weeks), rumours of financial uncertainty, and poor communication from the board, have created a sense of a shambles.

Some are worried the club may not even finish the season if the issues build, but this seems highly unlikely in reality. While a few acknowledge the potential for hungry young players to rebuild, most see mid-to-lower table survival as the best realistic outcome unless something drastically changes, with no expectation of a playoff push. A few are even withholding season ticket purchases due to fear of collapse. Overall, the mood is resigned to struggle rather than ambition, with the consensus expecting a bottom-half finish unless off-field issues are resolved quickly.

It might seem surprising to tip a team that finished 8th last season for relegation, especially having spent almost the entire campaign in the play-off spots, but Gateshead’s form at the end of the campaign, combined with lingering off-field issues, makes them our surprise pick for the drop. 21st.