NL 2026/27 Preview: Gateshead

13th July 2026 11:42 am

Gateshead 2026/27 Season Preview: The Cattermole amongst the pigeons

Gateshead’s survival last season was remarkable, but it did not solve the problems that created the crisis. By mid-February, relegation looked almost inevitable. They were bottom, eleven points from safety and had lost thirteen consecutive league matches. They would eventually concede 90 goals across the campaign. For a period, Gateshead appeared to be sliding towards the sixth tier with little resistance.

Then Rob Elliot returned and the season changed completely. Gateshead lost only twice across their next 15 matches and climbed to 18th, eventually finishing eight points clear of relegation. It was one of the most dramatic recoveries anywhere in the National League.

There were signs of potential. Gateshead beat York City, becoming one of only two teams outside the top five to do so. Callum Bone also became the division’s youngest player that season, appearing aged 16 years, ten months and 27 days.

Yet the numbers beneath the recovery remained uncomfortable. Kain Adom left for Burton Albion in January but still finished as Gateshead’s leading scorer with ten goals. That reflected his individual impact, but also the lack of attacking production after his departure.

The defensive record was even more concerning. Only relegated Morecambe conceded more than Gateshead’s 90 league goals. A crowd of 413 for the March victory over Braintree was also the division’s lowest attendance of the season.

The escape changed the outcome, but not the underlying picture. Turning that late-season revival into something sustainable is now Lee Cattermole’s first test in senior management.

From the dugout

Rob Elliot’s second spell ended almost as quickly as it had revived the club. Talks over budget, staffing, training provision and infrastructure failed to produce an agreement for him to remain.

The disagreement exposed Gateshead’s central difficulty. Elliot wanted stronger foundations around the team. The club believed meeting those demands would create an unsustainable financial position. Both positions were understandable, but the outcome was another managerial departure.

Elliot has since joined Carlisle, with Louis Storey following as assistant head coach. Bernard McWilliams has also stepped down as chairman through ill health, with Graham Wood returning on an interim basis.

Lee Cattermole therefore arrives at a club still managing change above and around the first team. Gateshead have surrounded him with experience and familiarity.

Ben Clark remains part of the coaching staff, while Martin Smith has joined as first-team coach. Cattermole has spoken positively about their collaborative approach, with responsibility shared across session design, tactical detail and player development.

Manager Profile

Lee Cattermole’s playing reputation could easily overshadow the coach he has spent several years becoming. His development has taken him through Middlesbrough, Burnley, Bristol Rovers and the Northern Irish FA before his first senior managerial role.

The early signs point to a demanding, collaborative approach. Cattermole has spoken about assessing the squad before gradually adding tactical detail. The expectation is that his Gateshead side will be built around intensity, organisation and clear instruction rather than Cattermole’s old midfield persona. The bigger test is whether he can recruit well and improve the squad within the club’s financial limits.

Summer Mood

Supporters generally believe Gateshead are in a better position than 12 months ago, although much of that optimism rests on unfinished business.

USA-based businessman Stephen Paylor became joint-owner alongside principal shareholder Mark Nellist in April. FA and National League approval has been secured, but the new Football Regulator’s approval remains outstanding. Until that process is completed, Paylor’s ability to increase his shareholding and materially influence the club remains limited.

Cattermole’s appointment has generated excitement, alongside some resistance to his Sunderland background. Regular supporters have been quick to stress that Gateshead are not Newcastle’s reserve side. They are an independent club with an identity of their own.

That confidence does not necessarily extend to the squad. Gateshead have lost important players and still appear short in attack and defence. The club’s longer-term position may be improving, but the current team looks vulnerable.

Squad

Gateshead’s summer movement gives real cause for concern, because this is not just a case of trimming around the edges.

A lot of defensive depth and senior know-how has gone at once. Max Melbourne, Louis Storey, Joe Grayson, Kenton Richardson and Brad Nicholson all leaving removes a serious chunk of experience from the back line, while Will McGowan’s move to Harrogate takes away a useful midfield piece. Jacob Butterfield’s departure also strips out one of the most experienced football brains in the group.

This is not simply an ageing squad being moved on, with younger players such as Carter Milmore, Connor Pani, Oli Thompson and Preston Leech also heading out. The concern is where this leaves Gateshead. They still have talent, but the squad now looks lighter, less proven and in need of substantial reinforcement before the season begins.

Retained

Levi Amantchi | Forward | Age 25
Josh Anifowose | Midfield | Age 22
Ash Boatswain | Forward | Age 21
Callum Bone | Midfield | Age 17
Sam Bowen | Midfield | Age 25
Billy Chadwick | Forward | Age 26
Pete Jameson | Goalkeeper | Age 33
Will McGowan | Midfield | Age 23
Dom Telford | Forward | Age 29
Keaton Ward | Midfield | Age 26
Fenton John | Midfield | Age 22
Adam Desbois | Goalkeeper | Age 25
Preston Leech | Goalkeeper | Age 19
David Ferguson | Defence | Age 32
Harry Chapman | Midfield | Age 28
Tyrelle Newton | Midfield | Age 22
Josh Home | Midfield | Age 21
Ben Williams | Defence | Age 21
Lucas Lowery | Forward | Age 19

Players in

Tom Lavery « Sunderland AFC | Free Transfer | Defence | Age 20

Players out

Max Melbourne » Penybont FC | Free Transfer | Defence | Age 27
Carter Milmore » Released | Defence | Age 20
Connor Pani » Released | Defence | Age 22
George Shelvey » Released | Goalkeeper | Age 25
Oli Thompson » Released | Forward | Age 21
Will McGowan » Harrogate Town | Undisclosed Fee | Midfield | Age 23
Louis Storey » Retired (and joined Carlisle United as assistant head coach) | Defence | Age 32
Jacob Butterfield » Scunthorpe United | Free Transfer | Midfield | Age 36
Joe Grayson » Released | Defence | Age 27
Kenton Richardson » Carlisle United | Free Transfer | Defence | Age 27
Brad Nicholson » Carlisle United | Undisclosed Fee | Defence | Age 27
Preston Leech » Whitley Bay | Loan with recall option | Goalkeeper | Age 19

One to Watch

Adam Desbois may carry greater importance than his 12 appearances last season suggest. Gateshead conceded 90 league goals, but their defensive record improved markedly after his arrival from Slough Town in March.

Desbois kept five clean sheets and conceded only 11 times across those 12 matches. With several established defenders now gone, that assurance behind a reshaped back line could become especially valuable. Cattermole needs to make Gateshead harder to play through, and Desbois gives him a reliable starting point.

Bookies’ Odds

Gateshead have drifted to 200/1 for the National League title, a price that more accurately reflects their current position. Last season’s escape was remarkable, but it also obscured just how poor they had been for much of the campaign.

They begin again with a first-time manager, a thinner squad and significant gaps still to fill. The bookmakers’ assessment is unforgiving, but difficult to dispute. Gateshead look far more likely to spend the season avoiding trouble than challenging at the other end.