Gateshead sack Lee Cattermole after seven straight defeats amid ownership uncertainty
October 4, 2026 19:20
Gateshead have sacked manager Lee Cattermole following a run of poor results that leaves the club bottom of the National League. Assistant manager Martin Smith has also left the club.
The decision came after Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Worthing, which was Gateshead's seventh straight loss in all competitions. The club have four points from their opening 12 league games this season.
BACKGROUND ON CATERMOLE'S TIME IN CHARGE
Cattermole joined Gateshead in June on a two-year deal. The club said he had overseen "just one win and 11 defeats in his first 14 games in charge."
OWNERSHIP AND FINANCIAL POSITION
Gateshead also confirmed that majority shareholder Mark Nellist is to gift his shares to American-based director Stephen Paylor, but the transfer is subject to approval from the Independent Football Regulator (IFR).
Nellist resigned from the board and withdrew his funding support last week. The club said Paylor has indicated he is unable to provide funding on his own and was relying on joint investment from a third party whose initial interest has waned. "In the circumstances it would appear unlikely that the share transfer from Nellist to Paylor will gain IFR approval," the club added.
Players and staff have yet to receive their wages for September. The club has appealed to its remaining shareholders for time to find fresh investment.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The proposed share transfer requires IFR approval. The club has requested time from remaining shareholders to secure new funding while the ownership and financial situation is assessed.