Gateshead FC players and staff held a meeting before training on Friday morning to discuss possible plans of action after they were not paid their September wages on time. Players and staff are usually paid on the last working day of the month, but the deadline passed without any communication from the club hierarchy.
Transfer embargo imposed
As a result, the club have been placed under a transfer embargo by the National League for 'Non-compliance with League Financial Regulations.' That prevents the Heed from 'signing a new player or changing the terms of an existing loan, except where the terms of the Embargo allow.'
Those affected by the pay situation remain unaware of when they might be paid, following a silence from those at the boardroom level. The first comment they heard on the matter came after Chronicle Live published the story on October 1, with the same statement forwarded to players and staff hours later.
Key backer resigns
There's growing concern about the future of the National League club after its key backer, Mark Nellist, resigned, raising questions about its immediate funding.
In a statement sent to Chronicle Live, the club said: "Following Mark Nellist's sudden decision to withdraw his funding support for the Club, we have been fully focused on seeking new investment."
"Significant progress has been made in the past 24 hours and we are hopeful of making an announcement in the next day or so. Meanwhile, to facilitate our efforts, Mark has agreed to make his shares available for a nominal sum."
However, the club made no comment on a timeline for when they might receive their late pay. Chronicle Live went back to the club this morning for further comment on a possible timeline for pay, but received no update.
Players voice concerns
An emergency meeting was held with first-team players and staff ahead of Friday's training, as Lee Cattermole's side gears up for the visit of Worthing on Saturday afternoon. As things stand, that game is set to go ahead.
During the meeting, players put forward their concerns but were not given any assurances about when the pay would arrive, only that the club was waiting for a prospective buyer to take over.
Gateshead have taken just four points from their opening 11 games so far this season, and are in the midst of a crisis. Gateshead FC Supporters Society has already raised concerns with chairman Graham Wood about worrying issues at the start of the season, but they were taken by surprise following Nellist's departure.
The outgoing director said the club was no longer 'heading in the direction that he would have liked or hoped for', in a statement issued by Gateshead on Tuesday afternoon, and confirmed that was the key factor in his decision to step away from his role.
Nellist said: "It is with great sadness that I confirm my resignation as a Director of Gateshead Football Club. Having dedicated a significant amount of time, commitment and personal financial support to the club over the years, this is not a decision I have taken lightly.
"I have always wanted to see Gateshead Football Club succeed, develop and move forward in a positive and sustainable direction, and I have been proud to play my part in supporting the club throughout that journey.
"Unfortunately, I no longer feel that the club is heading in the direction that I would have liked or hoped for, and I therefore feel that the time is right for me to step away from my position as a director."
