Interim chairman Graham Wood has described former Sunderland and Middlesbrough midfielder Lee Cattermole as the ‘standout candidate’ to become the new Gateshead manager. Cattermole was officially unveiled as the successor to former Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot on Tuesday afternoon after signing a two-year deal at the International Stadium, marking the start of his senior managerial career on the south bank of the Tyne.
Background and Appointment
The 38-year-old was believed to be in line to become manager of Gateshead’s National League rivals Hartlepool United last month, but they turned their attention to appointing former Magpies midfielder Lee Clark. However, Cattermole remained determined to break into senior management after holding various roles at Middlesbrough, Burnley, Bristol Rovers, and the Northern Irish FA in recent years.
Chronicle Live understands that Gateshead received significant interest from several parties once Elliot’s departure to Carlisle United was confirmed. However, chairman Wood is confident he has secured the right man after finalizing a deal for Cattermole.
Chairman's Statement
Wood said: “On returning to the role of Chairman, it was clear that my immediate priority was to appoint a First-Team Manager. Of the applicants already assembled, Lee was the standout candidate and I decided there was no need to look further. Following meetings with Lee and his agent, I am pleased to confirm that we have agreed terms and that Lee will commence his duties immediately. Lee brings with him the experience gained from over 250 games in the Premier League, where he worked with some of the most respected managers in world football, including Gareth Southgate and Martin O’Neill.”
Gateshead's Track Record
Cattermole’s appointment continues Gateshead’s trend of giving former Premier League stars their first managerial opportunity at the International Stadium. In the summer of 2019, after the club was rescued from the brink of extinction by a supporter-led consortium, the appointment of former Newcastle defender Mike Williamson triggered a major upturn in fortunes. He guided the team to the National League North title and a first-ever FA Trophy final.
Williamson’s departure to MK Dons led the Heed to appoint his former Magpies teammate Rob Elliot, who then led the Tynesiders to a first FA Trophy final victory against Solihull Moors, just 12 months after they had lost to FC Halifax Town under his predecessor.
Cattermole's Vision
Cattermole admitted that Gateshead’s track record of ‘giving a platform’ to young managers was an attraction and revealed his excitement about what lies ahead as he embarks on his dugout career. He said: “It’s something I’m really excited about. The opportunity to get a crack at first-team management - especially at Gateshead as well. I think you’ve proven over the years that you’ve given that platform to first time managers. When you go into coaching or management, you’ve got to decide where you feel you’re going to be best suited, and I’ve been clear that I want to be a manager. It’s something I’ve made clear from the outset that I want to do, and it’s here now, and I’m excited for the challenge.”
Cattermole also revealed he will adopt a patient approach during his introduction to life in the National League and stressed he wants to learn more about the squad he will inherit before considering improvements. “My vision for the team is going to take time, it’s not going to be quick,” explained the new Heed boss. “I’ll have clear expectations with the group in terms of the demands of being a professional footballer and how to move forward in the game. How I’ll carry myself as a manager here will be consistent and the players will see that, they’ll feel that and I’m sure they’ll learn from that. We’ve talked a lot about the identity of Gateshead over the years and I want to learn about that and understand what we really want to keep hold of and what’s the core of it, and then where I feel we can add myself to that and hopefully develop it further. I’m not coming in and saying it’s all this way or that way – let’s build something together.”
