Former Newcastle stopper on brink of the great escape - Incredible from Rob Elliott
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot is now manager of Gateshead FC (again) and is close to pulling off a great escape of Eddie Howe proportions.
In October 2024, Elliot left Gateshead for Crawley Town after being given the Gateshead job on a permanent basis just four months prior.
Unfortunately, Elliot's spell at Crawley was a disaster, and in March 2025, he was let go with Crawley 12 points from safety.
Gateshead took a punt and brought Rob Elliot back for his second spell in charge in January this year, with Heed rock bottom of the National League.
Elliot heroics continue
Gateshead hadn't picked up a single point in their opening 13 fixtures this season and were 11 points from safety when Rob Elliot made his return to the club.
Much like how Newcastle looked destined for the drop when Eddie Howe took over and pulled off a miracle turnaround, Gateshead are on the brink of doing the same.
Once a Player of the Season winner at Newcastle, Elliot appears to have masterminded an incredible escape for Gateshead.
⚪️⚫️ Today’s win against Yeovil Town means Gateshead have now collected 24 points in their last 12 games after securing no points in their previous 13 fixtures.
⬆️ From 11 points adrift in the relegation zone, they’re now five points clear of the bottom four.
👏 Incredible! pic.twitter.com/VIcUPHHtxt
— Mark Carruthers (@MarkCarruthers_) March 28, 2026
The turnaround is incredible
In the last 12 games since Elliot took over for his second stint, Gateshead have picked up an astonishing 24 points.
They're not out of the woods yet, but have managed to put a bit of daylight between themselves and the relegation places.
Gateshead are five points above the drop zone with just five games remaining. What a performance from the former Toon goalkeeper.
