Gateshead face 'significant challenge' as sale fails

Gateshead just missed out on a place in the National League play-offs this season

Gateshead say they face "significant challenges" to take the club into next season after a proposed takeover fell through.

Former Sunderland and Everton forward Victor Anichebe was reported to be involved in the failed bid to buy the National League club.

Chairman Neil Pinkerton has resigned with vice-chairman Bernard McWilliams taking over following the collapse of the deal.

Gateshead finished just outside of the play-offs in the National League in eighth place - a point behind Southend United - after losing nine of their final 12 games.

"Unfortunately, the parties concerned were unable to reach the final agreements required by the relevant governing bodies to complete the purchase of the club," a Gateshead statement said.

"We are now faced with significant challenges to take Gateshead FC into the next season and beyond.

"However, we are no stranger to challenge or adversity with a proven resilience to transform and succeed."

Gateshead finished sixth in the National League last season but were kicked out of the play-offs after failing to meet the entry criteria for membership of the English Football League due to ground lease issues.

They sat inside the top seven for the majority of this campaign but were undone by a woeful run of form in 2025, winning just five of 22 games after the turn of the year.

Despite the problems, the club say contract extensions and signings will be announced in due course with "an agreed clear remit and vision" in place with manager Carl Magnay.

Speaking after a goalless draw with Southend last week, Magnay said: "There is a hell of a lot to do and the club need to get on with it fast.

"If nothing materialises from a takeover point of view, there needs to be an understanding of the expectation going forward.

"We hope that's not the case, we want to reach for the stars with Gateshead, absolutely. The club has been through enough and it deserves that.

"However, this is an unforgiving game. The team has been dismantled and if that's a model we have to go by, then the well will run dry and that cycle can't continue."