Gateshead promotion hopes handed huge boost with 'in principle' agreement

Gateshead have received a major boost after agreements were reached ‘in principle’ with the EFL and Gateshead Council to bring a successful resolution to the issue that denied the National League club an opportunity to compete for promotion last season.

For only the second time in the club’s history, the Heed secured a play-off place in non-league football’s elite and looked to have taken a step closer to realising their dream of securing a spot alongside the likes of Bradford City and Carlisle United in League Two.

However, just 24 hours after a season-ending win against Bromley, news emerged that the International Stadium failed to possess the ten-year security of tenure required to meet the EFL’s criteria to even compete for a place in the fourth tier of the English football pyramid.

At the time, it was revealed that Gateshead Council’s search for a new vendor for leisure facilities in the area meant they were unable to grant the necessary licence for Tynesiders to meet the criteria and that news was met by understandable anger and frustration from the club’s supporters.

The matter has continued to cloud the opening months of the season for Gateshead as they look to push for a promotion spot once again and they currently sit in fifth place in the National League table following Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with Aldershot Town. After months of talks between all parties, Gateshead have now confirmed an agreement has been reached with the council and EFL and there is an expectation that agreement will be formally signed off on Tuesday.

A statement released on Monday evening read: “Following the situation between Gateshead FC (Licensee) and Gateshead Council (Landlord) at the end of the 2023-24 season in relation to the non-granting of a 10-year licence between the parties, which ultimately resulted in the Club being unable to participate in the National League play-offs, the parties have been in negotiations to ensure the same would not happen going forward.

“Negotiations have been concluded between the EFL and the Club whereby the form of wording agreeable to the EFL has now been reached. This has now been agreed in principle with the Council and we expect this to be signed off at Cabinet tomorrow (19th November), this is a Letter of Guarantee which will confirm that should that should GFC be in a position to be promoted to the EFL, the Council will grant the necessary Licence to facilitate such, and which will fulfil the EFL’s entry criteria.”

News emerged last week revealing Gateshead Council are set to appoint a new vendor for their leisure facilities across the area as council leader Martin Gannon said: "It's an exciting time for Gateshead as we work towards partnering with an organisation who has a strong track record of delivering modern and efficient leisure services across the country.

“As part of a rigorous tendering process, this particular provider has set out how they'll improve our facilities and ensure that they can continue to support the health and wellbeing of our communities. Thanks to their expertise and investment, the partnership is expected to result in significant savings for the council whilst also offering a better experience for leisure centre visitors."

READ MORE: Gateshead Stadium deal close as council prepares to sign 10-year contract to hand over site

In their own statement released on Monday, the Tynesiders moved to quell any fears the introduction of a new vendor would impact on their licence to compete in the play-offs.

The statement continued: “Despite the Council having agreed in principle to the procurement of an external operator being in place to operate its leisure facilities across the Borough, including Gateshead International Stadium, this does affect the proposed licence between the Council and the Club.”

The Heed are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Maidenhead United before returning to the International Stadium to face Rochdale next Tuesday night.