Having spent almost the entire 2024/25 National League season in the play-off positions, a late slump saw Gateshead edged out in the final week by upstarts Southend, leaving them to finish a frustrating eighth. The disappointment was all the more acute given the events of the previous season, when the Heed finished sixth but were disqualified from the play-offs due to EFL concerns over the terms of their ground lease. With those legal issues resolved early in the campaign, the clear aim had been promotion—so while eighth might have satisfied other clubs, for Gateshead it felt like failure.

Manager Carl Magnay stepped down immediately after the season ended, while club captain Greg Olley, who had made no secret of his frustrations with how the club was being run, departed for York City. Leading goalscorer Luke Hannant, meanwhile, jumped ships to the newly promoted Oldham Athletic. In June, Alun Armstrong, previously coach of the U-19s, was promoted to first-team manager.

Over the summer, the Heed made a number of signings. In came goalkeeper Peter Jameson from Darlington, right-back Callum Johnson from Bradford City, left-back David Ferguson from Hartlepool, midfielders Harry Chapman from Barnet, Will Flint from Doncaster Rovers, and Will McGowan on loan from Darlington, along with centre-forward Dom Telford from Barrow.

However, after two consecutive seasons in which Gateshead have generally impressed, 2025/26 has proved to be far more challenging for the team, with only five victories (and four draws) from their first 18 league games. Losing 5-0 to Woking was a clear low point, but obvious highs are hard to find.

The last time the Heed travelled to Nailsworth was in April, towards the end of last season. It was a frustrating game for Rovers fans, with Gateshead’s first goal coming in the opening minute of the match. Worse was to follow – after 86 minutes FGR were 3-0 down. A late rally – featuring a Gateshead own goal and an injury time goal from Christian Doidge – and the match finished 3-2. However, the defeat brought to an end Rovers’ proud record of having remained undefeated at home in league matches since the start of the season. Indeed, it proved to be the only league home defeat in the season proper for FGR.

Gateshead Mascot – Rooney the Goat.

Alun Armstrong became the Heed’s Manager in June of this year, replacing Carl Magnay, who resigned after the club narrowly failed to make the National League Play-offs thanks in part to a season-end surge from Southend Utd. Magnay is now assistant manager at neighbouring South Shields, currently flying high in the National League North.

Armstrong spent last season as Gateshead’s under-19s coach, and had previously managed two prominent non-league teams in the north-east, Blyth Spartans and Darlington. As a player – a forward – Armstrong made over 150 appearances for Stockport County, scoring 49 goals for them, and made numerous appearances in the Premier League for Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough.

Parking is available in the adjacent school car park, just a short walk from the stadium. Spaces cost £15 per car and must be booked in advance by calling 0333 123 1889 (Monday, Thursday and Friday at 11am to 2pm) or by emailing reception@fgr.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can use the Park and Ride service from Renishaw (Bath Road, Nailsworth, Stroud, GL5 5EY). It opens at 12:30pm on matchdays and costs £5 per car (card only).

If parking on surrounding streets, please be considerate of local residents.

The Green Man bar and Fan Zone will be open pre-match for food, drink, and live music, with bands performing before each game. Both will also be open at half-time, while the Green Man stays open after the final whistle, showing live Sky Sports games. This season, the Gym Bar also returns for East Stand ticket-holders.

The New Lawn is a cashless stadium — card and contactless payments only.

Hospitality details and offers:

The FGR Shop will be open in the Fan Zone, East Stand concourse, and the Carol Embrey Suite.

A free digital matchday programme will be available online before each home game. Keep an eye on the club’s social media channels for the download link ahead of kick-off.