Gateshead FC chairman Bernard McWilliams has stepped down from his role at the International Stadium due to ill health. He has been replaced by former chairman Graham Wood on an interim basis. McWilliams was part of the Gateshead Soul supporters group that helped haul the club back from going out of business during the summer of 2019 before taking up a role as vice-chairman just over a year later. He then stepped up as Heed chairman last summer. In a statement released on the club website, McWilliams said: 'I thank the board for their support and understanding as I take this difficult decision to step back, but the time has come to put my health first.' The return of former chairman Wood will reignite memories of the Heed's raise up the non-league pyramid during his previous time at the helm as the Tynesiders moved to within 90 minutes of a historic promotion before a play-off final defeat against Cambridge United. The Heed paid tribute to McWilliams for the work he has overseen during his time at the club and thanked him for his 'time, energy and commitment' over recent years.