Gateshead FC players and staff have not been paid their September wages after a key director resigned and withdrew his financial backing. The National League club is now in a severe financial crisis following the departure of director Mark Nellist, who stepped down this week.

Nellist was removed as a director on a Companies House document on Tuesday. He was a central figure in the supporter-led takeover of the club in 2019, helping to stabilise it after a previous relegation for financial irregularities. His exit and the withdrawal of his support has left the club unable to meet its payroll obligations for last month.

Nellist explains departure

In a statement, Nellist expressed his pride in the club's past achievements but said he could no longer support its current direction. "I have always wanted to see Gateshead Football Club succeed, develop and move forward in a positive and sustainable direction, and I have been proud to play my part in supporting the club throughout that journey," he said. He added, "Unfortunately, I no longer feel that the club is heading in the direction that I would have liked or hoped for, and I therefore feel that the time is right for me to step away from my position as a director."

His support was instrumental in the club's return to the National League and its historic FA Trophy win at Wembley in 2024. The club is now actively seeking fresh investment to secure its immediate future.

On-field struggles deepen

The financial turmoil compounds a disastrous start to the season on the pitch. Gateshead sit 24th in the National League with just four points from 12 games. They have lost their last five matches, conceding 27 goals while scoring only seven. Their most recent result was a 2-1 home defeat to Worthing on 3 October, with Jahmal Hiwula scoring their solitary goal.

Manager Lee Cattermole now faces the immense task of preparing a squad dealing with this uncertainty for their next match, away at FC Halifax Town on 10 October. The full fixtures list shows a challenging run of games ahead.

The club's plight is a stark contrast to the highs of recent years. Supporters who rallied to save the club now face another period of acute concern as players and staff await overdue payments while the search for new backing begins.

Read the full report at The Sun