Gateshead Football Club have sacked manager Lee Cattermole and his assistant Martin Smith. The decision was confirmed on 4th October after a 2-1 home defeat to Worthing extended the club's losing run to seven matches in all competitions.
Cattermole, who joined on a two-year deal in June, oversaw just one win in his 14 games in charge. The club sit 24th in the National League with only four points from their opening 12 fixtures. Interim Chairman Graham Wood thanked the departing pair for their efforts.
"The club wishes to thank Lee and Martin for their efforts and wishes them both success in their future careers," Wood said.
First Team Coach Ben Clark has been placed in caretaker charge. He takes over a squad that has not received its wages for September, with the club in severe financial difficulty. Majority shareholder Mark Nellist has resigned and withdrawn funding, with a proposed share transfer to American-based director Stephen Paylor now unlikely to be approved.
A club statement indicated Paylor cannot fund the club alone, having relied on joint investment from a third party whose interest has waned. The club has appealed to remaining shareholders for time to secure fresh investment.
Clark's first match in temporary charge is a trip to FC Halifax Town on 10th October. Gateshead have conceded 27 goals this season, the worst defensive record in the division.
Read the full report at gateshead-fc.com
