‘I’m an adopted Geordie’ - Newcastle United set for unexpected reunion with former player

Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot has expressed his delight at the Magpies progress under Eddie Howe - and hopes National League neighbours Gateshead can play their part in what lies ahead.

The two sides will meet at the International Stadium next Saturday lunchtime for the first time since 2015, when Heed manager Mike Williamson were part of a United squad that claimed a 1-0 win over the Tynesiders in the first game of Steve McClaren’s reign.

Both clubs have been on quite a journey since that warm July night, with the Magpies suffering relegation into the Championship, bouncing back into the Premier League at the first attempt, fighting successful battles against relegation and going through a prolonged takeover before qualifying for the Champions League.

The journey taken by the Heed has been just as eventful after they came through two takeovers, a crisis that took them to within 72 hours of going out of business, an enforced relegation for financial irregularities under their former owners, a National League North title win and a visit to Wembley in last season’s FA Trophy Final.

Hopes are high for a successful season on both sides of the Tyne and Elliot - who is now Gateshead’s technical director and part of their playing staff - is hopeful is former and current employers can forge a strong relationship going forwards.

He told NewcastleWorld: “It’s so lovely to see the optimism and people happy with the way things are going at Newcastle. There are some really good people within the club that really deserve what is happening at the moment, to see them enjoying it and to looking forward to this season in the Champions League.

“Not to mention the fans, who stuck with the club for so long because it’s just an unbelievable club. It is my club, I’m an adopted Geordie and the gravity of what the game means to us (Gateshead) financially is huge. Our appreciation goes to Newcastle, who might have wanted it at the training ground but now it’s at the stadium.

“Our job is to make sure Gateshead against Newcastle is always the first fixture of pre-season. First and foremost, it’s about making sure it’s a good game between two very good footballing sides and making it a good occasion for the North East.”

Elliot experienced a wide range of emotions during a nine-year stay at St James Park after joining his former Charlton Athletic manager Alan Pardew on Tyneside in the summer of 2011.

His first season coincided with an unexpected fifth placed finish in the Premier League and qualification for the Europa League. The former Republic of Ireland international made five appearances as United made their way to the quarter-finals of UEFA’s second club competition before a defeat against Benfica ended any hopes of silverware.

The Magpies will return to European competition in the Champions League this season for the first time since an eventful night on Tyneside when the Portuguese giants came through a severe test against Alan Pardew’s side.

Elliot is excited by what lies ahead for his former club and hailed the work undertaken by manager Eddie Howe since he took charge at St James Park.

He explained: “I think they probably wouldn’t admit it, despite deserving to finish where they finished, but they probably could have finished even higher if you look at the actual stats.

“Maybe it’s come a little early for the club’s structure as they continue to build but it’s the Champions League. It’s a good problem to deal with and I am sure they will deal with it because everything they have done so far has been spot on and massive credit.

“Massive credit to Eddie Howe because the team are a joy to watch and as a Newcastle fan first and foremost you want to see every player showing the energy and intensity that matches what the club is. We always knew if that was right, the rest would follow and now they can add they quality they can, it’s just a really exciting time.”