'No need to worry' - former Newcastle United man calm on speculation amid future uncertainty

Gateshead interim manager Rob Elliot admitted he “can’t put into words” how proud he is of his side after winning the FA Trophy at Wembley on Saturday.

Heed won the game thanks to a nervy penalty shoot-out which saw Dejaune Brown convert the winning spot-kick, avenging their defeat in last year's final and meaning Solihull Moors lost two Wembley shoot-outs in a week.

The shootout came around after Regan Booty’s first-half stoppage time strike and an extra-time goal from Brown cancelled out 69th and 101st-minute goals from Solihull Moors’ Mark Beck.

On the win, former Newcastle United goalkeeper Elliot said: “I’m incredibly proud, I can’t even put it into words. Not just for today but in general it’s a huge testament to the lads.

Elliot said: “It’s incredible, it’s an incredible reward for the club. The hard work and reaction to the huge disappointment of the play-offs scenario. 

“I think it’s a reward for the hard work in the last 10, 11 months to get the opportunity to play on the big stage and win some silverware for the club.

“I’m just an extremely proud person and just want to see the lads enjoy and relish this because it won’t hit home what an achievement this is considering all the setbacks they had to get to that point.”

At just 18, Brown has attracted interest from clubs higher up the football pyramid. 

On Brown’s future, Elliot said: “I think we know that ship has sailed in the nicest possible sense. 

“As a club, we get young, hungry players in to develop and give them the best education and platform we can then hopefully make them better. 

“It’s the DNA of the club, it’s our USP, we develop the person and the player. We always want to have that reputation.” 

Elliot’s future remains up in the air

Elliot took over as interim head coach following the departure of former Newcastle defender Mike Williamson last October and guided the club to the National League play-offs as well as the FA Trophy win.

On taking on the job full-time Elliot said: “If it works and we’re winning stuff then happy days, it’s not something on the agenda for anyone.

“I’m sure it will be sorted in the summer. I don’t think we need to worry about all the specifics.”

Gateshead were supported by thousands of travelling fans who have maintained their support in the squad despite their expulsion from the National League play-offs due to issues with tenancy at Gateshead International Stadium. 

On the fans, Elliot said: “Thank you for the support all year, the togetherness the club has shown.

“We’re just extremely proud and privileged. You see the fans on the away trips, you see the miles they do and hope that everyone enjoys it and sees it as a reward for all their hard work.”