Club Overview
Full Name: Gateshead Football Club
Nickname: The Heed
Founded: 1977 (successor club), origins dating to 1899
League: National League
Ground: Gateshead International Stadium
Location: Gateshead, Tyne & Wear
Colours: Claret & Blue
Gateshead FC is one of the most recognisable clubs in non-league football. Playing at the impressive Gateshead International Stadium, the club has become a regular contender in the National League and is renowned for its attacking football and player development. The club’s roots stretch back to South Shields Adelaide and Gateshead AFC, giving it a rich football heritage in the North East.
Quick Facts
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1977 |
| Nickname | The Heed |
| Ground | Gateshead International Stadium |
| Capacity | 11,800 |
| Opened | 1955 (redeveloped 1974) |
| Postcode | NE10 0EF |
| League | National League |
| Club Colours | Claret & Blue |
| Record Attendance | 11,800+ |
The Gateshead International Stadium is one of the largest grounds in the National League and is unique due to its athletics track surrounding the pitch.
Stadium Guide
Gateshead International Stadium
Ground Information
- Capacity: 11,800
- Opened: 1955
- Surface: Grass
- Address: Neilson Road, Gateshead, NE10 0EF
- Multi-purpose athletics and football stadium
The stadium is one of the most modern venues in the National League and has hosted international athletics events, concerts and football matches. While the athletics track creates distance from the pitch, the large East Stand still generates an impressive atmosphere on major occasions.
Record Attendance
Approximately 11,800 during major cup and promotion fixtures.
Stadium Features
- International-standard athletics facilities
- Large covered East Stand
- Extensive hospitality areas
- Modern media facilities
- Excellent accessibility
The venue regularly hosts national and international sporting events alongside Gateshead FC matches.
Club History
The current Gateshead FC was formed in 1977 following the demise of Gateshead United. However, football in Gateshead dates back much further, with links to the original Gateshead AFC, which competed in the Football League from 1930 until 1960.
After spending many years in regional football, Gateshead steadily climbed the non-league pyramid and became a regular force in the National League. The club narrowly missed promotion to the Football League on several occasions, most notably losing the 2014 National League Play-Off Final at Wembley.
One of the most successful periods in recent history came under manager Mike Williamson, when Gateshead won the National League North title and returned to the fifth tier. Since then, The Heed have established themselves as one of the most entertaining teams in the division, regularly challenging for the play-offs while producing exciting young talent.
Gateshead also lifted the FA Trophy in 2024, securing the first major national trophy in the club’s history and giving supporters a memorable Wembley triumph.
Honours
National Honours
- FA Trophy Winners (2023/24)
- National League North Champions (2021/22)
Regional Honours
- Northern Premier League Champions
- Northern League Champions
- Durham Challenge Cup Winners
The FA Trophy victory at Wembley represents the club’s greatest modern achievement.
Club Records
| Record | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Ground Capacity | 11,800 |
| Best FA Trophy Run | Winners (2024) |
| National League North Titles | 1 |
| Football League Membership (Original Club) | 1930–1960 |
| Wembley Appearances | Multiple |
Famous Players
- Ben Clark
- Jon Shaw
- Macaulay Langstaff
- Adam Campbell
- Luke Hannant
Macaulay Langstaff’s goalscoring exploits helped propel Gateshead back into the National League and earned him national recognition across the football pyramid.
Rivalries
Main Rivals
- South Shields FC
- Darlington FC
- Hartlepool United
- Sunderland AFC (historical local interest)
Matches against South Shields and Darlington are among the most anticipated fixtures of the season and often attract large travelling support.
Matchday Guide
Getting There
By Train
- Gateshead Stadium Metro Station is just a few minutes’ walk from the ground.
- Newcastle Central Station is easily accessible via Metro.
By Car
- Located close to the A1 and A184.
- Ample parking available around the stadium complex.
Food & Drink
- Stadium kiosks
- Hospitality lounges
- Bars within the stadium
- Newcastle city centre just minutes away
Nearby Attractions
- Gateshead Millennium Bridge
- The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
- Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art
- Newcastle Quayside
- St James’ Park
The location makes Gateshead one of the easiest and most attractive away days in the National League.
What Makes Gateshead Special?
Unique Stadium
Very few clubs outside the Football League play in a stadium as large and modern as Gateshead International Stadium.
Attractive Football
The club has built a reputation for attacking football and developing players capable of moving into the EFL.
North East Football Heritage
Situated in one of England’s strongest football regions, Gateshead benefits from a passionate football culture and strong local identity.