Response to the National League's statement regarding Gateshead FC - Gateshead Council
The National League recently revealed that Gateshead Football Club has been deemed ineligible to join the English Football League (EFL), due to a decision made by EFL. This means that Gateshead FC will unfortunately be unable to take part in this season's play-offs.
The club has decided to make this choice because they are incapable of fulfilling a 10-year promise of staying at Gateshead International Stadium.
After the announcement was made, Michael Lamb, the Service Director of Gateshead Council, gave his reaction.
We still support Gateshead FC and our partnership with them is very positive. We've proposed a licensing agreement that meets the regulations of their current league, and there's room for discussion if they move up a division.
Currently, we're in the process of finding a partner operator to oversee our leisure facilities, which includes the Gateshead International Stadium. Unfortunately, we're unable to guarantee the management of the stadium for the next 10 years since we're still unsure about its future operations. This has made it difficult for us to meet the league's requirement for a long-term security of tenure.
We have made multiple offers to cooperate with all groups involved in order to find a resolution. We also recently provided a written agreement that would satisfy the league's requirements whilst safeguarding the council's best interests. This agreement ensures a 10 year commitment between the council and Gateshead Football Club, with the option for renegotiation between any new operators and the club. However, despite our efforts, the English Football League does not appear to be content with this solution.
Although the league's statement is very unfortunate and we empathize with the team's sadness, our main focus is to ensure that we offer long-lasting and easily accessible entertainment facilities for every community.
We are dedicated to collaborating with anyone who is interested in achieving a beneficial outcome, and we will persist in supporting the triumph of Gateshead Football Club.
The National League declared that Gateshead Football Club will not be able to join the English Football League (EFL) due to their failure to meet the entry requirements. Because of this, Gateshead FC cannot take part in the playoffs for this season.
The club has made this choice because they are not capable of fulfilling the 10-year security of tenure at Gateshead International Stadium.
After hearing about the announcement, Michael Lamb, the Service Director of Gateshead Council, shared his response.
We still strongly support Gateshead FC, with whom we maintain a great professional rapport. We proposed a licensing agreement that fulfills their current league rules. Additionally, there's room for additional discussions if the team gets promoted.
Currently, we are in the process of selecting a partner who will manage our leisure facilities, such as Gateshead International Stadium. While we are not yet certain about the long-term management of the stadium, we are unable to guarantee the 10-year security of tenure the league desires.
We've tried numerous times to collaborate with everyone involved to come up with a resolution, and we've just given the league a letter that guarantees everything they've requested while also safeguarding the council's best interests. One of the guarantees is a ten-year commitment between us and Gateshead Football Club, with the option to renegotiate the terms with the team if a new operator takes over. Regrettably, this doesn't appear to satisfy the English Football League.
Although we feel sorry about the league's announcement and sympathize with the club's letdown, our main focus is to make certain that we can offer long-lasting and convenient recreational facilities for everyone in our neighborhoods.
We are determined to collaborate with everyone who is interested in reaching a beneficial outcome. Our dedication to supporting Gateshead Football Club's triumph will persist.
