Gateshead have dismissed manager Lee Cattermole during a serious financial situation involving unpaid September salaries and a significant share transfer now probably not getting approval. This growing off-field trouble arrives shortly before an important National League fixtures match versus FC Halifax Town, a team positioned 13th in the standings.
Cattermole was let go following a very poor beginning to the campaign, with assistant manager Martin Smith also leaving. The ex-midfielder, who signed a two-year contract in June, managed only one victory and 11 losses across his initial 14 matches, a performance leaving the club in a dangerous league spot. His last game was a 2-1 loss at home to Worthing, marking the team's seventh straight defeat in all competitions, a poor sequence shown in the overall stats.
Financial woes mount
Worsening the management change, the club's monetary state is now called precarious. Recently, main shareholder Mark Nellist left the board and stopped his financial support. He intended to give his shares to director Stephen Paylor, who is based in America, but the club says this move is improbable to receive required approval from the Independent Football Regulator. The club has asked other shareholders for patience to seek new investors.
Increasing the urgent problem, players and staff have not been paid for September. Stephen Paylor said in a statement he cannot fund the club by himself and admitted he was depending on combined investment from another party that has now decreased its interest. This uncertainty affects the whole squad ahead of the next match.
FC Halifax Town, with a recent record of two victories, two ties and one defeat from their previous five games, will visit a club in total turmoil this weekend. The Shaymen aim to continue from a 2-0 victory at Solihull Moors in their last match when they go to Gateshead's International Stadium.
More detail at bbc.co.uk
