Lee Cattermole named Gateshead manager on two-year deal | OneFootball

Lee Cattermole has been appointed National League side Gateshead’s new first-team manager on a two-year deal, taking his first step into senior management.

According to Sunderland Echo, the 38-year-old agreed terms after talks with interim chairman Graham Wood over the last fortnight and will begin work immediately at the International Stadium.

The former Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Wigan midfielder made 272 Premier League appearances, ending his playing days with VVV-Venlo in 2020 before moving into coaching.

Cattermole is enthusiastic about the role and views Gateshead as a club that offers opportunities to first-time managers. He accepts the project will take time, intends to set clear standards and aims to be consistent while the squad learns and progresses.

He also wants to understand the club’s identity, keep its core values and build collaboratively rather than impose a fixed approach.

He will work alongside Ben Clark, who signed a long-term deal earlier this month to continue as first-team coach. Wood made appointing a manager his priority on returning to the chairmanship, considered Cattermole the standout candidate and highlighted his top-flight experience and work with managers including Gareth Southgate and Martin O’Neill.

Source: Sunderland Echo