Ben Clark signs long-term deal to remain Gateshead first-team coach | OneFootball

Former Sunderland and Hartlepool United defender Ben Clark has signed a long-term contract to continue as Gateshead’s first-team coach in the National League.

According to Sunderland Echo, Gateshead are working to appoint a new manager after Rob Elliot’s exit earlier this week and hope to name a successor in the coming week.

Clark worked on Elliot’s staff in the second half of last season. The Heed pulled off a remarkable escape from relegation to the National League North after sitting 11 points from safety following a 15-game winless run.

He had been in talks over fresh terms in recent weeks, and the agreement means he will form part of the new manager’s backroom team when the squad returns for pre-season next month.

Clark said the club means a great deal to him and he cannot wait to embrace the new season. He has enjoyed working with the players day to day and seeing their commitment on match days.

Since rejoining the first-team set-up, he has felt a strong feel-good factor around the club and in the community, and he is eager to be part of it again next season.

Source: Sunderland Echo