Ben Clark agrees long-term deal to stay as Gateshead first-team coach | OneFootball

Former Sunderland and Hartlepool United defender Ben Clark has signed a long-term deal to remain Gateshead’s first-team coach, according to Sunderland Echo.

The National League club are seeking a new manager after Rob Elliot’s departure earlier this week, and hope to appoint a successor in the coming week.

Clark, previously an interim manager at the club, worked on Elliot’s staff in the second half of last season as the Heed pulled off a remarkable escape from relegation. They had been 11 points from safety after a 15-game winless run.

He had been in talks over fresh terms in recent weeks and has now reached an agreement to stay on the coaching staff under the incoming manager. The squad are due to return for pre-season next month.

Clark said the club is important to him and he is eager for the new season. He spoke of enjoying day-to-day work developing players and seeing their commitment on match days, and of a strong feel-good factor around the club and community that he is keen to be part of again next season.

Source: Sunderland Echo