Heed takeover talks have come to an end

GATESHEAD have confirmed chairman Neil Pinkerton has stepped down from his role at the International Stadium after six years in charge and revealed the club were unable to reach a takeover agreement with a consortium led by former Sunderland and Everton star Victor Anichebe.

- By MARK CARRUTHERS

After months of talks between the parties, the National League club have announced they are no longer in 'an exclusivity agreement or bound to Non-Disclosure Agreements' and will look to move on from what has been a period of instability and disruption.

Lifelong Heed supporter Pinkerton was part of the supporter-led effort to haul the club back from the precipice after they were taken to within 72 hours of going out of business during the second half of the 2018/19 season.

With the backing of local businessmen and women on the newly named board, Pinkerton guided Gateshead through the financial and practical challenges provided by the Covid-19 pandemic to move into what has been one of the most successful periods in the club's history.

The National League North title was secured in 2022 and that was followed by two consecutive Wembley appearances as the Heed lifted the FA Trophy with a win against Solihull Moors last May, just 12 month after losing out to FC Halifax Town in the final of the same competition.