ROB'S READY FOR THE JOB!

ROB ELLIOT is determined to make the most of the unexpected opportunity handed to him following Mike Williamson’s decision to leave Gateshead and take charge of League Two MK Dons

- Mark Carruthers

Elliot, the former Newcastle United and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper, was named as Williamson’s ‘interim’ successor at the International Stadium after spending the last 16 months working as the Heed’s technical director.

He will be assisted by player coaches Louis Storey and Carl Magnay, who have both played increasingly prominent roles throughout Williamson’s four-year reign on the south bank of the Tyne.

For Elliot, the challenge is build on the unquestionable progress Gateshead have made under his former Newcastle team-mate – and the new man in charge has stressed his determination to continue reaching the standards set by his predecessor.

“I’ll be honest, management is something I’ve thought about doing but it’s come at a time when I wasn’t thinking about it,” Elliot said.

Strength