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Gateshead have appointed former player and coach Carl Magnay as their new manager.

The 35-year-old made more than 120 appearances as a player in two spells at the Tyneside club and later joined Rob Elliot's coaching staff.

Elliot left the National League club, along with his assistant Louis Storey and first-team coach Antony Sweeney, to take over at League One Crawley earlier this month.

"We are fully confident that Carl is the right person to continue the club's progression - just as he has done in his previous spells as a player and a coach," chairman Neil Pinkerton

Magnay has spent time coaching at MK Dons and Carlisle this season under former Heed manager Mike Williamson, having left Gateshead in the summer.

He will be assisted by former Brighton, Sunderland, Leeds and Nottingham Forest midfielder Liam Bridcutt, with whom he played at Chelsea at youth level.

Former Scotland international Bridcutt, 35, has been coaching in Newcastle's academy system after retiring from playing earlier this year.

As a player Magnay helped Gateshead earn promotion from National League North in 2022 - scoring the goal in a final day draw at Chorley which sealed the title.

He also appeared in the 2014 Conference Premier play-off final at Wembley and the 2023 FA Trophy Final, before being part of the coaching staff as the Heed won the FA Trophy at Wembley in May.

"We are delighted to confirm the appointments of Carl and Liam," Pinkerton added.

"It was hugely important to the board that the necessary time be taken to bring the right people to the club, and we appreciate our supporters patience over recent weeks.

"We look forward to seeing them get to work this week."

After picking up 17 points from their first seven matches this season, Elliot left the club fifth in the league with 23 points from 11 games.

Ben Clark has been in interim charge, beating Wealdstone 1-0 before losing 2-1 at Tamworth.

They face an FA Cup fourth qualifying-round replay at home to Hednesford on Tuesday.