Gateshead are floundering at the foot of the National League leaving Lee Cattermole's position as manager under threat.
Much better was expected of the Tynesiders in preseason and fans were heard voicing their concerns after watching their side fall to a tenth defeat in 12 in all competitions against Wealdstone.
We take a look at the potential candidates to succeed Cattermole as Gateshead boss...
Next Gateshead Manager Contenders
Kevin Phillips
Ex-Southampton striker Kevin Phillips took his first steps into management just nine miles down the road at South Shields and there is an opportunity for his next position to be based in the North East.
Phillips did well with the Mariners, winning promotion in his second season following an agonising playoff defeat to Warrington Town 12 months prior. After leaving the club by mutual consent in the weeks after, Phillips took over at relegation-threatened Hartlepool in the National League.
The 53-year-old kept the Pools afloat, winning seven of his 16 games in charge, taking them from 16th to 12th before leaving upon the expiry of his contract.
Jermain Defoe
Lasting just six matches in charge of Woking, Jermain Defoe's first taste of management didn't pan out exactly how he would've wanted.
The former Tottenham and West Ham striker only took the reins at the Kingfield Stadium in March earlier this year, but left his position before the beginning of the 2026/27 campaign, with off-field issues rumoured to be a contributing factor his his departure.
Defoe wrote in a statement that the experience he gained would make him "stronger for the next challenge" and that could come straight back in the National League if he were to replace ex-Sunderland teammate Cattermole.
Mark Hughes
Once upon a time, Mark Hughes was a Premier League mainstay, enjoying spells in charge of Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and Stoke City among others.
However, the Welshman now tends to ply his trade a little further down the pyramid, most recently parting company with Carlisle after little over a year at the helm. Hughes was handed the job with the Blues on the brink of relegation and could do little to avoid the drop into the National League.
The former Manchester United striker had a very impressive 63% win rate in the fifth tier, however, playoff semi-final defeat to Boreham Wood saw Hughes leave the club by mutual consent.
