Gateshead MP contacts regulator as stalled takeover deepens survival fears

Gateshead's MP has contacted the Independent Football Regulator as fears grow over the National League club's future, with a proposed takeover stalled and financial pressure mounting. BBC Sport reported on Thursday that Mark Ferguson, who represents Gateshead Central and Whickham, spoke to the regulator on Wednesday and urged those involved to act urgently to secure a resolution.

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The club's difficulties intensified after Mark Nellist withdrew financial support at the end of September. Wages were delayed while fresh investment was sought. According to BBC Sport, Gateshead are believed to owe HMRC more than £200,000 and have not played a home league match since 3 October, depriving them of an important source of income.

Flacks Group, the prospective buyer, set out the obstacle to its takeover in an open letter published by the club on 29 October. It said its checks had uncovered an earlier purchase agreement involving Shoreline Sports Limited, signed on 26 March 2025. Flacks said Shoreline subsequently began court proceedings seeking confirmation that the agreement was void, alongside financial claims against shareholders.

According to Flacks, those proceedings concern the shareholders rather than the club itself. The group said it needed written confirmation that Shoreline would relinquish any ownership claim before it could complete its purchase. It said that confirmation had not been provided, while stressing that it had not asked Shoreline to abandon its separate financial claims against the shareholders.

Flacks said it had funded September wages and remained ready to provide more money for creditors and the next wage payments. However, it warned that continued uncertainty could force it to withdraw. Its proposed acquisition remains subject to regulatory approval; the letter did not announce a completed purchase or a final withdrawal.

Gateshead's players also called for a settlement in a statement published on 30 October. They expressed confidence in Flacks after meeting its representatives and urged the shareholders and Shoreline to resolve their dispute, saying the impasse was harming players and supporters.

The uncertainty comes with Gateshead bottom of the National League and 13 points from safety, BBC Sport reported. Interim manager Ben Clark secured his first victory in seven games against Stoke City Under-21s on Tuesday, but the club's immediate concerns extend well beyond results.