Wigan Athletic old-boy secures first senior role in management
Former Wigan Athletic midfielder Lee Cattermole has been appointed as the new manager of Gateshead - after being identified as the 'stand-out candidate' during the interviewing process.
The 38-year-old succeeds Rob Elliot in the role on a two-year deal, kicking-off his first senior management position.
After coaching roles at Middlesbrough, Burnley, Bristol Rovers and the Northern Irish FA in recent years, Cattermole was in the running for the recent vacancy at Hartlepool United, which Lee Clark took.
“It’s something I’m really excited about," said Cattermole. "The opportunity to get a crack at first-team management - especially at Gateshead as well.
"I think you’ve proven over the years that you’ve given that platform to first-time managers.
“When you go into coaching or management, you’ve got to decide where you feel you’re going to be best suited, and I’ve been clear that I want to be a manager.
"It’s something I’ve made clear from the outset that I want to do, and it’s here now, and I’m excited for the challenge.
“My vision for the team is going to take time, it’s not going to be quick. I’ll have clear expectations with the group in terms of the demands of being a professional footballer and how to move forward in the game.
"How I’ll carry myself as a manager here will be consistent and the players will see that, they’ll feel that and I’m sure they’ll learn from that.
“We’ve talked a lot about the identity of Gateshead over the years and I want to learn about that and understand what we really want to keep hold of and what’s the core of it, and then where I feel we can add myself to that and hopefully develop it further.
"I’m not coming in and saying it’s all this way or that way – let’s build something together."
Cattermole made 33 appearances, scoring two goals, during his only season for Latics in 2008/09, after Steve Bruce brought him from Middlesbrough – his hometown club – in the summer of 2008 for £3.5million.
Bruce took Cattermole – and Titus Bramble – with him when he moved to Sunderland 12 months later, with the Teessider making more than 250 appearances during his 10-year tenure on Wearside.
Cattermole finished his playing career in Holland with VVV Venlo, before hanging up his boots in the summer of 2020.
After unveiling his new manager, Gateshead interim chairman Graham Wood said: “On returning to the role of chairman, it was clear that my immediate priority was to appoint a first-team manager. Of the applicants already assembled, Lee was the stand-out candidate and I decided there was no need to look further.
“Following meetings with Lee and his agent, I am pleased to confirm that we have agreed terms and that Lee will commence his duties immediately. Lee brings with him the experience gained from over 250 games in the Premier League, where he worked with some of the most respected managers in world football, including Gareth Southgate and Martin O’Neill.”