Gateshead have appointed former FC Halifax Town boss Neil Aspin as new first team manager.

"GATESHEAD are delighted to announce the appointment of Neil Aspin as first-team manager.

It is a first managerial post for Aspin since leaving FC Halifax Town in September, the 50-year-old having spent over six years as boss at the Shay.
Born in Gateshead, Aspin began his playing career with Leeds United, making over 200 appearances for his boyhood club before moving to Port Vale.
He was to spend the next decade with the Valiants, skippering the side and establishing himself as a firm fans’ favourite during a memorable period for the club.
After seeing out his playing days with the likes of Darlington and Hartlepool United, Aspin took up his first managerial position with Harrogate Town halfway through the 2004-05 campaign.
He remained with the Wetherby Road outfit for four-and-a-half years, guiding the club to a series of top-half finishes in the then Conference North.
He was appointed Halifax boss in 2009, leading the Shaymen to back-to-back promotions before finishing fifth in their first season back in the top-flight of the non-league game.
They ended the 2014-15 campaign in ninth-spot, Aspin’s last full season at the Shay.
The Heed’s new boss will be formally introduced to the media this morning, having put pen to paper on an 18-month contract on Tyneside.
Gateshead chairman Richard Bennett is thrilled to have landed his ideal candidate for the hotseat.
He said: “I am delighted to make Neil my first managerial appointment since taking over the club.
“We have interviewed some excellent candidates. However, Neil displayed all of the attributes and characteristics I was looking for in a manager.
“He has vast experience and knowledge of this league, a fantastic track record and a great eye for spotting talent.
“Neil left Gateshead at the age of 16 to pursue a distinguished playing career before moving into management.
“His time has come to return to the North East to manage his hometown club. His enthusiasm and ambition to take Gateshead Football Club back into the Football League matches my own aspirations, as well as those of my board and everyone connected with the club.
“It was important for me that I made the right choice, and Neil is the perfect appointment.
“I was greatly impressed with his appetite for the job. It is a position he has craved for and now he has it. This is the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Gateshead Football Club.
“Ben Clark and Micky Cummins have done an outstanding job this week under difficult circumstances. They have galvanised the players – who have responded positively – and they will remain in charge and select the team for Saturday's home game against Chester.
“Neil will take in the game before taking up his new role on Monday morning.
“I am looking forward to working with Neil and welcome him to Gateshead Football Club.”