The proposed takeover of Gateshead by the Flacks Group is close to collapsing, a situation that directly impacts Tamworth's next opponents in the National League. The American investment group says it is unable to proceed due to an unresolved ownership dispute with another party, Shoreline Limited.
Flacks Group stated it needed written confirmation from Shoreline that it would give up any ownership claim over Gateshead FC. "We expected this to be an uncontroversial request since Shoreline's own court proceedings seek to confirm the cancellation of their purchase agreement," the group said. Shoreline, which agreed to buy the club last March, initiated court proceedings in July 2025 to declare that agreement null and void, but has refused to provide the written confirmation Flacks requires.
This legal impasse has stalled the approval process with the Independent Football Regulator (IFR). Flacks Group also claims Shoreline is interested in acquiring a different English Football League club, which would conflict with rules forbidding control of more than one English club. The group has concluded it is currently unable to proceed and expects to "reluctantly have to withdraw from the purchase."
Gateshead's on-field crisis deepens
This off-field turmoil compounds a dire season for Gateshead, who sit 24th and bottom of the National League. They have lost their last eight league games and are 11 points from safety. The club has been without a permanent manager since sacking Lee Cattermole earlier this month, with Ben Clark in interim charge. Staff and players also experienced late wage payments for September, though Flacks Group provided funding to ensure those were settled.
For Tamworth, who travel to face Gateshead on Saturday 7 November, the instability presents a unique challenge. The Lambs sit 20th in the standings with 17 points from 15 games, having lost 1-0 to Woking in their last outing. Their recent form shows two wins and three defeats from the last five, a run they will aim to improve upon at the International Stadium. The fixture list shows this as a key match for both clubs near the foot of the table.
The immediate future for Gateshead remains highly uncertain, with the takeover in serious jeopardy and the club adrift at the league's base. Tamworth's visit in four days' time will be played against this backdrop of ownership chaos and sporting struggle.
