United States-based businessman Stephen Paylor is to become the new co-owner of National League club Gateshead.
Born in Hartlepool, Paylor has lived in the States for more than 20 years and is the founder and president of Next Level Soccer, a prestigious youth academy in Arizona.
Subject to league approval, he will now become part of Gateshead’s ownership group alongside Mark Nellist.
“This partnership will allow our club to grow with the links Stephen has in the United States and will give us a wider global audience,” Nellist told the club’s website.
“It has come after careful consideration to allow someone to share control. My actions have always been for the interest of the people of Gateshead and what Stephen brings will only add to that.”
Gateshead are currently 17th in the league with one match to go after a spectacular run of 31 points from 15 games dragged Rob Elliot’s team to safety.
Despite living on the other side of the Atlantic, Paylor says that he has been keeping an eye on events in the National League and he was drawn to Gateshead’s resilience in battling against the odds.
“In Gateshead, I saw a club and community who had dealt with a lot after the challenges of the last year,” he said.
“I also noticed a real spirit and strength from so many to stick together when things didn’t go well – you learn who people really are when times are hard.”
Paylor has been in regular contact with Nellist and club chairman Bernard McWilliams over the past year and says that has enabled him to develop an understanding and feel for how the club sits in its local community.
“Knowing some of the people behind the scenes at Gateshead and learning what they give to the club has been emotional for me to see,” he said.
“The soul and spirit of Gateshead and the resurgence of the last few months gave me hope that there are still people in today’s world who value loyalty, family and community first.”
