Former South Shields and Hebburn Town defender accepts Carlisle United role

Former South Shields FC and Hebburn Town FC defender Louis Storey has brought an end to his playing career and agreed a deal to become assistant head coach at National League club Carlisle United.

The former Newcastle United academy player joined South Shields from then-Northern League rivals Team Northumbria during the summer of 2016 and was part of the Mariners squad that produced a historic quadruple-winning season that culminated in an FA Vase final win against Cleethorpes Town. Storey was an unused substitute under the Wembley arch - but he did get to experience glory at the home of football when he captained Hebburn to their own FA Vase final win against Consett four years later.

Storey left the Hornets to return to full-time football with Gateshead just months later and helped the Heed to their National League North title win in 2022 before they reached successive FA Trophy finals, winning the latter by coming out on the right end of a penalty shoot-out against Solihull Moors in 2024. Player coach Storey and manager Rob Elliot left their roles at the International Stadium just over five months later after accepting an offer to take charge of Crawley Town - but they returned to Gateshead earlier this year to oversee a remarkable escape from relegation from the National League.

Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Elliot was unable to agree a way forwards on and off the pitch after holding discussions with the Heed hierarchy - and his departure and subsequent move to Carlisle was confirmed earlier this month. Elliot spoke of his keenness to speak to Storey about a possible reunion at Brunton Park and the two-time FA Vase winner has now officially brought an end to his time as a player to become part of the Cumbrians’ backroom staff after rejecting an offer to remain with Gateshead.

Big ambitions

Speaking to the National League club’s website, Storey said: “I’m really pleased to be joining Carlisle United. It’s a club with real history, passionate supporters and big ambitions, and I’m excited to be part of what we’re building here. I’ve worked closely with Rob before and I know the standards he sets every day. I’m looking forward to supporting him, working with Gav and the rest of the staff, and helping create an environment where the players can improve and perform. There’s a lot of work ahead, but that’s the exciting part. I can’t wait to get started and play my part in helping the club move forward.”

Former Magpies goalkeeper Elliot added: "Louis is someone I know and trust, and I’m really pleased to bring him into the club. He understands how we want to work, the standards we expect every day and the environment we want to create for the players. He has excellent relationships with players, brings real energy and detail to the training ground, and I know he will be a valuable addition to the staff.”

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