Gateahead have ended their search for a new manager by appointing Neil Aspin before Saturday's clash with Chester FC.
The Heed parted company with Malcolm Crosby on Sunday following a poor run of results.
Crosby's replacement, 50-year-old Aspin, has been out of work since leaving FC Halifax Town in September.
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."
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Gateshead-born, Aspin made more than 500 Football League appearances as a defender for Leeds and Port Vale, before spells at Darlington and Hartlepool United.
He managed Harrogate Town, then guided Halifax - for whom he signed Jamie Vardy from Stocksbridge Park Steels - to three successive promotions from the Northern Premier League to the Conference Premier, and its play-off semi-finals in 2014.
He was sacked in September following a run of one win in 10 games.
Aspin will take on a watching brief for the game against Chester on Saturday, viewing the action from the stands.
Gateshead captain Ben Clark and reserve-team coach Micky Cummins will be in charge of the team, having taken training throughout the week.
The Heed have lost six of their last nine in all competitions, including an FA Cup defeat to National League North Worcester City.
