FORMER Forest Green boss Gary Owers is set to become assistant manager at Vanarama National League Gateshead.

The former Sunderland, Bristol City and Notts County man is head of recruitment at SPFL club Motherwell and is manager Malcom Crosby’s preferred choice as his assistant.

Crosby told The Chronicle: “I know Gary from my time at Sunderland. He is a good coach and has experience in non-league management.”

The 48-year-old was also assistant manager at both Aldershot and Plymouth, under Kevin Dillon and John Sheridan respectively.

He played three seasons at Forest Green before finishing his playing career back at Forest Green and subsequently as manager.