Carl Magnay says it was “incredibly tough” leaving his former colleagues at Carlisle United.

But the coach said the chance to become manager at Gateshead was too good to turn down.

Magnay quit United after just 26 days at Brunton Park in order to take charge of the National League club.

The 35-year-old had followed Williamson from MK Dons to Carlisle last month and today said it had been a difficult call to leave.

“It’s been incredibly tough in leaving Mike, Ian [Watson] and Belly [Chris Bell], who are unbelievable human beings and have been so supportive,” Magnay said.

“There have been lots of conversations around the decision – but honestly, I can’t speak highly enough of them as people and it was really difficult to make that decision to branch off.

“I felt this was too big an opportunity to pass up for my development and they agreed, so we left on a very amicable and mutual agreement.”

Magnay has been appointed as Rob Elliot’s successor at Gateshead, and, speaking to the BBC, added that he wanted to thank Carlisle for being "so accommodating."

"It's been a turbulent few months," he added. "I certainly didn't expect to leave MK as quickly as we did, and then faced with this decision a matter of weeks into my time at Carlisle has been particularly unique.

"I needed to make sure it's the right decision but I was always gravitating back to this club."

On September 19 he had joined head coach Williamson and fellow first-team coaches Watson and Bell in making the move from MK to Carlisle, with two further MK coaches – Tom Weal and Toby Frost – also later joining the Cumbrians.

He has been with the Blues for just six games before rejoining the north east club where he has close ties as a former player and coach.

“It’s well documented I’m a Gateshead player, I was born up the road at the QE [Queen Elizabeth Hospital], I have a long history here as a player and as a coach last season so I know the club inside out,” said Magnay, speaking via the Sunderland Echo.

“I am very comfortable in the environment and I am looking forward to taking charge in what is a very different role with a lot of responsibility – but I am really excited for the challenge.”

Carlisle have wished Magnay well in his new challenge at Gateshead, who are fourth in the National League.