National League side Gateshead have named Sunderland legend Lee Cattermole as their new manager.Cattermole, who made over 250 appearances for the Black Cats, takes his first step into management by taking the role.Sunderland icon Cattermole has taken his first job as Gateshead managerGetty - ContributorThe 38-year-old has replaced Rob Elliott in the dugout after Elliott left the club to join relegated outfit Carlisle United.He has recently gained a UEFA A licence, having had previous roles coaching with Bristol Rovers, Burnley and Middlesbrough.And now the ex-midfielder has been handed his maiden managerial job, signing a two-year contract with Gateshead.Speaking after his appointment, Cattermole said: “It’s something I’m really excited about. The opportunity to get a crack at first-team management – especially at Gateshead as well. “I think you’ve proven over the years that you’ve given a platform to first-time managers. When you go into coaching or management, you’ve got to decide where you feel you’re going to be best suited and I’ve been clear that I want to be a manager.“It’s something I’ve made clear from the outset that I want to do. It’s here now and I’m excited for the challenge.”He added: “How I’ll carry myself as a manager here will be consistent and the players will see that and I’m sure they’ll learn from that.”Meanwhile, interim chairman Graeme Wood said: “I am delighted that Lee will begin his managerial career at Gateshead.“Of the applicants already assembled, Lee was the standout candidate and I decided there was no need to look further.“Lee brings with him the experience gained from over 250 games in the Premier League, where he worked with some of the most respected managers in world football, including Martin O’Neill and Gareth Southgate.”View Tweet: https://t.co/PBJPMQEc2YStepping into management Cattermole’s appointment at Gateshead comes after he was linked with the Hartlepool job in May.He arrives hoping to improve on a disappointing campaign in the National League last season, where they finished 18th. As mentioned, this will be his first step into management after retiring from playing football six years ago. The 38-year-old has 272 Premier League appearances to his name, as well as a handful of Championship and League One games. He played 262 times for Sunderland and became an icon, captaining them for three years and playing a leadership role.Cattermole also has 91 appearances for Middlesbrough on his CV, along with 35 games for Wigan Athletic.The former midfielder even had a spell out in the Netherlands, featuring for VVV Venlo in the 2019/20 season. But now, after hanging up his boots in 2020, his post-playing career will get going in non-league with Gateshead.