 Mills returned to management with Conference Premier club Gateshead, signing a one-year rolling contract on 3 September 2013 to replace Anth Smith who resigned in August.At the time Gateshead were 19th in the table, one point above the relegation zone.His first match was a 2–1 home win over Hereford United on 7 September 2013, and both goals were scored by Josh Walker.