National League side Gateshead appoint former Halifax boss
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Aspin, 50, replaces Malcolm Crosby, who was sacked after five months in charge on Sunday.
Gateshead-born Aspin joined Halifax in 2009, but was fired in September with the club bottom of the National League.
"Neil displayed all of the attributes and characteristics I was looking for in a manager," chairman Richard Bennett told the club website.
"He has vast experience and knowledge of this league, a fantastic track record and a great eye for spotting talent."
Aspin, a former defender, played more than 200 Football League matches for Leeds over seven years before leaving in 1989 to spend a decade with Port Vale.
Bennett added: "Neil left Gateshead at the age of 16 to pursue a distinguished playing career before moving into management.
"I was greatly impressed with his appetite for the job. It is a position he has craved for and now he has it."
Gateshead are 13th in the National League and have won just one of their last nine games in all competitions.