Watson is eager to get started at York

FOOTBALL: York City have confirmed former Sheffield Wednesday defender and Huddersfield Town coach Steve Watson as their new first-team manager.

Watson resigned from his post as manager of Vanarama National League side Gateshead yesterday and will commence his new role on Monday.

He will be joined by former Rotherham United midfielder Micky Cummins, who also resigned yesterday from his role as Gateshead’s assistant manager.

Watson, 44, moved into coaching nine years ago after an illustrious playing career with Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Everton, West Bromwich Albion and the Owls.

He was employed as a coach by Huddersfield and Birmingham City and assistant manager at Macclesfield Town before accepting his first managerial role at Gateshead in October 2017.

Watson ensured Gateshead survived in the National League last season and reached the semi-finals of the FA Trophy.

This season he has steered Gateshead into the promotion race with the club currently sitting eighth in the table.

“The challenge of taking this club back through the leagues is an exciting one for any young manager,” said Watson.

“It will take a lot of hard work, but I am more than willing to roll my sleeves up and I can’t wait to get started.

“There are probably only two clubs in National League North that are ‘league’ clubs waiting to happen again and York is one of them. There is huge potential here and my job is to realise that potential.”