Donachie helps out at Consett

WILLIE Donachie has gone from the Premier League to the Northern League, writes MILES STARFORTH.

The former Newcastle United coach is back in football – at Consett, who host a Magpies XI tonight ( 7pm).

Donachie ( pictured) resigned from his post as reserve team manager last season and is helping out at the Belle View Stadium after returning from a coaching stint in California.

Donachie struck up a relationship with the Northern League Division One club’s chairman, Frank Bell, after the two clubs met last November for the new stadium’s opening.

The 63- year- old ex- Scotland defender, who is keen to return to the professional game, said: “I was very impressed with the set- up at Consett when I was here with Newcastle, and I thought they were very nice people.

“I’d been coaching out in America, and when that came to end I came home to see if there was anything for me in England.

“When nothing came up, I rang Frank and asked if I could help in any way.

“There’s a lot of fear in football – with managers and coaches thinking that you’re after their job – but that’s not the case here.

“Everybody has been so friendly, which was what made me think of the club in the first place when I found myself at a loose end.”

Donachie added: “I want to work with anyone who wants to work and learn, whether they’re young pros or non- league players. I want to help them improve.

“When I was at Newcastle, I coached the Under- 12s as well as the Under- 21s – I want to help players realise their potential.”

Bell, meanwhile, is grateful for Donachie’s input into the Northern League club, whose manager is Kenny Lindoe.

“Willie rang me a couple of weeks ago and asked if there was any way he could be of assistance to us, “Bell told Consett’s programme.

“I’m absolutely delighted he’s helping us out – he’s very professional, with a brilliant pedigree – and we can only benefit from his experience.”

Peter Beardsley – who worked alongside Donachie during his spell at United – is likely to name a young Newcastle team tonight, though one or two first- team fringe players could get a run out.

Admission is £ 6 for adults, £ 3 for concessions and £ 1 for under16s.