Cummins will assist new boss
MICKY Cummins has been named as assistant manager at Gateshead, and hopes he can help new boss Steve Watson hit the ground running, writes Jeff Bowron.
Cummins played almost 300 games for Port Vale during seven years in the Potteries and has been at Gateshead since May 2011.
The 39-year-old played 106 games for the Heed before becoming a coach at the club with the reserve and youth sides.
He was part of a panel of three alongside owners Richard and Julie Bennett that appointed Watson as manager on Tuesday.
The Irishman was Heed interim boss after Neil Aspin left for Port Vale, and will now work alongside former Magpie Watson for the foreseeable future.
Cummins said: “I’ve had a long time at Gateshead and know how the club works, so it will be great to work with the new manager.
“Me being his eyes and ears will be a help. He is well up to date with the league and what we have in the changing room.
“Being alongside Steve will hopefully make the transition a smooth one, so that he can hit the ground running.
“We’re straight into an important FA Cup game on Saturday and then have tricky away games at Eastleigh and Leyton Orient.
“Steve is here to do a job, he’s done his apprenticeship at this level and his appointment has come at the right for us.”
Cummins would like to become Watson’s permanent number two.
“We’ll see how it goes but that’s the aim. I am ambitious and want to get up that ladder and I see this as an opportunity,” he said.
“We’ll see how we work together, but we’re on the same page in terms of philosophy. I’ll play it by ear and do my best.”