Wat a big day ahead for Heed’s new boss
AFTER starting his managerial career with three away games, Steve Watson finally makes his International Stadium bow as Gateshead boss tomorrow.
The former Newcastle favourite has won two of his three away matches since taking over the Heed hot seat.
Tuesday’s performance in the 2-0 win at Leyton Orient was the best yet and local boy Watson will now look to get his home campaign off to a winning start.
There has been a revolving door at the top of the Vanarama National League this season, Dover Athletic back at the summit after a midweek win over Woking.
It is the south coast outfit, again expected to fly to Tyneside, who provide tough opposition for Watson’s homecoming.
Almost two decades have passed since the 43-yearold left Newcastle, his playing career taking in Aston Villa, Everton, West Brom and Sheffield Wednesday.
He has now turned his hand to management and is delighted his first post as a manager is back on his native Tyneside.
Watson told the Chronicle: “It will be a special day for me on Saturday, back where it all began and in front of Geordie fans.
“I had been planning to get into management for some time.
“The first opportunity could have come in the north west where I have been based.
“It could have been down south or wherever, but as fate would have it it is back on Tyneside with Gateshead - and I am delighted. “Hopefully it is an appointment which will have caught the imagination and it would be great for Newcastle fans to come along to get behind me and the club. “Rafa Benitez’s side do not play until Monday, which is a help, and I have a posse of around 50 coming myself. “There is room to support a couple of clubs in the area and it would be a bonus if some Newcastle fans could adopt Gateshead as their second club.” Chairman Richard Bennett is pleased with the way Watson has taken to management, early signs encouraging, and is hoping for the gate to be swelled. Bennett said: “Steve Watson gave great service to Newcastle United and was part of the side dubbed ‘The Entertainers’ under Kevin Keegan. “With Newcastle not playing, and given the standing he has among Magpies fans, I would like to think some will come along to back us against Dover.” Dover are led on the field by Mitch Brundle, who was released by Gateshead in the summer, Watson expecting a physical battle. He added: “Dover are very physical and direct. “They have an effective way of playing and are top - but we were excellent at Orient and want to maintain those standards.”