Newcastle United's former Anfield hero lands new managerial role

Former Newcastle United star Steve Watson has returned to management after accepting an offer to take charge of National League North strugglers Darlington.

The 49-year-old made over 200 appearances for the Magpies after starting his playing career with his boyhood club and he became the youngster ever player to feature for United when he came on as a substitute in a defeat against Wolves in November 1990.

Watson was part of United's much-loved 'Entertainers' side under Kevin Keegan and famously scored a memorable winner in a 1-0 away win at Liverpool in a Coca Cola Cup tie in November 1995 after an injury to Les Ferdinand forced the versatile Geordie into action as an emergency striker.

After a playing career that took him to Aston Villa, Everton, West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday, Watson worked as a coach with Huddersfield Town, Birmingham City and Macclesfield Town before stepping into management with Gateshead.

The former England Under-21 international moved on from the International Stadium to join York City in January 2019 and also spent time in charge of Chester during the second half of the 2021/22 season. Watson has worked at Newcastle's academy in recent months but will return to the dugout to take charge of a Darlington side sat eight points from safety in the Northern section of non-league's second tier.

After assessing his new side in Saturday's home defeat against Scarborough Athletic, Watson has immediately set out his immediate targets as he looks to guide the Quakers to safety over the coming months.

After agreeing to take charge until the end of the season, he told the club website: "I just thought it looked like a team really lacking in confidence and belief - and that's something that is probably one of the first things we have to try and turn around.

"Belief and confidence comes with results in football so that first win, for me, hopefully with the way we will try and start to play will give them the belief they can do it. As a club, Darlo, there's not been much consistency this year, not even back-to-back wins so that's something we need to address as well.

"But (it is) one step at a time. We will get the team together, I'll get into their heads and find out what their thoughts are because I think that's important. If you've got an honest group of lads, to get their thoughts on the situation.

Quakers chief executive officer David Johnston added: “It’s been a very difficult week for the club, and we’re now proud to announce Steve as our new manager. Steve has worked for clubs in this league and has a proven track record. He understands what this league is all about and what needs to be done.”

Watson's first game in charge will come on Saturday when Darlington make the long trip to King’s Lynn Town before they hit the road once again to face Southport on Tuesday week. A first home game of the former Magpie's reign comes when Tamworth visit Blackwell Meadows on Saturday 13 January.