Steve Watson reveals ex-Sunderland manager he'll take inspiration from as Gateshead boss

The former Newcastle United star landed his first managerial role after a weekend of speculation that saw the likes of Blyth Spartans manager Alun Armstrong and former Hartlepool United boss Craig Hignett linked with the role.

However, Tynesiders chairman Richard Bennett opted to appoint Watson, who had been assistant manager at Gateshead’s National League rivals Macclesfield Town.

Watson played under the likes of Kevin Keegan and Kenny Dalglish during his 20-year playing-career.

But the former England Under-21 international believes that former Sunderland manager Moyes - who was his boss at Everton - has given him the best tools to work with as he embarks on his new managerial career.

“I will take things from all of my former managers," Watson said.

“Maybe not by talking to them now, but there are things I have picked up along the way which I have been impressed with.

“A lot of the work David Moyes did, in setting the team up, making us hard to beat and being defensive, the attention to detail.

“You have to pick up things.”

Speaking at his International Stadium unveiling as Neil Aspin's successor, Watson admitted that taking the job “just feels right”.

“I am here to be successful and I am here to take this club into the Football League," the 43-year-old North Shields native added.

“Obviously I am from the North East, it’s an area I have a great affinity with.

“As a manager, you look at potential clubs, which clubs would suit you. Out of every opportunity that has come along, this has always been on that I would have been more than interested in.

“When the opportunity did come along, albeit very quickly, I couldn’t be happier. It just feels right”

Watson will make his managerial debut as Gateshead travel to Evo-Stik League club Buxton in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round on Saturday.