Magpies chief targets cup success for kids
KIDS STUFF ... under-18s chief Dave Watson.
DAVE Watson’s name is synonymous with Everton, the club he skippered to a famous FA Cup victory.
But he’s already feeling at home at Newcastle United.
Watson was appointed as the club’s Under-18s coach last year, and he’s enjoying the challenge in front of him at the Academy.
The Under-18s take on Queens Park Rangers at St James’s Park in a fifth-round FA Youth Cup tie tomorrow night.
“This is what it’s all about for me,” Watson told the Gazette.
“Even I get nervous ahead of FA Youth Cup games.
“Any cup game is important, and if you’re playing in front of coaching staff and fans, it’s vital you give a good account of yourself.
“Sooner or later, they may be training with the first team.
“They’ve already shown their ability in the cup games.
“It would be great to see a few more fans there – the more the merrier.
“The kids love playing in front of a crowd, and it’s something they talk about at the training ground.
“It’ll be a tough game but we’ve done our research.”
Paul Gascoigne played a pivotal role the last time United won the competition in 1985, and another success is overdue.
Watson added: “The kids all support Newcastle, and when the first team’s going great, it helps.
“The youth team are doing all right, as well. It would be great for the club if we can do well in the FA Youth Cup.”
Watson likens Tyneside to his native Merseyside, both being footballing hotbeds.
“Newcastle is a football hotbed – a proper football part of the world – and it’s always been that way,” said the 50-year-old.
“I knew all about that, and that’s part of the reason I came here.
“I’ve settled in really well. I have enough experience to settle into places quite quickly.
“The staff have worked hard and the kids have worked hard – they’re all keen to learn.
“If you’ve got a group like that, you have a chance.”
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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