A TEENAGE football manager is preparing for the biggest game of his life - as he takes the helm at a professional club.

David Bogg is hoping to extend his success with his school team and help steer Darlington to a win today against Macclesfield Town.

In November, the 14-year-old won The Northern Echo's Local Heroes competition, which recognises those at the grassroots of sport.

When David was told he could never take part in PE lessons because he needed surgery on his foot, instead of giving up he decided to go into management.

He helped his teacher, Dave Tucker, lead Branksome School to a cup final win last summer. And after the victory, he was promoted to manager of the team - leaving Mr Tucker as his No 2.

Quakers manager David Hodgson was so impressed with David's story he offered him the opportunity to help manage Darlington for the day.

Yesterday David, dubbed Sir Boggy because of his admiration for Sir Bobby Robson and Newcastle United, said: "I am nervous, I am excited, I can't wait."

He is heading to the Williamson Motors Stadium at 1pm today.

Mr Hodgson said: "He'll be one of us from the moment he gets to the ground.

"He'll be in the changing room for the naming of the team, he'll be in the dugout throughout the entire game and will be on the pitch during the warm up.

"The whole day he will go through exactly what Mark Proctor and I go through.

"He's a young lad who's got this incredible dream - this is our way of giving something back."

With Macclesfield two points and two places above the Quakers, today's game is vital.

David said: "I go to every home match and I have been studying the team. I have some ideas, but they are between me and Hodgson.

"I won't predict the result, but I will say it's going to be a home win."