GATESHEAD have announced former Newcastle United full-back Steve Watson as their new manager.
Watson returns to the North-East from National League leaders Macclesfield Town, where he had been assistant manager to John Askey since July 2016.
The 43-year-old was one of three candidates interviewed for the managerial position at Gateshead's International Stadium, and beat off competition from Craig Hignett and Alun Armstrong to land the post.
It will be the Tyneside native's first senior management role after previously having spells in coaching positions at Huddersfield Town and Birmingham City, alongside former Newcastle team-mate Lee Clark.
The managerial position at the Heed had been vacant since Neil Aspin's departure for Port Vale last Wednesday - with Micky Cummins taking caretaker charge for Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Bromley.
Watson will now take charge of the senior side going into this Saturday's FA Cup fourth qualifying round match away to Buxton.
The Tynesiders currently sit 16th in the National League table, their lowest league position since September 2013.
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