GORDON Watson yesterday made his long-awaited return from injury - but boss Mike Newell insists he won't be rushing him back into the first team.

Hartlepool United striker Watson has been out of action since breaking a leg in September and was back in action in Lancashire as a Pool reserve side beat a Blackburn XI 4-3.

Watson wasn't on the scoresheet - Pool's goals came from Kevin Henderson (2), Jermaine Easter and an own goal - and coach Kevin Sheedy said: "He played the full 90 minutes, which was ideal. You can train as much as you like, but you need matches like this when you have been out for so long.''

Newell added: "He is getting closer every week and if he continues to work hard he will be available in the near future. He's had a serious injury and it's important not to rush him.''

But while Watson stepped up his comeback there was more misfortune for Paul Smith. After recovering from a leg injury sustained against Hull on Boxing Day, he travelled yesterday but didn't play as he is suffering from a virus which could rule him out of contention for tomorrow's game with Oxford at Victoria Park.

Pool fielded triallist John Cogger from Manchester United, a regular in the Old Trafford under-19 side. Defender Cogger moved to United after being spotted at the North-East school of excellence.

* Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock is convinced he helped Sheffield Wednesday manager Chris Turner get the Hillsborough job.

And, ahead of tonight's Steel City derby at Bramall Lane, even Turner concedes Warnock may have a point.

When Terry Yorath resigned just over two months ago, Wednesday turned to a man with blue and white running through his veins rather than a high-profile outsider.

Tonight the teams will be managed by men who have been lifelong fans of their respective clubs.

''I was disappointed when Chris got the job because I like him a lot,'' quipped Warnock, who met up with Turner when he presented the awards at Hartlepool's player of the year presentation last season.

''But I think I helped him get the job, if I'm honest. I think they (the Wednesday board) must have looked across the city and seen what I've done here in three years.

''They have had five managers now in the time I've been here. They would have looked at the candidates and thought 'Warnock's done a job, Turner's the nearest thing, so let's give him a go'.

''It was the right decision because he will turn it round. The problem is clubs go for these so-called high-profile managers.

''But Chris was previously at Hartlepool, a club which gives you a grounding for jobs like this. I think we are striking a blow for the bread-and-butter managers.''

Warnock and Turner have healthy respect for one another - unusual for opposing Sheffield managers - with the United boss adding: ''I've a lot of time for Chris.

''He texted me after the Liverpool game and said what a fantastic result it was. That's the kind of guy he is.

''He will also come into my office after the game for a drink, which hardly any of the other managers will do.''

When asked whether Warnock had helped him to land the Wednesday role, Turner smiled before saying: ''Possibly. I've spoken to Neil on several occasions and had a few discussions and we think along the same lines.

''We are not high-profile people, like a top-class international footballer who has walked into a major job with millions of pounds to fritter away on star names. We've both worked hard.

''I worked at Hartlepool for 3 years to get the opportunity to manage at a higher level. Neil and I have both learned our skills in the lower leagues.

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