By Matt Bishop
Macclesfield boss John Askey has praised Steve Watson after the former Newcastle defender took the manager's job at Gateshead.
Watson was Askey's assistant at Moss Rose, but jumped at the chance to take on his first managerial role when the Heed came calling last week, saying it was a “no brainer” to join the North East club.
Despite Askey's obvious disappointment to lose his right-hand man, the Silkmen manager told Macclesfield's official club website that he wished Watson all the best.
“It's a shame to be losing Steve but we all wish him well. It's a great opportunity for him, I feel Gateshead are underachieving with the players they've got.” said the Macc boss.
“He wanted to go into management and it's as good a job as he could've got.
“It's pleasing in some ways that we've done well and given somebody a chance to progress their career, so from the football club's point of view it's a good thing although we would've liked Steve to have stayed.
“With anybody who comes in we're quite open and we allow people to show what they can do and it was the same with Steve.
“He came in and had to get used to us and our ways. He's done that and hopefully he's taken something with him whilst being with us.
“If he can do well at Gateshead then I'm sure he can get a more lucrative job in the future.”
