Former Heed duo reunited at Mariners

FORMER Gateshead manager Carl Magnay has set his sights on helping South Shields reach their ‘huge potential’ after being named as assistant manager at the National League North club.

- By MARK CARRUTHERS

The appointment is the first key addition made by new Mariners boss Ian Watson as he is reunited with Magnay after the duo worked together on the coaching staff at the Heed, MK Dons and Carlisle United in recent years.

Watson spoke of his desire to name an assistant that understands his methods and the demands he will place upon his players during his first season in charge at the 1st Cloud Arena and he appears to have filled that criteria after he and Magnay helped Gateshead to success during Mike Williamson's managerial reign.

As assistant manager and player-coach respectively, Watson and Magnay were part of the backroom staff that helped the Heed to the National League North title three years ago before reaching consecutive FA Trophy finals.