Steve Watson returns to Wembley as a coach this weekend with Macclesfield Town hoping for a change of luck at the famous venue.
The former Newcastle United star experienced defeats against Manchester United in the 1996 Charity Shield and the 1998 FA Cup final when wearing a black-and-white shirt.
Now, Watson is eyeing success from the dugout as No 2 to John Askey with Macclesfield as they take on York City in the FA Trophy final on Sunday (4.15pm).
Speaking ahead of the game, Watson told the Chronicle: “I’ve had a few visits to Wembley as a player but hopefully I’ll be able to get my first win this time as a coach.
“To make a cup final, any cup final, is good, but we’ve had to go through some good teams to get here.
“There’s been some tough, hard games but that’s what cup football is all about, getting through to the next round.”
Watson finds himself at Macclesfield after stints with Huddersfield and Birmingham City.
He said: “I watched Macclesfield a few times prior to my coming here.
“And, with a few good friends at the club, I was made aware of a coaching opportunity here so I just came along to help out really.
“I did that for six months before I was taken on permanently last summer.”
The weekend will also see a Geordie reunion with Watson expecting to bump into ex-Blackburn striker Graham Fenton at Wembley.
Fenton will be there as joint manger of South Shields who take on Cleethorpes in the curtain raiser in the FA Vase before the FA Trophy showpiece.
He said: “I’ve got some good ties going back years with Graham Fenton at Shields and we’re all aware there’s a very northern feel to the day on Sunday.
“We’ll be concentrating on what we have to do though and that’s win a trophy.”
Watson will be back on Tyneside on June 2 when he attends a talk-in at Redheugh Boys Club.
Details of tickets for the event are available from Terry Ritson on 07930618441.
Watson, who will regale fans with stories from the Entertainers era, said: “I rarely get the chance to come back that often but this summer I’ve a good chance to do several things.
“There’s certainly going to be a lot to talk about as well and just hopefully I’ll have a winners medal with me for good measure.”
- Chroniclelive