Bobby Saxton's son Neil fits well in the dugout

Nov 6 2011 by Steve Brown, Sunday Sun

FOLLOWING in your father’s footsteps is a tough ask – never mind when your dad is something of a legend in his profession.

But Neil Saxton is showing you can learn from the best.

Whickham’s manager is currently gaining plaudits – and points – in his first season as a boss as he looks to guide his side to promotion from Northern League Division Two.

But then, football management is in his blood.

Saxton’s dad, Bobby, was in charge of more than 500 games as boss at Exeter City, Blackburn Rovers, Plymouth Argyle and York City, before helping guide Sunderland to two seventh-placed Premier League finishes as assistant to Peter Reid.

Now he’s passing on more than half a century’s experience to his son as he takes his first steps up the managerial ladder.

Saxton Junior was appointed as Whickham’s new boss in the summer, and enlisted his father’s help to conduct a few pre-season training sessions.

And while he wants to make his own mark, Neil is proud of the help his dad has given him in adapting to managerial life.

“He won’t come down to games as he finds he’s itching to shout from the touchline,” he said of Saxton Senior.

“But he loved the training, and the lads loved having him do it too. It was really good. He’s come up during the season and done a couple of sessions as well.

“The best thing is I just ring him, or go and see him and ask about formations, and he can tell things me straight away.

“As soon as I see how the other team is setting up I can ring him quickly and tell him how I’m going to set up, and a couple of things he says are brilliant.

“You just can’t beat that. I’ve nowhere near the experience he’s got. He’s been in football 51 years this year – I’ve been in about 51 days!

“I’ve played, of course, and I helped the management at Whickham last season, but this is the first time I’ve done anything like this as a manager.

“We’ve had 20 games and I’m learning all the time about the different aspects of management.

“I’m enjoying it. Like most things, if the end product isn’t enjoyable it’s not good, so if we get beat or there’s an issue with a player it affects you, but you can’t dwell on it.

“I’ve learned you’ve got to be thick-skinned, as you’re dealing with 23 or 24 blokes, plus the committee and the supporters, even at this level.

“As a manager, the buck stops with you. If you lose, it’s down to the manager, but if you win everyone takes the credit.