STEVE WATSON is Town’s new development coach.

The 36-year-old former top-flight star takes over from Paul Stephenson, who has stepped up to become first-team coach.

It’s a first coaching appointment for Watson, whose playing career finished only last year because of injuries at Sheffield Wednesday, and manager Lee Clark believes he’s the ideal man to help Town’s young pros progress.

“The development coach role is vital for this club,” said Clark, preparing for today’s League I clash with Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park.

“I believe that now we are out of the reserve league and setting up high-quality friendlies, it is the best system this club has had for a long time in terms of developing home-grown players.

“It’s important to show the young professionals what is needed to succeed at first-team level and we need someone with lots of enthusiasm and dedication.

“Steve has played over 500 games at the highest level of football in various positions, and he can pass on that knowledge while developing individual and team programs to help our youngsters progress to the first team.”

A former Under 21 cap, Watson played for England B and the bulk of his 18-year-playing career was spent in the Premier League with Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Everton and West Bromwich Albion, commanding transfer fees totalling £6.5m along the way.

He captained Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship before hanging up his boots with over 550 games to his credit. Watson will now help Town’s young professionals with their development, working closely with Academy manager Graham Mitchell to feed through scholars to the first team.