Ex-Newcastle and Sunderland duo team up in management role at non-league side
Ex-Newcastle United midfielder Matty Pattison is non-league Whickham’s new manager – and has brought in former Sunderland star John Oster alongside him.
The duo have been put in charge of the Northern League Division One side, having played together at Gateshead.
Pattison joined the club as a player last season from South Shields, and coaches Gateshead U19s.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity,” Pattison said. “There’s a lot of buzz around the place. The club wants to go places, so it’s a fantastic start for me in terms of management.”
Oster, who has 13 caps for Wales, added: “I’ve been out of football for three or four years now and never really thought about going back in and trying the coaching side of things.
“I heard that Patta got the job and he sent me a message asking if I’d be willing to give it a go. I came over, spoke to him and everyone involved and thought ‘why not’.”