Lee Cattermole to lean on ‘incredible’ former managers after taking Gateshead job | OneFootball

Lee Cattermole has taken his first managerial post with National League Gateshead on a two-year deal, inheriting Rob Elliot’s squad. He aims to stamp his authority by drawing on lessons from a career under leading coaches.

Steve McClaren handed him his Middlesbrough debut at 17 in January 2006, and he ended that season as the club’s youngest captain. He then worked with Steve Bruce at Wigan before a £6m move reunited them at Sunderland.

A decade on Wearside brought spells under Martin O’Neill, Sam Allardyce, David Moyes, Dick Advocaat, Paolo Di Canio and Gus Poyet.

“I saw Dick Advocaat in tears at the World Cup and he’s an incredible manager. They’ve all had an impression on me, everyone of them. I never made excuses as a player. I always adapted my game and found a way into the team.”

He told The Echo.

“I always try to look for the best in people and, going back to the start, Steve McClaren, as an organiser, coaching, organising, he was unbelievable.”

“Steve Bruce, he was a man manager. Sam Allardyce, he was totally different, all about numbers and where to get to on the pitch.”

“I’ve loved working under so many managers and coaches and they all shape you in some way, shape or form - but ultimately it’s how they carry themselves because the players are always watching.”

Source: Sunderland Echo