AFC Telford's Liam Watson: Non-league bosses need breaks

The Bucks chief believes bosses with a proper non-league grounding have the nous to succeed at the higher levels, but are often not given a chance to do so.

Gateshead manager Gary Mills and Alfreton Town boss Nicky Law have both rebuilt their careers in non-league, after starting out in the divisions above.

And Watson is also of the opinion there is plenty of managerial talent in Conference North that would do well in the Premier, having been a boss in both leagues.

The Telford gaffer takes his side to Vauxhall Motors on Saturday where he's a big fan of his opposite number, Carl Macualey, as well as Barrow's Darren Edmondson.

He said: "You just look at the Conference Premier now and you have Kevin Wilkin, Gary Mills and Nicky Law, who have experienced success at this level.

"They are the ones who should getting the jobs in the Football League, because hunger and desire can often be the two most important attributes.

"To me, Carl Macualey and Darren Edmondson are the best two managers in this league. Darren has got his chance at Barrow now and is doing very well.

"They have been around a long time with the likes of Rob Smith and Larry Chambers and you know what you are going to get every time you play any of them."

The Telford boss has also noticed the spate of former players who are cutting their teeth at non-league level in the Premier and alongside him in the North.

Brackley Town, Gusieley, Stalybridge Celtic and Solihull Moors have gone down that road with untested rookies and Watson believes they bring the right mentality.

Watson said: "There are managers in this league who have had good careers and are used to winning. Jon Brady, Mark Bower, Keith Briggs and Marcus Bignot were top players.

"I remember Dennis Greene from the Wycombe team in 1994 that went to Wembley for the Division Three play-off final, as I was there playing for Preston.

"David Mehew and Lee Sinnott are another two, Lee played for Watford in the 1984 cup final."