TRUMPETING it from the rooftops round Sam Smith’s Park, Newcastle Benfield have appointed Nolberto Solano as first-team coach.
In at the deep end, the former Newcastle United star’s first game in the dugout comes tomorrow, weather permitting, at home to Spennymoor Town.
“Yeah, a nice, easy one,” joked Benfield boss Alu Bangura. “They’re a great club, double league champions, so it’s a tough start for Nobby and it’ll be interesting to see what he makes of us, and them, how he prepares us and what tips he passes on.”
The 37-year-old (pictured above) joined Hartlepool United last summer, and remains registered with the League One club.
But after a career that has seen him play for United, Boca Juniors, Aston Villa and West Ham United, and win 95 international caps, Solano is keen to gain his Uefa A and B coaching badges and, living locally, sees the Northern League Division One outfit as the ideal environment in which to secure those qualifications.
“It’s happened quite quickly, so it hasn’t really sunk in yet,” Bangura said. “It’s obviously a positive move for the club, Nobby will bring a lot of experience and no doubt it’ll be a big lift for the players.
“He’s been there and done it at the highest level, so he automatically gets the respect of everyone at the club.
“We’ve all aspired to play at the level he has, so it’ll be good to work at close quarters with him. It’s a win-win situation for everybody.
“He comes on board and works on his coaching badges, and we get the benefit of his experience, as well as raising the profile of the club.
“Hopefully we’ll also be able to make use of his contacts, and maybe bring some young players in from Newcastle United or Hartlepool.“
Solano had been linked earlier in the week with a move to Benfield’s league rivals South Shields, and Hebburn Town, of Division Two.
But Benfield chairman Jimmy Rowe said: “I am delighted we have been able to attract such a big name to help us move forward.
“I believe that Nobby’s experience will bring benefit to our players and manager, and that he can gain the necessary hands-on experience in helping him achieve his coaching badges.”
