IT IS a natural progression for a number of Island footballers to go into coaching, then eventually management, but not many have matched the achievements of Newport boss Steve Brougham.

Island-born Steve, 57, joined Andy Sampson’s dugout team at the start of the season, but found himself in the hotseat in November after Andy decided to step down — inheriting a decent, young, talented squad pushing for promotion in Division 1 of the Sydenhams Wessex League.

Isle of Wight County Press: Steve Brougham, front, far right, as an Oakfield player.Steve Brougham, front, far right, as an Oakfield player.

Of course, Steve already enjoys the adulation of many Port fans for what he achieved in his first spell, between 2011 and 2015, where his side won the IW Senior (Gold) Cup three times in a row, finished fourth in the Wessex Premier and reached the last 16 of the FA Vase.

During that spell, Steve achieved a 66 per cent win rate over 147 games.

In his final years as a player, with Island League Division 1 side Oakfield, Steve achieved something he never thought he would ever win — the Gold Cup, aged 37. 

It was the first time and Island League side had won the Gold Cup since 1969.

Isle of Wight County Press: Steve Brougham in action for the East Cowes Vets.Steve Brougham in action for the East Cowes Vets.

When he eventually hung up his boots, aged 40, he took on his first coaching role, at Newport, under John Linington, in the Southern League.

He then went on to become assistant manager, reaching the semi-final of the Hampshire Senior Cup.

Brading Town came knocking and he joined Phil Moore’s management team — eventually taking charge of the Wessex Premier side, his first job as manager.

Isle of Wight County Press: Steve Brougham taking part in the Brading 10K.Steve Brougham taking part in the Brading 10K.

After a difficult first couple of seasons, but backed by the Brading board, Steve turned things around in the league and they won the Gold Cup.

It was his first Gold Cup win as manager, to ensure his name was written in Island football folklore.

Steve, a builder by trade, is a keen runner (his son, Jake, also a talented athlete), who was an Island schools cross-country champion.

Isle of Wight County Press: Steve Brougham, left, during his first spell as Newport manager.Steve Brougham, left, during his first spell as Newport manager.

What do you enjoy most about football management?

A: Working with a group of lads and winning games.

What has been the highlight of your sporting life so far?

A: As manager, finishing fourth in the Wessex League Premier and winning the Gold Cup with Brading, as well as getting to the last 16 of the FA Vase with Newport.

As a player, winning the Gold Cup with Oakfield in 2001.

Isle of Wight County Press: Steve, centre, celebrates winning the Gold Cup as a player for Island League side Oakfield in 2001, aged 37.Steve, centre, celebrates winning the Gold Cup as a player for Island League side Oakfield in 2001, aged 37.

Who has had the most influence on you in football?

A: I have learned many things from all the managers I have played under.

What are your aims in your sport?

A: To get Newport promoted to the Wessex Premier.

Share something heartwarming about one of your teammates or players.

When I was manager of Brading, I once found a dossier left in the Fareham changing room after a home game. It was about my team, which went through their thoughts on each of our players.

They clearly did not rate our left back, Kieran Ford. However, we won 3-1 and Kieran scored twice, which included one as an overhead kick.

Isle of Wight County Press: Steve Brougham would have Cristiano Ronaldo in his team if he could.Steve Brougham would have Cristiano Ronaldo in his team if he could.

If you could pluck any player from the elite level of your sport to play in your team, who would it be and why?

A: Christian Ronaldo. We would win with his goals and have big crowds too.

Which team do you support and what’s been your favourite moment watching them?

A: Manchester United — seeing them win the treble in 1999.

Who’s your sporting hero and why?

A: Roy Keane. He’s a winner through and through.

Isle of Wight County Press: Steve Brougham's sporting hero, Roy Keane.Steve Brougham's sporting hero, Roy Keane.

What are your best qualities in your sport?

A: I always try to give 100 per cent.

What other sports have you participated in and what were your achievements?

A: Running. I was an Island schools cross-country champion. I once clocked 31mins 21secs in a 10k event and 24.58 for a five-mile contest.

If you could change one rule in your sport what would it be and why?

A: VAR in football. I just don’t like it. Spoils the game.

Isle of Wight County Press: VAR spoils football, says Steve Brougham.VAR spoils football, says Steve Brougham.

What’s been the most memorable event/match you’ve participated in?

A: Beating Brighouse 2-1 at St George’s Park to go through to the last 16 of the FA Vase.

How would you sum up/describe the team you play for?

A: Newport are a good young team with potential.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

A: Never stop learning from every game.

What’s the worst part of training for you?

A: When players don’t turn up.

Isle of Wight County Press: Steve Brougham, when he managed East Cowes Vics.Steve Brougham, when he managed East Cowes Vics.

What would you say is the easiest part of your sport?

A: Winning 4-0 with five minutes left to play.

If you could choose to play your sport at any venue in the world, where would it be?

A: Old Trafford. A fantastic stadium.

How much of your life does football take up?

A: Football is always in my thoughts.

If you had a celebrity fan, who would you want it to be and why?

A: Harry Redknapp. It would be interesting.

What motivates you ahead of a match?

A: The thought of winning it.

Do you have a motto you follow in sport?

A: Put simply: work hard.

What lessons for life have you learned through football?

A: To be able to organise and talk to groups of people.

When the time comes to retire from football management, do you think you would like to take up a different role in the game?

A: I would love to be a chairman with a lot of money.

Who are your top ten global sporting personalities ever from around the world?

A: Pele, George Best, Muhammad Ali, Maradona, Jack Nicklaus, Messi, Tiger Woods, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lewis Hamilton and David Beckham.

What would you say to somebody to recommend them to football and your club?

A: Come and enjoy your football at a good level and club.

What have been the benefits of being involved in sport?

A: I have made many good friends.

What’s the worst injury you have had and what was rehabilitation like?

A: I once broke an ankle. The rehab was hard and lonely.

What advice would you offer to a youngster starting out in your sport?

A: Be dedicated to it and work hard.