Henry Winter interviews Ian Cathro on his journey from Newcastle to leading Estoril in Portugal
The walk from Newcastle Central Station to St James’ Park is one of the most atmospheric in English football. Winding through alleys, past pubs and eateries, and alongside historic city walls, it feels less like a simple path and more like a pilgrimage. For Ian Cathro, the former assistant coach at Newcastle United, this journey remains unforgettable even after a decade away.
Now at the helm of Estoril Praia, Cathro, who turns 40 later this year, has recently been recognized as Coach of the Month in Portugal. His time in England included valuable spells under Steve McClaren and Rafa Benitez at Newcastle, as well as roles at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur under Nuno Espirito Santo.
Newcastle holds a special place in Cathro’s heart. “For some home games, we wouldn’t stay overnight; instead, we would just meet at the stadium,” Cathro recalls. “My family home is in Edinburgh, so I often caught a truly early train, arriving around 8:30 AM and walking to the stadium. There was a palpable sense that something significant was about to unfold.” Despite the difficult times during Benitez’s tenure, particularly the 2016 relegation, he maintains a fondness and deep respect for the club and its passionate fans. “If I had to choose one club that left the most significant mark on me, it would be Newcastle. I’m genuinely happy to see them thriving now under Eddie Howe.”
Cathro considers Benitez to have been a pivotal figure in his development. “It was a rewarding experience working alongside him. He loves discussing football and shares valuable insights from his career. Most of our conversations revolved around football tactics rather than small talk. The defensive strategies he taught me stand out as particularly impactful.”
Equally influential in his journey has been Nuno, whom he met during a Scottish FA coaching course in 2009. “Nuno significantly affected my development, both professionally and personally,” Cathro explains. “Our relationship began when I left Scotland to expand my horizons, pursuing opportunities abroad. I had worked at Dundee United and managed my own coaching school prior to joining Nuno at Rio Ave and later Valencia. After a challenging stint at Heart of Midlothian, I joined him again at Wolves and Spurs.”
Despite their brief time at Spurs, where they managed just 17 games, Cathro reflects on the need for the club to regain its identity following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure in 2019. “Although they were fortunate to identify Pochettino, his departure left a void. The club needs to take a moment to reassess its footballing philosophy and decide what it wants to achieve in the coming years.”
As Tottenham grapples with its challenges, Cathro remains focused on guiding Estoril Praia, a club striving to excel in the Primeira Liga. His recent recognition as Coach of the Month has been an encouraging milestone in a league where small clubs often struggle for visibility. “We want to play attractive, fearless football. The fear of relegation has loomed large here, and I aim to build a team that approaches each match fearlessly,” he asserts.
Cathro has settled well into life in Portugal, where he feels a deep sense of pride in his accomplishments. “I’ve put in tremendous effort to reach this point in my career,” he states. The warmth of family life adds to his satisfaction; a young family and opportunities for his daughter to grow bilingual and enjoy the beaches enhance his experience. As he contemplates his future, he is not actively seeking a return to the UK. “It would surprise me if that were to happen anytime soon,” he adds, indicating he’s not ready to leave his new chapter just yet.
