 However he had more influence on who could play than Watt had during his time at the club, and in fact did not believe that one man should have sole responsibility for picking the team.He was manager of the club with the Directors Committee from 1938 to 1954, aside from a period from 1947 to 1950 when George Martin took over the role.In 1943, Seymour gave a trial to a 19-year-old 'Wor Jackie' Milburn, who later became a club legend himself.