South Shields manager Ian Watson hails 'amazing relationship' with Darlington boss ahead of Monday clash
South Shields will face National League North rivals Darlington at the 1st Cloud Arena on Monday.
South Shields manager Ian Watson has opened up on his ‘amazing relationship’ with Darlington manager Steve Watson as their two sides prepare to meet at the 1st Cloud Arena on Monday afternoon.
The duo worked together during the former Newcastle United star’s managerial reign at National League club Gateshead as the current Mariners boss began his journey from strength and conditioning coach to assistant manager at the International Stadium.
During a period of turbulence on and off the pitch at the Heed, Darlo boss Watson impressed as he kicked off his own career in the lead role in the dugout with an impressive period in charge on the south bank of the Tyne and he provided an invaluable source of information for the current South Shields manager. Speaking ahead of Monday’s meeting with Darlington, Watson just why he has so much admiration for a club where he became a firm favourite during his playing career and for the man currently in charge of their fortunes.
He told The Gazette: “I’ve got an amazing relationship with Steve. When he came into Gateshead he gave me extra responsibilities and would help me in terms of sitting and watching training and getting my thoughts on things. That meant a lot to me, whether he wanted to know or didn’t want to know, it was so nice that he wanted me involved and I have a lot to thank him for.
“We still take regularly, he’s always there and we have a great relationship. I like seeing Darlington do well, I hope they don’t do well on Monday obviously, but I like seeing them do well. It’s a special club, they’re special fans, and Steve was the perfect appointment for them and they are in good hands. But obviously I want us to beat them on Monday.”
Energy
The Mariners head into Monday’s game sitting three points adrift of National League North leaders AFC Fylde and have the benefit of holding a game in hand on the current frontrunners.
Some have viewed Friday’s draw at Spennymoor Town as a missed opportunity for Watson and his players after their title rivals slipped to a defeat at Chorley - but the Mariners boss has stressed his players must continue focusing on their own performances and results rather than wasting energy looking at events elsewhere.
“No matter what happens elsewhere, nothing else matters unless we look after ourselves,” he explained. “We’ve always said that throughout the season, the focus has to stay on us and that’s every single day in training or on matchdays. Any time spent focusing elsewhere is just wasted energy and it takes the attention from us trying to get better with every single day.”
Watson will consider handing starts to Jack Roles and Caden Kelly after they were named as substitutes in Friday’s draw at Spennymoor. Goalkeeper Jasper Sheik could be handed another start after he made his long-awaited comeback from injury at the Brewery Field.