'Utter nonsense' - South Shields chairman Geoff Thompson slams talk over Ian Watson's future
South Shields chairman Geoff Thompson has responded to speculation over manager Ian Watson's future.
South Shields owner and chairman Geoff Thompson has moved quickly to deny suggestions Mariners manager Ian Watson could move on this summer.
The former Gateshead and Carlisle United assistant manager has enjoyed an overwhelmingly positive first season in the lead role in the dugout and could yet lead the Mariners into the National League over the next fortnight.
Despite narrowly missing out on the National League North title on the final day of the season as AFC Fylde were crowned champions following Saturday’s win at Merthyr Town, Watson’s men have a second chance at promotion as they host either Scarborough Athletic or Buxton in the play-off semi-final at the 1st Cloud Arena on Saturday afternoon.
The Mariners boss has already explained what he wants from his players ahead of their semi-final tie as he called on them to show the right mentality as they look to move a step closer to a place in non-league football’s top tier.
Speaking after Saturday’s defeat at Kidderminster Harriers, Watson said: “It makes it a little bit more difficult because you would like to know who you’re playing so you can do a little work. But the teams aren’t preparing to play us, they’re preparing to place each other on the Tuesday so we will watch that game and look forward to whoever it is.
“It’s a massive occasion and we have to remember we are creating something really special at this football club and whatever happens, this isn’t going to be it because we are only going in one direction. It’s important we stick together and work as hard as we can to prepare for next Saturday.”
There would be little surprise if EFL and National League clubs were monitoring Watson’s progress during his first season as a manager - although there has been nothing to suggest his future could lie away from the 1st Cloud Arena as it stands and Thompson’s response to concern over the Mariners boss only emphasises that point.
Responding to a social media post from a fan expressing concern over speculation suggesting Watson could move on, the Mariners supremo provided a short reply, stating: ‘Utter nonsense’.