Tussy looking forward to his big night

The club’s utility man will celebrate his testimonial season with a match against Derry City at the Showgrounds tonight, Friday 6th February (KO 7.45pm).

The Bannsiders’ longest serving player has made over 200 appearances for his local club since making his debut in 2004 against Dungannon Swifts.

‘Tussy’ admits he is looking forward to the match but will have a few pre-match nerves before the match kicks-off.

“I’m looking forward to the testimonial game but I am also a little bit nervous as most of the attention will be on me,” he told Times Sport.

“However, I expect those nerves to disappear when the match gets underway.

“I haven’t played much football lately, so it will be nice to get some minutes on the pitch and I hope there is a good crowd there.”

Watt is ‘proud’ to have stayed at the Bannsiders for so long and is full of praise for his hometown club.

“I’m not surprised that I have lasted 10 years at the club to be honest. It’s a well-known cliché, but all I wanted to do is play for Coleraine,” he said.

“I’m proud to say that I’ve spent so long here, especially when you can see not many local players have had the opportunity to do so.

“The club has been a big part of my life as well as my families and it will continue to be. My son plays for the Academy and he enjoys it.”

Recalling his debut against Dungannon Swifts the 28-year-old picked out Stephen Carson as the best player he has played with in the blue and white stripes.

“I remember my debut at home to Dungannon and we won 2-0 that day,” he said. “If I remember correctly, Stuart Brattan scored a great goal and I played 70 minutes.

“In my time the best player I have played with is Stephen Carson. He had the ability to win the match on his own. I would also give credit to Tommy McCallion as he was the most influential player at the club.”

‘Tussy’ will hold further events during the year such as a poker night as well as a match between fans and former Coleraine players.