WATSON TAKES CHARGE AT BANBRIDGE TOWN

A former club captain, reserve manager and caretaker manager who was also coach during Ronnie Haughey’s reign, Watson says he will be putting his heart and soul into moving the club back up the league ladder.

But he has also asked for people throughout the town to back him as he begins his rebuilding process.

“Managing Banbridge Town is something I’ve always wanted to do and I’m delighted to finally get the chance,” he said.

“When it was offered to me after Ronnie had left the timing wasn’t right. That’s why I did some soul searching this time around to be sure that my heart was going to be in it, and I can assure everyone that it will.

“I want to take Banbridge Town to the next level. To do that I need the backing of the players, committee, supporters - in fact the people of Banbridge in general - to make sure that we get the club on the right track.

“There is no quick fix and I would ask everyone for patience while we group together and rebuild.”

That rebuilding work has already begun with several players already having left.

Key to that are the appointments of former Dromore Amateurs boss Barry Taylor as Watson’s number two and Neil Watson as a member of the coaching staff.

“We’re to get as many of last year’s squad as we can back on board but we’re also putting the feelers out to try and bring in the best local talent,” the new manager added.

“It’s been a very busy week since I was given the job and this week we hope to have a pre-season plan finalised.”

Watson is the club’s fifth permanent manager in as many years, following on from Michael Lamont, Colin Malone, Ronnie Haughey and Brian Adair. Town supporters will be hoping that this appointment will bring some much-needed stability to the club.