New Ross County manager has kept spirits high in Dingwall, says Keith Watson
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Keith Watson says new Ross County manager John Hughes has set about making sure that heads do not drop since coming in to the Global Energy Stadium.
A run of 11 Premiership matches without a win saw Stuart Kettlewell relieved of his duties and replaced by the former Caley Thistle boss, who returned to a managerial role after three and-a-half years away from the dugout.
It was a streak that saw the Staggies slip to the foot of the Premiership table, and with a string of injuries making it difficult to switch things up and improve their fortunes, it would have been easy for morale in the County camp to plummet.
Watson, who was brought to the club by Kettlewell in the summer of 2018, insists that has not been the case though – saying Hughes made it a priority to keep spirits high on the training pitch in his first week in the job.
“It is a little different with the new manager coming in,” former Dundee United defender Watson explained.
“He has his own ideas and he’s trying to get them across to us.
“He’s not had us on the training pitch that much with the amount of games we’ve had, but I think the boys have taken to him well. Hopefully he can get us going, and we’ll see where that will take us.
“Obviously the results have been disappointing, but he’s come in and tried to give us a real lift.
“He’s been making sure there’s no doom and gloom around the club, he’s positive which has been good for the boys. There’s a good buzz about the group, and we’re just looking forward to the next game now.”
Watson has been in and out of the team so far this season, with injuries hampering his availability throughout the campaign.
For him though, and for the entire squad, a new man in charge means a fresh start.
“I missed a few weeks with a hamstring injury, but I’m feeling good now,” Watson added.
“I’ve played the last few, and I’m keen to keep going and keep playing games.
“I’m hoping that things are going to start clicking for us, and we’ll pick up points and push up the table.”
