Tranmere Rovers have named former Everton player Dave Watson as John Aldridge's replacement as manager of the club. Watson has signed a two-year contract that has ended a near 15-year career with Everton as both skipper and more recently first team coach under Walter Smith.
The former England international defender steps into the void left by Aldridge's departure just weeks before Tranmere slumped to relegation to the Second Division. And Watson, who knows all about financial troubles from his days at Goodison Park, finds himself stepping into a similar cash crisis club as his first managerial appointment.
Watson was briefly caretaker boss at Everton at the end of the 96-97 season when Joe Royle quit, being in charge for the final seven games. And he admitted that taste of the job has driven him ever since to look for his own chance as a manager. Speaking today, Watson admitted: "I've seen what Tranmere have been able to do in their cup runs, I can hardly forget how they came to Goodison Park this season and beat Everton in the FA Cup. They have been able to raise themselves for a succession of great cup victories against teams from the Premiership. But what they have to understand is that you must be able to concentrate and be consistent like that all the time."
Watson will continue to work with current caretaker duo Kevin Sheedy and Ray Matthias, but also made it clear he will be appointing his own number two.
Filed by Shane Murray
