AFC Telford boss Liam Watson eyes title hat-trick
AFC Telford United manager Liam Watson was reflecting on a proud 13-years in the dugout so far on the day he was aiming to claim what would be an impressive third Conference North title.
The Bucks chief, who is now in his 13th season as a manager, is the only boss to have won the Skrill Conference North title twice.
And victory at home to Gainsborough Trinity today in Telford's last game of the season would compete an impressive hat-trick.
It would be the latest of several accolades for Watson, who became the youngest manager in both Runcorn and Southport's history at age 29 and 33 respectively prior to joining the Bucks last summer.
And he said: "I have been the same since day one – it's about the team and the club. In terms of individual stuff, I have had my career that I look on with great pride.
"I have come a long way from where I was at 20-years-old, I had a fabulous time as a player but, in terms of success, I have probably done more as a manager.
"I remember reading when Kevin Wilkin, rightly so, got the Wrexham job and they were calling him a young manager at 46, I am three years younger than he is.
"I am only 43 and I am in my 13th season as a manager, my managerial career lasted long then my playing days! It's something to be proud of, whatever happens."
Watson, who has also won the Northern Premier League championship with Burscough on the ground he now manages, at the New Bucks Head in 2007,is committed to spending a second season at Telford.
And he will finalise his recruitment drive when their fate for next season is decided.
He said: "All that are discussions for next week, but I can tell you that we have already got playing targets for whatever league we are in.
"There's the odd one that would be better suited to the Conference North than the Premier."
