Elliot Watt

He’s already in the building!

 

Elliot Watt in sideways move? Why are ppl shocked? That’s pretty much what he did for 90 mins each game.

 

Totally agree.

 

True, as you eluded to in your earlier post, other factors unknown to us are most likely at play.

His justification for the move was the thing that really confused me. It just didn't stack up and came across as a deflective reason and didn't want to admit he’s gone for nothing other than the money.

I'm possibly being very unfair on the lad but it doesn't come across well or convincing.

 

Being an u23 coach for a team the size of Manchester United is no small feat. The manager in question may have his ideas on how to get the best out of young players like Watt. That being said, An u23 manager is not in the same bracket as a manager who is up there in terms of PL manager experience

I wouldn’t read too much into it tbh. Players upon signing for new clubs all tend to say the same shit. A generic welcome interview if you wanna call it :
“ I want to win things here”
“I want a manager that’l get the best out of me”
“I felt this was the right move for my career”
“I feel like il excel here”

at least he didn’t say “I look forward to playing in front of big crowds”

 

Totally agree.

Mate, couldn't agree more. First, surprised, if he was leaving and wanting to truly progress, that Watt didn't go to a L1 club.
And if he absolutely wanted to progress by playing under a top manager who could teach him huge amounts about himself and how to play the game, then the gift he had in his hands was to resign under MH. He's done neither - and instead moved sideways/down to a club who get through players and managers like billy-o. Won't be missed for me. When he was good he was good - when he was poor he was bloody awful.

 

Top post Tallin! And that's exactly why Watt is no loss. MH improved him towards the end of the season. That the lad and his agent couldn't see that, speaks absolutely to his sideways move.

 

Schumacher was a very good midfielder for us - just a shame it went a bit sour at the end.

 

He tags his Instagram posts from home as Buckshaw which is between Preston and Chorley.

Buckshaw to Salford is 23 miles, 30 mins
Buckshaw to Apperley Bridge is 59 miles, 1h 9m

With him having a young family, the location alone suits him so can’t blame him for that.

 

Yeah fair point. It's like bingo, ticking quotes off a sheet with money not on it.

 

It’s a shame we won’t see the best of him, talented player, still Green, makes mistakes but has the potential to have a great career.
I think he would have been down the pecking order next season, I believe MH actually prefers/ trusts Gillead in the central role plus we’ve signed East. If I’m right, Elliott needed a move, being a bench warmer isn’t what his career needs now, Walks into the Salford team currently.
Good luck Elliott, expect a Galatasaray style welcome when you return!!

 

Yeah, tbf, it does make the move look more logical when you compare those commutes. If you have to come home to a nagging wife, an extra half hour at home will get him bonus points with the boss.

 

I'd prefer an extra half hour commute than coming home to a nagging. I did a commute which totalled 3.5 hrs there and back and eventually it does start to take it's toll

 

It could be quite simply that Watt actually didn't relish playing in front of a large crowd, i.e. the expectation levels made him feel psychologically inhibited.

So he felt a fresh start (and of course the money helped!!)

It does seem strange he's gone from League 2's most underachieving club, that at least now has some semblance of stability to the 2nd most underachieving club that still has a big question mark against it - as, given that he hasn't managed a game, he's no idea if this new manager will work.

Clearly he was desperate to get away. I suppose having five different managers in two seasons, might do that to a player.

 

Imho I think it’s a lack of ambition perhaps?

 

I'm not bothered. All three had big question marks against them and I feel they've been replaced by players more suitable to L2 promotion fist fight.

It's interesting that each of them had us wondering which version would turn up - none of them had the consistency of say a Ridehalgh or even Songo (once he'd settled in fully). Walker knocked spots off all three of them on that basis.

Paudie, was arguably the 2nd best CB in every partnership he had. I liked his commitment, but he always made me nervous - not a great look for a CB.

Having said that, I would have liked to see that new improved version of Vernam continue with us - it was clear that Hughes's ability to coach forward players was bearing fruit with him.

 

An offer he had to refuse? MH is no fool. He’s played football politics as a manager before Watt had even left school. I think honestly his agent has been outsmarted.

 

Yes. But it's quite frightening that we've had five managers in his time.

Basically, in his time with us between been 20 and 22 he's been raising a new family and having to put up with the circus act that we've been during this time.

He's only human and it could be that he's simply scarred by all of this.

Good luck to him. I'll be applauding him on our return. I thought he was a good player - often badly mismanaged by those before Hughes.

 

I’m open minded. Football wise , I said earlier…..It’s a bonkers move!