‘Old school’ Watson up for the challenge

ANNAN’S defensive ranks have been given a boost ahead of tomorrow afternoon’s SPFL League Two opener at home to Elgin.

Experienced central defender Keith Watson has penned a deal at Galabank for the upcoming campaign.

The 35-year-old Scottish Cup winner, perhaps best known for his spells with Dundee United and Ross County, joins after helping Arbroath to the League One title last season.

He has been added to the squad by manager Wullie Gibson who was crying out for reinforcements in defence following injuries to key players and a League Cup campaign in which 21 goals were conceded in four games.

Speaking after joining the Black and Golds, Watson described himself as a ‘old school centre half’ who ‘enjoys defending and keeping clean sheets’.

He said: “I’m delighted to be here. I was speaking to the manager throughout the summer, he was really keen to bring me on board.

“He spoke highly of the club and where he wants to take them this season, so I’m really looking forward to the challenge.

“I like to lead by example. I’m a communicator, organiser and I enjoy defending and keeping clean sheets.

“I also like playing as well, I like to think I’ve got a wee bit of everything.

“I’m one of the older ones now and I like to use my knowledge and experience to help the younger ones.”

On ambitions for the new term, Watson added: “The manager feels we’ve got a really strong squad here and we’d like to be pushing up the top end of the league.

“I want to be fighting up at the right end of the table. We’ll take it week by week and see where that takes us.”

Tomorrow’s game could be full of goals, if both teams’ group stage cup fixtures are anything to go by.

Elgin City make the long journey down to Dumfriesshire a week after losing 8-0 to St Johnstone – their heaviest ever defeat as an SPFL side.

Kick off at Galabank is at 3 pm.

Elsewhere, Queen of the South travel to Cove Rangers for their League One curtain raiser.

Doonhamers boss Peter Murphy said: “I expect Cove to be a very good side just like they were last season.

“Paul Hartley always has them well-drilled and well organised.

“They’ve got good experienced players so it’s going to be a tough first game.”