Liam Watson backs AFC Telford to stay up
Former AFC Telford United manager Liam Watson believes the Bucks will win their National League North survival battle – because of boss Rob Smith.
The two are close friends but will become rivals for 90 minutes on Watson's turf for a league clash tomorrow,
Watson is now in charge of Stalybridge Celtic, who welcome the Bucks to Bower Fold with the visitors at the foot of the table.
Telford went down from the National League Premier after they sacked him in December 2014 and are now battling against a 'double dip' relegation.
His replacement, Steve Kittrick, was axed to make way for Smith's second spell in charge last August and he's already got one over on his pal this season.
Watson's first return to the New Bucks Head saw Stalybridge lose 2-0 to Telford, less than two months after Smith came from Hednesford Town.
The Bucks have been rooted to the foot of the standings for much of the campaign, but are still only three points from safety.
And Smith has been backed to save the day when crunch time comes along by one of his predecessors, who delivered the club's first title in 62 years the last time they were in the North.
Watson said: "If anybody can get them out of this, Rob can. I've got the utmost respect for him and I know the feeling is mutual. I'm expecting a physical game.
"He's a down-to-earth sort of guy, he'll roll up his sleeves and scrap and his teams tend to play like him. That's why I think he'll get them over the line.
"If that happens, all of the credit should go to him and Larry (Chambers, assistant boss). They've been put into a very difficult situation."
Even Watson has been surprised at the speed of Telford's slump since he was shown the door, with Smith now tasked to halt the slide.
Conversely, the 45-year-old Scouser has guided the Celts to the relative safety of 14th so far this term, building on their 'Great Escape' after his arrival in March 2015.
Watson remains the most successful manager in National League North history having made Southport - on two occasions including the league's inaugural title - and Telford champions.
He said: "It's crazy where they are now, I'd never have thought there would be a danger they could go straight through.
"I genuinely hope they get out of it, for the fans and the people in and around the club. You couldn't wish to meet a more honest and hard-working bunch.
"I've tried to keep things steady here, our budget is in the bottom six of the division but we've had a turnaround.
"When I came to the club, they were nine points adrift of safety with eight games to go. Now we are continuing to survive and we got to the first round of the FA Cup."
