AFC Telford boss ready for long game on title
AFC Telford United boss Liam Watson today revealed he's ready to go the long haul with the Bucks in their challenge to be Skrill Conference North champions.
The only manager to twice win the division's title twice did so on the last day of the campaign with Southport on both occasions and both away from home, too.
If lighting strikes for a third time, it would be on home turf when Telford host Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday April 26 for an instant return to non-league's top flight.
Promotion has always been on the agenda since Watson arrived as boss in May and he admits he would "snap their hands off" to be in that championship situation once again.
He said: "The two times I have won this league, I have done it on the last day of the season, needing to win. If someone offered me that for Telford, I would snap their hands off.
"Leagues are won at the end of April, it's rare for someone to run away with the title. In the past, Kettering have and Chester did last season, but I can't recall many others."
Despite being in sixth place, just a point separates Watson's side from league leaders Hednesford Town with 16 games played, although the Pitmen have two games in hand.
Brackley Town, Boston United, North Ferriby United and Altrincham are also above them in what is becoming a congested top of the table from the play-off spots upwards.
Watson said: "I am not surprised with close how the league is, at the moment, and I think it will start to open out about January, February time.
"It's whoever can put a run together, Hednesford were 11 points above us the other week so for us to claw that back shows what we have done.
"But they have games in hand, as do Brackley. Alty, Boston and North Ferriby are doing well, too, there's a few teams who are firmly in the mix.
"There are a lot of good teams in the league."
With the New Bucks Head hosting England's UEFA Women's Under-17 Championship opener against Italy, Watson and his players will train elsewhere tonight.
The Telford chief will put his players through their paces at Lilleshall Sports Centre near Newport tonight, ahead of Saturday's FA Trophy trip to Worcester City.
