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Watson's Case For The Defence
Written by Newcastle Utd
John Carver believes new first team coach Dave Watson will have a positive impact on United's defenders
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Dave Watson's promotion to first team coaching duties will have a positive impact on Newcastle United's defenders, both young and old.
That is the opinion of new head coach John Carver, who moved the former Everton and England centre-back up from the Magpies' Academy following his appointment earlier this week.
A numer of United's stars will not remember Watson the player - someone who made more than 500 appearances for the Toffees, lifted the First Division title, FA Cup and Charity Shield, as well as winning 12 caps for the Three Lions.
So Carver educated his squad about their new coach, and believes Watson will be a great addition to the backroom team at St. James' Park.
"First of all, he brings the experience of having played 600-plus games in the top flight and England caps," explained Carver.
"He's a hugely-respected centre-half who was hard, strong, physical and a decent footballer, too. He's worked at Wigan and at our Academy, has great coaching experience and brings some extra defensive coaching qualities to us.
"On the first day I put on a presentation to the players about Dave, who he is and what he had done as a player.
"I think one or two of them were quite shocked when they realised how much football he had played and saw him lifting a trophy.
"Dave's experiences will be so valuable, even to guys like Fabricio, Mike Williamson and Steven Taylor.
"Hopefully he can also have a big impact on the development of some of the younger defenders as well, people like Paul Dummett, Remie Streete and Lubo Satka. It all bodes well."