He’s witnessed the community work which goes on at Motherwell – and Tony Watt says the return of supporters to Fir Park will be a bigger occasion for it.
Motherwell host Queen of the South today in the Premier Sports Cup, with 2,000 fans returning to ML1 for the first time since Watt scored against Ross County during a 4-1 win in March 2020. It’s been a long wait for Fir Park fans, but in the background, they have made sure as many as possible can witness the 2021/22 cinch Premiership season.
Supporters return to Fir Park today. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
Supporters have raised almost £60,000 to provide season tickets to the unemployed and low-income families. Watt says it shows the community spirit around Fir Park: “It’s amazing. The club is constantly doing stuff and you actually forget how much they do because they do that much. I’m proud to be a part of that.
“It’s unbelievable what they do daily because they’re constantly trying to do new things to get people in. A lot of the stuff probably goes unnoticed because there were a few times last year when things weren’t in the press. It’s a credit to the club and everybody in the background doing it.
“The club has made me feel welcome and I’ll give my blood, sweat and tears for it. The fans really seemed to take to me the last time I played here so hopefully it continues. It’s good to have your family there but we’ve been lucky as the club has sorted us out with links to watch every game.”
Last season needed adjustment time. (Photo by Craig Foy/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Watt says there was a period of adjustment last season without supporters: “There was maybe a two or three game period last year where I felt a bit flat but I just tried to motivate myself differently. That’s just down to your own routines but you probably forgot during the first 10-12 games as you were just so happy to be back playing.
“But you do realise that it’s empty. A lot of teams went on winless runs last season and that could be down to the home advantage being taken away. It becomes a bit more 50/50. It will be better with more fans in. I’ll be shooting from every opportunity, usually I pass the ball but nobody will be seeing it – if selected.”
Graham Alexander’s side kicked off their Group F campaign with a midweek win away to Queen’s Park. Watt, now 27, will play with new strike partners this season after the departures of Devante Cole and Chris Long earlier in the summer. But he says Motherwell have brought him the happiest period of his career.
Familiar faces have moved on. (Photo by Ross MacDonald/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Watt explained: “That’s just life and I’m sure there will be a lot more turnover during my time here. I do my job, I lead from the front and I believe my performance and work rate probably shows that. There are a few leaders in this squad and you need to set an example, especially as you get older.
“I’m 27 now and I need to show an example to the younger players, in my position and behind me, who want to improve. The last two years have been the happiest that I’ve been and I can’t complain. I’ll extend my career in the back end if my legs hold up and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure that happens.”
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