NOW WE CAN CROW AT LAST

Watters has built a platform to finally enjoy his holidays

By Matt Badcock

LOOKING UP: Royston Town are making steady progress in a tough Southern Premier Central Division

CHRIS WATTERS can tell his Royston Town are making progress – he’s actually been able to enjoy his summer holidays!

The 44-year-old stepped into the No.1 role at the Crows two years ago.

Last season’s comfortable mid-table finish was reward for all their hard work in a gruelling Southern Premier Central Division.

And it’s given Watters and his management staff the chance to build on solid foundations this off-season.

“When I first took the job in 2023 it was the May half term and we were staying in the same hotel we stayed in this summer,” Watters, who was previous boss Steve Castle’s assistant, told The NLP.

“That holiday was literally ringing around player after player. I couldn’t go to a certain part of the bar because it didn’t have Wi-Fi! So I didn’t get much of a break.

“This time I texted some of the management staff to say, ‘Moment of reflection. I was sat by the pool yesterday and it’s been a pretty easy summer’.

“I don’t feel like we’ve cracked it in any shape or form. But retention was really good and I think we’ve added good quality.

“We probably need another one or two but we’re happy to wait for players. If we went into a league game tomorrow I’d be confident.”

Watters believes that shows the value of managers being given time to get things right.

“I’ve been at the club 11 years so maybe that bought me a bit of time when we had a bad run,” Watters said. “We went off to Amsterdam for our Christmas do – there’s an episode of Ted Lasso where he goes to Amsterdam and he finds himself.

“So we had a bit of fun about whether to look for signs to play a back three or a back four.

“We saw an Opal car – in Mike Bassett he says, ‘The balls are in the back of the Opal’. So we decided to go to a back four!

“But we were en that time because of the time we’ve giv-had at the club.

“It has been a bit of a project. I don’t feel like we’re anywhere near done but we’re e in a good place at least and it’s been

nice to enjoy this summer. It’s been nice to interview players whereas before I’ve felt like they’ve been interviewing me.”

Borrowing from the All Blacks’ mantra in how they built the most successful team in rugby union, Watters, below, subscribes to the “No D*******s” policy in the dressing room to make sure they have the right spirit.

“We’ve had a good changing room both years but last year they were real tight-knit,” Watters said. “There were 16 of them who went to Ibiza at the end of the year so they obviously enjoyed each other’s company.

“Ben Weyman has gone to Real Bedford. He’s one we didn’t want to lose but I understand the project of the club.

“We helped Josh Dawodu get a move to Chesham United. We can’t offer National League football at the moment. “But outside of that we pretty much kept everyone we wanted to and added some good signings.

“We think we’ve got a good club. Probably every gaffer thinks that, don’t they? But there’s something different about Royston where it feels more family orientated and that includes the dressing room.”

And Watters thinks that goes a long way in a division he reckons is the toughest at Step 3.

“There is some colossal money in the league and that isn’t us,” Watters said. “But I guess every single person in our dressing room will want to win 42 league games this year.

“You have to go into it wanting to win the league. But we are a realistic bunch. If we repeat what we did last year then you’ve got to be happy.

“We’ve always gone off the basis of 40 points as the first target because it makes you safe. That actually didn’t last year but we work on that basis of the first target. Then 60 points and you’re in Dare to Dream land.

“So we always focus on survival first. It’s how long it takes to get to that point and then go from there.”

NEW BOARD STRUCTURE FOR TERRAS

WEYMOUTH have unveiled a significant restructuring of their board as part of wider efforts to modernise governance and drive the club forward both on and off the pitch. The Terras confirmed this week that a strategic review of its leadership model has been ongoing since the start of the year, with the aim of creating “a more strategically driven leadership model” to better support its long-term ambitions.

Following last season’s relegation from National League South, the club are preparing to compete in Southern Premier South this term.

In a statement released on Monday, key changes were outlined as part of the first phase of its boardroom overhaul.

It read: “As part of our ongoing commitment to driving Weymouth FC forward, the board of directors has been undertaking a comprehensive review of its structure and focus since the start of the year.

“The aim is to create a more strategically driven leadership model that better supports the club’s long-term ambitions.

“Over recent months, the board has agreed to streamline and redefine its operational framework and roles.

“This restructuring is designed to attract individuals with the skills, experience and vision needed to help elevate the club both on and off the pitch.

“Moving forward, the board will concentrate more heavily on long-term strategy and governance, ensuring decisions are made with the future in mind.

“While day-to-day operations remain vital, we recognise the need to balance immediate priorities with forward-thinking leadership, something we are committed to improving.”

Yahaya lands a Rylands role

WARRINGTON Rylands have completed the signing of forward Eric Yahaya.

The 26-year-old becomes Neil Reynolds’ latest acquisition after impressing for NPL West side Mossley lat season, scoring 10 goals in 46 appearances.

Yahaya has previously featured for the likes of Kendal Town, Widnes, Lancaster City and Runcorn Town.

Rylands have also offered senior terms to 16-year-old academy product Sam Muyengwa following an outstanding campaign with their Under-15s.

He joins Alex Kiwomya, Kris Smith, Charlie Martin and Dean Furman in the squad after all penned new deals.

JAY’S SEALED A DONN DEAL

FORMER Colchester United youngster Donnell Thomas has become Jay Saunders’ latest recruit at Folkestone Invicta.

The 21-year-old midfielder made two first-team appearances for the U’s but has experience at the level having turned out briefly for Maldon & Tiptree and Bishop’s Stortford, helping the Blues to the Isthmian Premier title in 2022-23.

Invicta have also signed former AFC Wimbledon U21 captain Ben Mason from Dulwich Hamlet.