STEVE WATSON believes he has what it takes to turn Darlington's season around and keep them in the National League North.
The Quakers are currently in the division's relegation zone, eight points away from safety, albeit with two games in hand.
After time out following successful stints elsewhere, Watson is hoping to get his managerial career back on track in the north-east.
“I've thought long and hard about my career and I took a step back for a year or so,” Watson said.
“I started coaching at the academy of Newcastle and I've had some fantastic experiences with great people there.
“In the back of my mind, though, I always wanted to go back to competitive football and this is an opportunity that's hopefully tailor-made for me.”
“Darlington look like a team lacking in confidence and be- lief and that's one of the first things we need to turn around.
“It's one step at a time. I'll get into the players' heads and find out what their thoughts are because I think that's very important if you've got an honest group of lads.”
The former Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Everton player seemingly already knows what it is the north-east side must improve on and insists they is no reason for immediate panic.
“Ultimately it's the basics we need to improve on, it's not rocket science,” Watson explained. “ W e need to play higher up the pitch with a higher tempo. We need to be braver on the ball.
“We need to win and we need to win quickly.”
Having managed other big clubs in the Non-League scene such as Gateshead, York City and Chester, Watson brought assistant coach Terry Mitchell along with him to Darlington and will be hoping their combined experiences could form a formidable team.
“He's every bit as experienced in this league as me, he's a fantastic coach,” added Watson.
“The players need to buy in to what we do. We've both done it before, joining big clubs in difficult situations and we've managed to turn it around.
“I wouldn't be here if it was something I didn't think we could achieve.”
