Liverpool defender Andy Robertson’s story is an inspiration to us all, says East Fife’s Craig Watson

East Fife’s Craig Watson is helping bring through the next generation of young footballer - and says they should all look to Andy Robertson as an example.
East Fife defender Craig Watson heads up the coaching school. Pic courtesy of Pro Academy.East Fife defender Craig Watson heads up the coaching school. Pic courtesy of Pro Academy.
East Fife defender Craig Watson heads up the coaching school. Pic courtesy of Pro Academy.

Watson is head coach at Glasgow based Pro Academy, a professional coaching project for youngsters launched in association with the Liverpool and Scotland International star.

Robertson famously built his career back up after being released by Celtic, going from the Scottish lower leagues at Queen’s Park to become a Champions League winner with the Anfield men.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But his involvement with the academy is far from token, he doesn’t just lend his name.

Pro Academy was set up in association with Andy Robertson. And he dropped into a recent online coaching session. Pic courtesy of Pro Academy.Pro Academy was set up in association with Andy Robertson. And he dropped into a recent online coaching session. Pic courtesy of Pro Academy.
Pro Academy was set up in association with Andy Robertson. And he dropped into a recent online coaching session. Pic courtesy of Pro Academy.

He gets along to training sessions when he can and dropped in on a recent online class to check up on how the kids were developing.

Watson says there’s nobody better the youngsters can learn from.

“He’s an example for kids all over the country, not just in Glasgow where we’re based.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He went to school a stone’s throw away from where we train and whenever he’s up he’ll pop in and see the kids.

“They thrive off it.

“He came through school, just like them, and was a regular Joe.

“His story is one of a kind and we’re all jealous of it, but you have to admire it at the same time.”

Watson and Robertson grew up near-by and played each other at youth level, Robertson with Celtic and Watson at Hamilton.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I can’t remember too much from playing against him, but everyone knows the story.

“He got released by Celtic, went to Queen’s Park and never looked back.”

Playing at such a high profile club, demands are high on the young Scot.

But Watson is full of praise for the time he dedicates to helping inspire young footballers in his homeland.

“His schedule is non-stop to be honest. It’s madness.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Even throughout the coronavirus, when he’s in his house, he’s getting tested, has loads of classes and fitness work as well as keeping in contact with his team.

“So it’s great that he took the time to drop in for a 15 minute chat and do a bit of training with the kids.

“That’ll be a feature going forward, not just with him, we’ll be getting other players involved.”

For more info on Pro Academy visit www.proacademy-group.com.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you - wherever possible and providing it is safe for you to do so - to also please purchase a copy of our newspapers; the Fife Free Press, Fife Herald, St Andrews Citizen, East Fife Mail and Glenrothes Gazette.

Inevitably falling advertising revenues will start to have an impact on local newspapers and the way we continue to work during this period of uncertainty.

The support of our readers has never been more important as we try to make sure that we keep you connected with your community during this time. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. We need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Our team of trusted reporters are working incredibly hard behind the scenes - from kitchen tables and spare bedrooms - to look at how we can do this, and your continued support of our newspapers across Fife will help to protect their viability in the days and weeks ahead.

For more details on our subscription offers please visit email [email protected] or call us on 0330 4033004

Thank you

Allan Crow, Editor, Fife Free Press