McLeish can get his feet under the stable
Former Valley hitman Watt backs Eck to win over fans at Charlton
ALEX McLEISH brought a solidity to the Aberdeen and Scotland defence during a distinguished playing career. As manager of Rangers he steadied the ship after Dick Advocaat’s departure and delivered success at a time of downsizing. Now Tony Watt would love him to help bring stability to Charlton if McLeish completes a takeover at The Valley. Record Sport revealed yesterday how the 58-year-old is fronting a consortium along with ex-Ibrox director Donald Muir. McLeish watched from the stand on Tuesday night as Karl Robinson’s side were dumped out of the Checkatrade Trophy by Oxford on penalties – his second game in four days at the ground. The club’s owner Roland Duchatelet is looking to sell the club with £50million the reported asking price. And Watt is desperate for someone to sort out the off-field issues after falling in love with Charlton during two years on their books. Fans have protested against Duchatelet but Watt is grateful to the Belgian for taking him to south London. The former Celtic striker, now playing under Nigel Pearson at Belgian second tier OH Leuven, said: “It’s unfortunate the Charlton fans don’t really like the owner. “But he was the reason I got to The Valley so I can’t complain after what he did for me. “Before I signed for Standard Liege, which he also owned at the time, he wanted me to go Charlton. “But I wanted to go to Liege and after a few months in Belgium he asked if I’d be interested in a move to The Valley. “It turned out to be great for me so while I know a lot of people are against him I can say he gave me one of the happiest spells of my career. “I have sympathy for the fans but I just hope everyone gets what they want if that means Roland selling up and McLeish or whoever coming in. It’s too early to speculate on what his role would be but you can’t argue with McLeish’s managerial record at Rangers and Scotland.
“When he took over at Genk in Belgium they were probably underachieving but he steadied the ship. They offered him a new contract but I don’t think he wanted to stay so he left with his head held high.
“The only time I’ve actually met McLeish was during his time in Belgium and I played against Genk for Liege.
“They battered us and we nicked a result. The referee made a few bad decisions and I just said, ‘You were robbed, the referee killed you and good luck for the season’.
“He was brand new and seems a really decent guy but things aren’t going to change overnight at Charlton even if there is a takeover. But I would love to see the supporters get the success they deserve.”
Charlton, pushing to get into the League One play-off places, have never recovered from relegation from the Premier League in 2007. And uncertainty off the park is hindering them with an Australian consortium also interested.
Watt added: “Charlton is a club with great potential. The infrastructure is there to be a Premier League club and the fact they’re based in London is an attraction for a lot of players.
“I joined them when they were in the Championship and enjoyed my time there. I went to Cardiff on loan and while I was away they got relegated. It’s been hard for them to get back up but the person who wins them promotion will be a hero.
“We were getting crowds of 15,000, a couple of games were close to sell-outs. We played Huddersfield and they had £5 entry and it was a full house, probably one of the best atmospheres I’ve been involved in.
“But there have been a lot of protests and attendances have been hit which is pretty sad to see. If everyone was united they could achieve success.”