The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)

Watt waves off detractors as he enjoys life at Utd

- EWAN SMITH

Tony Watt is no stranger to proving a point but is in no mood to take on the Motherwell boo boys who slammed his Dundee United move.

Striker Watt made his United debut in Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to St Mirren after completing his £100,000 switch from Motherwell.

But while his move to Tannadice was hailed a major coup by United fans, several Motherwell fans have taken to social media to vent their anger at his departure.

Watt could face a frosty reception from some of the visiting Motherwell fans when United host his old club on February 9.

But as Watt seeks to continue his impressive scoring run at Tannadice, he has hit back at his detractors.

“I’m at a very, very good club, a club people would bite their hand off to come to,” said Watt.

“I was also at a very good club in Motherwell.

“Everything’s been positive for me over the last two or three years.

“So if people want to turn that into negative, well let them lead a negative life.

“To be honest I don’t want to waste my breath on some of the people who have spoken about me.

“I take no notice of it. “Social media is false, people want to write articles when you’re doing well to make some money off the back of your name. Let them.

“Fair play, they’re earning a living and they’re doing it smart.

“They’re being smart about it, let them do it.

“I’ve had people doubting me my full career.

“I just hope they see sense and start riding on the back of me rather than against me.

“I’ve got team-mates and management here and I’ve probably got about 10 people around me whose opinion I really care about.

“Other than that? I’m not interested.

“If someone’s gone and had a wonderful career – if a Darren Fletcher or Scott Brown’s come out or Gordon Strachan – then fine.

“But I’ve seen some people come out and speak about me and I just laugh.

“I actually picked up on someone talking about me spending all my money on petrol. I don’t understand how people make stuff up.”

Motherwell’s chief executive Alan Burrows posted a heartfelt farewell message on social media following Watt’s departure.

Watt is proud of his time at Fir Park but is convinced he has made the right move to United.

Ironically, Watt netted the winner against his new club earlier in the season.

“It was always going to be difficult because the club did a lot for me,” added Watt.

“But you need to be selfish at times and I believe I’ve come to a great environmen­t and a big club.

“I’m delighted to be here. The club was sold on me from the first conversati­on.

“I’m really happy with the move and excited about the future.”

 ?? ?? BUZZING: Tony Watt is thrilled to have joined Dundee United.
BUZZING: Tony Watt is thrilled to have joined Dundee United.

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