Salford's relegation scare will motivate club, says Ian Watson
Tuesday 24 January 2017 16:06, UK
Salford coach Ian Watson says the painful memory of his club's relegation scare in 2016 will help spur them to success in the new Super League campaign.
The Red Devils were condemned to a battle for survival in the Super 8s Qualifiers thanks to a six-point deduction for a salary-cap breach, and only stayed up after a golden-point drop goal from Gareth O'Brien in the Million Pound Game with Hull KR.
"It was probably good for publicity but we don't want to be anywhere near that game again," Watson said.
"Although it was a spectacle, I'd rather that have been a Grand Final or a Challenge Cup final rather than a Million Pound Game and that will serve us as good motivation this year.
"If we're getting above our station or not working hard enough, it's a good little reminder."
Watson insists the recent signings of former Hull KR and Bradford centre Kris Welham and Australian stand-off Todd Carney have virtually completed his squad, although the club are being linked with rugby union winger Tom Arscott following his sacking by co-tenants Sale.
"They were both a little bit of a bonus," Watson added. "I'm happy with where we're at at the moment.
"You could probably say we're one outside back light at the moment but we're happy with the group we've got. If we need to move a little bit further down the line we will do but right now we've got competition in every position."
Meanwhile, Watson has welcomed the decision of owner Marwan Koukash to withdraw his threat to walk away from the club.
"I'm made up for the club and made up for Marwan as well because when he first came in he had a five-year plan," Watson said.
"Last year was year three, and if we hadn't the things that happened in the first couple of years, we'd have probably made a big step forward and may have been able to strengthen the group a little earlier.
"So we've been on the back foot a little, but the club is going in the right direction and hopefully Marwan will be able to enjoy being a part of it. We're made up that he's still involved."
