Where are They Now..with Mark Watson

Mark "Watto" Watson

Most Battery fans will remember Mark "Watto" Watson as the man who was the league Defender of the Year,  players from opposing teams surely remember the hard-nose defender that lead the Battery's backline from his crunching tackles and tight marking.  Watto played close to 100 matches for the yellow and black from 2002 to 2004, including being a vital member of the 2003 Championship team, and during his return to the Battery from 2006 to 2007. 

As part of our "Where are They Now" series, No Quarter caught up with Mark Watson, the former Charleston Battery and Canadian National team player, and now assistant coach with MLS' San Jose Earthquakes for a few words.

No Quarter:  Give us a brief summary of how things have been going for you since you left Charleston?

Mark Watson:  Everything has been going well since I left Charleston.  I spent the end of the 2009 season as an assistant coach at New England and then in the off season I joined San Jose and have been there ever since.

NQ:  What are your duties with San Jose?

MW:  Assistant coach:  planning/running training sessions, scouting, video and game preparation.

NQ:  How did playing for Canada and assisting in Charleston help you in coaching with San Jose?

MW:  All of your experiences help prepare you for a career in the game.  Most of the issues you deal with on a daily basis are things I have been through any times which make you more comfortable making a decision.

NQ:  What are your fondest memories of Charleston, do you make it back much?

MW:  I really enjoyed my time in Charleston, both the city and the club were fantastic.  Unfortunately I am not able to make it back much but do keep in touch with friends there.

NQ:  With your past connection with the Battery do you ever speak professionally about Battery player with Coach Anhaueser or the Battery?

MW:  Occasionally, we have spoken a few times about players and brought Jose Cuevas in last year to train with us.

NQ:  You were known as a hard nose tough defender, does that transfer to your coaching style or are you more of a "good cop" to other coaches"bad cop"?

MW:  I think I am quite a laid back coach but probably still have a little bit in me from time to time!

NQ:  Anything you would like to add?

MW:  Yes, I would like to thank the club for having me there for five great years!

If you get a chance, watch a couple San Jose games this season and you'll be sure to see Coach Watson on the sidelines.

Thanks Watto for answering our questions and best of luck!