Meet Birmingham City's' un-sung hero - goalkeeper coach Dave Watson

Mar 6 2011 by Gregg Evans, Sunday Mercury

BEN Foster was the man rightfully hogging the headlines after his man-of-the-match performance helped Blues win the Carling Cup at Wembley last weekend.

A 2-1 win over Arsenal sparked wild celebrations as Blues ended a 48-year trophy drought to pip hot favourites Arsenal to the first silverware of the season.

The Blues danced the night away with 30,000 fans who had made the journey to the capital in hope rather than in expecttion..

Watching from a discreet distance as the celebrations unfolded was 37-year-old goalkeeping coach Dave Watson.

Modest Watson played a major role in the cup success though – after months of one-to-one training with Foster.

All the hard work paid off last Sunday as the former Manchester United stopper pulled off a string of fine saves to keep his side in the game.

And after Obafemi Martins grabbed a late winner, Foster was named man-of-the-match in the prestigious final for the second time in three years, making it the perfect victory for Watson.

“Being the unsung hero is the way I like it to be,” said Watson.

“After the game the players did their celebrations on the pitch and I, at my leisure, was watching those lads because they deserved it.

“I do my work behind the scenes but as long as the players and the managers are happy with what I deliver I don’t feel as though I need to be pushing myself into the spotlight.

“My success is delivered through them and the team. When all that is working well and we’re getting success that’s enough for me.

“I think that for the club and for any member of staff associated with the club, winning the Carling Cup is just an unbelievable achievement.

“For me personally, because Ben played well that obviously makes it even better.

“The main thing was winning the football match but the icing on the cake was Ben winning the man-of-the-match award.

“That’s why we brought him to the club, because that’s what the manager and I thought he could bring.”

Foster has been an inspiration since Alex McLeish signed him for £6 million at the start of the season.