Not Going Anywhere

Watt & Mcloed Going Nowhere?

Rumours have been rife over the last few weeks that both players had been told they were free to find other clubs and it has even been suggested that Watt had enjoyed a leaving do, only for the club to complete a U-turn after the collapse of the Dean Leacock transfer.

Jackett however laughed off the idea and moved to reassure fans that Watt still has a part to play.

"If he had a leaving do then I didn't know about it - he most certainly didn't invite me!

"Steve's only just getting back from what was a nasty injury. A dislocated shoulder that has to be popped back in is bad enough but Steve did so much damage that he needed [the tendons] stitched back together. He's still recovering physically and mentally from that and in the position he plays, as a tough centre half, it is going to take time.

"But he's shown a cracking attitude and he was superb when captaining a young reserve team the other night - he really seemed to enjoy it."

The capture of Dennis Lawrence has seen Watt fall further down the pecking order and although Jackett is keen for him to stay, he also won't stand in Watt's way should he be offered first team football elsewhere and a spell on loan is very much on the cards at some point.

Meanwhile, suggestions that McLeod may be moved on appear wide of the mark too with Jackett vehemently denying the player has been made available.

"Kevin is not being released - he is under contract with Swansea City. In fact I have already turned down enquiries from Hartlepool and Colchester United this season.

"Kevin's worked hard and his commitment has been excellent - he's only missed one day's training since we came back. And he's looked good so far this season, more so when he's come on from the bench"

The player was not informed of either of these approaches and that tends to suggest that the manager doesn't want to see McLeod leave the club any time soon. However, many more performances like the one against Doncaster last Saturday and the picture may well change, especially given the competition for the left wing spot in the shape of Andy Robinson and summer signing Thomas Butler.

With any new signings unlikely before the transfer window closes in nine days time it makes sense to keep the talented but frustrating McLeod and the highly rated Watt in a squad that will be tested to the limit by injuries and suspensions over the course of a long, hard season…

…at the moment it appears the manager agrees!