Wigan boss Steve Bruce has appointed Dave Watson as the club's new youth team coach, succeeding David Lowe.Watson, who spent 15 seasons with Everton and lifted the FA Cup in 1995, has remained firm friends with Bruce since playing together at Norwich in the mid-1980s.

But recognising Watson's coaching qualities, Bruce said: "Dave was a magnificent player, a great defender and a terrific leader on and off the pitch.

"He has taken all that experience into his coaching career, and I have every faith he will be a success here."

Watson retired from playing at the age of 39 in 2001, and after a spell in charge of Tranmere, went on to coach Liverpool Schoolboys.

He also worked as a scout for Bruce at Birmingham, and in recent weeks had been doing the same job with Wigan.

Speaking on his new role, Watson said: "You have to take these opportunities when they come around, and I am very excited about joining what is clearly a club going places.

"I think we have a very healthy crop of youngsters here, who have obviously been well coached in the past.

"Hopefully, one or two of them can start making steps towards breaking though into a higher level."

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