Huddersfield Giants boss, Ian Watson, has come under severe pressure in recent weeks. The Giants are currently eighth in the Super League table after a difficult run of results. The Giants lost four games in May, including their Challenge Cup semi-final, to slide back from the league’s top six.
Yesterday, Watson spoke out on his future, launching a passionate defence in his pre-match press conference. He stated:
“My thing is not to worry or start trying to prove other people wrong. It’s just about doing my job and doing the best of my ability to give the players what they need going into games at a weekend. And if the club and the group feel that I’m the right person for it, then I’m the right person for it.”
In response, Watson has received criticism from two big names in Rugby League on social media.
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 former Huddersfield players?
Former player and referee criticise Ian Watson
Credit: Imago Images
Former referee, Richard Silverwood, is a vocal presence on social media. Watson is the latest figure to enter his cross-hairs, as he took issue with the statement Watson made in his press conference. In a post on X, Watson stated:
“Mmmm. I think he meant to say people pay good money and entitled to opinions but we are comfortable with our processes. How to turn fans against you…”
Silverwood has previously hit out at Huddersfield’s Jake Connor on social media, following Huddersfield’s defeat by St Helens, unleashing an expletive-laden post about Connor.
Mmmm. I think he meant to say people pay good money and entitled to opinions but we are comfortable with our processes. 🙈 How to turn fans against you… https://t.co/qmXlMZvrAr
— Richard Silverwood (@SilversRef) May 30, 2024
Former Super League player, Ryan Boyle, was more succinct in his description of Watson. Also posting on X, he stated:
“A very unlikable Coach for me.”
A very unlikable Coach for me. https://t.co/Iymx7OVPe4
— Ryan Boyle (@boylebags19) May 30, 2024
Leeds born, Boyle retired from Rugby League in 2021. He played over 150 Super League games across spells with Castleford Tigers, Watson’s former club and Salford City Reds before returning to Tigers. He then dropped down the leagues, enjoying time with Halifax and Doncaster before retiring from the game.
Huddersfield face a must win game against Hull FC tonight. Anything less than a win will see the pressure increase exponentially, given Hull’s ongoing struggles.
