Striker Tony Watt says it was a no-brainer to link up with Stephen Robinson again by joining St Mirren.
That’s because he believes the Buddies boss knows exactly how to tease the best out of him - even if that does mean getting the hairdryer treatment in the manager’s office every now and again.
The former Motherwell forward joined the Saints on deadline day, securing a loan deal from Dundee United where he’d found himself increasing frozen out of action this season.
Watt firmly believes his working relationship with Robinson can bring him back to his best, having enjoyed the gaffer's no-nonsense approach already during their time together at Fir Park.
Watt explained: “I want honesty from the gaffer. He used to call me into meetings and shout at me but I like that. I need that tough love from my manager to get the best out of me.
“If there’s no connection with the manager it’s hard if you aren’t playing games, but hopefully I can play games here.
“My two years at Motherwell was the most settled I’ve been in my career. If I work hard for this gaffer then I believe I’ll play.
“He broke all my walls down before. I told him I couldn’t do runs at a certain time or get down to a certain weight and my body fat down. He told me I could, I said I couldn’t but he was right and I was wrong. I don’t say that too often!
“He left an impression on me and that’s why I wanted to come here. I had some good options but I felt it was best for me to join someone that trusts me and knows what I’m about.
“He can get the best out of me and did that at Motherwell. The minute he made his interest known it was my first choice.”
Watt was in red-hot form for Motherwell before he joined Dundee United last January, notching 10 goals in just the first half of season at Fir Park.
The former Scotland striker couldn’t nail down a consistent place in the Tangerines line-up during his time in Dundee, with the 29-year-old keen to move on to a team he felt needed him more.
And he’s determined to help his new Buddies finally break into the top six come the split before launching an assault on European football.
Watt said: “If I’m not happy somewhere then I look to move and that’s happened in the past.
“I wasn’t playing a lot of games at Dundee United and that’s why I wasn’t happy, but that’s football.
“At Dundee United there were a few managerial changes. It’s a great club but it was time for me to move on and play.
“I believe St Mirren can get into the top six. A few of the boys have done it before in the past with other clubs, so it can be done.”
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