EVERTON'S caretaker managed Dave Watson yesterday insisted he was capable of doing what his immediate predecessor Joe Royle, could not, namely transforming his club's first team into a cohesive, winning unit.

As Everton's power brokers set about the task of locating a suitably qualified long-term successor to Royle, who resigned his post last Thursday, Watson placed one foot on the bottom rung of the managerial ladder. The 35-year-old former England defender has just seven games in which to ensure that Everton's Premiership status is preserved.

"I think we can get out of trouble," he said. "I believe I can get he best out of the lads because I have played with most of them for several years and I know both their strengths and their weaknesses. I shall be picking the team and I am prepared to disappoint people by making difficult decisions.

"I do want to stay in football when I stop playing so this is a great opportunity for me. I didn't ask for this chance, my chairman said I was the man for the job."

Watson admitted that he was surprised by the timing of Royle's departure which came less than two years after he had led Everton to success in the FA Cup: "The first I knew of it was when I switched on my car radio last Thursday afternoon," he said. "In some ways, the players are the fortunate ones because it will always be the manager's head that will roll when results go badly.

Watson will be assisted in his duties by Royle's former right hand man, Willie Donachie, who is to remain at Goodison Park until the end of the current season at least.

Meanwhile, Everton's veteran goalkeeper Neville Southall could make a surprise move to Rangers during the Summer. The 38-year-old Welsh international would have joined Chelsea before last week's transfer deadline but for Royle's insistence that he remain on Merseyside as cover for Paul Gerrard.

Rangers' manager Walter Smith recently signed Manchester City's Andy Dibble on loan but he has already contacted Everton to officially inquire about Southall's ability.