Steve Watson says that the solution to West Bromwich Albion's problem is not rocket-science and is preaching a positive mantra to his team-mates.
The 31-year-old defender is a veteran of countless Premiership campaigns with Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Everton and has been round the block enough times not to start pressing the panic button after Albion dropped into the bottom three last weekend.
Watson proved his value to Bryan Robson, the Albion manager, after filling in at right-back again although his energetic style ensured he was at the hub of Albion's attacking play.
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But Albion slipped to another defeat after conceding a set-piece goal and spurning countless opportunities.
Post-match analysis on Albion is about as varied as a Status Quo track at present, with the same defensive misdemeanours being committed on a weekly basis.
Robson has spoken in depth about the problems and Watson can only endorse his manager's views, saying: "There is no lack of effort on behalf of the players but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out what is going wrong.
"It was highlighted against West Ham; we were disappointed not to convert some of the chances we created and then conceded a silly goal.
"It is becoming tiresome talking about it and I am stating the obvious but, if we can eradicate those defensive errors and stick our chances away, we will see a difference.
"However, there is no use feeling sorry for ourselves and we have no other option but to pick ourselves up and prepare for our next game."
Watson cut a disconsolate figure after the final whistle at Upton Park, being on his haunches with his head in his hands contemplating another away defeat.
Nevertheless, any morose thoughts were soon cleared from his mind as he made a point of jogging the full length of the pitch to acknowledge Albion's sizeable away support.
Watson, along with the likes of Kevin Campbell, Kanu and Darren Moore, will have to cajole the younger brethren within the team if they are to avoid another season-long battle against the drop.
The affable Geordie is happy to offer advice to the younger members of Robson's squad and says that no-one can afford to be crestfallen for a sustained period of time. He said: "We had put so much into the West Ham game and I was visibly disappointed at the end, as I thought we could have won the game.
"It's not a pleasant experience when you are in the bottom three but, if any of the lads ask for advice, then I will tell them to keep believing. "You have to retain the confidence that you can turn things around and that's what I always stress to the younger lads."
Watson was once again asked to play in a different role against West Ham, as Paul Robinson's suspension freed up a full-back role.
After his recent stint in central midfield, it was back to more mundane duties but Watson still had three presentable opportunities, including a disallowed goal, as he rampaged down the right flank. He said: "I have really enjoyed playing in central midfield but I am past the stage of worrying about what position I play in and I still had a couple of chances for myself. Mind you, I think I was bit rusty in front of goal, as one of my efforts was blocked and I was only 30 yards offside when I headed home!" Meanwhile, Robson says he has identified potential transfer targets for when the window re-opens in January.
Albion's manager knows that he won't have unlimited funds but there is room for manoeuvre if their situation does not improve. He will be looking for a repeat of last season's transfer swoop for Campbell, rather than any long-term plan.
Robson said: "I can't seem myself buying anyone as I don't think the funds are there, but if there is a loan or short-term deal we can make, then that is a possibility.
"It depends on the quality of players you can get and who other clubs are going to release, but we would want people who can go straight into the team."
