Last month Watson told Hawke's Bay Today three ASB Premiership franchises had shown interest in him at the start of this summer but Team Wellington weren't among those.
"It's good to be back [with the Phoenix] and involved again," he said after attending a training session on Saturday and another one yesterday morning.
"They're still playing the same way and I know most of the boys so it's quite easy to get back into it and it isn't so bad."
The Phoenix are in the doldrums, precariously perched on the ninth rung of the A-League standings and needing a miracle of sorts to make the playoffs.
While all the media attention has been on the lack of grunt at the coal face to convert opportunities into goals, especially in the absence of Krishna, the Phoenix have time and again had their brittle defence exposed to enable bemused oppositions to frustratingly run away with three points.
The midfield of a team, which fleetingly became league leaders following a robust start to the A-League, also has come under scrutiny with players often found bereft of ideas on entering the final third only to squander valuable possession.
However, Watson, who has shed a few kilograms this summer, brings a hard-nosed approach into the stock exchange and isn't inclined to shy away from confrontation when the physicality stakes hit a crescendo.
A tireless worker, he hopes to be fitter at A-League level but appreciates he will better gauge his self-worth with some game time.
The Wellington franchise is in the throes of trying to secure a loan deal for striker Alex Jones from Birmingham City with the blessing of New Zealand Football but world body Fifa has yet to rubberstamp it.
"The loan transfer was entered into Fifa's TMS system last weekend but the online process was not able to be completed in time for Jones to be registered prior to the closure of the A-League registration window," NZ Football said.
The national body is working with Fifa, Football Federation Australia and Oceania Football Confederation to help tie up the loose ends.
But for Watson the mantra to assuming the mantle of goal scorer remains uncomplicated.
"It's all about scoring goals and creating opportunities. I will be trying to create chances for others and, hopefully, score a few myself."
Nevertheless, Watson hasn't had a meeting with Merrick yet.
"I've not spoken to him directly yet because he's away in Australia having surgery. I'm hoping to have a little chat with him when he returns to see what he wants from me."
Watson gathered not much would have changed since he was last under the Merrick reign post-academy stint, aware the dynamic coach's desire for forwards capable of foraging in the penalty area and teeing up balls for polished finishes.
Bay United operations manager Matt Hastings said the franchise had no qualms about giving Watson its blessings.
"We are extremely pleased for Hamish who has earned this opportunity after his great season with us to date," Hastings said of the 1.88m tall player who has found the net six times in a dozen premiership outings from 24 this season.
The loss of player to a professional contract allow Bay United to replace Watson.
"We have a couple of players in mind and will work over the next couple of days to bring Hamish's replacement into Brett's squad."
Watson thanked Angell and Bay United, wishing them the best in again making the last two of the premiership grand final.
"Up and up with Bay United so I hope the boys can do it again."
Bay United assistant player coach Paul Ifill had congratulated him but Watson wasn't sure if the former Phoenix player had put in a good word for him.
