Albert Watson (footballer, born 1985)

Albert Watson (born 8 September 1985) is a Northern Irish professional footballer who plays for NIFL Premiership club Larne as a defender.[1]

Albert Watson
Personal information
Date of birth (1985-09-08) 8 September 1985
Place of birth Belfast, Northern Ireland
Playing position(s) Defender
Club information
Current team
 Larne
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2001–2011 Ballymena United 264 (9)
2011–2013 Linfield 49 (3)
2013–2017 FC Edmonton 129 (5)
2018 KR 14 (0)
2019 Ballymena United 8 (1)
2019– Larne 0 (0)
National team
2007 Northern Ireland U23
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 18:49, 3 June 2019 (UTC)

Club career

Early career

Born in Belfast, Watson made his senior-club debut for Ballymena United on 4 December 2001 in a 1–1 draw against Institute, at 16 years of age.[2][3] He attracted interest from Linfield in February 2008,[4] although any interest concluded when Watson signed a new contract with Ballymena a few days later.[5] In January 2011, Watson made his 300th appearance for the club.[6]

In April 2011 he joined Linfield on a two-year contract,[7] during which the team would capture two consecutive Premiership and Irish Cup doubles.[8]

FC Edmonton

On 18 January 2013, it was announced that Watson, along with teammate Daryl Fordyce would not return to Linfield the following season, instead seeking new playing opportunities in Canada.[9] On 25 February 2013, it was reported that both Watson and Fordyce would join FC Edmonton.[10] Watson was named FC Edmonton captain prior to the 2013 NASL season, and after missing the first few months due to a torn MCL,[11]

After the 2015 NASL season, Watson signed with the club for a fourth season.[12] In August 2016, would go on to become the first player to make 100 appearances for the club.[13] After FC Edmonton surrendered a league low 21 goals in 32 games during the 2016 NASL season, Watson was named to the NASL Best 11 for the second time in the 2016 season.[14]

Knattspyrnufélag Reykjavíkur

On 13 March 2018, he joined Icelandic team KR.[15]

Return to Ballymena United

In January 2019 he returned to Ballymena United.[16]

Larne

On 3 June 2019, it was announced that Watson had signed on a full-time deal for Larne.[17]

International career

Watson has captained the Northern Irish under-23 side.[18]

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References
  1. Albert Watson at Soccerway. Retrieved 15 February 2014.
  2. "Player profile at Ballymena United F.C." Archived from the original on 16 May 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2008.
  3. "Player profile at WalkTheChalk.com".
  4. "Braid star Watson interests Blues". BBC Sport. 18 February 2008. Retrieved 9 February 2011.
  5. "Watson agrees deal with Sky Blues". BBC Sport. 21 February 2008. Retrieved 9 February 2011.
  6. "Albert clocks up 300th United appearance". Ballymena Times. 17 January 2011. Retrieved 13 March 2011.
  7. "Albert Watson leaves Ballymena United for Linfield". BBC Sport. 30 April 2011. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
  8. "Crusaders 1–4 Linfield". BBC Sport. 5 May 2012. Retrieved 11 January 2013.
  9. "Daryl Fordyce and Albert Watson to leave champions Linfield". BBC Sport. 18 January 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2013.
  10. "Watson and Fordyce will be part of 17 signings announced by Eddies on Monday". the11.ca. 25 February 2013. Archived from the original on 24 August 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2013.
  11. Robert Tychkowski (25 May 2013). "FC Edmonton captain Albert Watson draws in". Edmonton Sun.
  12. Brian Swane (20 November 2015). "FC Edmonton captain Albert Watson re-signs with Eddies". Edmonton Sun.
  13. Derek van Diest (17 August 2016). "FC Edmonton defender Albert Watson to suit up for 100th game for club Saturday". Edmonton Sun.
  14. NASL staff (14 November 2016). "North American Soccer League Announces 2016 Best XI". NASL.com.
  15. "Albert Watson til KR". kr.is. 13 March 2018.
  16. "Albert Watson: Former Linfield defender makes return to Ballymena United". BBC Sport. 31 January 2019.
  17. "Larne announce signing of veteran Irish League defender Albert Watson". belfasttelegraph.co.uk.
  18. "Jeffrey impressed by NI U23 squad". BBC Sport. 10 December 2007. Retrieved 9 February 2011.
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