Albert Watson (footballer, born 1985)
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 8 September 1985 | ||
| Place of birth | Belfast, Northern Ireland | ||
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||
| Playing position | Defender | ||
| Club information | |||
Current team | FC Edmonton | ||
| Number | 5 | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2001–2011 | Ballymena United | 264 | (9) |
| 2011–2013 | Linfield | 49 | (3) |
| 2013– | FC Edmonton | 101 | (4) |
| National team | |||
| 2007 | Northern Ireland U23 | ||
|
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of October 29, 2016. | |||
Albert Watson (born 8 September 1985) is a Northern Irish professional footballer who plays as a defender for FC Edmonton in the North American Soccer League.[1]
Career
Club 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 would be named to the NASL Best 11 for the second time in the 2016 season.[14]
International career
Watson has captained the Northern Irish under-23 side.[15]
References
- ↑ Albert Watson profile at Soccerway. Retrieved 15 February 2014.
- ↑ Player profile at Ballymena United F.C.
- ↑ Player profile at WalkTheChalk.com
- ↑ "Braid star Watson interests Blues". BBC Sport. 18 February 2008. Retrieved 9 February 2011.
- ↑ "Watson agrees deal with Sky Blues". BBC Sport. 21 February 2008. Retrieved 9 February 2011.
- ↑ "Albert clocks up 300th United appearance". Ballymena Times. 17 January 2011. Retrieved 13 March 2011.
- ↑ "Albert Watson leaves Ballymena United for Linfield". BBC Sport. 30 April 2011. Retrieved 26 May 2011.
- ↑ "Crusaders 1–4 Linfield". BBC Sport. 5 May 2012. Retrieved 11 January 2013.
- ↑ "Daryl Fordyce and Albert Watson to leave champions Linfield". BBC Sport. 2013-01-18. Retrieved 2013-02-25.
- ↑ "Watson and Fordyce will be part of 17 signings announced by Eddies on Monday". the11.ca. 2013-02-25. Retrieved 2013-02-25.
- ↑ Robert Tychkowski (May 25, 2013). "FC Edmonton captain Albert Watson draws in". Edmonton Sun.
- ↑ Brian Swane (November 20, 2015). "FC Edmonton captain Albert Watson re-signs with Eddies". Edmonton Sun.
- ↑ Derek van Diest (August 17, 2016). "FC Edmonton defender Albert Watson to suit up for 100th game for club Saturday". Edmonton Sun.
- ↑ NASL staff (November 14, 2016). "North American Soccer League Announces 2016 Best XI". NASL.com.
- ↑ "Jeffrey impressed by NI U23 squad". BBC Sport. 10 December 2007. Retrieved 9 February 2011.