Albert Watson (footballer, born 1985)

Albert Watson
Personal information
Date of birth8 September 1985
Place of birthBelfast, Northern Ireland
Height6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Playing positionDefender
Club information
Current team
FC Edmonton
Number5
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
2001–2011Ballymena United264(9)
2011–2013Linfield49(3)
2013–FC Edmonton46(0)
National team
2007Northern Ireland U23
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of November 2, 2014.
† Appearances (Goals).

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]

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]

International career

Watson has captained the Northern Irish under-23 side.[11]

References

  1. ↑ Albert Watson profile at Soccerway. Retrieved 15 February 2014.
  2. ↑ Player profile at Ballymena United F.C.
  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. 2013-01-18. Retrieved 2013-02-25.
  10. ↑ "Watson and Fordyce will be part of 17 signings announced by Eddies on Monday". the11.ca. 2013-02-25. Retrieved 2013-02-25.
  11. ↑ "Jeffrey impressed by NI U23 squad". BBC Sport. 10 December 2007. Retrieved 9 February 2011.