Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Date of birth | 8 September 1985 | ||
Place of birth | Belfast, Northern Ireland | ||
Position(s) | Defender | ||
Team information | |||
Current team | Carrick Rangers | ||
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) |
2019–2023 | Larne | 107 | (4) |
2023- | Carrick Rangers | 8 | (0) |
International career | |||
2007 | Northern Ireland U23 | ||
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19:15, 1 October 2023 (UTC) |
Albert Watson (born 8 September 1985) is a Northern Irish professional footballer who plays for NIFL Premiership side Carrick Rangers. [1]
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] Watson was named FC Edmonton captain prior to the 2013 NASL season, and after missing the first few months due to a torn MCL, went on to be named in the NASL Best XI for the season. [11] [12]
After the 2015 NASL season, Watson signed with the club for a fourth season. [13] In August 2016, would go on to become the first player to make 100 appearances for the club. [14] 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. [15]
On 13 March 2018, he joined Icelandic team KR. [16]
In January 2019 he returned to Ballymena United. [17]
On 3 June 2019, it was announced that Watson had signed on a full-time deal for Larne. [18]
In June 2023 he signed for Carrick Rangers. [19] [20]
Watson has captained the Northern Irish under-23 side. [21]
Linfield
Larne
Individual