Ben Watson
Watson with Wigan Athletic in 2013
Personal information
Date of birth (1985-07-09) 9 July 1985[1]
Place of birth Camberwell, England[2]
Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)[1]
Position(s) Midfielder
Youth career
000?–2003 Crystal Palace
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2003–2009 Crystal Palace 169 (18)
2009–2015 Wigan Athletic 111 (13)
2009 → Queens Park Rangers (loan) 16 (2)
2010 → West Bromwich Albion (loan) 7 (1)
2015–2018 Watford 67 (2)
2018–2020 Nottingham Forest 76 (3)
2020–2022 Charlton Athletic 38 (1)
Total 484 (40)
International career
2004–2006 England U21 2 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Ben Watson (born 9 July 1985) is an English former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.[3]

He has previously played for Wigan Athletic, Crystal Palace, Watford, Nottingham Forest and Charlton Athletic and had loan spells at Queens Park Rangers and West Bromwich Albion. He has also represented England at U21 level.

Watson won an FA Cup winners medal in 2013, by scoring an 88th minute header and the only goal of the game against Manchester City.[4] This was the first time Wigan Athletic had won the FA Cup.

Club career

Crystal Palace

Watson warming up during a game with Crystal Palace in 2008.

Born in Camberwell, London,[1] Watson made his debut aged 17 towards the end of the 2002–03 season against Watford,[5] giving a good performance to keep his place in the side for the final four games of the season. He scored his first goal for the club at the start of the following season in a 1–1 draw against Millwall,[6] and gradually featured in the Palace side more regularly over the next few seasons, surpassing 200 appearances for the Eagles before his 23rd birthday.

He has represented England in the under-21 national team.

In 2006, he was one of six nominees for the "League Cup New Talent Award", drawn up by the Football Writers' Association.[7] He was also named as Palace's "Young Player of The Year" at the end of the season,[8] and was rewarded with a new contract, keeping him at the club until 2009.[9]

Interest from other clubs

At the outset of the 2008–09 season, Watson had one year left on his contract at Palace. The club reportedly offered him a new contract that would have made him Palace's highest-paid player, which was subsequently turned down. He also turned down a move to Nottingham Forest, who claimed he was demanding too high a salary,[10] amidst rumours that he was seeking an offer from Queens Park Rangers. However a move never materialised before the end of the summer, and Watson returned to the Palace side, scoring five times in just 18 appearances before suffering an injury in early December. This turned out to be Watson's last appearance for the Eagles.

Wigan Athletic

In late January, Middlesbrough offered £2 million for Watson and were expected to sign the midfielder, who underwent a medical examination.[11] Wigan Athletic entered the race to sign him late on, and were successful in securing the deal after matching Boro's offer.[11] He made his debut for the club in a 0–0 draw against Aston Villa on 31 January, and scored his first league goal for Wigan in the 2–1 away victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.[12] On 23 March 2009, he followed this up with a goal in his next game at home against Hull City.

Loans to QPR and West Bromwich Albion

On 1 September 2009, Watson signed for Championship side Queens Park Rangers (QPR) on loan until January 2010. Watson then made his debut 11 days later on 12 September in a 1–1 draw against Peterborough United at Loftus Road. He scored his first goal for QPR in a 5–2 win over Barnsley on 26 September 2009.[13] Watson was sent off on 21 October in a 4–1 win over struggling Reading, serving a two match ban.

On 22 February 2010, Watson signed on loan for Championship club West Bromwich Albion, initially until the end of the 2009–10 season.[14] He scored his first goal for West Brom against Preston North End on 20 March 2010.[15] Having not made a league appearance for Wigan Athletic during the 2009–10 season, Watson hinted that he would like to sign a permanent deal at West Brom if the club could gain promotion to the Premier League.[16] He was recalled from his loan early by Wigan on 1 April 2010.[17]

Return to Wigan Athletic

Watson made his return to the first-team on 4 April in a 2–1 defeat against Fulham, and scored in Wigan's 3–2 win over Arsenal at the DW Stadium on 18 April 2010.[18] He kept his place in the team for the rest of the season, finishing with five league appearances for the club.

Watson lost his place in the starting eleven at the beginning of the 2010–11 season, limiting his playing time for the first half of the season. He regained his place in the side after Christmas, and was a regular starter for the rest of the season. Now being deployed in a deep-lying playmaker role,[19][20] his impressive form in the second half of the season helped the team escape relegation and retain their place in the Premier League. In August 2011, Watson signed a new three-year contract at the club.[21]

In November 2012, in a match against Liverpool, Watson suffered a broken right leg in a challenge with Raheem Sterling.[22] Wigan lost the match 3–0.[23]

Watson made his return to first-team action in May 2013 against West Bromwich Albion in a 3–2 away victory for Wigan, playing out of his usual position as a sweeper.[24] Watson scored the winning goal in the 2013 FA Cup Final against Manchester City, a stoppage time header that gave Wigan Athletic their first FA Cup.[25]

On 13 May 2014, Watson signed a new one-year deal with the Latics.

Watford

Watson joined Watford on 23 January 2015.[26] He made his league debut the following day in a 7–2 win over Blackpool.[27] Almost a year later, Watson scored his first goal for the Hornets, which he scored directly from a corner in a 2–1 loss at home to Manchester City. Watson was not awarded the goal until more than a week after the game, as it was initially recorded as an Aleksandar Kolarov own goal, before a Premier League panel awarded it to Watson.[28]

In 2018, Watson's contract was cancelled by mutual consent at the end of the January transfer window.[29]

Nottingham Forest

Watson joined Nottingham Forest on 5 February 2018 on a 2+1⁄2-year contract.[30]

During the 2018–19 season, Watson found first team opportunities at Forest limited, and was told by manager Martin O'Neill that he was free to leave the club. However, Watson went on to become a key figure during the following campaign under new manager Sabri Lamouchi, who described Watson as being the 'brains' of his side.[31] He scored his first goal for the club in a 1–0 win over Barnsley on 21 September 2019.[32] Watson left Nottingham Forest at the end of his contract following the 2019–20 season.[33] Although Forest were hopeful that he would agree an extension, Watson reportedly wished to move to London to be closer to his family.[34]

Charlton Athletic

Watson joined Charlton ahead of the 2020–21 season.[35] He scored his first goal for Charlton in a 1–1 draw against Shrewsbury Town on 5 December 2020.[36]

On 22 June 2021, it was confirmed that Watson had signed a new one-year deal with the club ahead of the 2021–22 season.[37]

On 10 May 2022, it was confirmed that Watson would leave Charlton Athletic when his contract expired.[38]

On 10 August 2022, Watson announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37.[39]

Career statistics

As of match played 25 January 2022
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Crystal Palace 2002–03[40] First Division 500000—50
2003–04[41] 161104000211
2004–05[42] Premier League 2101020—240
2005–06[43] Championship 42420202[lower-alpha 1]0484
2006–07[44] 2530010—263
2007–08[45] 42510102[lower-alpha 1]2467
2008–09[46] 1850010—195
Total 16918501104218920
Wigan Athletic 2008–09[47] Premier League 1020000—102
2009–10[48] 512110—82
2010–11[49] 2931041—344
2011–12[50] 2131011—234
2012–13[51] 1211120—152
2013–14[52] Championship 25232005[lower-alpha 2]1335
2014–15[53] 911000—101
Total 1111394825113320
Queens Park Rangers (loan) 2009–10[54] Championship 1620000—162
West Bromwich Albion (loan) 2009–10[55] Championship 710000—71
Watford 2014–15[56] Championship 2000000—200
2015–16[57] Premier League 3525010—412
2016–17[58] 401010—60
2017–18 802010—110
Total 672803000782
Nottingham Forest 2017–18 Championship 1400000—140
2018–19 1700040—210
2019–20 4530000—453
Total 763004000803
Charlton Athletic 2020–21 League One 29100001[lower-alpha 3]0301
2021–22 9010103[lower-alpha 3]0140
Total 381101040441
Career total 4844023427213354749
  1. 1 2 Appearances in Championship play-offs
  2. ↑ One appearance in FA Community Shield, four appearances and one goal in UEFA Europa League
  3. 1 2 Appearance(s) in the EFL Trophy

Honours

Crystal Palace

Wigan Athletic

Watford

References

  1. 1 2 3 Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Mainstream Publishing. p. 430. ISBN 978-1-84596-601-0.
  2. ↑ "England - B. Watson - Profile with news, career statistics and history - Soccerway".
  3. ↑ "Nottingham Forest fans pile in as 'true pro' Watson announces key decision". 10 August 2022.
  4. ↑ "Manchester City 0-1 Wigan Athletic | FA Cup final match report". TheGuardian.com. 11 May 2013.
  5. ↑ Harling, Nicholas (9 April 2003). "Watford reserves thrive on Hunt error". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 14 October 2013. Retrieved 12 October 2013.
  6. ↑ Fox, Norman (31 August 2003). "Black sees red to deplete Palace". The Independent. London. Retrieved 1 January 2011.
  7. ↑ "Lupoli scoops Carling Cup award". BBC Sport. 21 February 2006. Retrieved 1 January 2011.
  8. ↑ "Player of the Year awards". Crystal Palace F.C. 16 May 2006. Archived from the original on 6 December 2010. Retrieved 1 January 2011.
  9. ↑ "Soares & Watson sign Palace deals". BBC Sport. 15 August 2006. Retrieved 1 January 2011.
  10. ↑ "Watson asked for too much". This is Nottingham. Archived from the original on 12 October 2013. Retrieved 12 October 2013.
  11. 1 2 Benammar, Emily (26 January 2009). "Wigan sign Ben Watson from Crystal Palace". Daily Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  12. ↑ Sanghera, Mandeep (14 March 2009). "Sunderland 1–2 Wigan". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 26 April 2010.
  13. ↑ "QPR 5–2 Barnsley". BBC Sport. BBC. 26 September 2009. Retrieved 27 September 2009.
  14. ↑ "Watson arrives on loan". West Bromwich Albion F.C. 22 February 2010. Archived from the original on 28 March 2010. Retrieved 22 February 2010.
  15. ↑ "West Brom 3–2 Preston". BBC Sport. 20 March 2010. Retrieved 1 April 2010.
  16. ↑ "Watson eyes DW exit". ClubCall. 22 March 2010. Archived from the original on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 1 January 2011.
  17. ↑ "Wigan recall Ben Watson from West Brom". BBC Sport. 1 April 2010. Archived from the original on 4 April 2010. Retrieved 1 April 2010.
  18. ↑ "Wigan 3–2 Arsenal". BBC Sport. 18 April 2010. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
  19. ↑ "The Big Read: Ben Watson". Wigan Athletic F.C. 4 April 2011. Archived from the original on 5 September 2012. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
  20. ↑ "Success elementary for Watson". Wigan Today. 1 June 2011. Archived from the original on 13 October 2013. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
  21. ↑ "Three new contracts confirmed!". Wigan Athletic F.C. 23 August 2011. Archived from the original on 13 January 2012. Retrieved 12 October 2013.
  22. ↑ "Wigan's Ben Watson suffers broken leg in Liverpool defeat". BBC Sport. 17 November 2012. Retrieved 18 November 2012.
  23. ↑ Smith, Ben (17 November 2012). "Liverpool 3–0 Wigan". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 November 2012.
  24. ↑ Jolly, Richard (4 May 2013). "Wigan Athletic win at West Brom to boost hopes of beating the drop". The Observer. Retrieved 7 May 2013.
  25. ↑ Steinberg, Jacob (11 May 2013). "Manchester City v Wigan: FA Cup final – live!". The Guardian. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  26. ↑ Club Journalist. "OFFICIAL: Watford FC Sign Ben Watson". watfordfc.com. Archived from the original on 23 January 2015.
  27. ↑ BBC Journalist. "Watford 7–2 Blackpool". BBC Sport.
  28. ↑ "NEWS: Ben Watson Awarded Manchester City Goal". Archived from the original on 23 April 2016. Retrieved 11 January 2016.
  29. ↑ Muro, Giuseppe (1 February 2018). "Watson released after Ndong signs". London Evening Standard. p. 65.
  30. ↑ "Forest complete Watson signing".
  31. ↑ "The revival of Ben Watson: 'Nothing to stop him playing at highest level again'". The Athletic. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  32. ↑ "Nottingham Forest 1-0 Barnsley". BBC Sport. 21 September 2019. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
  33. ↑ "Squad numbers for 2020-21 season revealed". www.nottinghamforest.co.uk. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  34. ↑ Taylor, Paul. "Forest may have to get used to life without Ben Watson - so who should step up?". The Athletic. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  35. ↑ "Ben Watson becomes first signing of Sandgaard era". Charlton Athletic. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  36. ↑ "Shrewsbury 1-1 Charlton". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 December 2020.
  37. ↑ "Ben Watson signs one-year contract extension with the club". Charlton Athletic. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  38. ↑ "RETAINED LIST : Club trigger one-year extension on Forster-Caskey contract". Charlton Athletic Official Site. 10 May 2022. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
  39. ↑ "Nottingham Forest fans pile in as 'true pro' announces key decision". Nottingham Post. 10 August 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  40. ↑ "Crystal Palace player appearances 2002/03". Soccerbase. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  41. ↑ "Crystal Palace player appearances 2003/04". Soccerbase. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  42. ↑ "Crystal Palace player appearances 2004/05". Soccerbase. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  43. ↑ "Crystal Palace player appearances 2005/06". Soccerbase. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  44. ↑ "Crystal Palace player appearances 2006/07". Soccerbase. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  45. ↑ "Crystal Palace player appearances 2007/08". Soccerbase. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  46. ↑ "Crystal Palace player appearances 2008/09". Soccerbase. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  47. ↑ "Wigan Athletic player appearances 2008/09". Soccerbase. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  48. ↑ "Wigan Athletic player appearances 2009/10". Soccerbase. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  49. ↑ "Wigan Athletic player appearances 2010/11". Soccerbase. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  50. ↑ "Wigan Athletic player appearances 2011/12". Soccerbase. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  51. ↑ "Wigan Athletic player appearances 2012/13". Soccerbase. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  52. ↑ "Wigan Athletic player appearances 2013/14". Soccerbase. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  53. ↑ "Wigan Athletic player appearances 2014/15". Soccerbase. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  54. ↑ "QPR player appearances 2009/10". Soccerbase. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  55. ↑ "West Bromwich Albion player appearances 2009/10". Soccerbase. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  56. ↑ "Watford FC player appearances 2014/15". Soccerbase. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  57. ↑ "Watford FC player appearances 2014/15". Soccerbase. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  58. ↑ "Watford FC player appearances 2016/17". Soccerbase. Retrieved 18 September 2016.
  59. ↑ McNulty, Phil (11 May 2013). "Man City 0–1 Wigan". BBC Sport. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
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