Albert Watson (born 8 September 1985) is a Northern Irish professional footballer who plays for NIFL Premiership club Larne as a defender.[1]
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | (1985-09-08) 8 September 1985 (age 36) | ||
| Place of birth | Belfast, Northern Ireland | ||
| 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 | 40 | (1) |
| National team | |||
| 2007 | Northern Ireland U23 | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19:48, 19 December 2020 (UTC) | |||
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]
Watson has captained the Northern Irish under-23 side.[19]
Linfield
Larne
Individual