Jock Watson


John Watson was a Scottish professional football full back who made over 160 appearances in the Southern League for Brentford. He also played in the Football League for Newcastle United and Leeds City.

Playing career

A full back, Watson began his career in his native Scotland at Scottish League Second Division club Clyde. He earned a £200 move to English First Division club Newcastle United in November 1902. Watson managed only three league appearances before joining Southern League First Division club New Brompton. Watson joined fellow Southern League First Division club Brentford in 1903 and made 168 appearances in a five-year spell with the club.
Along with Brentford teammates Jock Hamilton, Tom McAllister and Adam Bowman, Watson returned to the Football League to join Second Division club Leeds City in 1908. He immediately became a fixture in the first team, being named captain, forming a full back-partnership with Jack White and making 32 appearances in the 1908–09 season. Watson began the 1909–10 season as an ever-present, but lost his place in the team and departed the club in 1910. Watson made 49 appearances for Leeds City and ended his career with a second spell at Clyde.

Representative career

While in his first spell with Clyde, Watson appeared for a Glasgow Select XI.

Personal life

After his retirement from football, Watson returned to Brentford and was the landlord of the New Inn from July 1910 until his death in May 1946. Watson's son became a footballer and played for Ealing, Windsor and Slough in the 1930s and captained the latter club.

Career statistics