David Watson

Club career Notts County Watson was born in Stapleford, Nottinghamshire, and started his career in 1966 as a striker with hometown club Notts County making 26 appearances in two seasons, before moving to Second Division Rotherham United in 1968.

Rotherham United Watson was signed by Tommy Docherty in a player exchange deal which involved Keith Pring going to Notts County and the Millers paying £1,000. He was thrust into a relegation battle with Rotherham in 1967–68 which was unsuccessful and led to Docherty's departure. After four seasons at Millmoor where he made 141 appearances and scored 21 goals, he caught the attention of Sunderland manager Alan Brown who paid £100,000 for his services in December 1970.

Sunderland At Roker Park, Watson began at centre forward, which many believed hindered their chances of gaining promotion.

Manchester City In the summer of 1975, Watson joined First Division Manchester City for a fee of £175,000 in a deal which saw Jeff Clarke move the other way. Watson played 31 games in 1979–80 and 44 games in 1980–81 as the Saints finished 8th and 6th respectively. He spent a season on loan at Derby County where he made 34 appearances.

Later career Watson ended his league career at his first club Notts County, but continued playing into his 40s at non-league club Kettering Town. Watson – quite advanced in years for a debutant at 27 – was one of six first-timers on show (among the others were Trevor Brooking) in what would prove to be 1966 World Cup-winning manager Alf Ramsey's last game in charge. Later in 1974, Watson won his second cap in a 2–0 defeat by Scotland at Hampden Park, Glasgow, coming on as a substitute for Norman Hunter. Watson did not miss another England game until 1980. Watson continued his England career, earning his 50th cap against Argentina in a warm-up game prior to the European Championships in Italy. Watson duly played in all three of England's group games – against Belgium, Italy and Spain – but a draw, defeat and victory respectively was not enough for England to progress. His final appearance for England came against Iceland in June 1982 having gained 65 caps. Watson remains the most-capped England player never to play in a World Cup finals match.

Medical condition and legal claim In February 2020, it was reported that Watson, then aged 73, was suffering from a neurodegenerative disease, with his wife, Penny, suggesting that "head injuries and repeated heading of the ball" were the cause.

In October 2025, the Upper Tribunal overturned a previous decision by the First-tier Tribunal that had rejected Watson's claim for industrial injury benefits related to his condition. The case has since been referred back to the First-tier Tribunal for re-determination.

Personal life Born in Stapleford, just west of Nottingham, he played youth football for Stapleford Old Boys and left school to work as a farm labourer and then as an electrician. He has been married to Penelope Watson MBE since June 1969.

Career statistics Club

International

Honours Sunderland FA Cup: 1972–73

Manchester City Football League Cup: 1975–76 1974–75 Second Division, 1979–80 First Division