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Fullname: Philip Ross Watson
aka: Philip Watson
Born: 29 Apr 1881
Died: 20 Apr 1953 in Shotts, aged 71.
Birthplace: Dykehead, North Lanarkshire
Signed: 18 Dec 1902 (from Dykehead)
Left: 9 Oct 1903 (to Ayr FC)
Position: Centre-half
Debut: Celtic 1-1 Morton, League, 20 Dec 1902
Internationals: none
Biog
After a number of trial games with Celtic, centre-half Philip Watson was signed up by Celtic in December 1902.
He had tried out for Celtic against the Junior Internationalists to raise money for Parkhead FC’s ground improvement scheme on 6 May 1902, then played in a friendly against Clyde in John Hodge’s last game four days later.
The 21-year-old Dykehead man made his Bhoys debut as a left-half in a 1-1 league draw with Morton on December 12th, the same day Hibs won the league.
He had to wait for almost 3 months before his next appearances, and Watson was to only play two more games for the Celts at centre-half: a-1-1 draw with Port Glasgow Athletic and finally a 2-0 win v Morton. Those matches were the second and third last games of the season, when all was already over.
So he was to leave undefeated in his brief first team experience. It wasn’t a great season for Celtic, finishing fifth in the league way behind Hibernian who took the title with an exceptional record, losing just the one game in their run. Celtic on the other hand just kept throwing points away with draws: 10 in 22 league games.
After returning on loan to his former club Dykehead he moved to Ayr on a permanent basis in October 1903.
He would later enjoy success at Hamilton with whom he played against Celtic in two Scottish Cup final matches (1911 final & replay) which Celtic won overall, with the added satisfaction that it was at Ibrox Park. Also in the Hamilton side was John H McLaughlin, son of one of the founders of Celtic.
After five seasons at Hamilton, Philip Watson later crossed over the bridge to play for Motherwell before returning again back home to Dykehead. He retired from play in 1918.
His son went on to be a player for both Hamilton & Blackpool.
Philip Watson passed away in 1953.
Playing Career
| APPEARANCES | LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 1902-03 | 3 | 0 | – | – | 3 |
| Goals: | 0 | 0 | – | – | 0 |
Honours with Celtic
none
Pictures
Articles
from the Evening Times 20th April, 1953
(back page)
Philip Watson, a former celtic, Ayr Utd, Hamilton accies and Motherwell half back died today at his home at Currieside Avenue, Shotts following a short illness.
Philip, who was 71 years old, is survived by four sons and two daughters. the funeral will take place on Thursday at Shotts cemetery.
His son Philip was also a Hamilton Accies centre half before going to Blackpool and Queen of the South.
Evening Times, 20th April, 1953