Watson, Charles

W | Player Pics | A-Z of Players

Personal

Fullname: Charles Watson
aka: Charlie Watson
Born: 21 May 1895
Died: […]
Birthplace: Coatbridge
Signed: 28 May 1919
Left: June 1921 (free); 8 Feb 1922 (Bathgate)
Position: Outside Right
Debut: Celtic 3-1 Clydebank, League, 16 August 1919
Internationals: none

Biog

Coatbridge-born Charles Watson signed for Celtic from Dumbarton Harp in May 1919, and was described by one person as “perhaps Celtic’s most important signing [of the summer]“. He was a seasoned player, having played for a number of clubs prior to Celtic, and is said to have come from a famous footballing family from Coatbridge (Lanarkshire).

“Perhaps Celtic’s most important signing was that of Watson, the outside-left of Dumbarton Harp who last season was easily the best man in the West of Scotland in that position“.

The outside right was an experienced player who was seen as providing valuable cover for the Bhoys wideman Andy McAtee.He made his first team debut in a 3-1 league win over Clydebank at Parkhead on 16 August 1919, best remembered for being also the debut game for Tommy McInally, a Celtic favourite.

He went on to play in some wonderful victories including a 7-3 win v Hibs, 5-0 v Motherwell and 4-0 v Ayr, scoring in all of these games. His other goal came in a 3-1 win over Queen’s Park.He won a medal in the Glasgow Charity Cup final of May 1920 against Queen’s Park, despite having been sent off in the semi-finals against Rangers in a case of mistaken identity. Charlie was innocent (the offending party was Johnny McKay striking Jimmy Gordon), and Celtic had won that game 2-1. It was to be his only silverware whilst at Celtic.

Celtic never lost a game he played in season 1919-20, but Celtic came short as Rangers won the league by 3pts. Next season he was given little opportunity, and sadly Celtic did lose in one of the three games Watson played in, his final game which was a 3-1 defeat to Ayr, so a sorry little dent in his otherwise impressive record.

Overall, he had a great record with Celtic in the league with 14 wins out of 18 games with three draws, and so proved to be good cover for Andy McAtee.

He was eventually released by the club in June 1921 having made 18 league appearances and scoring four goals.

Sadly for him, he played in two seasons that Celtic didn’t win the league, sandwiched by seasons that Celtic did win a league title. So unfortunate timing killed off a chance for a prized and worthy league winner’s medal.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

Glasgow Charity Cup

• 1920

Pictures

• Player Pics