Herbert Leonard Watson (20 November 1908 – 13 October 1939) was an English professional footballer who played in the Football League for Middlesbrough, Brentford and Bristol Rovers. A right half, he is best remembered for his time with Brentford, for whom he made over 100 appearances.
Playing career
Middlesbrough Watson began his career at non-League club Pelton Fell and joined Second Division club Middlesbrough in May 1926. He made his debut in a 4–1 First Division victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Ayresome Park on 7 December 1929. Watson made semi-regular appearances for the club through to the end of the 1929–30 season and scored his first goal for the club in a 5–1 win over Birmingham City on 8 February 1930. He made 13 appearances during the campaign. Watson failed to make an appearance during the 1930–31 season and made his first appearance in nearly two years when he played in a 1–1 draw with Aston Villa on 26 December 1931. He made one further appearance during the 1931–32 season and departed Middlesbrough at the end of the campaign, having made just 15 appearances during his six years with the club.
Brentford Watson transferred to Third Division South club Brentford in May 1932, joining former Middlesbrough teammates Jack Holliday and Billy Scott at Griffin Park. He led the club to promotion to the Second Division as captain in the 1932–33 season and to the First Division for the first time in the club's history in 1935. After the signing of Dai Richards, Watson lost his place in the team and managed just 13 appearances in the First Division during the 1935–36 season (in which Brentford secured their highest-ever league placing of fifth). He departed the club at the end of the campaign, having made 109 appearances and scored one goal during his four years with the club.
Bristol Rovers Watson and Brentford teammates James Raven and Les Sullivan dropped back down to the Third Division South to join Bristol Rovers in April 1936. He made 19 appearances during the 1936–37 season before retiring from football.
Personal life After retiring from football, Watson ran a pub in Brentford.
Career statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsMiddlesbrough1929–30First Division11120—1311931–32First Division2000—20Total13120—151Brentford1932–33Third Division South34000—3401933–34Second Division35100—3511934–35Second Division27000—2701935–36First Division13000—130Total109100—1091Bristol Rovers1936–37Third Division South190001Appearance in Third Division South Cup0200Career total141220101442
Honours Brentford Football League Second Division: 1934–35 Football League Third Division South: 1932–33
References