Hamish Watson
Quick Facts
Biography
Hamish John Sanders Watson (born 17 April 1993) is a New Zealand footballer who plays as a centre forward for A-League side Wellington Phoenix.
He has previously played for Hawke's Bay United, Lower Hutt City, Team Wellington and Grimsby Town. He has also been capped by the New Zealand U-20 side. He has also attended St. Patrick's College, Silverstream.
Career
Watson joined the youth set-up at Lower Hutt City at the age of 4, having already been with the Phoenix school of excellence and making 13 appearances with Team Wellington. On 10 October 2013 he signed a one-week deal with Wellington Phoenix as a loan cover for the internationals. On 5 February 2014 he signed for A-league side Wellington Phoenix for the remainder on the 2013–14 season.
On 23 April 2014 He made his debut in the Central Premier League with Wairarapa United. By August 2014 he was deemed a goal-scoring machine in the role of striker, edging out twice Wairarapa United's own Seule Soromon and scoring 19 goals, achieving the most goals (Golden Boot) award.
On 25 October 2014 Watson moved to England, training with Conference Premier side Grimsby Town to try earn a contract with the club. On 20 November 2014 Watson received international clearance, and on the verge of signing for Grimsby Town, he signed a short term contract until January with the club later on that day. On 26 February 2015, having made 4 brief substitute appearances, Watson joined Conference North side Gainsborough Trinity on a one-month loan deal, to help him develop. On 20 May 2015, Watson was released by Grimsby Town.
On 30 June 2015, Watson rejoined Central Premier League side Wairarapa United.
On February 2016, Watson joined Wellington Phoenix as an injury replacement for Roy Krishna. Following a successful spell, at the end of the season Watson signed a year long professional contract with the club.
International career
Watson has represented New Zealand at the Under-20 level. They performed in the OFC U-20 Championship Tournament in Lautoka, Fiji in 2013, with every game being played at the Churchull Park Stadium, eventually finishing champions in the tournament that also featured Fiji the hosts, New Caledonia under 21, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. On 21 March 2013, he scored the 3rd goal on 43 minutes, thrashing Papua New Guinea 0–5, a corner sent in by Right back Louis Fenton. On 27 March 2013, Watson scored the 3rd goal on 69 minutes in the final game, beating the hosts Fiji 4–0, a low shot turned home from near the penalty spot. The team qualifying as Oceania's representative at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey which Watson was part of.
Style of play
Watson primarily plays as a central striker. On 21 November 2014 having signed a short-term deal with Grimsby Town, Watson said: "I enjoy getting on the ball and holding it up for others but also getting myself in the box and scoring goals."
Career statistics
- As of match played on 14 March 2015.
Club | Season | Division | League | Play-offs | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |||
Hawke's Bay United | 2011–12 | ASB Premiership | 13 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 15 | 6 |
Lower Hutt City | 2011–12 | Central Premier League | 10 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 22 |
Team Wellington | 2012–13 | ASB Premiership | 13 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 8 |
Wellington Phoenix (loan) | 2013–14 | A-League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Team Wellington | 2013–14 | ASB Premiership | 11 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 4 |
Wellington Phoenix | 2013–14 | A-League | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Wairarapa United (loan) | 2013–14 | Central Premier League | 11 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 19 |
Grimsby Town | 2014–15 | Conference Premier | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
Gainsborough Trinity (loan) | 2014–15 | Conference North | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
Career total | 68 | 56 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 74 | 59 |
Personal life
Watson is a keen supporter of Liverpool football club, his favorite players are Luis Suárez and Steven Gerrard.
Honours
Club
- Lower Hutt City
- Chatham Cup: 2012 (Runners up)
International
- New Zealand
- OFC U-20 Championship: 2013
- FIFA U-20 World Cup: 2013 (Group stage)