Tom Watson (footballer, born 1870)

Tom Watson

Personal information
Full name	Thomas Watson
Date of birth	1870
Place of birth	Birmingham, England
Date of death	April 1902 (aged 31–32)
Place of death	Birmingham, England
Playing position	Goalkeeper
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps^†	(Gls)^†
–	Yardley Victoria
189?–1895	Small Heath	2	(0)
–	Birmingham City Police
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (goals)

Thomas Watson (1870 – April 1902) was an English footballer who played in the Football League for Small Heath as a goalkeeper.^[1]

Watson was born in the Yardley Wood district of Birmingham. He grew up to be an all-round athlete, and was actively involved in organising local athletics meetings. He played for Small Heath as an amateur,^[2] making two appearances in the First Division in the 1894–95 season. Watson's debut came on 2 March 1895, deputising for regular goalkeeper Charles Partridge in a home game against Blackburn Rovers which finished as a 1–1 draw. In the next, and his last, game Small Heath conceded five goals to Derby County.^[3]

Watson joined Birmingham City Police in 1895, rising to the rank of sergeant,^[2] played for their football team,^[1] and often used to police Small Heath's matches. He died in Birmingham in 1902.^[2]

References

1. Joyce, Michael (2004). Football League Players' Records 1888 to 1939. Nottingham: SoccerData. p. 273. ISBN 978-1-899468-67-6.
2. Matthews, Tony (1995). Birmingham City: A Complete Record. Derby: Breedon Books. p. 132. ISBN 978-1-85983-010-9.
3. Matthews, p. 142.