[2] As a youngster his first-team opportunities were limited and he went out on loan to several sides to build his experience, namely Brentford, Bristol City and Barnet.
Watson moved on to Rotherham United in July 1999, astute Millers' manager Ronnie Moore signing him on a free transfer.
A key part of their rapid acceleration, Watson helped guide the team to survival by the narrowest of goal-difference margins.
Marshalling the midfield Watson played a key role as in his (and Parkinson's) first full season the U's stormed to promotion from League One, finishing in second place.
Now with over 100 games for the U's under his belt he has been a key part of "The Best Col U ever" as the underdog U's finished their first season in the Football League Championship in 10th place.
[3] However, Watson failed to make an impact at Luton as a result of a knee injury that kept him out of action for much of his contract duration, and he was released at the end of 2008.
[13] The club was beaten in the heaviest defeat in 27 years, 7–0 by Barrow on 4 January[14] and also crashed out of the FA Trophy to lower league opponents Royston.
[20] Watson has been involved in greyhound racing, pairing up with Tottenham Hotspur teammate Stuart Nethercott to buy Elegant Brandy, who won the 1995 Grand National.