[citation needed] At the time of his first-team debut, as a substitute in a 2–1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on 10 November 1990, he was the youngest person ever to play for Newcastle,[4] a record that still stands.

[citation needed] During his seven years at the club, he wore a jersey with every shirt number 2–11 at least once, earning a reputation as a key all round capable footballer integral to The Entertainers style of play.

[9] When boss Walter Smith found his squad decimated by injury, Watson was used a striker alongside Tomasz Radzinski, a role he had started to play at the beginning of his career before transferring to the defence.

[14] His only goal for the club came on 2 January 2006,[14] with a shot that came after receiving the ball from Jonathan Greening in the 77th minute of a 2–1 home defeat to Aston Villa.

[17] He was re-called by West Brom on 26 April with two matches remaining as cover for the injured Curtis Davies and the suspended Neil Clement.

[23] Watson scored the winner in the Steel City derby against Sheffield United on 19 October; his volleyed lob over Paddy Kenny in the 35th minute gave Wednesday a 1–0 win.

[26] Watson was appointed as development coach at League One club Huddersfield Town on 13 November 2010, joining up with his former Newcastle teammate Lee Clark.

[31] He was appointed as the manager of National League North club York City on 10 January 2019,[32] succeeding Sam Collins who was dismissed with the team 15th in the table.

[36] Watson was appointed manager of National League North club Chester on 23 December 2021, initially on a contract until the end of the 2021–22 season.

[39] After successfully steering them clear of the relegation positions, he and assistant manager Terry Mitchell signed two-year contract extensions.