Changing Rooms: Ben Watson
Having starred at Forest, Palace, Watford, Charlton and most famously Wigan, where his last-minute FA Cup clincher etched his name into history. Ben Watson now lends his insight as a football executive at Wasserman, helping shape the next generation of footballers.
For almost two decades, Ben Watson lived the life many young footballers dream of. His name is written into the tapestry of football. From his debut at Palace to scoring that winning goal in the 2013 FA Cup Final with Wigan Athletic, he played 547 first-team games. However, on the 10th of August 2022, Watson announced his retirement whilst at Charlton Athletic. He made the not-so-broad jump from on the pitch to around it.
(photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
The final whistle
During an exclusive interview with CovFeed. Watson recollected when he saw the end. Watson explained how “when you’re young, you think… your football career is going to last forever”. When he hit 30, he was confronted with the fleeting reality of the game.
For a lot of players who have such success, realisation like this comes too late. identity loss, anxiousness and uncertainty about your future is usually the trend. Watson, on the other hand, used this realisation of the situation to propel him into making his next steps.
“You can have all the talent in the world… you’ve got to be so determined, have the right attitude.” Ben Watson
Pitch to pitching
A two-decade career in professional football equips players with resilience, discipline, and determination. Watson now channels these qualities into mentoring young athletes. “You can have all the talent in the world… you’ve got to be so determined, have the right attitude, the right application,” he explains.
At Wasserman, Watson advises both players and families on navigating the realities of professional sport. His guidance extends beyond tactics and training; it encompasses mindset, work ethic, and understanding that talent alone is never enough. In this way, his legacy continues and not just through goals and appearances, but through the next generation he now shapes.
It's fortunate for Watson that he took the path he has. As he says, it’s good to think about the future. Many other ex-players have found themselves in a dazed situation post-career. For example, Neil Warnock told Sky Sports that "[he] just felt lost. I was thinking, where's life going now? Where's it going to take you to?"
Warnock’s not alone in this as well, countless players end their careers have end up with gambling/drinking issues or mental health struggles. This is usually down to the loss of routine and purpose.
According to Watson’s the biggest support in his life is his family. “A lot of people lose that buzz of football…I still get that buzz through my kids”. Following their journeys allows him to channel that same competitive spirit he had into something more meaningful.
Image Source: Benwatson_09 on instagram
Ben Watson’s overall career has displayed adaptability, resilience and drive. For behind-the-scenes access to our interview with Ben visit the website below