Happy 80th birthday, Dave Watson
Today we’re wishing City legend Dave Watson a very happy 80th birthday.
One of the totems of City’s famous 1976 League Cup winning side, over the course of four memorable years at Maine Road, Dave established himself as one of England’s finest centre halves.
A veritable warrior and colossus on the field, Watson literally shed blood, sweat and tears in the course of his stellar City career.
Never more so than on that famous day at Wembley in February 1976 where his herculean efforts helped City beat Newcastle United 2-1 to win the League Cup.
His performance alone that day was significant enough as he silenced the threat of Magpies striker Malcolm McDonald and Co.
But the memorable sight of Dave nonchalantly being interviewed in the City dressing room afterwards whilst having stitches applied to an eye wound only served to further cement his place in City folklore.
However, his impact and influence at the Club went far, far beyond that.
Affectionately known both as The Rock and Big Dave, Watson was also the lynchpin of a hugely talented side assembled by Tony Book.
A leader and warrior in every sense of the word, what’s more Watson also served as a guiding inspiration for a host of emerging young City talent, going on to make 188 appearances in total for City, scoring six goals.
Over the course of a hugely illustrious and successful playing career that spanned three decades in total, Watson became synonymous for his talent, bravery and wholehearted commitment to the game.
Before joining City in 1975, Watson – who had started his professional career at hometown club Notts County - had already helped Sunderland, then of the old second division, beat Leeds United to win the 1973 FA Cup final, a result that still reverberates today as arguably the biggest shock in the competition’s history.
That presaged his move to City where Dave arguably enjoyed the greatest years of his career, with The Rock also helping the Blues finish runners-up to Liverpool in the 1976/77 Division One, with City missing out on the title by a single point.
Along the way Watson also became the backbone of the England national side, becoming a permanent fixture for his country for several years.
He had the distinction of being afforded his debut in what proved to be Sir Alf Ramsey’s final game in charge of England in a friendly against Portugal in 1974.
Dave would go on to win 65 caps in total – captaining his country on three occasions - and featuring for the Three Lions at the 1980 European Championships.
His time at City came to an end in 1979 – prematurely in the eyes of many observers – with Watson embarking on a new challenge with German side Werder Bremen.
Shortly after he returned back to England to resume his top-flight career at Southampton then going on to feature with Stoke City, Vancouver Whitecaps and Derby County before his career turned full circle with a return to Notts County.
Sadly, in recent years, Dave’s health has suffered as he has been afflicted with dementia.
But along with the steadfast support of wife Penny and his family Dave has faced the condition with the same courage and fortitude that was the hallmark of his career.
What’s more, together with Penny he still makes regular returns to Manchester to catch up with his former team-mates where he is a hugely popular figure.
So, it feels only fitting to say a heartfelt thank you for your unstinting service to City, Dave – and the happiest of birthdays to you today.