Watson, 37, joins the ‘Gers in the next chapter of his illustrious playing career which has seen him make 531 Irish League appearances.
His journey in the senior game started at Ballymena United at just 16-years-old, and by the age of 20, Watson was named captain of the Showgrounds side where he played with ‘Gers boss Stuart King.
The centre-half spent a total of ten years at United before signing for Linfield in the summer of 2011, winning both the league title and Irish Cup in his first season at Windsor Park while also receiving various Linfield Player of the Year awards and was included in the Football Writers’ Team of the Year.
However, his time with the Blues was cut short the following campaign as he emigrated to Canada alongside teammate Daryl Fordyce during the January transfer window, with the duo moving into full-time football at North American Soccer League side FC Edmonton.
Watson captained the Alberta-based club across five seasons and remains one of their all-time record appearance holders. Following a spell at KR Reykjavik and a return to Ballymena United, both during the 2018/19 campaign, Watson would join Larne where he has spent the last four seasons, winning another league title and the County Antrim Shield three times.
On becoming a Carrick Rangers player, Albert Watson said,
“I am delighted to sign for Carrick. Stuart really attracted me to come and play here as I admire the job he has done, particularly with how well the team performed in the league last season. I believe that the Club can continue that progression next year and I am looking forward to being part of that challenge.”
Delighted to confirm the news of his first summer signing, Stuart King commented,
“Bringing a player of Albert’s pedigree to the Club, who has been a professional, full-time footballer for the last ten years with top clubs both in Northern Ireland and abroad, is a massive signing for us. As a defender he is domineering and will put his head where it hurts, but he is also a leader who will be a voice in the changing room that sets standards and holds his teammates to those standards. I am so happy to get him on board and it is a signal of our intent to continue progressing and competing strongly in the league.”
Make sure you’re subscribed to our Official YouTube Channel where you can watch Albert’s first interview as a Carrick Rangers player later today.
Welcome to the ‘Gers, Albert!
Total Irish League appearances statistic courtesy of Marshall Gillespie.