The former Newcastle United, Everton and Aston Villa utility man Steve Watson was something of a Premier League mainstay for well over a decade. But what exactly happened to him?

Steve Watson started his career at Newcastle United and is currently the youngest ever player to gain a competitive appearance for the Geordies at 16 yrs and 223 days, way back in 1990. He stayed with his home town club for nearly eight years and worked under Kevin Keegan and Kenny Dalglish before a short lived move to Aston Villa. Watson then moved onto a five year career at Everton. His time at Goodison Park was something of an enigma with him taking positions upfront and in midfield; furthermore it was blighted by injury.

Watson left Everton and switched to West Brom for two seasons in 2005 before becoming something of a cult hero in his twilight years at Sheffield Wednesday. He spent three seasons with the Owls having been signed by former manager Brian Laws and his experience immediately gave the team a boost. He was made captain of the side last season in what proved to be his final year as a professional. He did go out with a blast though. The former Newcastle United favourite replaced former captain Lee Bullen to take care of off the field activities whilst Richard Wood was on the field captain. Strange I know. He remains in the hearts of Sheffield Wednesday fans after scoring the only goal of the game in the Steel derby between the Owls and Sheffield United. Not just the only goal, but a magnificent lob to boot that had United Keeper Paddy Kenny rooted to the spot.

At the age of 35yrs old The Owl’s decided that with injuries keeping Watson sidelined that it was time to release the vastly experienced player. Watson announced his retirement from the game following his release. Currently Watson appears to be taking a break from the football; he does corporate events for Sheffield Wednesday with question and answer sessions for fans of the South Yorkshire side. He has been considering moving into coaching though.

Watson told Sky Sports News recently ‘Coaching does appeal to me, but I'd have to make sure it's what I want to do. I've enjoyed my career and been lucky enough to play for five really big clubs and I'm curious as to what is going to happen next.’

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