Vic Watson

Early career

Watson began his career in his native Cambridgeshire, starting his career playing football for hometown club Girton in 1912. After a year, Watson joined Cambridge Town, before moving onto Peterborough & Fletton United in 1914. Watson also represented his works team, Brotherhood Engineering Works. On 2 November 1914, following the outbreak of World War I a few months prior, Watson joined the British Army. During the war, Watson fought in both the Cambridgeshire Regiment and the Northamptonshire Regiment. During the war, Watson began a sergeant. Following the culmination of World War I, Watson signed for Wellingborough Town in 1919.

West Ham United

In March 1920, Watson signed for West Ham United for a fee of £50, bringing him in to provide cover for Syd Puddefoot. On 25 September 1920, Watson made his debut for West Ham, starting in a 0–0 draw away to Cardiff City. In his third game for the club, on 4 October 1920, Watson scored his first goal for the Hammers, scoring the only goal in a 1–0 away at Coventry City. Owing to Puddefoot's form, Watson only made nine appearances for West Ham in his first season at the club, mainly playing at outside-left. In February 1922, Puddefoot signed for Falkirk for a world record fee of £5,000, allowing Watson to establish himself as a centre forward for the club. On 30 December 1922, Watson scored his first West Ham hat-trick, scoring all three West Ham goals in a 3–1 win against Coventry at Highfield Road.…

Following his goalscoring exploits in the Second Division for West Ham, Watson was rewarded with an England call-up in March 1923. On 5 March 1923, Watson scored on his England debut, scoring England's second, in a 2–2 draw against Wales. A month later, Watson made his second appearance for England, scoring again in another 2–2 draw against Scotland. Due to his exploits for West Ham during the 1929–30 season, Watson returned to the England side just under seven years after his last appearance, scoring the opening two goals in a 5–2 win against Scotland on 5 April 1930. Watson would go onto make two final appearances for England in May 1930, playing against Germany and Austria.

Watson and his wife Kathleen had five children together, one of whom, John, died at four days old. Watson played hours after his death in an FA Cup tie against West Bromwich Albion, scoring the opening goal in a 2–0 win on 28 January 1933. Watson's nephew, Harry Cranfield, was also a professional footballer, playing in the Football League for Fulham and Bristol Rovers.

Upon retiring from professional football, he returned to Cambridgeshire. He became a market gardener in Girton. Watson died on 3 August 1988 at the age of 90. In June 2010, a plaque honouring Watson was unveiled in Girton.