​Power: Dave Watson was the complete centre halfPaul Power says Dave Watson’s place in the pantheon of City’s all-time top defenders is assured, describing the former England captain as ‘the complete centre half.’
Men’s Team
Happy 80th birthday, Dave Watson
Power was just in the infancy of his own stellar career at City when Watson – who celebrates his 80th birthday today – joined the Club from Sunderland in the summer of 1975.But he went on to feature regularly alongside the England defender, gaining a first-hand insight and appreciation into what made Watson not only a timeless defender – but an inspirational, selfless individual too.Always a great thinker about the game, Power went on to clock up 445 games for City across more than a decade and stands 10th on the Club’s all-time appearance list.For him, Watson’s place in the catalogue of truly great all-time City central defenders is not up for debate.
Men’s Team
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“Dave Watson was a complete centre-back for me,” Paul says today.“He was an absolute powerhouse on the field – he was an athlete and was totally fearless.“And he was good at all elements of the game – be it the defensive side of things, or the attacking aspect when he was called upon at set pieces… Dave could do it all.“He possessed all the physical attributes and the mental toughness to be able to cope with any sort of problem.“The physical and mental side of being a top centre back, Dave had it all.“He had strength, he had power, he had pace. And he also had the mental ability in that he instinctively knew how to manage any situation.
Men’s Team
Quiz: Test your knowledge on birthday boy Dave Watson
“Not only was Dave a great player, but he was also a great person too and totally without ego.“He wasn’t a bully on the field, but he didn’t allow opponents to dominate.“Let’s face it, you don’t get sixty-five England caps, and go on to lead your country, unless you’re honest and really have something about you.“If I was to create a team from the players that I played with both at City and then later at Everton where I won the old Division One title, then Dave would be in there.“Now I was lucky enough to play with a lot of good centre halves so for him to come top of the tree speaks volumes about his ability.”Power also credits Watson as being an invaluable counsel and mentor whenever needed – and someone always willing to pass on their vast reservoir of knowledge and experience to emerging talent.Whilst Watson was approaching the peak years of his career when he made to move to City, in sharp contrast a teenage Power was embarking on the formative years of his own i