Wellington Phoenix have shored up their attacking stocks with the signing of towering striker Hamish Watson for the 2016/17 Hyundai A-League season.
A former member of the Phoenix Football School of Excellence, Watson played two A-League games for the club before going to England where he played for Grimsby Town and went on loan to Gainsborough United.
When things didn’t work out in England the ebullient striker returned to New Zealand to join ASB Premiership club Hawke’s Bay United.
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After joining the Phoenix as an injury replacement for Roy Krishna, the striker scored two goals against Newcastle Jets in just his second outing for the club.
“It is great to have signed as a fully-fledged professional,” the likeable Watson said.
“The right people want me at the club and Ernie has been really supportive.
“I was surprised when I got a second chance with the Phoenix and I am now determined to make the most of it.
“The spell overseas definitely helped me. It was tough at the time but I wouldn’t be talking to you today if it hadn’t improved me.
“This is a great chance for me and I want to make myself the No 1 striker at the club.
“The priority is to score goals and repay Ernie Merrick for the faith he has shown in me.”
Watson’s career received a further boost this week when he was asked to attend an All Whites camp in Auckland during May.
Should he do well there is a chance he could make the All Whites squad for a training camp in Brisbane starting on May 18.
