An interview with Ben Watson, by Callum McFadden for WFi.
You retired from football in 2022. What have you been up to since then?
“Yeah, so now I’m working with the football agency Wasserman, which is something I always wanted to do. I’ve always had a passion for getting involved in that side of things, especially with the younger players. My son plays as well, so that’s added a personal connection for me. But really, it’s about helping younger players and educating them on the journey, along with their parents, too.
“I truly believe so many of them are misled from an early age, and that’s the main reason I wanted to get involved. The journey to becoming a professional footballer is incredibly tough. From the outside, people often think it’s straightforward because you play football, get paid well, and live a glamorous life. But in reality, there are so many ups and downs along the way. And that’s if you even get to go on that journey.
“I always say now: you can be a professional footballer for two or three years, and that could be it. Ultimately, the goal is to build a career that lasts 10, 15, or even 20 years. I was fortunate enough to play for nearly two decades, and through that experience, I feel I’ve got something valuable to give back. Being able to share that with the next generation is something I care deeply about.”
You came through the academy at Crystal Palace and broke into the first team at a young age. What impact did those formative years have on you, both as a player and a person?
“I learned so much throughout my time at the club, from the academy to the first team.
“I think when I look back at the club from the time I made my debut to where they are now, it’s honestly like chalk and cheese. At the time, Palace were going through a difficult period as we were heading into administration, and the club had to rely on younger players coming through the academy. And that’s where I got incredibly lucky. I was a 17-year-old kid. Was I ready? Who knows. But I got the opportunity because of the circumstances the club was in, and I managed to take it.
“There were so many special moments during my time there. One of the biggest things for me was being surrounded by a group of senior players who really took me under their wing. You don’t find many like them anymore in the sense of being old school, proper professionals. They looked after you out on the pitch. They made sure you were protected, and I’ll always be grateful for that. I’ve still got close relationships with many of them to this day.
“Obviously, there were big moments on the pitch, such as getting promoted to the Premier League, making my debut, and by the age of 22, having played nearly 200 games for the club. At the time, it all felt normal because it happened so quickly. But now, looking back, I realise it was anything but. They were amazing times at a brilliant football club, and it’s great to see Palace now in such a strong position.”
You had the chance to play alongside Andy Johnson during his peak years at Palace. For those who might not remember just how good he was, how would you sum up his quality as a player and the impact he had at the club?
“He was a fantastic footballer, he really was. At the time, we played a 4-4-2 with him and Neil Shipperley up top, and they complemented each other perfectly. AJ had incredible pace, he was a natural goalscorer, and he worked his socks off every single game.
“More importantly, he was a brilliant guy both on and off the pitch. Like you said, maybe younger fans don’t quite realise how good he was, but during that era, he was electric. Five-foot-six, not much to him physically, but he had unbelievable determination and real quality to go with it.”
Following six and a half years at Palace, you made a move to in terms of you making the move to Wigan Athletic in January 2009. How did that move come about?
“At the time, I had about six months left on my contract at Palace and felt it was the right moment to move on. Performance-wise, I’d reached a certain level, and I was ready for a new challenge.
The move to Wigan came about quite suddenly. There had been some interest elsewhere, but that one really came out of nowhere and happened almost overnight. It was under Steve Bruce, who, funnily enough, had been manager at Palace when I was a scholar. I actually used to clean his boots back then. So, there was already that connection.
“He brought me in, but within six months, he’d left the club. Still, it was a chance to join an established Premier League side, and that’s where I wanted to be. Having had a taste of the Premier League with Palace a few years earlier, getting another shot at that level was something I was hugely grateful for.”
We’ve got to talk about the 2013 FA Cup Final, where you scored the winning goal against Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City side. It is arguably the most iconic moment in Wigan Athletic history. What do you remember about that day, the build-up, and of course, that unforgettable moment?
“Yeah, it was an incredible day because it was one of those real David and Goliath moments. No one expected us to win, but we were quietly confident. We’d played City a few weeks earlier at the Etihad and only lost 1–0, and even then, we felt like we were right in the game. We knew that tactically, we had to be absolutely spot on, and on the day, we were. City weren’t quite at their best, and we were probably at ours.
“From a personal point of view, it was unforgettable. I wasn’t disappointed not to start – well, maybe a little – but I’d been out injured, and the manager rightly kept faith with the team that got us to the final. I always believed I’d have a role to play, though. I knew I’d be needed.
“We all felt it: we were never going to get a better chance to win the FA Cup, and we had to give it absolutely everything.
“Fortunately, I was able to pop up with the winner late on. City were down to ten men, and I sensed an opportunity from a set piece. They were zonal marking, and I just knew if the delivery was right, I could find space. Shaun Maloney’s ball was perfect, and I’ve honestly never headed a ball like that before or since.
“It still gives me goosebumps thinking about it. To come on and score the winner in an FA Cup Final… that stays with you forever. You’re part of history, not just at Wigan, but in the history of the competition itself. Not many players get to say that.
“That day will always be the greatest thing that has ever happened to me in football and something that I will forever be proud of.”
What were the celebrations like after such a success?
“People don’t believe me when I say this, but the celebrations never really happened!
“The FA Cup Final was actually played before the end of the Premier League season, and we were still in the middle of a relegation battle. We had to be back in training the very next day, preparing to face Arsenal away on the Tuesday night. So as incredible as that day at Wembley was, we couldn’t truly enjoy it the way we might’ve liked.
“The tough part is that, just days later, we were relegated. It was a week of extreme highs and lows to go from the greatest moment in the club’s history to one of the most painful, after so many years in the Premier League. It was surreal, really.
“But even with that, to win the FA Cup, to be part of a moment that will live forever in the club’s history and in the history of the competition is something I’ll always be incredibly proud of.”
You played under Roberto Martinez at Wigan, and he is now managing the Portuguese national team after spells with Everton and Belgium. From the moment that he arrived as Wigan manager, was it clear just how talented he was and what he could achieve?
“Thanks to Roberto, I gained a much deeper understanding of football. He taught me about positional play, tactics, and the technical aspects of the game. I give him full credit for that, and even now, I’d say he’s arguably the best coach I’ve ever worked with.
“What stood out most was his passion for the game and his commitment to playing attractive, positive football. Even when we got beaten heavily at times, he believed that if we played the right way, all the hard work would eventually pay off. At times he was accused of being a bit idealistic, but his vision and approach to how his teams should play were always clear and inspiring.
“Winning the FA Cup shows that it worked, and no one can ever take that success away from him.”
How proud were you to work your way back to the Premier League with Watford after leaving Wigan in 2015?
“I stayed with Wigan in the Championship for a full season and a half of the following season.
“However, after Roberto moved on, things had changed, and those who replaced him had new ideas for the club.
“Then, the opportunity to join Watford came up in the January of 2015. As soon as I joined, I knew I was joining a club capable of getting promoted because I had played against them earlier in the season, and I knew the quality within that team.
“To go on and win promotion to the Premier League within the first six months of signing was incredible – I said it at the time, it was up there with the FA Cup in terms of achievements.
“I had a fantastic time at Watford, and I’m grateful for everything they’ve done for me. It’s a club that I still believe should be in the Premier League. But like Wigan, football is hard. It’s hard at times, especially not just on the pitch, but also off the pitch. Watford has probably suffered in that sense over the last few years.”
During your time at Watford, you worked with several managers. Which coaches stood out to you?
“The two managers who impressed me most were Slaviša Jokanović, who was the manager when I signed, and Quique Sánchez Flores, who replaced him.
“Jokanović was fantastic for me, but he was sacked when we got promoted. That was when Quique came in, and I loved my time with him. We finished 11th in the league and reached the FA Cup semi-finals, but he was sacked too. My last manager was Marco Silva, whom I had for about six months. I really respected Marco and enjoyed my time under him, too.”
You then moved to Nottingham Forest in 2018 after three and a half season with Watford. While you were at Forest, there was also a high turnover of managers. How do you reflect on your time at the City Ground?
“You’re right, it was exactly the same at Forest in terms of managers (laughs).
“At the end of the day, it’s a results business, and sometimes the owners can be a bit unpredictable, but Forest is a brilliant club, and it’s no surprise to see how well they’re doing now. The fan base is outstanding, and the city itself is fabulous and they’ve just continued to improve over the years.
“I had a really good time there, especially under Sabri Lamouchi. We had a fantastic season, and it was disappointing to just miss out on the playoffs during the COVID year. Honestly, we probably should have made it, but we faltered towards the end of the campaign. It was a tough lesson, but a valuable one.
“There’s definitely been a lot of growth and fight since then, and their current success is well deserved.”
I have spoken to a few of your teammates over the years, and they have praised you as an underrated player. Who are some players you’ve played with who you believe didn’t receive the recognition they deserved?
“At Wigan, I would pick out James McArthur, who was exceptional. He was a brilliant footballer who dedicated himself tirelessly to his craft, ultimately achieving a career spanning over 300 Premier League games. There are many others, including players at Palace, Watford, and Forest, too. Too many to mention individually. However, every club has its share of players who are vital to the overall working of the team and go under the radar.
“When you are truly appreciated by players, managers, coaches, and the staff within a football club, it holds significant value. While fans have their opinions – in the sense that some may support you and others may not – the most crucial recognition comes from your colleagues and the club’s staff.”
You represented England at Under-21 level, which is a milestone many players aspire to reach. How do you reflect on that experience now?
“It was amazing. I never went beyond the Under-21s, and now my son will sometimes ask me, ‘Why didn’t you play for England?’ But then I start listing the midfielders who were ahead of me – Gerrard, Lampard, Scholes, Carrick, Gareth Barry, Scott Parker, Jermaine Jenas – the competition was incredibly tough. It was a different level.
“But to represent the U21s was still a great achievement, and I loved every minute of it. Of course, I wish I’d had more caps or gone further, but when I look back over a 20-year career, I’m extremely proud of everything I achieved.”
Finally, Ben, you played in the Premier League for many years, at a time when the league was packed with top talent. As a midfielder, who were the toughest direct opponents you came up against?
“Absolutely, the Premier League is the best league in the world, and the level of talent, especially across the top teams, is incredible. Over the years, I faced so many top-class midfielders – Scholes, Keane, Gerrard, Lampard – the list is endless. And then later in my career, particularly during my time at Watford, you had players like Yaya Touré, David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne… the standard was unbelievable.
“It’s almost impossible to pick just one. Someone like Mousa Dembélé who was at Fulham and Tottenham, for example, he probably didn’t get the recognition he deserved publicly, but if you ask players who faced or played with him, they’ll all tell you just how good he was. Technically and physically, he had everything.
“But if I had to single one out, it would probably be Steven Gerrard. For me, he was the complete midfielder. He could run, tackle, pass, and score. He really had absolutely everything to his game, and he was on another level to everyone else.”
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