Stephen Watson (1992 to 1994)
Following a successful week long trial (in which he featured for the Reserves on their tour of the Borders), Stephen joined Rangers from Liverpool youth side Mausley in August 1990.
The left sided defender had seemed certain to join Liverpool but instead opted for Ibrox when the Anfield side failed to get the deal across the line. For a diehard Evertonian, perhaps the option of playing in blue was the deciding factor!
Stephen went on to make three first team appearances during his time at Ibrox, all of which came in the treble winning season of 1992/93. His debut came in April 1993, Rangers running out 3-2 winners at Tynecastle during a midweek encounter with Hearts. Stephen slotted into the left-back position and it was his last gasp goal-line clearance (under extreme pressure from the combative Ian Baird) which prevented a dropped point.
He would keep his place in the side when Partick Thistle came to Ibrox on the Saturday. With fellow youngsters Neil Murray, Steven Pressley, Gary McSwegan and David Hagen also in the line up Rangers were still comfortable winners with Gary McSwegan (2) and David Hagen on the scoresheet during a 3-1 victory.
Stephen’s final appearance also came against the Jags although this time in a heavy defeat at Firhill. Coming just 72 hours after the title was clinched at Broomfield, there was a feeling that evening that some of the first team squad looked as though may have been over doing the celebrations in the preceding days.
With David Robertson in tremendous form and an almost ever present, first team opportunities for Stephen were infrequent and he moved on. Remaining in Scotland, he spent several seasons with St. Mirren where he captained the ‘Love Street’ side.
by Rick Plews
