Watson Set To Hang Up Boots

Wednesday's former Newcastle United and Everton midfielder Steve Watson is set to hang his boots up in the professional game.

The 35-year-old, who has also played for West Brom and Aston Villa in a successful career, arrived back at Wednesday's Middlewood Road training ground to keep up fitness during the pre-season.

But he's conceded that his time in the professional game could well come to an end before the 2009-10 season kicks-off in August, bringing to an end an illustrious career.

'It's very likely that I won't play again professionally but I still want to get back to a decent level of fitness so I can play when I want to play,' he told www.swfc.co.uk.

'If I get fitter and stronger and it feels better, then I can't 100 per cent rule it out that I won't give it another try.'

Wednesday fans will remember Watson most for his superb, match winning goal in the Steel City Derby against Sheffield United last season.

And his last game in the famous blue and white shirts came in the reverse fixture at Bramall Lane earlier this year - a game which Wednesday won to complete a famous double.

The North Shields man made over 50 appearances for the Owls during a loan stint and full switch to Hillsborough after signing from the Baggies.

In total, his time in the professional game has spanned over 19 years and over 500 appearances.

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