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Watson The Young Achiever
Written by Newcastle Utd
Steve Watson, United's youngest ever player, reflects on his debut at Wolverhampton 25 years ago today
Twenty five years ago today, Steve Watson stepped out onto the pitch against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux to become Newcastle United's youngest ever player aged just 16 years, 7 months and 9 days.
It is a record he still holds today.
While Watson would eventually amass 263 appearances and 14 goals in the black and white stripes, as well as representing England at Under-21 level, that afternoon in the Midlands still remains an immense source of pride for the popular former defender.
"Looking back, it was just a blur," he explains. "I'd been playing for the juniors under Colin Suggett and Derek Fazackerley and on Thursday's we'd always be in college.
"I got a message to come back and train with the first team but even then I thought it was just a 'pat on the back' for doing well with the Juniors.
"I then found out I was going to be part of the travelling squad for Wolverhampton Wanderers which was a real thrill but remember, I was only 16 and really too young to take it all in.
"I'd roomed with Matty Appleby on the Friday night and it was only on the way to the ground on Saturday morning that the kit man, Chris Guthrie, let it slip that I was to be on the bench.
"I was too young for nerves and when the Gaffer (Jim Smith) confirmed it during the team meeting 90 minutes before the game, I was made up - I was just a kid five months out of school.
"It was a surreal experience, getting changed with the likes of seasoned pros like John Burridge, John Anderson and Mick Quinn but the time just seemed to flash by. As for the game itself Clarkie (Lee Clark) scored his first goal for the club and we went in at 1-1 at the interval with me still on the bench."
"I got the call from the Gaffer with about 15 minutes left and all I can remember is Mark McGhee saying to me as I came on 'we need you son' and that made me feel ten feet tall.
"It was great that a senior pro took the time to help a young lad and it's advice I'll never forget. It wasn't just a kick-about with the lads, it was the real thing, playing first team football for Newcastle United.
"I came on for Liam O'Brien and slotted into right midfield and as I said before the rest of it is just a blur. We ended up getting beat 2-1 but for me it'll always be an extra special day.
"Back then the media wasn't as frenetic as it is nowadays, the 24/7 coverage these days means nothing gets missed but back then it was mainly just the local newspapers and the radio that covered the club so in many respects it crept under the radar a little bit.
"That said, I'm very proud to hold the record for being the club's youngest ever player but if a young lad from the Academy, hopefully a Geordie, breaks the record in the coming months or years, I'll be the first to pat them on the back and say well done."
Watson would have to wait just under two months to finally make his debut appearance St. James' Park. Born and bred on Tyneside and a lifelong Newcastle fan, it remains one of the most memorable moments of his long career.
"As it happens I remember much more about my home debut for the club which was an FA Cup tie against Derby on 5 January 1991. I'd played at Oldham on New Years Day but the excitement beforehand, looking forward to playing at St. James' Park, was incredible.
"All my family were there and it was extra special because we won 2-0 against a side who were in Division One at the time."
Watson would go on to become known for his famous 'flip' throw-in, which became the talk of the terraces.
"It just came about from playing on the beach at Tynemouth," Watson added.
"I was a decent gymnast at the time and so was pretty flexible so we just started doing different things after training, messing about really, and by chance I did this throw in and it went for miles!
"I tried it a few times in games and it took a few teams by surprise but then I reverted back to normal throw-ins!"
The full Newcastle United team at Wolverhampton was: John Burridge; Kevin Scott, Wayne Fereday, Darren Bradshaw, John Anderson, Ray Ranson; Lee Clark, Scott Sloan, Mick Quinn, Mark McGhee, Liam O'Brien (Steve Watson)