Introduction
Thomas Houston "Tom" Watson (4 October 1902 – 1978) was an Irish international footballer. A defender, he appeared for Cardiff City in the 1927 FA Cup Final.
Career
Born in Belfast, Watson began his football career at Crusaders. In 1925 he joined Cardiff City where he managed to oust Scottish international Jimmy Blair from the side. Watson was plagued with injuries during his time at the club, mostly involving his cartilage. He managed to stay fit for most of the 1926-27 season as he helped Cardiff lift the FA Cup but his injuries would eventually cost him his place at the club. After just one game at the start of the 1928-29 season he underwent surgery and never managed to regain his place in the side and left, along with fellow FA Cup winner Tom Sloan, to join Linfield in 1929.
It was at Linfield that Watson and Sloan helped the side win the Irish Cup and completed a remarkable treble of winning the major cup in three different countries after already having won the FA Cup and the Welsh Cup.