For Blyth Spartans defender Jordan Watson Sunday’s FA Cup First Round tie with Altrincham marks the culmination of a comeback from a “nightmare” two years. The young Northern Irishman has spent almost two years on the sidelines whilst Sunderland’s academy with two serious injuries.
A damaged cruciate ligament led to a year out of the game for the defender and then in his first training session back the same injury occurred. Rather than dwelling on the past Watson revealed that he can’t wait for the cup tie with the Conference side.
“It’s really unbelievable to be in the first round. After the nightmare two years I have had with injuries and then being released by Sunderland it was tough but the move to Blyth came and now to be looking forward to the game on Sunday is just unbelievable. I can’t wait to get out there”
With such a big game on the horizon Watson was honest enough to admit that there were some tough times, however he paid tribute to the medical team at Sunderland and stressed his desire to do well at Spartans.
“When the first injury happened you just think I will get over this and carry on. The recovery took longer than expected but I felt ok. Then in my first training session back it went again although I was only out for six months that time and the physio at Sunderland was excellent.
When I got released by Sunderland it was hard but Blyth Spartans came calling and I am delighted to be here and determined to do well. Especially with the situation we are in at the moment and with next Sunday’s game to look forward to”
As with the majority of the Spartans squad Watson will be making his debut in the “proper” rounds of the FA Cup, something he describes as “an absolute dream”.
“It’s an amazing competition, probably the best club competition around. As a young boy you dream of playing in the FA Cup and now I have the chance to do so, it’s just an absolute dream for me”
And what of the tie with Altrincham? For Watson the game represents a chance for Spartans to make it into the second round of the FA Cup although he admitted that Spartans would have to be “at the top of our game” if they are to see of the Conference outfit.
“It’s a winnable game but it will be a difficult game. We are confident and we are in good form but we know we have to be at the top of our game to beat them”