Exclusive: Albert Watson on Carrick Rangers, Larne, coaching and facing Spanish legend Raùl

How would you evaluate your experience with Carrick Rangers since joining the club in 2023? 

 

“Ever since I came in, I’ve had a fantastic time. In my first year, we achieved the highest finish the club has ever seen, with the highest points total and position. 

 

“We qualified for the European play-off, which was a major success for Carrick. Even though we didn’t win the play-off, it was still a hugely successful year. I’m proud of the progress made and feel that my contribution helped achieve that success.”

 

As a senior player in the Carrick Rangers dressing room, how do you approach your leadership role and provide guidance to your teammates?

 

“Absolutely, I love coaching and leading. It’s rewarding to work with young players and offer guidance without coming across as a know-it-all. I aim to provide constructive feedback by suggesting alternative approaches or strategies, and to support them in their development. 

 

“Reflecting on my own experience, I appreciated the help from senior players when I was younger, so I’m eager to give back in the same way.

 

“I enjoy working with promising talents and at Carrick Rangers we have players with potential like Kurtis Forsyth, Danny Gibson, and others. My goal is to help them improve and avoid the mistakes I’ve seen over the years, ultimately helping them reach their full potential.”

 

You started your career at Ballymena United and had a successful time there during a decade-long tenure at the club.

 

How do you reflect on those formative years of your career?

 

“Honestly, it has served me well throughout my career. I owe much of that to Kenny Shields, whowas my Northern Ireland under 17 manager prior to me joining Ballymena. I remember the professionals Kenny brought into the club, like Trevor McMullan, Oran Kearney, Gary Smyth, Paul Byrne, and Alfie Stewart. They truly understood the game, and I was eager to absorb everything. 

 

“They were vastly experienced, having played many games, competed at a high level, and won titles. It was during this period that I met Stuart King – my manager at Carrick Rangers – and later into my time there, Tommy Wright came in. 

 

“The experience of working under Kenny and Tommy at Ballymena provided me with an excellent foundation for the future. There was no pressure on me—just the opportunity to play. Everyone at the club was exceptional with me.”

 

 

After your time with Ballymena, you joined Linfield during a period of notable success, including back-to-back league and cup doubles under the management of David Jeffery. 

 

What was it like playing under David Jeffrey and being part of such a successful team?

 

“It was unbelievable.

 

“During the nine years at Ballymena, Linfield approached me three or four times. The first time they came in, Kenny Shields was there, and I felt I owed him something. Then, under Tommy Wright, it didn’t work out due to a bad injury, but I had a strong year at Ballymena.

 

“David Jeffrey approached me again and said, “This is the final time I’m coming for you, Albert. You either come now or you don’t come.” At that time, I was 25, and I felt it was the right moment to join Linfield and take on the role of starting centre-back.

 

“I knew the environment would be more competitive and demanding, and I was prepared for that. I made sure I was ready both physically and mentally.

 

“In my first year at Linfield, I achieved success both as part of the team and individually, including winning Player of the Year. I was thrilled with how my first year went.”

 

After 18 months at Linfield, you were approached by FC Edmonton of Canada. 

 

Was the opportunity to go abroad and play football in Canada just too good to turn down?

 

“That’s exactly how it was, Callum. I always wanted to play abroad; I didn’t see myself spending my entire career in the Irish League. I needed to test myself in a different environment. Eventually, I moved and ended up at FC Edmonton, which was in the NASL at the time—a league that was attracting big names to play in it. There were exceptional players like Raúl, and Marcos Senna who joined New York Cosmos. The standard of games was outstanding.

 

“Taking the chance to move there was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I went over with my fiancée, and while there, we got married and had two daughters who we affectionately call our “Canadian girls.” I spent about six or seven years in Edmonton, and it turned out to be the best experience of my life.”

 

You mentioned some of those big-name players like Raúl and Senna. What are your memories of facing them?

 

“It was an opportunity I would never have had if I hadn’t made that move. I was very fortunate to play against higher calibre players. For example, I remember coming up directly against Joe Cole, who was with Tampa Bay Rowdies at the time. 

 

“I realised I would never have had the chance to play against players of that calibre otherwise. It was truly eye-opening to witness their quality.

 

“Raúl, had come from Schalke, played as an attacking midfielder in one of our games when we faced the Cosmos. He completely dominated the match. You couldn’t get near him; he was so precise, and his touch was exceptional. His passing and movement were unparalleled—he was on an entirely different level from everyone else.

 

“Marcos Senna controlled the game in central midfield playing a more defensive role. He had previously played for Villarreal in Spain and won the European Championship with the national team in 2008. 

 

“Despite the immense quality of Raúl and Senna, we managed to draw 1-1 with the New York Cosmos in that match. I was astounded; we had just held our own against such a formidable team. Playing against players of that calibre was an extraordinary experience. It allowed me to gauge my abilities and compete at a level far beyond what I was accustomed to, even though their superiority was undeniable.”

 

You swapped Canada for another foreign experience in Iceland with KR Reykjavík. What was your time playing in Iceland like?

 

“I really enjoyed my time there. 

 

“The situation changed when my wife’s father had a heart attack. She wanted to be closer to home because of the family situation, especially since my own father had passed away. I couldn’t begrudge her that, so we decided to move closer to home. 

 

“We ended up in Iceland on our way back. I knew Óskar Örn Hauksson, the captain of KR Reykjavik, from his brief stint at FC Edmonton, so he was familiar with me. I went there to try it out, but I suffered a tendon injury halfway through the season. I was out for a few weeks and never fully recovered. I ended up playing in about 16 or 18 games.

 

“KR Reykjavik is a great club with a rich history and a strong community in Reykjavik. Unfortunately, the timing wasn’t ideal. With my injury and my wife not fully enjoying it, it became clear that if the family isn’t happy, it affects everyone. That’s why we decided to return.”

 

After a brief stint back at Ballymena, you joined Larne in 2019 and were part of the club’s remarkable transformation, from reaching the Premiership to winning the historic first Premiership title. 

 

What was it like to be involved in this journey, especially with Kenny Bruce’s investment, Tiernan Lynch’s management, and the overall changes at the club?

 

“When I returned home, I had a meeting with Kenny Bruce at the Curran Court Hotel in Larne. He told me, “We want to get to the Champions League. I want to hear the Champions League music at Inver Park.” At the time, I was in my second year at KR Reykjavik, and I was home for Christmas because their season runs through the summer. I was training with Larne and found Kenny’s ambition astounding. I remembered Larne as a modest team with a less-than-ideal pitch, so his goal seemed far-fetched.

 

“I shared this with my wife, Alison, who is from Ballygally, and she laughed. However, I found myself believing in Kenny’s vision. Despite small doubts, I felt his enthusiasm was genuine and he had a plan. Alison supported my decision, and I agreed to finish the season with Ballymena under Davey Jeffrey while planning to join Larne afterward.

 

“My first year at Larne was exceptional. We reached Europe, won our first senior trophy, and achieved many milestones.

 

“I am delighted to see Kenny’s vision now be realised with Larne becoming the first club from Northern Ireland to reach the group stages of the Conference League. He is an outstanding owner—supportive and conscientious, not only financially but in every aspect. Working with him and Tiernan Lynch was an incredible experience. I’m thrilled to see them achieve such success; they truly deserve it.”

 

Tiernan Lynch has achieved remarkable success with Larne, including four consecutive County Antrim Shields, back-to-back league titles, and reaching the group stage of European competition. 

 

Given these accomplishments, do you believe he has the potential to be considered one of the best coaches in the Irish League history?

 

“Credit must be given where it’s due. Tiernan Lynch has transformed the club from the First Division to competing in Europe, secured the first senior trophy, won back-to-back trophies, reached the Irish Cup final, and then achieved consecutive league titles, culminating in reaching the group stages of European competition for the first time in the club’s history. 

 

“With such a track record, it’s hard to argue against his success in the Irish League. Tiernan possesses exceptional capabilities and work ethic—he is conscientious, meticulous, and his dedication is unparalleled. I believe he has the potential to manage at a higher level. While I hope Larne retain him, his achievements with the club are truly remarkable and speak volumes about his quality.”

 

Finally, Albert, you’ve expressed a strong passion for coaching and have experience working with young players. While you continue to play at Carrick at the moment, do you have aspirations to become a manager yourself one day?

 

“Of course, I have ambitions to coach and manage. I recognise, however, that there is much to learn and appreciate about the challenges and intricacies involved. I’m currently managing the under-16s at Larne full-time and thoroughly enjoying it. 

 

“I understand that I have a lot to learn, but I am committed to doing so. I have the right mentality; I’m dedicated to continuous learning and improvement. I never stand still and always push forward. This drive stems from my work ethic as a player—I wasn’t the most naturally talented, but I worked hard on all the controllable aspects to build a professional career. I believe that with determination and a solid plan, you can achieve your goals. 

 

“It might sound cliché, but that’s my aim. I want to learn as much as I can over the next five to six years and see where it leads me.”

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Featured image: Carrick Rangers