In January 2009, Latics beat off competition from Middlesbrough for the signature of Watson who had past experience of Barclays Premier League with the club he came from Crystal Palace.
His professional debut was made at the age of just 17 for the Eagles against Watford in 2003, with his Premier League debut coming a year later against Manchester City.
Watson’s Latics debut ended in relative success as he helped the team gain a point in a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa in January 2009. His first goal for Latics came two months later the first in a 2-1 victory over Sunderland.
Since his move to the DW Stadium, Watson has had two successful loan spells outside of the Premier League with Queens Park Rangers and West Bromwich Albion.
Upon his return from the latter in April 2010 he played an instrumental role in Latics first ever league victory over Arsenal as he scored the goal that pegged the team back to 2-1 as Latics went on to win 3-2 in dramatic fashion.
The former Palace midfielder is one of many penalty kick specialists at the club and the 2011/2012 season saw him break a Latics record for the quickest goal as a substitute.
As Hugo Rodallega won a penalty late on in the 2011 New Year’s Eve match against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium, on came Watson who courageously stepped up to stroke the ball home and earn Latics a crucial 2-2 draw.
The penalty was one of three league goals in the 2011/12 season for Watson who scored the first goal of the season against Norwich City, also from the penalty spot.
His other goal came against Wolverhampton Wanderers in a 3-1 defeat as he followed in a rebound from his own missed penalty.
Watson has represented England on two occasions at under 21 level.