Name: Aidan Watson Squad Number: 16 Position: Midfielder Born: Downpatrick Date of Birth: 19/08/1986 United Debut: 13/08/2005 v. Portadown (away) - lost 0-1 United Stats: 112 appearances, 5 goals Career: Glentoran; Aug 2002 - Ards; Aug 2005 - Ballymena United International Honours: Northern Ireland Under-19 Northern Ireland Under-18 Schools Northern Ireland Under-17 Shirt Sponsor: None

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NOW in his fifth season at the Ballymena Showgrounds, Aidan Watson has found himself one of the 'old hands' at the club, despite only turning 23. The Killyleagh youngster made his Irish League debut for Ards at the age of only 16 in 2002 and spent three seasons at the County Down club, where he won Ards' Player of the Year award in 2004/2005 and also a runners-up medal in the County Antrim Shield. He became one of the Tommy Wright's first signings as Ballymena United manager in August 2005, having starred for the Northern Ireland Under-19 side in the European Championships. Aidan had a superb first season at United were his industrious performance seen him shortlisted for the Football Writers' Young Player of the Year in 2006.

A series of niggling injuries have hindered his progress at Warden Street over the last few seasons. Despite being transfer listed by new United manager Roy Walker, he fought his way back into contention and was eventually removed from the list after some excellent displays last season. Now with over 100 appearances under his belt, he will looking to make a big impression in Walker's new-look United side for the forthcoming campaign. [view full profile]