Wigan Athletic legend 'not finished with Premier League'

That’s the view of former Wigan Athletic colleague Gary Caldwell, who says Watson’s influence at Nottingham Forest - who were lying in a play-off spot when the campaign was suspended in March - shows, like a fine wine, he’s getting better with age.

“I could see Ben playing in the Premier League again if Forest were to win promotion”, Caldwell said.

“He was never somebody who was quick. He never relied on his pace.

“He is a technical player and physically, he seems to have got better over the years, rather than worse, when it comes to his ability to cover ground.

“There is nothing to stop him from playing at the highest level again because he has all that experience behind him and it will only make him an even better player.”

The veteran midfielder has been the driving force behind Forest’s promotion push, wearing the captain’s armband.

He’s one of only two players to feature in all 37 league matches, chipping in with three goals.

Former Forest sporting director Luke Dowling was involved in both the deal to take Watson from Wigan to Watford in January 2015, and then on to the City Ground in February 2018.

Watson helped the Hornets win promotion to the top flight, and Dowling says the deals are among his best coups in the transfer market.

“To have taken him to two clubs without spending a penny on a transfer fee... that is some of the best business I have done,” Dowling told The Athletic.

“People always ask you what the best signing is that you have been involved in.

“They naturally look to the most expensive signings but Ben has to be up there.”

Watson made 133 appearances for Latics during his six--year stay at the DW Stadium, having been signed from Crystal Palace by Steve Bruce in January 2009.

His most famous moment was popping up with the last-gasp winning goal that beat Manchester City in the 2013 FA Cup final at Wembley.