David Shankland Watson (born 12 February 2005) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for club Bolton Wanderers.
Club career Kilmarnock Raised in Prestwick, South Ayrshire, where he attended Queen Margaret Academy,QMA newsletter Issue 7 Sporting Update, Queen Margaret Academy, 2 December 2016; via issuu Watson trained with Kilmarnock from the age of seven and officially joined the club's youth system aged ten.Kilmarnock teenager David Watson wants to follow in footsteps of boss Derek McInnes, Colin Paterson, Daily Record, 13 December 2022 He signed a two-year professional contract on 3 September 2021David Watson News & Quotes, KillieFC.com. Retrieved 26 August 2023 and made his senior debut the following day as a late substitute in a Scottish Challenge Cup victory over Falkirk, but was not otherwise involved with the first team squad that season as Killie were promoted as winners of the Scottish Championship.
During the following season, he made early appearances in the Scottish League Cup but it was not until March 2023, shortly after turning 18, that he began to feature regularly in the Scottish Premiership,David Watson exemplifies why Kilmarnock training ground is so vital, Ewan Paton, The Herald, 6 April 2023 making his league debut under manager Derek McInnes at Ibrox Stadium against RangersKilmarnock prospect David Watson targeting Scotland debut to make family proud, Gavin McCafferty, The Irish News, 12 May 2023 and starting eight of the last ten fixtures; his breakthrough coincided with an upturn in results (with the exception of a home defeat to St Johnstone in which Watson received a first half red card)Kilmarnock 0 St Johnstone 1: Instant reaction to the burning issues, David Irvine, The National, 20 May 2023 and the club escaped relegation, finishing in 10th place.Kilmarnock star David Watson spending summer in gym as he bids to bulk up for first team success, Lochlin Highet, Daily Record, 15 June 2023 He agreed a new two-year contract in May 2023.David Watson commits his future to the club, Kilmarnock FC, 11 May 2023
At the start of the 2023–24 season, Watson continued to feature in the starting lineup and was praised for his performances as Kilmarnock defeated both Rangers (in the Premiership) and Celtic (in the League Cup) by 1–0 scorelines at Rugby Park within the space of a fortnight.Kilmarnock 1-0 Celtic: Who impressed?, BBC Sport, 20 August 2023 He scored his first Kilmarnock goal during a 3–1 loss to Celtic in a league match at Celtic Park and would manage to score four further goals in the league season. In November 2023, he signed a further extension to his deal until 2026 after more impressive performances for the first team.Watson pens new deal, Kilmarnock FC, 29 November 2023 Kilmarnock finished fourth in the Premiership to qualify for the 2024–25 UEFA Europa League and Watson's contributions were recognised with Young Player of the Year awards from both the Writers' Association and the Footballers' Association.
On 25 July 2024 Watson scored his first European goal in a UEFA Europa League qualifier against Cercle Brugge with the game ending 1–1.
Bolton Wanderers On 1 June 2026, it was confirmed he would join EFL Championship club Bolton Wanderers once the English transfer window opens on 15 June 2026, signing a three-year deal, with the option of a fourth, with Kilmarnock receiving an undisclosed compensation package.
International career Watson received his first call-up to the Scotland under-19 national team in August 2023.Watson and Wales receive Scotland call-ups, Kilmarnock FC, 22 August 2023 He made his debut for the under-21s in June 2024, with fellow highly-regarded midfielder Lennon Miller doing likewise.Lennon Miller and David Watson earn first Scotland under-21 call ups, Clyde 1 News, 23 May 2024
Personal life Watson's mother Claire Houston was also a footballer, as well as a Scottish senior international. His younger brother Craig (born 2008) is also a footballer, and was on loan to Troon from Kilmarnock as of 2025.Craig Watson, Troon FC. Retrieved 27 December 2025
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupEuropeOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsKilmarnock2021–22 Scottish Championship000000—10102022–23 Scottish Premiership1000020—301502023–24Scottish Premiership3653060—004552024–25Scottish Premiership354101051004252025–26Scottish Premiership3431060—10433Total1151250150515014513Bolton Wanderers2026–27EFL Championship100010——20Career total1161250160515014713
References
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