Scunthorpe United is delighted to welcome back goalkeeper Rory Watson on a season-long loan from fellow National League side York City.
Watson, now 29, began his football journey with Bishopthorpe White Rose before attracting interest from major clubs. He spent his early years with Leeds United's youth set-up before joining Hull City’s academy in 2009. Watson signed professional terms with Hull in 2014 and featured as an unused substitute in a Premier League fixture at Anfield, but senior appearances proved elusive.
A series of loan moves followed, including an impressive spell at Gainsborough Trinity, where he made 14 appearances and twice earned Man of the Match honours and a brief first stint at Scunthorpe. He then joined North Ferriby United for the 2016–17 season, where his commanding performances across nearly 40 appearances in the National League helped raise his profile further.
In January 2017, Watson signed permanently with the Iron, where he went on to make over 100 appearances in all competitions. Trusted between the sticks in both League One and League Two, he earned multiple club accolades, including Scunthorpe United's Ernie Storey Memorial Player of the Season award for the 2021–22 campaign.
Watson then joined Wrexham AFC as goalkeeping cover for the injured Christian Dibble. While he didn’t feature in competitive matches, he was part of the squad that famously lifted the 2022–23 National League title, returning the North Wales club to the EFL under the global spotlight of Hollywood ownership.
A short-term deal with Doncaster Rovers followed in August 2023 before Watson made a move back to his hometown, signing for York City FC in late August 2023. He made his debut in an FA Cup clash against Needham Market, keeping clean sheets in both the tie and the subsequent replay. Throughout the 2023–24 season, Watson made a series of crucial appearances, helping the Minstermen secure key results in a tight relegation battle under new boss Adam Hinshelwood.
In April 2024, Watson was rewarded with a contract extension, committing his future to the LNER Community Stadium until summer 2026, with an option for an additional year.
Welcome back, Rory!
