FC United bolster forward line as Fitzmartin departs

The 26-year-old joins Mark Beesley’s side boasting a wealth of experience across the non-league pyramid, having enjoyed successful spells with Warrington Town, Runcorn Linnets and four years with Southport, during which time he averaged just shy of a goal every other game.

Coming through the youth ranks at Accrington Stanley, Watson also went on to spend a year with American outfit South Georgia Tormenta in 2024 before moving back to the UK the following year to link up with Hednesford.

After putting pen to paper, Watson shared his ambitions ahead of the new campaign.

“I think promotion is the biggest one,” he said. “They were so unlucky last year not going up. This year we’ve brought a couple of decent lads in, we’re strong, and I think this season we can definitely do it.

“I’m eager to get out there and show the fans what I can do.”

On the new addition to FC United's frontline, manager Mark Beesley said: “I think he adds goals, he adds pace, he wants to run in behind.

“He can play anywhere across the front, and most importantly he’s a good lad.”

Confirmation of Watson’s signing comes in the wake of talented young forward Jay Fitzmartin moving the other way, joining Hednesford for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old played a starring role in FC United's run to the play-offs (which Hednesford won), scoring 15 goals in 43 appearances. As reward for his terrific performances, he was named in the NPL Premier Division Team of the Season alongside team-mates Adam Le Fondre and Matty Grivosti.

FC United expressed their disappointment regarding Fitzmartin's exit from the club, but added that “the move to Hednesford Town offers him the opportunity to play full-time football, which he indicated that he wanted to pursue”.

The former Bolton Wanderers academy product will hope to add attacking firepower to Kelvin Davis’ side, who return to the National League North for the first time in a decade,