Hometown boy Rory Watson signs for Minstermen

York City is delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Rory Watson following his departure from League Two outfit Doncaster Rovers.

The 27-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the season with the Minstermen, further strengthening Mikey Morton’s squad for the season ahead.

York-born Watson spent last season with National League champions Wrexham, having joined from Scunthorpe United where he made more than 100 appearances across League One and Two.

Watson had most recently signed a one-month contract with League Two’s Doncaster Rovers having trained with the South Yorkshire side early on in pre-season.

Starting his career at Leeds United after being spotted playing for Bishopthorpe White Rose, the shot-stopper worked through the academy setup at Elland Road until making the switch to Hull City’s academy on a two-year scholarship in 2012.

After signing his professional contract with the Tigers in June 2014, Watson was handed a spot in the squad for their Premier League fixture away at Liverpool in October 2014.

A loan spell with Gainsborough Trinity, and a 28-day-emergency loan with Scunthorpe United, followed for Rory before a season-long loan spell with then National League side North Ferriby United.

As part of North Ferriby United’s inaugural National League season, Watson kept a clean sheet on his debut as a 20-year-old and went on to make 40 appearances for the Villagers.

Part-way through his season-long loan spell, Watson joined Scunthorpe United on a free transfer where penned a three-and-a-half-year deal, but immediately re-joined North Ferriby.

Upon returning to Scunthorpe United, Rory clocked up over 100 competitive appearances for the Iron across a five-year spell.

Watson bowed out of Glanford Park having picked up six end of season accolades, including the Ernie Storey Memorial Player of the Season for 2021-22.

Welcome to your hometown club, the Minstermen, Rory