Josh Watmore: A Professional Football Career Journey
The path to professional football is rarely a straight line, and the career of Josh Watmore serves as a testament to resilience and determination. From early setbacks in youth academies to achieving individual accolades in the Premier League system, Watmore's journey spans several of England's most storied clubs.
Early Beginnings and Rise at Altrincham
Watmore's footballing journey began at Manchester United, though he was released by the club at the age of 12. Undeterred, he eventually joined the youth setup at Altrincham at age 16. He made his first-team debut on November 27, 2011, appearing as a substitute in an FA Trophy match against F.C. United of Manchester.
To gain further experience, Watmore spent time on loan in early 2012 with Clitheroe and Curzon Ashton, both competing in the Northern Premier League Division One North. His breakthrough came during the 2012–13 season, where he established himself as a goal-scoring threat, netting 14 goals for Altrincham.
The Sunderland Years
On May 24, 2013, Watmore made the leap to the top flight, signing with Premier League side Sunderland for an undisclosed fee on a two-year contract. He made his first-team debut on January 5, 2014, coming on as a 60th-minute substitute in a 3–1 FA Cup victory over Carlisle United.
Seeking more playing time, he joined the Scottish Premiership club Hibernian on loan for the remainder of the 2013–14 season, scoring his first goal on March 15, 2014, against Partick Thistle. Upon returning to England, Watmore's form in the youth ranks was exceptional; on May 29, 2015, he was named the U21 Premier League Player of the Season after scoring 11 goals in 19 matches.
Watmore's league debut for Sunderland occurred on August 15, 2015, where he scored a late goal in a match against Norwich City. This performance helped lead to a new four-year contract signed in November 2015. Despite battling an ankle injury in early 2016, he returned in April to score a crucial goal in a 3–0 win over Norwich City during a tight relegation battle.
However, his momentum was halted on December 3, 2016, when he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury—a severe tear of the stabilizing ligaments in the knee—during a match against Leicester City. This injury sidelined him for the rest of the 2016–17 season. After seven years with the club, Watmore departed Sunderland on June 17, 2020.
Success at Middlesbrough and Millwall
Watmore joined Middlesbrough on a short-term deal on November 17, 2020. He made an immediate impact, scoring twice against Swansea City on December 2 and another two goals against Millwall on December 12. His prolific form earned him the Championship Player of the Month for December and led to a new two-and-a-half-year contract on January 7, 2021. He finished the 2020–21 season as Middlesbrough's top scorer with nine goals.
On January 31, 2023, Watmore moved to Millwall for an undisclosed fee. He remained with the club until May 19, 2025, when it was announced he would leave upon the expiration of his contract in June.
Final Chapter and Retirement
The final stage of Watmore's professional career began on February 2, 2026, when he signed with Rotherham United. His tenure there ended on May 8, 2026, when the club released him following their relegation to EFL League Two.
On July 8, 2026, at the age of 32, Josh Watmore officially announced his retirement from professional football.
Key Facts
- Youth Start: Released by Manchester United at age 12 before joining Altrincham.
- Major Award: Named U21 Premier League Player of the Season in 2015.
- Sunderland Tenure: Spent 7 years at the club (2013–2020).
- Middlesbrough Peak: Top scorer for the 2020–21 season with 9 goals.
- Retirement: Retired from professional football on July 8, 2026, at age 32.
| Club | Period | Key Achievement/Note |
|---|---|---|
| Altrincham | 2011–2013 | 14 goals in 2012–13 season |
| Sunderland | 2013–2020 | U21 Premier League Player of the Season |
| Hibernian (Loan) | 2014 | First professional goal (vs Partick Thistle) |
| Middlesbrough | 2020–2023 | Championship Player of the Month (Dec 2020) |
| Millwall | 2023–2025 | Signed for undisclosed fee |
| Rotherham United | 2026 | Final professional club |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which club did Josh Watmore start his career with?
Watmore began his youth career at Manchester United but was released at age 12, later joining Altrincham at age 16.
What was Watmore's biggest individual achievement at Sunderland?
He was named the U21 Premier League Player of the Season on May 29, 2015, after scoring 11 goals in 19 matches.
How did Watmore perform during his time at Middlesbrough?
He had a highly successful stint, becoming the club's top scorer for the 2020–21 season with nine goals and winning the Championship Player of the Month award for December 2020.
What injury significantly impacted his time at Sunderland?
Watmore suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury on December 3, 2016, which ruled him out for the remainder of the 2016–17 season.
When and at what age did Josh Watmore retire?
Josh Watmore announced his retirement from professional football on July 8, 2026, at the age of 32.