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CHAIRMAN Keith Moorhouse and football director John Sheran have paid tribute to our former club skipper Eric Watson, who has retired from playing, at the age of 38.

Eric, who had been playing for Inverurie Locos, cited the current pandemic and working in a higher-tiered area than the one he would play football in as the main reason why he has decided to hang up his boots.

He also wants to spend more time with his family.

Eric is the most decorated player in our history, with his list of honours including an astonishing six Highland League titles.
He brought his 12 years as a Cove Rangers player to a close in style, by captaining us to our historic SPFL promotion play-off final victory over Berwick Rangers in 2019.

Chairman Keith said: “Eric will always be regarded as a Cove Rangers legend, and rightly so.

“He was a magnificent player for us, a born leader, on and off the park.

“He was the manager in the dressing room and helped the coaching staff get the very best out of the team for all of the dozen years he was with us.

“We were all sad when Eric decided to leave Cove but he did so with our best wishes and belief he would continue to be successful at Highland League level.

“Unfortunately, the current circumstances have persuaded Eric to cut his career short, but it’s one he can look back on with immense pride.”

John, who signed Eric from Junior side Montrose Roselea for £1,500 in 2007, said: “He is the best signing I ever made for the club.

“I signed more technically talented ones, but in terms of what he gave to the club and what he brought to us, Eric is the No.1.

“Actually getting the deal done was a bit of a protracted thing because Eric had already agreed to go to Tayport.

“We were determined to get him though because I knew he was the right man to help us succeed at Highland League level.

“It’s why he was the most sought after player, among Highland League clubs, at that time.

“Eric was playing in midfield when we signed him and we knew he was capable of performing at a high standard in a number of positions.

“But it became pretty clear, after about four or five games, that centre half was his best position.

“He still managed to score 13 goals in the first season he played there, which underlines just how talented a player he was.

“He deserves to be remembered as one of the best players to have ever graced the Highland League.

“He’s one of very few to have won the championship six times, which was an amazing achievement by Eric.

“He was a great leader of men and was an outstanding captain for me, I really enjoyed the years working with Eric and wish him well now that he has chosen to retire.

“It wouldn’t surprise me to see Eric eventually return to the game in a coaching capacity because he has so much passion and a strong understanding of the game.

“I’m sure he would be successful at that level too.”

Everyone at Cove Rangers would like to thank Eric for the long service he gave to us and wish him well in his retirement.

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