| Intro | English footballer |
| Is |
Athlete Football player Association football player |
| From | United Kingdom |
| Type | Sports |
| Gender | male |
| Birth | 30 December 1995, Torbay, Devon, South West England, England |
| Age: | 24 years |
Oliver “Ollie” George Arthur Watkins (born 30 December 1995) is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for Exeter City in League Two.
Early life and education
Watkins was born in Torbay in Devon and he attended South Dartmoor Community College.
Playing career
Watkins joined Exeter City’s Academy at U11 level having previously failed a trial with the club at the age of 9. After making his way through the ranks, Watkins signed a two-year professional contract with the club in April 2014. He made his debut in the Football League on 3 May, in a 2–0 League Two victory over Hartlepool at Victoria Park.
He scored his first senior goal at the Ricoh Arena on 7 October 2014, in a 3–1 defeat to Coventry City in the Football League Trophy. He joined Conference South side Weston-super-Mare on loan during the 2014–15 season, alongside Exeter teammate Matt Jay.
During the Devon Derby against Plymouth, after finding themselves 1–0 down, Watkins scored both the goals late on to make the game 2–1. The latter of the goals was nominated for Sky Sports goal of the day.
On 19 April 2016, Watkins was awarded the Football League Young Player of the Month award for the month of March, during which he scored seven goals in eight games.
On 31 December 2016, Watkins scored his first professional hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over Newport County at Rodney Parade.
Style of play
Watkins is a forward, and according to the Western Morning News is “renowned for his pace, dribbling skills and strength”.
Career statistics
- As of match played 31 December 2016
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Exeter City | 2013–14 | League Two | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2014–15 | League Two | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2015–16 | League Two | 20 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 9 | |
| 2016–17 | League Two | 22 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 26 | 9 | |
| Total | 45 | 16 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 52 | 19 | ||
| Weston-super-Mare (loan) | 2014–15 | Conference South | 24 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 25 | 10 |
| Career total | 69 | 26 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 77 | 29 | ||
Honours
Individual
- Football League Young Player of the Month: March 2016