Everyone at Edgeley Park are saddened to hear of the recent passing of our former player John Watt (SCAN #659), who died in Kilmarnock on 2nd March 2022. Known as Johnny, he will always hold a special place in the hearts of County supporters as he was one of the 1965 FA Cup heroes, who drew with League champions Liverpool at Anfield in the 4th Round.
He was born in Hurlford in Scotland in 1943, and was spotted by a Blackpool FC scout, who sent him to Bloomfield Road where he became an apprentice. He made 5 appearances in the Blackpool first team, making his debut as a teenager at Upton Park (West Ham) standing in for Alan Ball. He was released at the end of the 1962-63 season and moved to Edgeley Park. Playing as a right winger he made his County debut versus Chesterfield on the opening fixture of the 1963-64 season. He was almost ever present making 40 appearances and scoring 3 goals.
The 1964-65 season was a roller coaster for the Hatters. With a reduced playing budget, player -manager Trevor Porteous was forced to recruit young players and the team struggled in the 4th Division. Remarkably the young team, bolstered by some experienced heads, embarked on one of the most memorable cup runs in the clubs history. This cup run galvanized the town, drew in a large number of new fans to the club (many of whom remained lifelong supporters), dramatically improved the financial position of the club and built the foundations for the 4th Division title success two years later. With County rooted to the bottom of the 4th Division, the team defeated Wigan Athletic, Grimsby Town and Bristol Rovers (the latter two clubs were both top of the 3rd division when they were defeated). The Bristol victory at Edgleley Park has gone down in County folk law as one of the greatest ever nights under the floodlights at Edgeley Park. Roared on by an astounding 19,654 supporters, County secured a 3-2 victory to ensure a visit to Anfield in the 4th Round.
In one of the greatest games ever played by a County side, the Hatters went into a 1-0 lead that silenced the huge 51,851 crowd (the largest attendance ever for a Stockport County game). The goal was largely created by Johnny, who cut inside and hit a fierce drive that Liverpool keeper Lawrence could only parry, allowing Len White to head home. A late equalizer brought the League champions (who went on to win the FA Cup that season) back to Edgeley Park for a replay which they won 2-0.
Johnny left Edgeley Park towards the end of season when he moved to Southport FC. Early in the 1965-66 season he become the first Southport player to be substituted. After 18 games at Haig Avenue he returned to his native Scotland where he played non-League football and worked as an overhead crane driver.
We were all delighted in 2015 when Johnny and his family came back to Edgeley Park as part of the 1965 reunion. He will be fondly remembered at County, his name is proudly displayed on the Players Wall at Edgleley Park and he will always be remembered as one of our cup heroes.
We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.
