STATESBORO, Ga. - South Georgia Tormenta FC announced the signing of English winger, Niall Watson, pending league and federation approval. The 23-year-old joins the club after spending the past three years with English National League North side Southport FC.

The Englishman joined his former club, Southport, in October 2020 where he made 96 appearances and scored 33 goals for the Sandgrounders. During his time with the club he grew up supporting, Watson was a part of two Lancashire Cup-winning sides.

Prior to his move to Southport, Niall enjoyed loans from his parent club Accrington Stanley FC to Marine AFC, Runcorn Linnets FC and Widnes FC. Watson joined Sligo Rovers FC in Ireland on a season-long loan in July 2019. The loan was positive for the winger who scored a few goals for the Irish club and played in the 2018-19 Irish FA Cup semi-final.

Watson began his career at Accrington Stanley where he received a two-year scholarship when he was 16 years old. During the two-year spell, he was awarded the LFE Apprentice of the Year and made his full football league debut at 17. He was then given a two-year professional contract at Accrington Stanley. Watson helped the 'Owd Reds claim their first EFL League Two title in the 2017-18 season and earn promotion to EFL League One.

"Niall has the characteristics we wanted to add to this year's group, one winger with dynamics of directness, of clear intent to not only take players on, but to also cross the ball quickly, to run the box aggressively, and to be a constant threat to goal," said Tormenta FC Head Coach Ian Cameron. "We've been privileged to have some exciting wingers at our club in the last few years, and we’re excited to integrate Niall into our ethos and watch him develop his career at Tormenta. Southport has been a great education for Niall and provided him over 100 pro matches at a young age. We’re grateful for their support in the move."

"My dream has been to return to be a full-time professional footballer and playing in America is amazing so I can't wait to join Tormenta FC and be a success," Watson said. "I'm a hard-working player who gives his all on the pitch. I love to create goals and especially score goals. With my ability, I'm confident that I can deliver good performances for Tormenta nation and help the team to success in the 2024 season."