Threat Monitor Danny Dunglinson can’t hide his surprise for his player.
“It’s horrible what he and his family are going through,” Dunglinson said of the midfielder. “He’s only 19, so trying to understand what’s going on is very difficult.
“You can see his tone, you can’t even think that he is going through what he is going through. I don’t think he overlooked a consultation with the coach.
“During games, he never looked out of place or looked like he was struggling. If anything, it seems like he’s getting better, which is amazing.”
Watson considers himself “lucky” to have scored in the first round win, having promised Dunglinson he would do so.
“The reaction when he scored was brilliant,” Dunglinson said. “The joy was a little stronger, even though it was the last goal of the 6-1 victory in the last minute.
“I think he gave a dozen to his teammates, too.”
Watson’s mother, Amanda Timbers, said there are “just the wrong words” to describe the ordeal her son and his family are going through.
“He is a great human being and he deals with everything very well,” he said. “Because of this, I will also approach it intelligently.
“He continues playing football. He is a very motivated and determined young man, and always has been.
“I’d change playing fields in a heartbeat. There are the wrong questions about that. We’ve been willing to accumulate any and all options available.
“Charlie has never failed to make us proud of him. We are very proud of him for everything and Friday is one more.”
