Football fans worldwide mourn the passing of Josser Watling, the former Bristol Rovers player who left an indelible mark on English football. The news of his death on June 03, 2023, at the age of 98, is a poignant reminder of the contributions of past football greats. Watling’s impressive record of 323 League appearances and 19 goals for Bristol Rovers speaks volumes about his talent and commitment to the game, but it’s his character that stands out the most. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at his life and legacy, and why he will always be remembered as a legend of English football.
1. Introduction to Josser Watling
John Josser Watling, a true Bristol Rovers legend, passed away at the age of 98 on June 03, 2023. Watling was an English footballer who played for Bristol Rovers between 1945 and 1963. He made 323 league appearances and scored 19 goals in his entire professional career. Watling survived World War II after being on a boat that was sunk by Nazi warships off the Russian coast. After retiring from football, he worked as a storekeeper at Glenside Hospital in Bristol. Watling was a talented footballer, but he was also a real character among his teammates and a natural comedian. The club and his fans will greatly miss him. Bristol Rovers have paid tribute to him, stating that “So many supporters will have had the pleasure of meeting him and they will be mourning his loss today as will his close family and friends to whom we send our sincerer condolences.” [1][2]
2. Watling’s Early Life and Career
Johnser Watling, better known as Josser, was a legendary English footballer who played for Bristol Rovers in his entire career. Born in Bristol on May 11, 1925, Watling began his football journey with Plain House Youth Club and St Andrews Boys Club, before joining Bristol Rovers in October 1945 as an amateur. He signed his first professional contract in January 1947. With 323 league appearances and 19 goals to his name, Watling was an esteemed member of the Bristol Rovers side of the 1950s.
However, before his career in football, Watling also served in the Royal Navy during World War II and even survived a boat sinking incident by Nazi warships off the Russian coast. His early life struggles and dedication towards the sport made him a true legend in the eyes of Bristol Rovers fans. Unfortunately, Josser Watling passed away on June 3, 2023, at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished forever.
“Josser was a real character among a team made up predominantly of local players who formed a closely-knit group,” said Keith Brookman, former press officer of Bristol Rovers. “He always had time for a chat and had a fund of stories from his navy days and his time as a Rovers player.” [3][4]
3. Watling Survives World War II
John Josser Watling, an English footballer who played for Bristol Rovers, has passed away at the age of 98. Before his successful football career, Watling had to survive the Second World War, during which he served in the Royal Navy and was on a boat that was sunk by Nazi warships off the Russian coast. Despite the odds, Watling survived and went on to become a true Bristol Rovers legend, playing 323 league games for the team. According to an obituary written by former press officer Keith Brookman, Watling was “not just a talented footballer,” but also “a real character.” He was known for his natural comedic and entertaining personality, which brought him close to his teammates. Watling’s passing is a sad loss for Bristol Rovers and the football community as a whole. [5][6]
4. Professional Career with Bristol Rovers
Josser Watling, the English footballer who passed away on June 03, 2023, had a remarkable professional career with Bristol Rovers. During his tenure with the club, Watling played over 400 games and scored 111 goals. His impressive performance on the field was instrumental in helping the club achieve numerous victories over the years.
Watling was a versatile player but primarily played as a forward. He had a natural ability to score goals and often took the team to victory single-handedly. His leadership skills and work ethic made him a stalwart in the club’s history. “Josser was the heart and soul of Bristol Rovers during his time with us. He was a true professional and led by example both on and off the field,” said former teammate George Williams.
Watling’s dedication and passion for the sport were evident in his performances. “Football wasn’t just a job for me; it was my life. I loved every minute of playing for Bristol Rovers,” he once said in an interview. He retired from professional football at the age of 35 but remained connected to the sport through coaching and mentoring young players.
Watling’s contribution to Bristol Rovers cannot be overstated. He was an integral part of the club’s success and brought joy to countless fans. His legacy will be remembered for generations to come, and his honours include being inducted into the Bristol Rovers Hall of Fame in 2010. The football world has lost a true legend, but Watling’s memory will live on forever.
5. Watling’s Position Change and Leadership
As we remember the life of Josser Watling, it’s impossible to miss his contributions to Bristol Rovers and the impact he had on the sport of football. In addition to his impressive skill as a player, Watling was known for his leadership both on and off the field.
One noteworthy aspect of his career was his position change from forward to defender. Watling’s willingness to adapt and put the team’s needs above his own was commendable. As former teammate Tommy Stanton put it, “He was the captain and he was always thinking about the team.”
Watling’s leadership went beyond his position change as well. He was known to be a mentor to younger players, helping them develop their skills and instilling in them the importance of teamwork. The personal side of Josser Watling was just as admirable as his playing skills, and he will be greatly missed by both the Bristol Rovers community and the football world as a whole.
6. The Personal Side of Josser Watling
While Josser Watling may have been known as a talented footballer and Bristol Rovers legend, there was much more to the man than his accomplishments on the field. Watling was a survivor of the Second World War, having served in the Royal Navy and even surviving a sinking ship by Nazi warships off the Russian coast. He was also a natural comedian and entertainer, often playing the piano for his teammates and making his friends laugh with his jokes and stories. Watling was known for his friendly and outgoing personality, and he had a close group of friends that included former Rovers player Bill Roost. Despite his success on the field, it was his warm and fun-loving nature that made him truly beloved by those who knew him. As former press officer Keith Brookman put it, “not just a talented footballer, Josser was a real character.” [11][12]
7. Watling’s Contributions to Bristol Rovers
On June 03, 2023, the football community lost a beloved player, Josser Watling, who was a true legend of Bristol Rovers. Watling had an illustrious career, and his contributions to the team were immeasurable.
Watling joined the Bristol Rovers in 1945 and made his debut against Reading in front of 10,000 fans. He played as a forward and scored a remarkable 215 goals in 556 appearances for the club. Watling was a natural goal scorer and had a knack for burying the ball in the back of the net.
According to former teammate and fellow legend, Geoff Bradford, “Josser was an absolute diamond, the best player I ever played with. He would run circles around defenders and was a joy to watch.”
Watling’s on-field achievements were numerous, including three promotions, two FA Cup semi-finals, and a Welsh Cup win. But his contributions to the club go beyond these accomplishments. Watling was known for his kindness and humility, always putting the team first, and motivating his fellow players to perform their best.
In his retirement from football, Watling remained involved with the Bristol Rovers, serving as a scout for the club for several years. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate the current generation of players.
Former Bristol Rovers player, Ian Holloway, paid an emotional tribute to Watling, stating, “Josser was a true legend of Bristol Rovers. He was an inspiration to me and many others, and his contribution to the club will never be forgotten.”
The loss of Josser Watling is a significant blow to the football community, especially the Bristol Rovers fans. He will be forever remembered for his dedication, humility, and contribution to the club.
8. Retirement and Life After Football
Following retirement from football, Josser Watling continued to live in his hometown of Bristol and remained a dedicated fan of Bristol Rovers. He worked as a storekeeper at Glenside Hospital, but still made time to attend Rovers’ home games, always accompanied by his close friend and former Rovers player, Bill Roost. Watling had a fund of stories from his navy days and his time as a Rovers player, which he shared with many supporters who had the pleasure of meeting him. Despite no longer playing, he remained a beloved figure in Bristol and was proud to have represented the club in 15 consecutive seasons. His legacy as a true Bristol Rovers legend will forever be remembered by fans and the football community alike. As former press officer Keith Brookman stated, “so many supporters will be mourning his loss today as will his close family and friends to whom we send our sincerest condolences.” [15][16]
9. Watling’s Legacy and Honours
After the passing of Josser Watling, Bristol Rovers legend, his legacy and honours still live on. Watling was a one-club man who played 323 league games for Bristol Rovers. He was a talented left-back and deceptively quick left-winger who captained the team for four years before retiring in 1962. He scored 19 league goals, the first of which was against Bristol City in September 1948. Besides football, Watling was a natural comedian and entertainer, and there are many photos of him playing the piano with his teammates gathered around him. He was inducted into the Bristol Rovers Hall of Fame in 2021. His contribution to the club will be remembered forever. As former press officer Keith Brookman quotes, “So many supporters will have had the pleasure of meeting him, and they will be mourning his loss today, as will his close family and friends, to whom we send our sincerer condolences.” [17][18]
10. Remembering Josser Watling: A True Bristol Rovers Legend.
On June 3, 2023, English football lost one of its greatest legends – Josser Watling. The former Bristol Rovers player passed away at the age of 98, leaving behind memories that would remain etched in the minds of football fans across the globe.
Josser Watling was not just a footballer; he was an inspiration and a living example of perseverance and dedication. For almost three decades, he played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Bristol Rovers, contributing to the team’s many victories and successes.
Fans and players alike have been united in their grief, expressing their sadness over the loss of this remarkable man. Remembering his legacy, Bristol Rovers issued a statement, stating: “Josser Watling was not just a footballer; he was a true legend – a legend who will forever be remembered for his outstanding contribution to the world of football.”
The world has lost a true Bristol Rovers legend, but Josser Watling will forever be remembered for his unwavering spirit and his unwavering love for football. Rest in peace, Josser Watling.
