By Mark Sugar
May 31 2004

Colchester United Manager Phil Parkinson has signed his former Royals team mate Kevin Watson after he was released by Reading.Watson has been wanted by other 1st and 2nd Division clubs but decided to link up with Parky who described Watson as a "quality footballer and a quality lad." Phil Parkinson has gone back to his old club Reading to sign midfielder Kevin Watson.He had been released by Royals Manager Steve Coppell after spending 3 seasons in Berkshire.

Watson signed for the Royals on transfer deadline day in March 2002 for £150,000 from Ronnie Moore's Rotherham United.This was Watson's second spell at Reading after joining in November 2001 on a 1 month loan.He was a major factor in the Royals 7 game unbeaten spell in November.

But with the then captain Parky set to hang up his playing boots after the promotion winning season,Watson became 1st choice for the Royals back in the 1st Division after a 4 year abscence.

But Watson's form was patchy and when Alan Pardew signed Arsenal midfielder Steve Sidwell,it was more difficult for Watson to break into the team.At the same time James Harper was playing the best football of his career which won him the 2003 Player of the Season Award.He finished the Playoff season out of favour.

Watson then turned in his finest Reading performence this season when he came on for John Salako in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.It was 1 of the best individual display's by any player at the Madejski Stadium since its opening in 1998.

But the depature of Alan Pardew left the club in limbo and Watson was in and out of the team.When Steve Coppell arrived from Brighton,he felt the best central pairing in the middle would be Harper and Sidwell.This put Watson in a bad situation and he requested a transfer.

But a dip in form by Harper left the door open for Watson to enter and he continued in midfield until the 5-1 defeat to his former club Rotherham.Watson has injured his calf and his season was virtually over.

With Steve Coppell looking to do things his way for next season,Watson wasn't to be offered a new deal which came as no real surprise to Reading fans.

But Watson was always a fans favourite and will always get a special welcome back to the Madejski Stadium.It's a good ending with the fact that he signs for Parky's Colchester.