Haverfordwest County AFC are delighted to announce that club captain, Ricky Watts has agreed a one-year extension to his current contract with the club.
The longest-serving member of the current first team squad, Watts’ current deal was due to take him to the end of the 2023-24 season, however he can now look forward to another campaign at the Ogi Bridge Meadow.
Hailing from Haverfordwest, Watts came through the academy system before making his first team debut in 2009, and he has been an integral part of the squad for over a decade.
A versatile player who can feature across the defence or in midfield, Watts last night brought up his 350th league appearance for Haverfordwest County, and he was able to celebrate it with a 3-2 victory over Penybont.
The 31-year-old put in a trademark battling performance, and, wearing the captain’s armband, he led by example despite needing to have his head bandaged in the first half after suffering a nasty cut above his eye. His assist for the third goal of the night – which was scored by Martell Taylor-Crossdale – proved to be vital in the final analysis as we secured a welcome three points.
His undoubted stand-out moment came when he took the captain’s armband in both legs of our UEFA Europa Conference League second qualifying round tie with B36 Tórshavn in July, after he had produced a fantastic individual display in the second leg of our first qualifying round tie with KF Shkëndija – which saw us record our first-ever victory in Europe.
So far this season, he has made a total of 10 appearances, with his most important contribution to date coming away at Barry Town United at the end of August, when he netted two stoppage-time goals to salvage a valuable 2-2 draw for his team.
Commenting on the news, manager Tony Pennock said: “As a club we are extremely lucky to have Ricky, and him signing a new contract is testament to his consistency and loyalty. Ricky has been excellent this season and long may that continue at Haverfordwest County AFC.
“Over the coming weeks, we will be looking to offer new contracts to other players within our current squad.”
Give him the keys to the town 💙👑
— Haverfordwest County AFC 🏴 (@HaverfordwestFC) August 29, 2023
Ricky is kindly sponsored by Visit Pembrokeshire, who are the official tourism account for Pembrokeshire, sharing holiday and short break inspiration.
