Tony Watt has been about the SPFL. He’s had spells at Airdrieonians, Celtic, Hearts and St Johnstone. Now he is enjoying the high life in Bulgaria with CSKA Sofia.
Still only 25, Watt made the switch to Sofia from St Johnstone in May. It’s his 11th club and his second venture abroad. His last spell outwith the UK took him to Belgium with Standard Liege, Oud Heverlee Leuven and Lierse SK.
Watt has played in Belgium. (Photo by William Van Hecke/Corbis via Getty Images)
Watt is clearly loving life over in his newly adopted nation. He told the Sunday Post: “When I first heard about the interest from CSKA Sofia, I was excited. They are a massive club and have a great history.
“When I arrived in Bulgaria, I’d only played one full game at St Johnstone in the previous three months, so I had a wee bit if catching up to do. We had two long training camps in June and the start of this month. I grafted really hard and I’m now heading towards 100% fitness. I was on the bench when our league season started last Friday night, but played the full Europa League tie in midweek.
“The lifestyle is fantastic. We are living in a lovely part of the city and we enjoy going out for dinner or a coffee. We have different nationalities at the club, from Portuguese to Brazilians, and the club have made a real effort to integrate us all. I have a good feeling about this move. I’m really excited.”
Watt deserves credit for bold step out of SPFL comfort zone
It’s not often players from Scotland stray far away from the SPFL. It’s usually to the EFL they go or to other Scottish clubs.
Players don’t normally step out their comfort zone. (photo by David Young/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Watt’s proven on multiple occasions that he doesn’t mind trying new nations out. Sure he’s had his time in UK football, but he’s also tried out football across Europe too.
He deserves credit for making another switch to an unfamiliar country. He’ll have to get to grips with the language, the lifestyle, the different climate and all that comes with moving to new surroundings.
Plus the style and standard of football will likely be much different to that of SPFL football. He’s put himself up for a big challenge at a big club. For that he deserves praise.
Watt has made his CSKA Sofia debut. (Photo by Filip Filipovic/MB Media/Getty Images)
Hopefully Watt kicks on and has a successful spell over in Bulgaria.