Image source, Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
- Author, David McKenna
- Role, BBC News
England striker Ollie Watkins’ former coach has described him as a “wonderful human being”, adding he possessed the same desire to win as a boy as he does now.
Former Grimsby Town player Chris Hargreaves began his coaching career managing Exeter City’s U14 and U16s, nurturing players including Watkins.
On the subject of Watkins’ 90th minute, match-winning goal against the Netherlands in Wednesday’s Euro 2024 semi final, Hargreaves said it was “such a special moment”.
He added: “I know what it will have meant to him and his family.”
Image source, Dan Mullan (via Getty Images)
The Aston Villa man replaced England’s all-time top scorer Harry Kane, with nine minutes to go. He was brought on alongside Cole Palmer, who set up his goal.
Watkins turned Stefan de Vrij and slotted the ball into the bottom corner for one of the most important England goals ever scored.
Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside, Hargreaves said: “I know what it will have meant to him and his family, but he’s so grounded, just as he was back then.”
Hargreaves, who made over 650 appearances for several clubs over his playing career, said: “I’ve been in the game a long time and it still matters.
“Seeing him [Watkins] on the international stage scoring the winning goal was very special.”
He said he had only played a small part in Watkins’ development and the player’s success was down to hard work.
Even in the early days, Hargreaves said Watkins had “stood out”.
“What he represents now was the same back then – that love of the game – the smile on his face and the constant running and pressing,” added Hargreaves.
‘Done it the hard way’
He said he had watched the game, which ended 2-1, in a hotel bar in Exeter, which made it even more special with the fans singing Watkins’ name.
Watkins started his career lower in the football pyramid – at Exeter.
Reminiscing about coaching Watkins in the early days, Hargreaves said: “We were training on sandy Astro Turf in the freezing cold, and driving all over the country on a Sunday in a mini-bus that could hardly get to the stadiums, with no fuel in it”.
He added Watkins and his cohort would mop the changing room floors after the game.
“He’s definitely done it the hard way, of that there is now doubt,” he added.
England take on Spain in the final on Sunday.