Blackpool v Barnsley: Tennai Watson on inspiration from his late brother

He is playing for himself, but also his late brother Malachi.

His younger sibling had a rare condition called Aicardi–Goutières syndrome and passed away in 2021.

During his journey as a footballer, Watson’s motivation and drive has come from thinking about Malachi. It continues to this day.

The former Charlton defender told The Yorkshire Post: "He's definitely an inspiration.

"Of course, he's not here in the physical world, but spiritually he's still there in every game and a big reason why I still play and a big reason why I still push on.

"I think, in terms of achieving, especially with promotion, you get certain feelings and things that keep you pushing and that's one of them."

Watson’s determination and strength of character has shone through this year.

After helping Charlton return to the Championship in May, the right-back found himself looking for a new club not long after when he was released.

The free agent signed up to the Professional Footballers Association's training camp and found himself among a batch of players ticking them over on the fitness front in pre-season while trying to find new employers.

Barnsley called and he penned a one-year deal. On the evidence of this season so far, it looks very shrewd business.

Watson continued: "I knew about the PFA camp, but didn't know a lot of information.

"As a couple of weeks went by, I had one or two friends that I knew had gone there and I enquired about it and just felt like I didn't want to enter my next chapter in a place where I am not as fit and sharp as I can be.

"The camp was great. I went from playing at Wembley - getting that promotion was the highlight of my career - and very shortly after, I was in a bit of a void of what is going to come next.

"I feel like my main focus straightaway was being able to get my mind in a place where I was staying fit and wanting to be prepared for whatever came next. I was fortunate enough for this to come up."

An accomplished operator on the pitch, Watson is also an intelligent individual off it.

The Middlesex-born player completed A levels in Maths, Psychology and Philosophy before starting his career in earnest at first club Reading.

A relatively late starter, Watson, 28, feels he has plenty of years left as a footballer.

The fact that he is a clever lad also means that he will make plans ahead of the time when his career ends. He did a bit of research during the PFA camp.

He continued: "I haven't done anything up until now. I remember doing A levels and it was very difficult, trying to balance the two (studies and football).

"It was ‘heavy-hitting’ and a lot of work and by the time I got out, it was like: 'I am done with this for now.'

"It was the first time in my life I was able to solely concentrate on football. My parents supported me in whatever I do, but they are very big on education.

"Looking back to the time I came in football, I was a late starter. A lot of boys were in academies from six or seven onwards.

"I also feel like I am a quick learner and hit the ground running when I came in and learnt a lot.

"I have some plans to continue that (studying), definitely. That also stems from the PFA, they have put on a lot of educational meetings at the camp."