Watkin was born in Stoke-on-Trent and joined local side Stoke City in 1940 after previously working for Sneyd Colliery . During World War II he briefly guested for Port Vale . He broke into the Stoke first team during the 1948 – 49 season and missed only five matches in 1949 – 50 . However Watkin was unable to maintain his place in the side at the Victoria Ground and once manager Bob McGrory had left and Frank Taylor had been appointed , Watkin was deemed surplus to requirements and he was sold to Third Division South side Bristol City . Despite having been a First Division regular only a few years previously , he only managed three appearances for Pat Beasley 's " Robins " before he decided to retire
Sneyd Colliery
Sneyd Colliery Disaster
Cyril Watkin