Why Ollie Watkins Will Always Be Devon's Favourite Son for Sports Fans

Ollie Watkins has become one of the brightest football stories ever to emerge from Devon, a player whose journey from local pitches to the Premier League has captured the admiration of supporters across the county. He represents what many in the region value most in sport: hard work, steady growth, humility and a connection to home. His rise did not rely on grand academies or early fame but on persistence. 

Devon has produced successful athletes in many sports, but football has rarely delivered stars who reach the highest level. Watkins stands out because he not only reached the Premier League, but he excelled in it. His roots in Newton Abbot and his time at South Dartmoor Community College remain a key part of his identity.

He has become one of Aston Villa’s most valuable players, yet his journey has not been without setbacks. Fans in Devon and beyond felt a sense of disappointment when he missed out on the most recent World Cup squad, especially after performing so consistently at club level. His current injury woes have added frustration, as supporters hope to see him return quickly to full fitness. 

England remain strong contenders for the next tournament and sit as second favourites at 5/1 among the top non UK betting sites, just behind Spain. Many fans engage with these sites, which offer clear odds, quick access, and wider markets than many domestic platforms. These sites have become popular among supporters who enjoy following their favourite players. In Devon, Watkins is often central to those conversations, as fans debate how his form could influence attacking options for whichever team he plays for.

Watkins’ success resonates so deeply because of how he achieved it. He started with Exeter City, a club known for giving academy players real chances rather than treating them as academy placeholders. His early career involved loans, setbacks and steady improvement rather than immediate stardom. Every step was earned. Exeter fans still speak proudly of him, and his sale played a part in helping secure the financial stability of the club. Watkins never forgot this connection. He has spoken warmly about the people who supported him, the coaches who believed in him and the community that shaped his earliest football memories.

In the Premier League, he has become a model of consistency, one that recently almost resulted in a move to Premier League Giants Arsenal. Watkins brings intelligence, speed and relentless pressing, qualities that make him valuable beyond goals alone. His movement unsettles defenders, his link-up play improves those around him, and his energy drives Villa’s forward line. Under different managers, he has adapted his game, showing tactical awareness and a willingness to learn. 

These traits add to the pride felt in Devon. Watkins is not simply playing at the highest level. He is thriving there. He represents the county with professionalism and a grounded attitude rarely seen in modern football. He also provides inspiration to academy players across the region, dreaming of making it big. Devon’s football pathway can feel limited compared to major urban areas, yet Watkins proves that talent combined with patience can still reach the top. 

His success encourages local clubs and coaches to believe their efforts matter. It reminds aspiring players that progression is possible, even if the journey begins outside the spotlight. Watkins demonstrates that football greatness does not need a glamorous starting point. It can rise from determination, community support and self-belief.

Watkins will always be considered Devon’s favourite son in football because he carries the spirit of the county with him. His rise is a shared achievement, felt by those who watched him grow and by those who now cheer him from afar. Each new season adds another chapter to a story that continues to inspire. For Devon, Watkins stands as proof that the Premier League is not just a distant dream. It is something that one of their own can conquer with pride, skill and the quiet confidence of someone who never forgot where he came from.