Scots footballer battling for his life after being hit by car in late night horror smash

A PROMISING Scots footballer is fighting for his life after being hit by a car.

Dean Watson was critically injured when he was struck by a Mitsubishi pickup as he walked along a country road near Ecclefechan, six miles south of Lockerbie, in the early hours of the morning.

Emergency services attended and Dean, 24, was taken to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary before being transferred to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.

It is thought Dean – a midfielder with South of Scotland side Dalbeattie Star – suffered head injuries.

Medical staff describe his condition as critical but stable.

Police are appealing for information following the crash which occurred at around 1.30am.

Sergeant Colin Ramage from Road Policing said: “A man has been left seriously injured following this collision and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what happened.

“We are appealing for anyone who was on the B7076 near to Ecclefechan in the early hours of this morning and may have noticed the vehicle involved, or anything else of relevance, to please get in touch.

“We are particularly keen to hear from motorists with dash-cams who may have footage which could assist with our enquiries.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0290 of Sunday, 22 October, 2023.”

Dean was signed this summer by Star manager Eddie Warwick and previously played for Queen of the South and Gretna 2008.

Dalbeattie Star’s twitter said: “Everyone at Dalbeattie Star would like to pass our best wishes to current player, Dean Watson, who was involved in a serious traffic incident near Ecclefechan in the early hours of this morning. Keep fighting Deano.”

The Gretna 2008 twitter page also paid tribute to Dean: “Our best wishes go to former Gretna 2008 player, Dean Watson, who was involved in a serious traffic accident.

“We wish him a full recovery and he is in our thoughts this evening.”

Upon signing Dean, Warwick said: “He is a very talented footballer with a great head on his shoulders.

“I have absolutely no doubt Dean will be a big player for Dalbeattie Star going forward.

“He will fit in very well here with our project and what we are trying to build going forward.”

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