Watts Stelling has lived his entire life in Leadgate’s Bradley Cottages. From childhood, football was his passion, excelling as a striker at school and scoring 67 goals in 44 games at Leadgate Primary.
A tireless player, he often competed in three matches each weekend. His talent earned him a professional contract with Derby County at 15 under Brian Clough, but a serious thigh injury ended his top-level aspirations. Undeterred, Watts returned to grassroots football, enjoying five standout seasons with Consett AFC and earning Player of the Year in 1980.
After retiring at 41, Watts continued supporting grassroots sport and turned to public service. Elected as an Independent councillor in 1999, he joined Durham County Council in 2001. Following the 2009 reorganisation, he held key committee roles and eventually led the Independent Group. He also served as a school governor at multiple schools, including his own former primary. In 2021, he was elected Chairman of Durham County Council, serving until 2025 before becoming an Alderman.
Alongside public service, Watts built a career as a metallurgist at Consett Iron Company, later becoming a senior analyst, and later worked in academia at Newcastle University. In 2003, his family was named “Family of the Year.” Married to Yvonne since 1975, her battle with breast cancer and death in 2017 deeply affected the family.
Today, Watts cherishes time with his children and grandchildren, embodying a life of dedication to family, football, science, and community.
By George Ledger – Consett in Focus
Full story: https://consettmagazine.com/?p=94557
What a great man
A canny Leadgate lad x
A local LegEnd.
Watts is a gent.
A long serving worker for our community.
Well done Watts 👍
A great man I am proud to consider myself a friend. I have known Watts from the football field to see him have the success in been a servant to the public of Leadgate. A wonderful family man. Well done 👏.
Found this very interesting especially his football background seems a really nice family man well done
great guy x
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And he played for Ipswich town back in the day
Watts is an amazing fellah, fiercely passionate about his local place and the people, a tremendous public servant and a wonderful bloke !
A good person.
Top bloke always has time for everyone.
One of the best.
Good man. But think they could do with some new parks for kids in leadgate area as there is nothing there for them and wonder why they start getting into trouble
I first met Watts whilst working at the TRD in the Steel Works. What a great guy, always encouraged us youngsters. He deserves every success.
My dancing partner lol xx
Well deserved, we’ll done Watts, best wishes from Fred and me xx
A lovely man. I met him through Paul and Marie McNally. He didn’t know me from Adam, but happily spent a couple of hours with me, including a local tour. I was researching my family history. His local knowledge was phenomenal. A very memorable day.
PS It turns out we have a few Stellings in our (Dixon) family tree!!
Well done Watts👍❤️👍
What a gent he is! 😁
Thumbs up Watts . It’s the Eden pitch. History counts x
Top man played local football. Him
Nice guy 👍
Lovely man
Well done Watts its a pleasure knowing you
A top top bloke, up there with the best Councillors I have worked with. His passion for Leadgate and the local area came across strongly in every conversation I had with him. As did his love for football!! All the best Watts
His name was always Watty when I worked with him in the TRD at Consett Steelworks. It was also Watty when we played football together for a good few seasons in the Consett Sunday League. Well done on your success mate.
How are you keeping Watts.