Matt Watson, a former midfield mainstay for the Carolina RailHawks, will return to the Cary-based club for the 2016 season. The RailHawks are expected to announce Watson’s signing Friday.

The 31-year-old Watson, a native of Redditch, England, played four seasons with the RailHawks from 2008-2011. He still ranks among the club’s leaders in career appearances, behind Kupono Low and Tiyi Shipalane. During his stint in Carolina, Watson was an affable fan favorite and perennial starter who was named to the North American Soccer League (NASL) Best XI team in 2011.

In 2012, Watson followed former RailHawks manager Martin Rennie to the Vancouver Whitecaps in Major League Soccer. After two years in Vancouver, Watson spent the last two seasons with the Chicago Fire.

The addition of Watson further bolsters a 2016 RailHawks midfield that currently comprises returnees Nazmi Albadawi, Austin da Luz and Shipalane, plus newcomers Marvin Ceballos and James Marcelin, a 2015 NASL Best XI honoree and former MLS middie.

The RailHawks kick off their 2016 NASL regular season on April 2 in Cary against Minnesota United FC.