| Watford | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Watford Football Club | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Nickname(s) | The Hornets, The Golden Boys, Yellow Army | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Founded | 1881 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ground | Vicarage Road Watford England (Capacity 19,920 (expanding to 23,500)) |
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| Chairman |  Graham Simpson |
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| Manager | Aidy Boothroyd |
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| League | Championship | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2007–08 | Championship, 6th | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. Football club names are a part of the sport 's culture reflecting century-old traditions This is a of lists of the use of Nicknames in football (soccer. The following are the Association football events of the year 1881 throughout the world Vicarage Road, a Stadium in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, is the home of the football club Watford and their tenants Watford (ˈwɒtfəd) is a town and district in Hertfordshire, England, situated 19 miles (30 km northwest of London England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland The following is a list of Association football stadia. They are ordered by their capacity, that is the maximum number of spectators that the Graham Simpson is a businessman and chairman of English football club Watford. Adrian Neil "Aidy" Boothroyd (born 8 February 1971 in Baildon, West Riding of Yorkshire) is an English former footballer and is the The Football League Championship (often referred to as The Championship for short or the Coca-Cola Football League Championship for sponsorship reasons The Football League Championship (often referred to as The Championship for short or the Coca-Cola Football League Championship for sponsorship reasons England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a Team sport played between two teams of eleven players and is widely considered Watford (ˈwɒtfəd) is a town and district in Hertfordshire, England, situated 19 miles (30 km northwest of London Hertfordshire (ˈhɑːtfədʃə(r, abbreviated Herts) is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in the East region of They play in the Championship. The Football League Championship (often referred to as The Championship for short or the Coca-Cola Football League Championship for sponsorship reasons
The club was founded in 1881, first playing at Cassio Road ground, before moving to Vicarage Road in 1922, where they remain to this day. Vicarage Road, a Stadium in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, is the home of the football club Watford and their tenants The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 1922 throughout the world [1] Since 1997 they have shared the ground with Saracens Rugby Club. The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 1997 throughout the world The Saracens Rugby Football Club, also known as Saracens FC or usually just Saracens, are a professional Rugby union team based in Watford, The club has the nickame of The Hornets due to its yellow and black strip. Watford have a long-standing rivalry with nearby Luton Town. Luton Town Football Club are an English football team based in the town of Luton in Bedfordshire.
The club is best known for its two spells under the management of former England manager Graham Taylor. The English national football team represents England in international football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football Graham Taylor OBE (born 15 September 1944 Worksop, Nottinghamshire) is a football manager and a former player The first lasting from 1977 to 1987, when the club rose to the old Division One from Division Four, also reaching the FA Cup final in 1984[2] and competing in the UEFA Cup. The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 1977 throughout the world The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 1987 throughout the world The Football League First Division was the highest division of The Football League between 1993 and 2004 and the highest division of English football overall between "Fourth Division" redirects here For usage of the term in the Military, see 4th Division. The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 1984 throughout the world The UEFA Cup is a football competition for European club teams organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA. The second lasting from 1997 to 2001, when Taylor took the club from Division Two to the Premiership in successive seasons. The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 1997 throughout the world The following are the Association football events of the year 2001 throughout the world From 1892 until 1992 the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football. The Premier League, colloquially referred to as the Premiership, is an English professional league for football clubs During both of these eras the club was owned by Elton John, who is now the club's honorary life president[3]. Sir Elton Hercules John CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947 is an English pop / rock Singer, Composer
Contents |
History
The Graham Taylor era (1977–1987)
When 32-year-old Graham Taylor was named as Watford's new manager at the start of the 1976-77 season, the club had just been purchased by world famous pop star Elton John (a lifelong fan of the club) and were an unremarkable Fourth Division side[4]. Sir Elton Hercules John CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947 is an English pop / rock Singer, Composer But thanks to the efforts of chairman, manager and playing staff, Watford had reached the First Division by the start of the 1982–83 season[4]. Players like John Barnes, Ross Jenkins and Luther Blissett were some of the most respected players in the English game during the 1980s. John Charles Bryan Barnes MBE (born 7 November 1963 in Kingston Jamaica) is a Jamaican born former professional English Luther Loide Blissett (born 1 February 1958 in Falmouth, Jamaica) is a footballer and coach Watford finished their first top flight season as runners-up behind champions Liverpool. Liverpool Football Club are an English professional Association football club based in Liverpool England. The club competed in the UEFA cup the following season and an FA Cup final appearance followed in 1984, although Watford lost to Everton[2]. The 1984 FA Cup Final was contested by Everton and Watford at Wembley. Everton Football Club is an English football club located in the city of Liverpool. After guiding Watford to a ninth-place finish in 1986-87, Taylor was lured away to Aston Villa[4].
Life after Graham Taylor: Outside the top division (1987–1998)
After Graham Taylor left, Dave Bassett was placed in charge. David "Dave" "Harry" Bassett (born 4 September 1944 in Stanmore is an English football manager, whose The Hornets suffered a terrible start to the 1987-88 season, and Dave Bassett was let go after a short stint of only eight months. Watford were relegated from the First Division at the end of that season. The next season, 1988-89, Watford failed to return to the First Division after they lost Second Division playoffs. Over the next few seasons, Watford never seriously challenged for promotion. Their highest finish was a Craig Ramage-inspired seventh in Division One at the end of the 1994-95 season, but they were relegated the following year. Craig Ramage (born March 30 1970 in Derby, England) is a former English footballer who played in Midfield for
The club did win the FA Youth Cup in the 1988-89 season, beating Man City 2-1 after extra time; David James was in goal for the Hornets. The Football Association Youth Challenge Cup is an English football competition run by The Football Association for under-18 sides TalkManchester City FC before changing verbs to singular --> Manchester City Football Club is an English professional football club David Benjamin James (born 1 August 1970 in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire) is an English professional footballer who currently plays for Portsmouth
The return of Graham Taylor (1998–2001)
Graham Taylor returned to Watford as Director of Football in February 1996[4], with former player Kenny Jackett as head coach, but was unable to stop the club from sliding into Division Two. The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 1996 throughout the world After a mid-table finish in Division Two at the end of 1996-97, Jackett was demoted to the position of assistant manager and Taylor returned his old role as manager. The transition proved a success and Watford secured the Division Two championship in 1997-98, beating Bristol City into second place after a season-long struggle. Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol England, (the other being arch rivals Bristol Rovers) A second successive promotion followed in 1998-99, thanks to a playoff final victory over Bolton which secured the club's promotion to the Premiership. Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional football club based in Horwich, in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater The Premiership season started brightly with an early surprising victory over Liverpool, but soon faded away, and Watford were relegated after finishing bottom. Liverpool Football Club are an English professional Association football club based in Liverpool England. Graham Taylor retired at the end of the 2000-01 season (although just months later he returned to football management at Aston Villa)[4], and was replaced in a surprise move by Gianluca Vialli[5], who had recently been sacked by Chelsea F.C.[6]. Gianluca Vialli (born July 9, 1964 in Cremona) is a retired Italian football Striker and manager
Watford under Vialli (2001–2002)
Vialli's time at the club was short and unhappy. In an unpopular move he replaced long-time backroom staff such as Kenny Jackett and Luther Blissett, replacing them with ex-Chelsea staff he had brought with him. Kenny Jackett (born 5 January 1962 in Watford) is a former Welsh football player who is now a manager Luther Loide Blissett (born 1 February 1958 in Falmouth, Jamaica) is a footballer and coach Vialli made several high-profile signings, and wage bills at the club soared, with Vialli himself earning almost a million pounds a year. However, the season was mediocre, with the club finishing a lowly 14th in the division, and Vialli was sacked after only one season, having refused to resign[7]. He was replaced by Ray Lewington, who had come to the club the previous summer as Vialli's reserve team manager. Raymond "Ray" Lewington (born September 7, 1956 in Lambeth, London) is a former footballer and a coach
Ray Lewington (2002–2005)
Lewington took charge of Watford for the 2002-03 season. Over the summer many of the Vialli's signings left the club. Lewington had few funds to strengthen the side and was only able to bring in two players, the experienced Neal Ardley and Sean Dyche. The extent of Watford's financial difficulties was exposed in the autumn, along with many League clubs, following the collapse of ITV Digital[8]. ITV Digital was a British Digital terrestrial television broadcaster, which launched a pay-TV service on the world's first digital terrestrial television network The club was facing administration when the players and staff agreed a 12% wage deferral[9]. Exacerbating the club's difficulties were the large payoffs they had had to make to Vialli and several players on terminating their contracts, and Vialli's decision to sue the club early in 2003[10]. The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 2003 throughout the world The club started the season well, however, despite the players having to agree to a pay-cut during October, and finished in mid-table. An unexpected run to the FA Cup semi-final, where Watford lost to Premiership Southampton[11], also generated vital cash[12]. The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after Southampton Football Club is a professional English football team, nicknamed The Saints and based in the city of Southampton.
The ongoing financial difficulties saw a large number of players released that summer, including record signing Allan Nielsen and strikers Tommy Smith and Gifton Noel-Williams. Gifton Ruben Elisha Noel-Williams (born 21 January 1980 in Islington, London) is an English professional footballer. There was a degree of hope around the new strike-force. Danny Webber - who had previously impressed on loan - was signed in a deal financed by several directors, along with Manchester United youngster Jimmy Davis, on loan for the season, and former star Bruce Dyer. Daniel Vaughn Webber (born December 28, 1981 in Manchester) is an English football player who currently plays as a Striker
Tragically, however, Davis was killed in a car-crash on the opening day of the campaign. This had a huge effect on the team's form at the beginning of the season, and notably on Webber, who was one of his closest friends. Hovering above the relegation zone, the team struggled on through the winter. Terrace hero Paul Robinson was sold for the relatively small sum of £250,000, after a bid from West Brom. West Bromwich Albion Football Club (also known as West Brom, The Baggies, Albion, The Albion, The Throstles or WBA) are Non-league signing Scott Fitzgerald scoring many of the team's goals in a make-shift attack, with Gavin Mahon, who had a poor 2002-03, made a significant contribution in the centre of midfield. A strong finish to the season, led by winger Lee Cook, saw the club finish in mid-table.
The 2004-05 season saw a continuation of the good form of the end of the previous season, with the club well in the upper half of the Championship at the end of September. However, a long run of poor form subsequently saw the club drop steadily towards the relegation zone. Another good cup run further eased the club's financial position, with the team reaching the semi-final of the League Cup, soundly beating Premiership sides Portsmouth and Southampton on the way, before losing narrowly to Liverpool. The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup, is an English football competition Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the south coast city of Portsmouth. Southampton Football Club is a professional English football team, nicknamed The Saints and based in the city of Southampton. Liverpool Football Club are an English professional Association football club based in Liverpool England. The club's poor league form, however, came to a head in March, with a run of terrible performances and Lewington was sacked on the 22nd. His sacking was controversial, and many fans were unhappy at the loss of a man who had led the club to two cup semi finals in three seasons, enduring considerable financial hardships. .
Aidy Boothroyd (2005–present)
At the age of 34, Aidy Boothroyd was appointed manager of Watford after serving at Leeds United as a coach; 70-year-old Keith Burkinshaw was recruited as his assistant. Adrian Neil "Aidy" Boothroyd (born 8 February 1971 in Baildon, West Riding of Yorkshire) is an English former footballer and is the Leeds United Association Football Club, commonly referred to as simply Leeds United or informally Leeds, are an English professional football Harry Keith Burkinshaw (born June 23, 1935 in Higham, near Barnsley, Yorkshire) is an English former professional Boothroyd's inexperience raised concerns among fans, who worried that he would not be able to keep the side in the Championship. However, Watford secured enough points to ensure survival with two games to go in the season.
Fan dissent continued throughout the summer of 2005, and increased due to the sacking of Nigel Gibbs as coach after more than twenty years of service and the departure of a large number of fan favourite players. The following are the Football (soccer events of the year 2005 throughout the world Among those to go were star striker Heiðar Helguson and Danny Webber leaving the club with only one recognised striker. Heiðar Helguson (born 22 August, 1977 in Akureyri; first name commonly anglicised to Heidar) is an Icelandic footballer Daniel Vaughn Webber (born December 28, 1981 in Manchester) is an English football player who currently plays as a Striker
In a flurry of late-August activity in 2005, Boothroyd signed strikers Darius Henderson and Marlon King (initially on a season-long loan), central defenders Clarke Carlisle and Malky Mackay, midfielder Matthew Spring and goalkeeper Ben Foster (also on a season-long loan), assuaging many fans' doubts about the depth of the squad. Darius Alexis Henderson (born 7 September 1981 in Sutton, Greater London) is a professional footballer who plays as a Striker Marlon Francis King (born 26 April 1980 in Dulwich, Greater London) is an English -born Jamaican professional football Clarke James Carlisle (born October 14 1979 in Preston, Lancashire) is an English footballer, currently playing for Malcolm George Mackay (born 19 February, 1972 in Bellshill) is a former professional Scottish footballer who played as a centre-back Matthew John Spring (born 17 November 1979, in Harlow, Essex) is an English central Midfielder currently playing for Benjamin Anthony "Ben" Foster (born 3 April 1983 in Leamington Spa) is an English Association footballer who plays as a goalkeeper Carlisle and Spring had both worked with Boothroyd at Leeds United the previous season. Leeds United Association Football Club, commonly referred to as simply Leeds United or informally Leeds, are an English professional football
Although Watford lost the opening match of the season 2-1 at home to Preston North End, Boothroyd's first full season at the club subsequently saw strong performances from the team to take them into the top half of the Championship, with the side consistently maintaining a third place position. A strong run of form in early 2006, including an impressive 4-1 win at second-placed Sheffield United saw Watford threatening to take second place and an automatic promotion spot. Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire. A subsequent down-turn in form rendered this impossible, but a draw at home against Luton Town on 9 April secured Watford a play-off spot. Luton Town Football Club are an English football team based in the town of Luton in Bedfordshire. Events 193 - Septimius Severus is proclaimed Roman Emperor by the army in Illyricum (in the Balkans)
Following a 3-0 away victory at Crystal Palace and a subsequent 0-0 draw at Vicarage Road in the semi-finals Watford reached the playoff final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Crystal Palace FC is an English football club based in South Norwood, London. The Millennium Stadium (Stadiwm y Mileniwm is the National stadium of Wales, located in the capital Cardiff. Watford then beat Leeds 3-0 in the final to gain promotion to the Premier League and an estimated £41m as a result (all 13,000 available season tickets were quickly sold out). Leeds United Association Football Club, commonly referred to as simply Leeds United or informally Leeds, are an English professional football
This money was spent on several players in the 2006 pre-season, including three players who represent their country at the international level; central midfielder Damien Francis, centre-back Danny Shittu and Hungarian striker Tamás Priskin and securing the re-signing of Ben Foster (on another season-long loan) and Tommy Smith. Damien Jerome Francis (born 27 February 1979 in Wandsworth, England) is a retired Jamaican international footballer. Daniel Olusola "Danny" Shittu (born 2 September 1980 in Lagos) is a Nigerian footballer, currently playing for Premier League side The Hungary national football team represents Hungary in international football and is controlled by the Hungarian Football Federation. Tamás Priskin (born 27 September 1986 in Komárno, Slovakia) is a Hungarian football player currently playing for Benjamin Anthony "Ben" Foster (born 3 April 1983 in Leamington Spa) is an English Association footballer who plays as a goalkeeper Thomas William "Tommy" Smith (born May 22, 1980 in Hemel Hempstead) is an English professional footballer.
The Hornets secured their first Premiership point of the season with a draw against West Ham in their second game of the season. } West Ham United Football Club is an English football club based in Upton Park, London Borough of Newham, East London, who have played However, they had to wait until 4 November 2006 to record their first league win of the season, against Middlesbrough. Events 1333 - Flood of the Arno River, causing massive damage in Florence as recorded by the Florentine chronicler Giovanni Villani Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Middlesbrough Football Club, also known as The Boro are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Premier League.
The January transfer window was busy, with the sale of Ashley Young to Aston Villa for a fee rising to £9. Ashley Simon Young (born 9 July 1985 in Stevenage, Hertfordshire) is an English footballer of Jamaican origin who currently plays as a Midfielder 65 million - a record transfer fee for the club[13][14]. Watford also brought in 8 new signings.
Watford only recorded five wins in the Premiership, and sat at the bottom of the league table. However, they reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, where they lost to Manchester United[15]. The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after Despite drawing 1-1 with Manchester City, Watford were relegated on 21 April 2007. TalkManchester City FC before changing verbs to singular --> Manchester City Football Club is an English professional football club Events 753 BC - Romulus and Remus found Rome ( traditional date) Despite this Boothroyd's contract has been renewed, and he is now on a new deal lasting until 2010. [16] [17]
The team wasted no time in bringing in new players. As soon as the season finished, veteran centre back Matt Jackson [18] joined from Wigan after his contract expired and goalkeeper Mart Poom [19] joined from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee, Jobi McAnuff moved from Crystal Palace for £1. Matthew Alan "Matt" Jackson (born 19 October 1971 in Leeds) is an English former professional footballer who played as a Wigan Athletic Football Club is a professional football team based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. Mart Poom (born February 3, 1972 in Tallinn; ˌmɑrt ˈpoʊm in English is an Estonian football goalkeeper Joel Joshua Frederick "Jobi" McAnuff (born 9 November 1981 in Edmonton London) is an Anglo - Jamaican professional footballer Crystal Palace FC is an English football club based in South Norwood, London. 75 million and in a new record signing Nathan Ellington moved from West Brom for a fee of £3. Nathan Robert Ellington (born 2 July, 1981 in Bradford, West Yorkshire) is an English professional footballer. West Bromwich Albion Football Club (also known as West Brom, The Baggies, Albion, The Albion, The Throstles or WBA) are 25 million which may rise to £4. 25 million[13][20]. This move was partially funded by the £3 million departure of Hameur Bouazza to Fulham. Hameur Bouazza ( هامور بوعزة) (born 22 February 1985 in Evry, France) is a French-born Algerian footballer who is currently Fulham Football Club is an English football team based in Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.
Watford made a good start to the 2007–08 season. With Darius Henderson and Marlon King scoring regularly, they built a lead at the top of the Championship. Darius Alexis Henderson (born 7 September 1981 in Sutton, Greater London) is a professional footballer who plays as a Striker Marlon Francis King (born 26 April 1980 in Dulwich, Greater London) is an English -born Jamaican professional football In November and December they had a poor run of form, particularly at home, which lead to their closest competitor, West Bromwich Albion, overtaking them in early January. West Bromwich Albion Football Club (also known as West Brom, The Baggies, Albion, The Albion, The Throstles or WBA) are Watford assured themseleves a play-off place on the final day of the season after a fortunate draw at Blackpool. Blackpool Football Club are an English football club founded in 1887 and located in the Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool. But for a dreadful home record where Watford only won 8 out of their 23 home games automatic promotion would have been possible. On 25 January 2008 Marlon King made a surprise move to Wigan Athletic when he had been linked numerous times to Fulham. Events 41 - After a night of negotiation Claudius is accepted as Roman Emperor by the Senate 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Marlon Francis King (born 26 April 1980 in Dulwich, Greater London) is an English -born Jamaican professional football Wigan Athletic Football Club is a professional football team based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. Fulham Football Club is an English football team based in Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Reports claimed that King failed a medical at Fulham which prompted Wigan boss Steve Bruce to step in and sign the Jamaican international. Stephen Roger "Steve" Bruce (born 31 December 1960 is an English football manager and former player The Jamaica national football team, or The Reggae Boyz, is the national team of Jamaica and is controlled by the Jamaica Football Federation. [21] On the same day 22 year old Fulham striker Collins John made a loan move to Watford which ended following an injury to the player. Collins John (born 17 October 1985) is a Dutch footballer currently playing for NEC Nijmegen on loan from Fulham. [22]
In the play-offs, Watford's wretched form continued with Hull City winning 2-0 at Vicarage Road and despite Watford taking the lead at the KC Stadium, Hull ran out 4-1 winners (6-1 on aggregate) to condemn Watford to another season in the Championship. Hull City Association Football Club are an English football club based in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire.
Rivalry
Watford fans maintain a rivalry with those of Luton Town. Luton Town Football Club are an English football team based in the town of Luton in Bedfordshire. The two sides met regularly in the Southern and Football Leagues from 1900 to 1937, but Luton's promotion meant that aside from a Southern Cup meeting the two sides did not meet again until 1964. Throughout the sixties and seventies the two sides met sporadically, and the rivalry gradually grew in significance, bringing with it trouble in the ground and outside of it.
The two sides were promoted to the First Division in the 1981–82 season, with Luton taking the Championship ahead of Watford. The two sides were also relegated together from the new Division 1 in 1995–96. Watford's promotion from Division 2 in 1997–98 meant that the two sides did not meet again in the League until the 2005–06 season, when Luton were promoted into the Championship. Clashes in the nineties had seen a decrease in violence, but a one-off League Cup tie in the 2002–03 season was marred by violence inside Vicarage Road. [23] The clubs' first League meeting in eight years, on 2 January 2006, passed largely without incident with Watford winning 2–1 at Kenilworth Road. Events 366 - The Alamanni cross the frozen Rhine River in large numbers invading the Roman Empire. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Kenilworth Road is a Stadium in Luton, England which is home to Luton Town F Later in the season, the sides met at Vicarage Road with the game ending in a 1–1 draw.
In all meetings between the two sides Luton have the superior record, with 56 wins and 183 goals to Watford's 37 and 156 respectively. Twenty-nine matches have been drawn.
Players
- As of 23 May 2008. Events 1430 - Siege of Compiègne: Joan of Arc is captured by the Burgundians while leading an army to relieve Compiègne 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common [24]
Current squad
Coaching staff
Appointed in March 2005, Boothroyd was previously first-team coach at Leeds United. Leeds United Association Football Club, commonly referred to as simply Leeds United or informally Leeds, are an English professional football
Joined in July 2007 from Norwich City. PLEASE NOTE This section is the introduction Please do not add too much detail here Previously spent thirteen years working for the Football Association. The Football Association, also known as simply The FA, is the governing body of football in England and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey
Oversees the Watford Academy teams and manages the scouting operation for Watford's youth sides
Member of staff brought in by Boothroyd to work on the squad's physical fitness - formerly on the staff of the Miami Heat NBA team.
Goalkeeping coach since Kevin Hitchcock's move to Blackburn Rovers in 2004. Alec Francis Roy Chamberlain (born June 20 1964) is a former English Goalkeeper currently employed by Watford as the club's goalkeeping Kevin Hitchcock (born October 5, 1962 in Canning Town, Greater London) is an English former Goalkeeper and spent most Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Retired from playing at the end of the 2006–07 season to concentrate on his coaching role. Notable Players
A centre-forward before he came to Watford, Williams played as goalkeeper when he moved to the Cassio Road, making 341 appearances in 13 years at the club.
A two-footed forward, Davies is one of the few League players to spend 20 years at a single club.
The most prolific striker Watford ever had. Clifford Charles "Cliff" Holton ( April 29, 1929 &ndash June 4 1996) was an English footballer Born in Signed in 1958, Holton's "golden year" was in Watford's 1959–60 Division Four promotion season, when he scored 48 goals in 52 appearances. In Division Three Holton averaged a goal every other game. He left the club in 1961, but returned for a period in the 1965–66 season.
One of the finest goalkeepers ever, Jennings started his career at Watford, making 52 appearances in his single season at the club. Patrick Anthony Jennings OBE (born June 12 1945 in Newry, County Down) is a Northern Irish former football player
An uncompromising left-back, Welbourne made 457 appearances for the club, including a record 280 in succession. He was ever-present in Watford's 1968–69 promotion season.
A talented winger, the 19 year old Scullion was brought to Watford as a make-weight in the deal that took Cliff Holton to Charlton. Charlton Athletic Football Club (also known as The Addicks) is a professional football club based in Charlton, in the London Borough of He was a key player in the 1968–69 promotion season, and scored the goal in Watford's 1-1 cup draw with the giants Manchester United at Old Trafford.
A passionate midfielder, Walley was instrumental in the 1968–69 promotion season. Walley was a fixture in Watford's side for much of the seventies. After retirement he became a coach at the club and worked alongside Graham Taylor during his two successful spells at the club.
An extremely athletic goalkeeper, Rankin was Watford's keeper for most of the seventies. Andy Rankin (born May 11, 1945 in Bootle, Merseyside, England) was a former Professional footballer who played With 329 appearances, only Skilly Williams has made more appearances in goal for Watford.
Jenkins joined Watford in 1972, and formed a formidable partnership with Luther Blissett in Watford's ascent through the Division. He left Watford in 1983, with the club in the top flight. He had played for Watford when they were both top of the old first division (1st in the Football League) and bottom of the old Fourth Division (92nd in the Football League), making him the first, and so far only, player to do so. "Fourth Division" redirects here For usage of the term in the Military, see 4th Division. He scored 142 goals in 398 games.
An aggressive and ball winning central midfielder, Joslyn was instrumental in Watford's successive promotions from 1977–1979.
Making his debut in 1976, Blissett played for Watford throughout their ascent from Division Four to Division One. Luther Loide Blissett (born 1 February 1958 in Falmouth, Jamaica) is a footballer and coach He was the first Watford player to be capped for England. He had three spells at Watford in total, and holds the club records for highest all-time goalscorer and most appearances. Blissett had a spell as coach at Watford from 1996–2001
Called the "best signing I ever made" by Graham Taylor, Bolton was another player who played for Watford throughout their Division Four to Division One ascent. Ian Robert Bolton (born July 13, 1953) is an English former professional footballer, most renowned for his spell with Watford Graham Taylor OBE (born 15 September 1944 Worksop, Nottinghamshire) is a football manager and a former player Despite being a centre-half, Bolton had a talent for both passing and shooting.
A long serving and loyal goal-keeper, Sherwood played for Watford throughout the Taylor heyday of 1977–1987. Stephen Sherwood (born 10 December 1953 in Selby, England) is a former Association football goalkeeper, best remembered He started in first game under Taylor's reign and finished the last. During his time at the club Sherwood was frequently out of the side, but over the course of three seasons, 1981–1982 (promotion to Division One), 1982–1983 (record high 2nd place finish) and 1983–84 (Europe and the FA Cup Final), he missed just six games.
Bought as a left-winger in 1979, Rostron was moved to left-back in 1982 and automatically excelled there. John Wilfred Rostron, often known as Wilf Rostron (born 29 September, 1956 in Sunderland) is an English former footballer He became captain of Watford's successful eighties side, although he missed the FA Cup Final through suspension. He won the Player of the Season award several times.
When he signed for Watford at the end of the 1978–79 he was the most expensive Division Three player ever, costing £175,000. Steve Sims (born July 2, 1957 in Lincoln, England) is a former English football defender, probably most famous A high quality but injury-prone central defender, Sims played for Watford for six years, in two spells.
A flamboyant right-winger, Callaghan was a frequent assist-maker in the Watford side of the 1980s. Nigel Callaghan (born 12 September, 1962, Singapore) is a former Professional footballer.
A cultured creative central midfielder, Jackett was a fixture in the Watford side in their heyday of the 1980s. Kenny Jackett (born 5 January 1962 in Watford) is a former Welsh football player who is now a manager After retiring in 1990, Jackett took a coaching position at the club, and worked in a variety of positions - including manager in 1996–97 - until 2001.
A hard-working central midfielder, Taylor was the Player of the Season in Watford's most successful season ever, when they finished second in Division One in 1982–83. Leslie Taylor (born 4 December 1956 in North Shields, Northumberland) is an English former footballer who captained With Rostron absent, Taylor captained Watford for their single FA Cup final appearance in 1984[2].
Perhaps the most talented player ever to play for Watford, Barnes made his debut for the club aged 17 in 1981. John Charles Bryan Barnes MBE (born 7 November 1963 in Kingston Jamaica) is a Jamaican born former professional English He played for the club for 6 years, during which he appeared in the FA Cup final side, and represented England 31 times.
Gibbs made his Watford debut in 1983, at the age of 17. Nigel James Gibbs (born November 20 1965 in St Albans) was an English footballer, who played for Watford and England U21 He served Watford as a player for 20 years, making his final appearance for the club in April 2002. A dependable and loyal right-back, Gibbs suffered a career-threatening injury in 1993 and was released in 1996, but stayed with the club, joining them for pre-season training and regaining a contract. After retiring, Gibbs served Watford as a coach for three years. He was sacked in the summer of 2006, to much protest from fans.
One of Watford's longest serving players, Porter made 464 appearances for Watford in his 13 years at the club. Gary Michael Porter (born 6 March 1966 in Sunderland) is a former footballer who played either as a left-back or a midfielder He once scored a second half hat-trick against Bolton. Watford at one stage 0-3 down, went on to win the game 4-3
Helped lead Watford to the F. Maurice John Giblin "Mo" Johnston (born April 13, 1963 in Glasgow, Scotland) is a former Scottish football A. Cup final and made his Scotland debut whilst playing at Vicarage Road.
Arriving in 1984, Coton was Watford's number 1 for the rest of the 1980s. Tony Coton (born 19 May 1961 in Tamworth) is an English ex- footballer who played as a goalkeeper. A strong and occasionally controversial 'keeper, Coton was a crowd favorite.
A deceptively quick central defender, McClelland marshaled Watford's defence for the second half of the eighties, captaining it for some time. John McClelland (born 7 December 1955 in Belfast) is a former Northern Irish footballer who played as a defender
The future England number one started his career at Watford, making 98 appearances for the club in two seasons. David Benjamin James (born 1 August 1970 in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire) is an English professional footballer who currently plays for Portsmouth
A central midfielder whose partnership with Micah Hyde was central in Watford's double promotion seasons of 1997/98 and 1998/99. Richard Johnson (born April 27, 1974 in Kurri Kurri, New South Wales, Australia) is an Australian Football (soccer While he will be remembered for his spectacular goals and often crunching challenges, it was his vision and raking passes that marked him out as one of the greatest midfielders to play for the club.
The captain of the Watford side during its late 1990s success period, Page is the only Watford player to lift a trophy at Wembley, and was the Player of the Season in the 1999/00 Premiership season. Robert Page (born September 3, 1974 in Llwynypia, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Wales) is a Welsh Professional footballer
A passionate and determined player, Mooney was instrumental in Watford's successive promotions in 1997–1998 and 1998–1999. Thomas John Mooney (born 11 August 1971 in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire) is a professional English football A forward by trade, Mooney played at the back during 1997–1998, but returned to the forward line in 1998–1999 where an end of season goal-run pushed Watford into the play-offs. In his final season at the club, he became the first player since Paul Furlong to score 20 goals in a season.
Partner of Page in 1998–99 play-off final, Palmer also played every single game of the club's 1999–2000 Premiership campaign. Stephen Leonard Palmer (born Brighton, Sussex on 31 March 1968) was a footballer who played in England in the 1980s and 1990s with Ipswich A dedicated utility player, Palmer has the distinction of being the only player to have worn every shirt number from 1-14 in a single season, for Watford in the 1997–98 season.
A goalkeeper who has proved to be a bargain after joining from Sunderland for just £40,000 and played an instrumental role in Watford double promotion in '98 to Division One and '99 to the Premiership. Alec Francis Roy Chamberlain (born June 20 1964) is a former English Goalkeeper currently employed by Watford as the club's goalkeeping Sunderland Association Football Club is a professional Association football team based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England, which plays in The Premier League, colloquially referred to as the Premiership, is an English professional league for football clubs He has since been 2nd choice keeper for most of the time and taken a coaching role at the club but has also signed a contact extension making him the Premiership's oldest player in 2006-07.
A left-back who came through the ranks at Watford, he made his debut against arch-rivals Luton in 1997. For the Millwall defender see Paul Robinson (footballer born 1982. Luton Town Football Club are an English football team based in the town of Luton in Bedfordshire. A member of the 1998–99 play-off side, Robinson's passion made him become a favourite of the terraces.
A locally-born striker who came through the academy to make 149 appearances (scoring 33 goals) in his first spell for Watford. Thomas William "Tommy" Smith (born May 22, 1980 in Hemel Hempstead) is an English professional footballer. After three years away at Sunderland and Derby, he was resigned by Aidy Boothroyd on summer deadline day 2006. Recrafted as a right midfielder, he turned out several impressive performances in the Premiership 2006-07 season, helping the Golden Boys to the FA cup semi-final[15].
Principal forward in the 2000s, the Icelandic international moved from Lillestrom midway through the 1999–2000 season. Heiðar Helguson (born 22 August, 1977 in Akureyri; first name commonly anglicised to Heidar) is an Icelandic footballer is an unincorporated city in the municipality of Skedsmo, Akershus, Norway. He was loved by the crowds for his enthusiasm and commitment. The powerful and fiery centre-forward was the first player to win the Display of the Season, Goal of the Season and Player of the Season awards in a single season (2004–2005).
A forward (Winger/Striker) who came through the youth academy at Watford. Ashley Simon Young (born 9 July 1985 in Stevenage, Hertfordshire) is an English footballer of Jamaican origin who currently plays as a Midfielder He was instrumental in Watford's 2005–06 promotion to the Premiership. The Premier League, colloquially referred to as the Premiership, is an English professional league for football clubs In January 2007 he moved to Aston Villa for a club record transfer fee of £8,000,000 (with add-ons this may raise to £9,650,000)[13][14]. The previous record fee being £2,300,000 for Paul Furlong to Chelsea in May 1994 . Paul Furlong (born 1 October, 1968) is an English professional footballer
The first player since Luther Blissett to score 20 League goals in a season for Watford, he finished as the top scorer in the Championship with 22 goals as he inspired the Hornets to promotion. Marlon Francis King (born 26 April 1980 in Dulwich, Greater London) is an English -born Jamaican professional football Luther Loide Blissett (born 1 February 1958 in Falmouth, Jamaica) is a footballer and coach He was voted the club's Player of the Season, but was injured against Arsenal in October 2006 and missed most of the 2006-07 season. He returned as a surprise substitute against Manchester United in the FA Cup Semi-final in April 2007[15] Players in order of debut; spells as coach not included in time at club. ManagersWatford have had a total of 26 managers. Two, Len Goulden and Neil McBain had two spells, one, Graham Taylor had three. Leonard Arthur Goulden ( 16 July 1912 – February 1995 was an English footballer. Neil McBain ( November 15 1895 &ndash May 13 1974) was a Scottish professional footballer and football manager Graham Taylor OBE (born 15 September 1944 Worksop, Nottinghamshire) is a football manager and a former player The statistics in the following table account for the league games of each manager. As of 31 January 2008
Grounds
League history
Honours
Records
References
See also
External links |
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