Did you know that Watford Beat Chelsea and Tottenham 5 – 1? Or that they are one of the oldest football clubs in the world? Or that Sir Elton John was their Chairman? Intrigued? Let’s find out more about Watford! Did you know that…
1.That Luther Blissett is a club legend
The English international holds a record of being Watford’s Top Goal scorer of all times, netting 148 goals. That is not all, the player also has his names in Watford’s hall of fame for making the maximum number of appearances!
Talk about an all rounder! Ever present and top scorer!
2.That Watford is one of the oldest clubs in England.
Watford is one of the oldest clubs in England and the world. The 135 year old club was founded as Watford Rovers in 1881. Unfortunately, despite their glorious history Watford is one of the oldest clubs to never have won a major trophy (namely the Premier League or the FA Cup)
Sad but true! However, this doesn’t mean they’re not Legendary!
3.That none of their first FA cups matches ended as a Draw?
The club holds a unique record of not having tied a single one of their first 22 FA cup matches. Their First draw came in the 1898-99 season against Lunton Town in a match that ended with both sides scoring twice past each other.
It’s either kill or be killed. The attitude that has led to this club’s survival over all these years! Commendable!
4.That they gave Chelsea And Tottenham a drubbing to remember
Their Biggest Wins came in the Premier League came in 1980’s. Their record win was against Sunderland when they managed to get 8 past them on the 25th of September 1982. However, they also managed to beat London’s top teams Tottenham and Chelsea 5 – 1 each.
They definitely were giant slayers!
5.That Duncan Welbourne is a Club Legend.
Where Luther Blissett made 415 appearances for the club, His compatriot made 411 appearances for the English side. You may be thinking the difference between the two players if of 4 appearances. However, 46 of Blissett’s 415 appearances came off the bench whereas just 7 of Welbourne’s came off the bench.
Both the players contributed significantly but the debate remains, will Duncan be considered as the one with maximum appearances or will it be Blissett?
6.Graham Taylor is club legend
The Manager was in-charge of the club from 1977 to 1987 and he managed to achieve a unique feat of taking the club from the 4th divison to the 1st in his first 5 years as the manager of the club. They also finished as runners up in the FA cup in 1983 under him.
7.That Elton John was their Chairman
Famous English singer Elton John was the chairman of the club from 1976 to 1987 and 1997 to 2002. The singer currently holds the title of an honorary Life President of the club as well as has a section of the stadium named after him.
No we are not kidding! You can find a “Sir Elton John Stand“at the Vicarage Road stadium.
8.That they have their own A.Chamberlain
Alec Chamberlain is the oldest goalkeeper to represent Watford in the top tier. He was 42 years and 327 days old when he played Newcastle in a premier league match on the 13th of May, 2007. He is also the oldest player to ever represent the English side. He played about 250 matches for Watford.
That’s right! This club is full of Legends! Playing in the Premier League at the age of 42 takes a whole different level of determination.
9.That Duncan Welbourne made 280 consecutive appearances
Duncan Welbourne who is one has one represented Watford in over 400 matches made 280 consecutive appearances in Consecutive Southern League, Football League or FA Premier League matches. He along with K.Eddy appeared in a series of 100 matches together.
Yes! We’re serious! It has happened twice in their history!
10.That Watford has attracted record attendances?
3 times before the second world war, the club managed to get the highest attendance in their FA cup ties as visitors. They broke the record in their first occasion when they attaracted 14095 people during their 4 - 1 win against Southall. They achieved a similar feat against Ipswich Town attracting 19,229 spectators as well as attracting 11,390 against Scunthorpe & Lindsey United.
This is something that shows us the passion of Watford Fans!!
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