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Encyclopedia > Watford F.C.

Watford
Watford badge
Full name Watford Football Club
Nickname(s) The Hornets, The Golden Girls
Founded 1881
Ground Vicarage Road
Watford
England
Capacity 19,920 (expanding to 23,500)
Chairman Flag of England Graham Simpson
Manager Flag of England Adrian Boothroyd
League The Championship
2006–07 Premier League, 20th
(relegated)
Team colours Team colours Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
Home colours
Team colours Team colours Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
Away colours

Watford Football Club are an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. As of the 2007-08 season, they play in the Championship, having been relegated from the Premiership in 2006-07 Image File history File links Please see the file description page for further information. ... Harry the Hornet is the mascot of Watford F.C. He is attractively decorated in the club colours of yellow, red and black. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Year 1881 (MDCCCLXXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... Vicarage Road, a stadium in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, is the home of the football club Watford F.C. and their tenants, the Saracens rugby union club. ... Watford is a town and district in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, situated 34 km (21 miles) northwest of London and within the bounds of the M25 motorway. ... Motto (French) God and my right Anthem No official anthem - the United Kingdom anthem God Save the Queen is commonly used England() – on the European continent() – in the United Kingdom() Capital (and largest city) London (de facto) Official languages English (de facto)1 Government Constitutional monarchy  -  Monarch Queen Elizabeth II... Rungnado May Day Stadium is the worlds largest football stadium. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England. ... Graham Simpson is the chairman of Watford. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England. ... Adrian Aidy Boothroyd (born February 8, 1971) is the current manager of Watford Football Club of the English Premiership, and is the youngest manager in the division. ... The Football League Championship (often referred to as The Championship for short, the Coca-Cola Football League Championship for sponsorship reasons) is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League. ... Locations of the 20 Premiership clubs in the 2006–2007 season, as green dots. ... The original FA Premier League logo, used until 2007 The Premier League (officially known as the Barclays Premier League for sponsorship reasons, colloquially known as The Premiership), is a professional league competition for football clubs located at the top echelon of the English football league system (above The Football League). ... Image File history File links Red border for left arm - football kit. ... Image File history File links soccer jersey with thin red sides File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... Image File history File links Red border for right arm - football kit. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... socks of kit template File links The following pages link to this file: Arsenal F.C. Ajax Amsterdam AZ Alkmaar A.S. Roma Torino Calcio A.C. Milan ACF Fiorentina Bristol City F.C. Charlton Athletic F.C. Chievo Verona Chelsea F.C. England national football team Wikipedia:WikiProject Football... Image File history File links Kit_left_arm_goldborder. ... body of kit template File links The following pages link to this file: Arsenal F.C. Ajax Amsterdam AZ Alkmaar A.S. Roma Torino Calcio A.C. Milan ACF Fiorentina Bristol City F.C. Charlton Athletic F.C. Chievo Verona Chelsea F.C. England national football team Wikipedia:WikiProject Football... Image File history File links Kit_right_arm_goldborder. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... socks of kit template File links The following pages link to this file: Arsenal F.C. Ajax Amsterdam AZ Alkmaar A.S. Roma Torino Calcio A.C. Milan ACF Fiorentina Bristol City F.C. Charlton Athletic F.C. Chievo Verona Chelsea F.C. England national football team Wikipedia:WikiProject Football... Motto (French) God and my right Anthem No official anthem - the United Kingdom anthem God Save the Queen is commonly used England() – on the European continent() – in the United Kingdom() Capital (and largest city) London (de facto) Official languages English (de facto)1 Government Constitutional monarchy  -  Monarch Queen Elizabeth II... A player (wearing the red kit) has penetrated the defence (in the white kit) and is taking a shot at goal. ... Watford is a town and district in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, situated 34 km (21 miles) northwest of London and within the bounds of the M25 motorway. ... Hertfordshire (pronounced Hartfordshire and abbreviated as Herts) is an inland county in the United Kingdom and part of the East of England Government Office region. ... The 2007-2008 season will be the 128th season of competitive football in England. ... The Football League Championship (often referred to as The Championship for short, the Coca-Cola Football League Championship for sponsorship reasons) is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League. ... The original FA Premier League logo, used until 2007 The Premier League (officially known as the Barclays Premier League for sponsorship reasons, colloquially known as The Premiership), is a professional league competition for football clubs located at the top echelon of the English football league system (above The Football League). ... The new Wembley Stadium was completed in time for the 2006-07 seasons FA Cup Final. ...


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. Since 1997 they have shared the ground with Saracens Rugby Club. The club has the nickname of The Hornets due to its yellow and black strip. Watford have a long-standing rivalry with nearby Luton Town. Year 1881 (MDCCCLXXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... Vicarage Road, a stadium in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, is the home of the football club Watford F.C. and their tenants, the Saracens rugby union club. ... Year 1922 (MCMXXII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar). ... Saracens Rugby Union Football Club is an English rugby union team located in Watford, Hertfordshire. ... 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 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 and competing in the UEFA Cup. The second lasting from 1997 to 2001, when Taylor took the club from Division Two to the Premiership in successive seasons. During both of these eras the club was owned by Elton John, who is now the club's honorary life president. First international {{{First game}}} Biggest win  Ireland 0 - 13 England (Belfast, Ireland; 18 February 1882) Biggest defeat  Hungary 7 - 1 England (Budapest, Hungary; 23 May 1954) World Cup Appearances 12 (First in 1950) Best result Winners, 1966 European Championship Appearances 7 (First in 1968) Best result 1968: Third, 1996 Semi... Graham Taylor OBE (born September 15, 1944, Worksop, Nottinghamshire) is a football manager and a former player. ... Year 1987 (MCMLXXXVII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar). ... From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... The Football League Fourth Division or Division Four of The Football League was the fourth-highest division in the English football league system from the 1958-59 season until the creation of the FA Premier League prior to the 1992-93 season. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... The UEFA Cup is a football competition for European club teams, organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 2001 Gregorian calendar). ... From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football. ... For the Scottish equivalent see Scottish Premier League The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays Premiership in England and the Barclays English Premier League or just simply The EPL internationally) is a league competition for football clubs located at the top of the English football league system... Sir Elton Hercules[1] John CBE[2] (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947) is a five-time Grammy and one-time Academy Award-winning English pop/rock singer, composer and pianist. ...

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 ungainly Fourth Division side. 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. Players like John Barnes, Ross Jenkins and Luther Blissett were some of the most respected players in the English game during the 1980s. Watford finished their first top flight season as runners-up behind champions Liverpool. The club competed in the UEFA cup the following season and an FA Cup final appearance followed in 1984, although Watford lost to Everton. After guiding Watford to a ninth-place finish in 1986-87, Taylor was lured away to Aston Villa. // First Division Liverpool retained their league championship trophy and won their first European Cup to confirm Bob Paisley as a successful replacement for Bill Shankly in his third season at the helm. ... Sir Elton Hercules[1] John CBE[2] (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947) is a five-time Grammy and one-time Academy Award-winning English pop/rock singer, composer and pianist. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards and make it more accessible to a general audience, this article may require cleanup. ... John Barnes (born November 7, 1963) is a Jamaican-born English football player. ... Luther Loide Blissett (born February 1, 1958 in Falmouth, Jamaica) is a footballer and coach. ... Liverpool Football Club are an English professional football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside, who play in the Premier League; they are historically the most successful club in the history of English football, having won more trophies than any other English club. ... Everton Football Club is an English football club located in the city of Liverpool. ... // First Division The 1986-87 First Division championship went to Everton in their final season under the management of Howard Kendall before his departure to Atletico Bilbao. ... Aston Villa Football Club (also known as The Villa and The Villans)[3] is an English professional football club based in Aston, Birmingham, who currently play in the Premier League. ...


Life after Graham Taylor: Outside the top division (1987–1998)

After Graham Taylor left, Dave Bassett was placed in charge. 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. David Harry Bassett born 4 September 1944, Stanmore, London is an English football manager. ... // First Division Liverpool won the league title with a comfortable nine-point margin and just two defeats all season. ... The 1994-1995 season was the 115th season of competitive football in England. ...


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. ... // First Division Arsenal won the league title on goal difference with the last kick of the season, as they beat Liverpool 2-0 at Anfield to claim the championship trophy and deny Kenny Dalglishs men a unique second double. ... Manchester City Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Manchester. ... David Benjamin James (born 1 August 1970, Welwyn Garden City, England) is an English professional footballer who currently plays for Portsmouth in the Premier League. ...


The return of Graham Taylor (1998–2001)

Graham Taylor returned to Watford as Director of Football in February 1996, with former player Kenny Jackett as head coach, but was unable to stop the club from sliding into Division Two. 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. 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. The Premiership season started brightly with an early surprising victory over Liverpool, but soon faded away, and Watford were relegated after finishing bottom. Graham Taylor retired at the end of the 2000-01 season (although just months later he returned to football management at Aston Villa), and was replaced in a surprise move by Gianluca Vialli, who had recently been sacked by Chelsea F.C. // Premier League Arsenal overhauled Manchester Uniteds lead during the final weeks of the season to win the Premiership title. ... Bristol City Football Club is one of two football league clubs in Bristol, England, (the other being Bristol Rovers). ... The 1998-1999 season was the 119th season of competitive football in England. ... Bolton Wanderers Football Club (also known as The Trotters) are an English professional football club based in the Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester, North West England. ... Liverpool Football Club are an English professional football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside, who play in the Premier League; they are historically the most successful club in the history of English football, having won more trophies than any other English club. ... The 2000-2001 season was the 121st season of competitive football in England. ... Aston Villa Football Club (also known as The Villa and The Villans)[3] is an English professional football club based in Aston, Birmingham, who currently play in the Premier League. ... Gianluca Vialli (born July 9, 1964 in Cremona) is an Italian football striker and manager. ... Chelsea Football Club (also known as The Blues or previously The Pensioners) are an English professional football club based in west London. ...


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. 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. He was replaced by Ray Lewington, who had come to the club the previous summer as Vialli's reserve team manager. Kenny Jackett (born 5 January 1962 in Watford) is a former Welsh football player who is now a manager. ... Luther Loide Blissett (born February 1, 1958 in Falmouth, Jamaica) is a footballer and coach. ... Ray Lewington 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. 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. The club's 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, also generated vital cash. The 2002-2003 season was the 123rd season of competitive football (soccer) in England, from August 2002 to July 2003: // England national team Key: ECQ = 2004 European Championship qualifiers, F = Friendly; scores are written England first European club competitions UEFA Champions League Manchester United - Quarter finals Arsenal - Second group phase... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... 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. 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. Gifton Noel-Williams, born January 21, 1980 in Islington is a Burnley F.C. striker. ... Daniel V. Webber (born December 28, 1981 in Manchester) is an English football player. ...


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. 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. West Bromwich Albion Football Club (also known as West Brom, The Baggies, Albion, The Albion, The Throstles or W.B.A.) is an English professional football club based in West Bromwich, West Midlands. ...


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 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.. The 2004-2005 season was the 125th season of competitive football in England. ... The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup, is an English football competition. ... Portsmouth Football Club are 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 football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside, who play in the Premier League; they are historically the most successful club in the history of English football, having won more trophies than any other English club. ...


Adrian Boothroyd (2005–present)

At the age of 35, Adrian Boothroyd was appointed manager of Watford after serving at Leeds United as a coach; 70-year-old Keith Burkinshaw was recruited as his assistant. 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. Adrian Aidy Boothroyd (born February 8, 1971) is the current manager of Watford Football Club of the English Premiership, and is the youngest manager in the division. ... “Leeds United Football Club” redirects here. ... Manager of Tottenham Hotspur from July 14, 1976 to May 31, 1984. ...


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. 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 currently playing for English Premiership team Bolton Wanderers as a striker. ... Daniel V. Webber (born December 28, 1981 in Manchester) is an English football player. ...


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. Carlisle and Spring had both worked with Boothroyd at Leeds United the previous season. Darius Henderson is a professional footballer, currenty playing for Watford F.C. Henderson was born in Doncaster, on September 7 1981. ... Marlon Francis King (born 26 April 1980 in Dulwich, England) is an English-born Jamaican professional football player who plays as a striker for Watford. ... Clarke Carlisle (born 14 October 1979 in Preston, Lancashire) is a professional English football player who currently plays on loan for Luton Town from rivals Watford. ... Malky MacKay (born February 19, 1972 in Bellshill) is a professional Scottish football player. ... Matthew Spring (born 17th November 1979) is an English central midfielder currently playing for Watford. ... Benjamin Anthony Ben Foster (born 3 April 1983 in Leamington Spa) is an English footballer. ... Leeds United Football Club is the only professional association football club in the city of Leeds in West Yorkshire. ...


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. 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. Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the City of Sheffield, South Yorkshire. ... Luton Town Football Club are an English football team based in the town of Luton in Bedfordshire. ... is the 99th day of the year (100th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Championship Play-off final 2006. (Leeds United vs. Watford)
Championship Play-off final 2006. (Leeds United vs. Watford)

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. 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). Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1152x864, 271 KB) Summary Licensing File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Leeds United F.C. The Football League Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1152x864, 271 KB) Summary Licensing File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Leeds United F.C. The Football League Metadata This file contains additional information, probably added from... Crystal Palace Football Club is an English professional football team based in SE25 in London. ... The Millennium Stadium (Welsh: Stadiwm y Mileniwm), is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital Cardiff, and is used primarily for rugby union and football home internationals. ... “Leeds United Football Club” redirects here. ...


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 Jamaican international footballer. ... Daniel Olusola Danny Shittu (born September 2, 1980 in Lagos) is a Nigerian footballer, currently playing for English Premier League side Watford after signing from Queens Park Rangers for £1. ... Tamás Priskin (born 27 September 1986 in Komárno, Slovakia) is a footballer currently playing for Watford and Hungarian national team as a striker. ... Benjamin Anthony Ben Foster (born 3 April 1983 in Leamington Spa) is an English footballer. ... Tommy Smith (born 22 May 1980) is an English professional footballer who currently plays for Derby County. ...


The Hornets secured their first Premiership point of the season with a draw against West Ham in their second game of the season. However, they had to wait until 4 November 2006 to record their first league win of the season, against Middlesbrough. West Ham United Football Club are an English football team based in West Ham, in the London Borough of Newham, and have played their home matches at the 35,146 capacity Boleyn Ground stadium since 1904. ... is the 308th day of the year (309th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays full 2006 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Middlesbrough Football Club are an English football club, commonly known as Boro, that 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 £9.65 million - a record transfer fee for the club. Watford also brought in 8 new signings. Ashley Young (born 9 July 1985 in Stevenage, England) is an English professional footballer who currently plays as both a midfielder and a striker for Aston Villa. ... Aston Villa Football Club (also known as The Villa and The Villans)[3] is an English professional football club based in Aston, Birmingham, who currently play in the Premier League. ...


To date, the team have recorded only five wins in the Premiership, and sit bottom of the league table. However, they reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, where they lost to Manchester United. Despite drawing 1-1 with Manchester City, Watford were relegated on 21 April 2007. Despite this Boothroyd's contract has been renewed, and he is now on a new deal lasting until 2010.[1] This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Manchester United Football Club are a world-famous English football club, based at the Old Trafford stadium in Trafford, Greater Manchester, and are one of the most popular sports clubs in the world, with over 50 million supporters worldwide. ... Manchester City Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Manchester. ... is the 111th day of the year (112th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...


The team wasted no time in bringing in new players. As soon as the season finished, veteran centre back Matt Jackson and goalkeeper Mart Poom, whose contracts had expired at Wigan and Arsenal respectively, were signed, and Jobi McAnuff has moved from Crystal Palace for 1.75 million. Matthew Alan Matt Jackson (born October 19, 1971 in Leeds, England) is an English footballer. ... Mart Poom (born February 3, 1972 in Tallinn; pronunciation: [mɑrt poːm]) is an Estonian football goalkeeper. ... Wigan Athletic Football Club is a professional football team based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. ... Arsenal Football Club (also known as Arsenal, The Arsenal or The Gunners) are an English professional football club based in Holloway, north London. ... Joel Jobi McAnuff (born November 9, 1981 in Edmonton, London) is an Anglo-Jamaican professional footballer currently playing at Crystal Palace, in the Championship. ... Crystal Palace Football Club is an English professional football team based in SE25 in London. ...


Rivalry

Watford fans maintain a rivalry with those of Luton Town, which has been described by FourFourTwo magazine as the fiercest local rivalry in English football.[citation needed] 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. Luton Town Football Club are an English football team based in the town of Luton in Bedfordshire. ...


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 was marred by violence inside Vicarage Road, as Luton fans spilled onto the pitch encouraging a mass brawl.[1] The clubs' first League meeting in eight years, on 2 January 2006, passed largely without incident with Watford winning 2-1 at Kenilworth Road. Later in the season, the sides met at Vicarage Road with the game ending in a 1-1 draw. The 1981-82 season was the 102nd season of competitive football in England. ... is the 2nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays full 2006 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Kenilworth Road is a stadium in Luton, England which is home to Luton Town F.C., a professional football team in the English League One. ...


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 8 August 2007. Players in bold have international caps. is the 220th day of the year (221st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ...


Current squad

No. Position Player
1 Flag of Estonia GK Mart Poom
2 Flag of England DF Matt Jackson
3 Flag of England DF Jordan Stewart
4 Flag of Nigeria DF Danny Shittu
5 Flag of England DF Clarke Carlisle
6 Flag of the United States DF Jay DeMerit
7 Flag of Jamaica MF Damien Francis
8 Flag of England MF Gavin Mahon (captain)
9 Flag of Jamaica FW Marlon King
10 Flag of England FW Darius Henderson
11 Flag of Jamaica MF Jobi McAnuff
12 Flag of England DF Lloyd Doyley
13 Flag of England GK Scott Loach
14 Flag of England MF Lee Williamson
15 Flag of England FW Steve Kabba
16 Flag of England GK Richard Lee
No. Position Player
17 Flag of Hungary FW Tamás Priskin
19 Flag of England MF Anthony McNamee
20 Flag of Sierra Leone MF Alhassan Bangura
21 Flag of England FW Tommy Smith
22 Flag of England FW Will Hoskins
23 Flag of England DF Adrian Mariappa
24 Flag of Scotland DF Malky Mackay
25 Flag of Scotland MF Gareth Williams
27 Flag of Brazil MF Douglas Rinaldi
28 Flag of England FW Moses Ashikodi
29 Flag of France DF Cedric Avinel
30 Flag of England DF Junior Osborne
31 Flag of France MF Johan Cavalli
33 Flag of England DF Jordan Parkes
34 Flag of England MF Alex Campana

Out on loan

No. Position Player
26 Flag of France MF Toumani Diagouraga (on loan at Hereford United until December 2007)
32 Flag of England FW Theo Robinson (on loan at Hereford United until December 2007)

Image File history File links Flag_of_Estonia. ... A goalkeeper. ... Mart Poom (born February 3, 1972 in Tallinn; pronunciation: [mɑrt poːm]) is an Estonian football goalkeeper. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Matthew Alan Matt Jackson (born October 19, 1971 in Leeds, England) is an English footballer. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Jordan Stewart (born 3rd March 1982) is an English footballer, currently playing for Watford. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Nigeria. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Daniel Olusola Danny Shittu (born September 2, 1980 in Lagos) is a Nigerian footballer, currently playing for English Premier League side Watford after signing from Queens Park Rangers for £1. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Clarke Carlisle (born 14 October 1979 in Preston, Lancashire) is a professional English football player who currently plays on loan for Luton Town from rivals Watford. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Jay DeMerit (born 4 December 1979 in Green Bay, Wisconsin) is an American soccer player, currently playing for Watford in the Premier League. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Jamaica. ... The Midfield in relation to the football positions In association football, a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders (highlighted in blue on the diagram). ... Damien Jerome Francis (born 27 February 1979 in Wandsworth, England) is a Jamaican international footballer. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England. ... The Midfield in relation to the football positions In association football, a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders (highlighted in blue on the diagram). ... Gavin Mahon (born January 2, 1977 in Birmingham) is a professional English football player who currently plays as a midfielder for Watford F.C. Mahon was previously a trainee with Wolves before being released to non-league Hereford United in 1996. ... The team captain of a football team, sometimes known as the skipper, is a team member chosen to be the on-pitch leader of the team: it is often one of the older or more experienced members of the squad, or a player that can heavily influence a game. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Jamaica. ... The striker (wearing the red shirt) has run past the defender (in the white shirt) and is about to take a shot at the goal, while the goalkeeper positions himself to attempt to stop the ball. ... Marlon Francis King (born 26 April 1980 in Dulwich, England) is an English-born Jamaican professional football player who plays as a striker for Watford. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England. ... The striker (wearing the red shirt) has run past the defender (in the white shirt) and is about to take a shot at the goal, while the goalkeeper positions himself to attempt to stop the ball. ... Darius Henderson is a professional footballer, currenty playing for Watford F.C. Henderson was born in Doncaster, on September 7 1981. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Jamaica. ... The Midfield in relation to the football positions In association football, a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders (highlighted in blue on the diagram). ... Joel Jobi McAnuff (born November 9, 1981 in Edmonton, London) is an Anglo-Jamaican professional footballer currently playing at Crystal Palace, in the Championship. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Lloyd Doyley (born 1 December 1982 in Whitechapel, London) is a professional footballer, currently playing for Watford. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England. ... A goalkeeper. ... Scott Loach (Born May 27, 1988) is a goalkeeper who plays for Watford. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England. ... The Midfield in relation to the football positions In association football, a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders (highlighted in blue on the diagram). ... Lee Williamson (born 7 June 1982) is an English footballer who plays for Rotherham in Coca-Cola League 1. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England. ... The striker (wearing the red shirt) has run past the defender (in the white shirt) and is about to take a shot at the goal, while the goalkeeper positions himself to attempt to stop the ball. ... 11. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England. ... A goalkeeper. ... Richard Lee is an English goalkeeper who plays for Blackburn Rovers FC. He was signed on loan from Watford fc in August 2005 with the option of a permanent move come the end of the season. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Hungary. ... The striker (wearing the red shirt) has run past the defender (in the white shirt) and is about to take a shot at the goal, while the goalkeeper positions himself to attempt to stop the ball. ... Tamás Priskin (born 27 September 1986 in Komárno, Slovakia) is a footballer currently playing for Watford and Hungarian national team as a striker. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England. ... The Midfield in relation to the football positions In association football, a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders (highlighted in blue on the diagram). ... Anthony McNamee (born 13 July 1984) is an English left-midfielder, currently playing for Watford F.C.. McNamee was given his debut by manager Gianluca Vialli on 16th March 2002 against Coventry. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Sierra_Leone. ... The Midfield in relation to the football positions In association football, a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders (highlighted in blue on the diagram). ... Alhassan (Al) Bangura (born 24th January 1988) is a Sierra Leonian central midfielder. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England. ... The striker (wearing the red shirt) has run past the defender (in the white shirt) and is about to take a shot at the goal, while the goalkeeper positions himself to attempt to stop the ball. ... Thomas William Tommy Smith (born 22 May 1980 in Hemel Hempstead) is an English professional footballer. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England. ... The striker (wearing the red shirt) has run past the defender (in the white shirt) and is about to take a shot at the goal, while the goalkeeper positions himself to attempt to stop the ball. ... Will Hoskins (born May 6, 1986 in Nottingham) is an English football striker who is currently playing for Watford in the Premiership. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Adrian Mariappa (born 3rd October 1986) is an English central defender. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Scotland. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Malky MacKay (born February 19, 1972 in Bellshill) is a professional Scottish football player. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Scotland. ... The Midfield in relation to the football positions In association football, a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders (highlighted in blue on the diagram). ... Gareth Williams (born December 16, 1981) is a Scottish professional footballer of Welsh descent, who currently plays for Leicester City. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Brazil. ... The Midfield in relation to the football positions In association football, a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders (highlighted in blue on the diagram). ... Douglas Rinaldi is a Brazilian footballer, currently playing for Watford in the English Premier League. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England. ... The striker (wearing the red shirt) has run past the defender (in the white shirt) and is about to take a shot at the goal, while the goalkeeper positions himself to attempt to stop the ball. ... Moses Ashikodi (born June 27, 1987 in Lagos) is a professional Nigerian football player. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Cedric Avinel (born September 11, 1986 is a French footballer currently playing for Watford in the English Premier League. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Junior Osborne (born 12th February 1988) is an English left-back. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The Midfield in relation to the football positions In association football, a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders (highlighted in blue on the diagram). ... Johan Cavalli (born September 12, 1981 in Ajaccio) is a French footballer currently playing for Watford in the English Premier League. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Jordan Parkes (born July 26, 1989) is a footballer, currently playing for Watford. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England. ... The Midfield in relation to the football positions In association football, a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders (highlighted in blue on the diagram). ... Campana in his Watford FC strip. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The Midfield in relation to the football positions In association football, a midfielder is a player whose position of play is midway between the attacking strikers and the defenders (highlighted in blue on the diagram). ... Toumani Diagouraga (born 9th June 1987) is a French central midfielder. ... Hereford United Football Club is a football club based in Hereford, England. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_England. ... The striker (wearing the red shirt) has run past the defender (in the white shirt) and is about to take a shot at the goal, while the goalkeeper positions himself to attempt to stop the ball. ... Theo Robinson (born 22nd January 1989 is an English professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for Watford. ... Hereford United Football Club is a football club based in Hereford, England. ...

Coaching staff

Appointed in March 2005, Boothroyd was previously first-team coach at Leeds. Adrian Aidy Boothroyd (born February 8, 1971) is the current manager of Watford Football Club of the English Premiership, and is the youngest manager in the division. ... “Leeds United Football Club” redirects here. ...

Known for his successful spell as manager of Tottenham in the early eighties, Burkinshaw was brought in by Boothroyd as part of his team. Manager of Tottenham Hotspur from July 14, 1976 to May 31, 1984. ... Tottenham Hotspur Football Club is an English professional football club which plays in the Premier League. ...

Joined in July, 2007 from Norwich City. Previously spent thirteen years working for the Football Association. Martin Hunter is Norwich City First Team coach and took up the role on July 26, 2006. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Norwich City Football Club (also known as The Canaries) is