History of Watford F.C. facts for kids
Watford Football Club is an English association football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. The club started as Watford Rovers in 1881. They first played in the FA Cup in 1886. In 1893, they changed their name to West Hertfordshire. Later, in 1898, West Hertfordshire joined with Watford St Mary's to form Watford Football Club.
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Early Days of Watford FC
The club played in the Southern League from 1896 to 1920. They won the Southern League First Division title in the 1914–15 season. After World War I, Watford almost won the title again in 1919–20. In 1920, they joined the Football League Third Division.
How Watford Football Club Started
Watford Rovers was formed in 1881. A group of boys were allowed to play football at Cassiobury Park. Henry Grover is known as the club's founder. At first, the team only played friendly matches against schools and local clubs. Their first game against future rivals Luton Town was a 1–0 win for Watford in 1885.
In the 1886–87 season, Watford Rovers entered the FA Cup for the first time. They have played in at least one competition every season since then. They also competed in the Herts Senior Cup, winning it four times.
Joining the Southern League
West Hertfordshire joined the Southern Football League in 1896. The team started to include paid professional players. In 1898, they merged with Watford St Mary's to become Watford Football Club. That same year, the club moved to a new ground at Cassio Road.
In 1914, the club found its current home, Vicarage Road. However, they stayed at Cassio Road for eight more years. Watford won the Southern League title in 1914–15. They almost won it again in 1919–20. In 1920, Watford left the Southern League and became one of the first teams in the Football League Third Division.
Nicknames and Stadium Move
In the early years, the club was sponsored by Benskins brewery. This earned them the nickname "The Brewers." Another early nickname was "the Wasps" because of their striped shirts.
From 1921–22, the Football League's third level was split into two sections. Watford moved into Vicarage Road stadium in 1922. They stayed in the Third Division South for 36 years. When the league changed in 1958, Watford moved into the new Fourth Division.
Until 1960, the team was known as "The Blues." After changing their colours to gold shirts and black shorts, fans voted to change the team's nickname to "The Hornets."
Rising Through the Leagues
Watford spent two seasons in the Fourth Division. They earned promotion to the Third Division in 1959–60. This was largely thanks to Cliff Holton who scored 48 goals.
Later, under manager Ken Furphy, Watford won the league title in 1969. A year later, they reached the FA Cup semi-final for the first time. They beat top teams like Stoke City and Liverpool. But they struggled in the higher division and were relegated back to the Third Division in 1972. In 1975, they were relegated again to the Fourth Division.
Elton John and Graham Taylor
A big change happened for the club in the late 1970s. Famous singer and lifelong fan Elton John became the chairman in 1976. He wanted to take Watford to the top division. In 1977, he hired Graham Taylor as manager.
Taylor, who was 32, helped Watford climb through the leagues very quickly. They won back-to-back promotions in 1978 and 1979. In 1978, they won the Fourth Division title by a big margin. The next year, they finished second in the Third Division, earning another promotion.
In 1982, Watford reached the First Division for the first time ever! This was a huge achievement.
Success in the First Division
In their first season in the top division (1982–83), Watford surprised everyone. They finished second in the First Division, right behind champions Liverpool. Luther Blissett was the league's top scorer with 27 goals.
Because of this success, Watford qualified for the UEFA Cup in 1983–84. This was the first time the club played in a European competition. They reached the third round before being knocked out.
That same season, Watford also reached their first ever FA Cup final at Wembley. They lost 2–0 to Everton.
After Graham Taylor left in 1987, Watford were relegated in 1988.
Return to the Lower Leagues
After Graham Taylor left, Watford stayed in the second tier of English football for eight seasons. They were relegated again in 1995–96.
The Second Graham Taylor Era
Graham Taylor returned to Watford in 1996 as Director of Football. He became manager again in 1997. For the second time, he led Watford to two promotions in a row!
In 1997–98, Watford won the Division Two championship. The next season, 1998–99, they won the play-off final against Bolton. This meant they were promoted to the Premier League.
However, their time in the Premier League was short. They were relegated after finishing last in the 1999–2000 season. Graham Taylor retired at the end of the 2000–01 season.
Watford in the 21st Century
After Taylor, Gianluca Vialli became manager. He signed many new players, but the team finished 14th. Vialli was sacked after only one season. Ray Lewington took over as manager.
Financial Challenges and Cup Runs
Watford faced big financial problems in the early 2000s. Players and staff even agreed to take a pay cut to help the club. Despite this, they had an unexpected run to the FA Cup semi-final in 2002–03, which brought in much-needed money.
In 2004–05, Watford reached the semi-final of the League Cup. They beat Premier League teams like Portsmouth and Southampton. However, their league form was poor, and Lewington was sacked in March 2005.
Promotion to the Premier League (Again!)
Aidy Boothroyd became the new manager. He was only 34 years old. Many fans worried he was too young. But Boothroyd helped Watford avoid relegation.
For the next season, Boothroyd signed key players like Darius Henderson and Marlon King. The team had a fantastic season. They finished third in the Championship, earning a play-off spot.
Watford beat Crystal Palace in the semi-finals. Then, they played Leeds United in the play-off final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Watford won 3–0, earning promotion to the Premier League and a lot of money!
In the 2006–07 season, Watford struggled in the Premier League. They only won five games and finished at the bottom. However, they reached the FA Cup semi-finals again, losing to Manchester United.
Recent Years
Boothroyd left the club in November 2008. Malky Mackay took temporary charge. On November 5, 2008, Sir Elton John stepped down as honorary life President.
Brendan Rodgers became manager in November 2008. Watford finished 13th that season. Elton John later returned to his role as Life President. Rodgers left in June 2009.
Mackay was then appointed permanent manager in June 2009. He helped the club despite having to sell many players and having little money for new ones. Watford finished 16th in the Championship in 2009–10.
Images for kids
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Goalkeeper Skilly Williams played in every league game during Watford's 1914–15 season.
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The East Stand formed part of the original stadium when it opened in 1922, but it closed in 2008. The structure stood until 2013 when it was demolished to make way for the new East Stand (called the 'Watford F.C. Community Stand).
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Elton John has been associated with the club since the 1970s.
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Rookery Stand, 2007
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