This was reported by the Watford Observer on 7 May 1898. It was agreed that the two clubs should complete their remaining fixtures for the season. The new club was named Watford Football Club.

Following relegation to the Southern League Second Division in 1903, Watford appointed its first manager – former England international and First Division top scorer John Goodall. He led Watford to the promotion and kept the team in the division until his departure in 1910. Despite financial constraints, Watford won the Southern League title in the 1914 – 1915 season under his successor, Harry Kent. Watford held the title for five years following the suspension of the Southern League during the First World War – after finishing the 1919 – 2020 season runners-up on goal average, the club resigned from the Southern League to join the new Football League Third Division.