The rich Watford FC history reflects the determination and growth of Watford football club from its early years to modern competitions. Over the decades, iconic Watford FC players have led the team to memorable moments and achievements. The club’s journey highlights its strong community roots and continuous efforts to succeed in English football.
Watford FC Origin
Founded
1898
Location
Watford, Hertfordshire
Team History
1898 - Present / Watford Football Club
1896 - 1898 / West Hertfordshire
1881 - 1896 / Watford Rovers
Nickname
The Hornets
The nickname for Watford was also taken from the colors of their kit, yellow and black – making them ‘The Hornets’. The crest of the club used to have a hornet on it until it was changed to picture a hart, (a male deer) as the county of Hertfordshire, where Watford is, contains many deer.
Championships
Premier League / 0
FA Cup / 0
Premier League - FA Cup Double / 0
Stadium
1922 - Present / Vicarage Road
1890 - 1922 / West Herts Sports Ground
1889 - 1890 / Colney Butts Meadow
1883 - 1889 / Rose and Crown Meadow
1881 - 1883 / Cassiobury Park
Current Owner
2012 - Present / Gino Pozzo
*Blue is this team’s history
- 1898
- 1982
- 1999
- 2003
- 2006
- 2015
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New Club Watford FC in 1898
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. Long-serving Skilly Williams was Watford’s first-choice goalkeeper between 1914 and 1926. Following relegation to the Southern League Second Division in 1903, Watford appointed its first manager ... -
Luther Blissett – Watford’s all-time leading scorer
Luther Blissett: He is the club’s all-time leading scorer with 186 goals in 503 appearances. He was part of the team that won promotion to the First Division in 1982 and finished second in 1983. He also played for England 14 times, scoring three goals -
Premier League Here We Come 1999
Following the relegation, Taylor became Director of Football, with former Watford midfielder Kenny Jackett as manager. After a mid-table finish in Division Two in 1996 – 1997, Jackett was demoted to the position of assistant manager. Taylor returned as manager and won the Second Division title in 1997 – 1998 – Watford’s second league title under his management. A second ... -
Watford FC reaches the semi-finals of the League Cup
In 2003: Watford FC reaches the semi-finals of the League Cup for the first time since 1987, where it loses to Liverpool 2–0 on aggregate. Ray Lewington is the manager and Heiðar Helguson is the top scorer with 20 goals -
Watford FC wins 2006 promotion back to the Premier League
In 2006: Watford FC wins promotion back to the Premier League by beating Leeds United 3–0 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley. Jay DeMerit, James Chambers and Darius Henderson score for Watford. Aidy Boothroyd is the manager and Marlon King is the top scorer with 22 goals. -
Watford FC wins promotion back to the Premier League as runners-up of the Championship
In 2015: Watford FC wins promotion back to the Premier League as runners-up of the Championship under manager Slaviša Jokanović.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Watford FC History
Watford FC history dates back to 1881 when the club was founded as Watford Rovers. Later renamed Watford Football Club, it became a proud representative of Hertfordshire. Over the years, the team has built a passionate fan base and a reputation for resilience. The Watford FC players have carried the club through both triumphs and challenges, shaping a remarkable journey in English football.
During the early years, Watford Football Club played in local leagues before joining the Southern League in 1896. Their consistent performances helped them become a competitive side long before the creation of the modern Football League system. In 1920, Watford became a founding member of the Football League Third Division and began their steady climb through the divisions.
A defining era in Watford FC history came under the legendary manager Graham Taylor, who took charge in 1977. His leadership transformed the club from the Fourth Division to the First Division (now the Premier League) in just five years. During this golden period, the Watford FC players became national icons. In the 1982–83 season, Watford finished as runners-up in the First Division — their highest-ever league finish — and later reached the 1984 FA Cup Final, a major milestone for the Watford Football Club.
In the following decades, the club experienced both relegations and promotions. Notably, Watford earned promotion to the Premier League in the 1999–2000 season and again in 2006 under Aidy Boothroyd. However, the most successful modern promotion came in the 2014–15 season when Slavisa Jokanović guided Watford Football Club back to the Premier League after an outstanding campaign.
Watford Football Club Achievements
Since their return, the Watford FC players have displayed remarkable determination. The team remained competitive in the Premier League for multiple seasons, defying expectations despite limited financial power. Under different managers, including Nigel Pearson, Javi Gracia, and Quique Sánchez Flores, Watford Football Club maintained a fighting spirit admired across England.
FA Cup Final 1984 & 2019
One of the greatest moments in Watford FC history was reaching the FA Cup Final in 1984 under Graham Taylor, led by captain Wilf Rostron and star striker Luther Blissett. The club achieved the same feat again in 2019 under Javi Gracia, facing Manchester City at Wembley, proving that Watford FC players could still compete at the highest level decades later.
Historic League Success
Watford’s second-place finish in the 1982–83 First Division remains a defining moment in their league success. It demonstrated the club’s rise from lower divisions to the pinnacle of English football. That era remains one of the proudest chapters in Watford Football Club history.
Promotion to the Premier League (2015)
In 2015, Watford Football Club secured promotion to the Premier League after a thrilling campaign. Managed by Slavisa Jokanović, the Watford FC players showed teamwork, consistency, and determination, marking another historic chapter for the Hornets.
Today, Watford FC history stands as a testament to perseverance and community spirit. From humble beginnings to major achievements, Watford Football Club continues to inspire fans. The legacy of past Watford FC players lives on, guiding new generations to uphold the club’s proud tradition in English football.
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