Watford FC Team History

This was reported by the Watford Observer of 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 a 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.

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 successive promotion followed in 1998 – 1999, thanks to a 2–0 play-off final victory over Bolton Wanderers. Watford’s first Premiership season started with an early victory over Liverpool, but Watford’s form soon faded, and the club was relegated after finishing bottom. Graham Taylor retired at the end of the 2000 – 2001 season and was replaced by Gianluca Vialli. Wage bills at the club rose by £4 million during Vialli’s tenure, and the club finished 14th in the division in 2001 – 2002. Vialli was sacked at the end of the season, following a dispute with the club’s board over the wage bill. He was replaced by Ray Lewington, who had joined the club the previous summer as Vialli’s reserve team manager.