Personalised Watford Football Books
Enjoy a Newspaper History of the Hornets
Watford FC was formed in 1881. The club reached the Second Division in 1969 and the Hornets enjoyed the beginnings of a golden era in the late 1970s. Pop star and boyhood Watford fan, Sir Elton John, became Chairman of the Hornets in 1976. He invested large amounts of money in the club and appointed Graham Taylor as manager at the beginning of the 1976-1977 season. The pair would forge a great working relationship, which was vital for the Hornets’ quick progression. Watford rose from the Fourth Division to the First Division between 1977 and 1982. Remarkably, the Hornets then went on to finish their first ever top flight season in second place. Watford competed in Europe during the following season and reached the final of the FA Cup in 1984. Elton John and Graham Taylor left their respective positions at the club in 1986 and Watford’s good form departed with them. Both men returned for a second period at Watford FC in the late 1990s. The Hornets reached the Premiership in 1999, having spent eleven years outside of the top flight.
Personalised Watford Football Books - Inspired Gifts
A Watford Gift Book can be an inspired present for a fan of the Hornets. It is unique, smartly presented and filled with fascinating newspaper reports on the history of the club. Being able to personalise this Watford Football Book makes the gift even more special and shows the thought that has gone into buying it. The present will also prove to be a terrific addition to a supporter’s Watford memorabilia collection.
Watford Football Book Coverage
This Watford Football Book opens with a 7-1 win over Northampton in 1920. It goes on to cover a selection of great games through the decades of the 20th Century and many highlights from the present era.
Top stories in this Watford Football Book include the Hornets’ incredible 10-1 win over Lowestoft in 1926, the 6-1 annihilation of Reading in 1937, the shock away win in the 1950 FA Cup third round over then mighty Preston North End and the fantastic 7-1 defeat of Crystal Palace in 1954. The Watford Books also feature the brilliant 1-0 win over Liverpool in the 1970 FA Cup sixth round, plus the famous 1-2 away win over Manchester United in the 1978 League Cup. Read about the 7-1 humiliation of Southampton in the 1980 League Cup Final, as Watford overcame the odds to pull back a four goal deficit from the first leg to win on aggregate in extra time. The Gift Books revisit the thrill of Watford's rise in fortunes under the management of Graham Taylor and Chairmanship of Elton John. The Hornets’ went from minnows in the 1970s to First Division stardom in the 1980s. The Watford Book features key matches from this period of success, incorporating the emotional 1984 FA Cup final against Everton and numerous top scoring results, such as the 8-0 defeat of Sunderland in 1982, the 0-4 away victory against Leeds United in 1984 and the 5-0 win over West Ham in 1985.
More recent coverage includes the appointment of Aidy Boothroyd as Manager in 2005 and promotion to the Premiership in 2006.
Newspaper coverage continues right up to the end of last season. This unique insight into the Hornets’ history makes these books truly memorable gifts and a great addition for a collector of Watford memorabilia.
Watford Memorabilia
If you are a collector of Watford memorabilia or looking for other Watford gifts, why not consider our Watford Calendar or Watford Diary? Each month features a newspaper headline on one of the Hornets’ key games. The presents can be personalised with the recipient’s name to make them even more special and both items make great gifts for Watford fans. Other Watford presents include Framed Newspaper Reprints, Watford Football Share Gifts and unique Watford Mugs.
Finally – Did You Know?
- Watford FC was formed under the name "Watford Rovers". The club was also briefly known as "West Hertfordshire" in the 1890s.
- The Hornets were founder members of the Southern Third Division.
- Watford’s stadium included a greyhound racing track until Graham Taylor got rid of it in 1977.
- Watford has shared Vicarage Road Stadium with Saracens Rugby Club since 1997.
- Graham Taylor is now an honorary life president and non-executive director of Watford FC. Sir Elton John is also an honorary life president.