List of Watford F.C. seasons

For a general account of the club's history, see History of Watford F.C.

Watford Football Club is an English association football club from Watford, Hertfordshire. Formed as Watford Rovers in 1881, the club entered the FA Cup and Herts Senior Cup for the first time in the 1886. The team reached the final of the Herts Senior Cup six times over the next ten years. Watford Rovers became West Hertfordshire in 1893, and joined the Southern League for the 1896–97 season. West Hertfordshire gradually adopted professionalism over the next two years, and in 1898 merged with Watford St Mary's to form Watford Football Club.^[1]

The club participated in the Southern League from 1896 until 1920, experiencing considerable success. They won six league titles in this period, including the Southern League First Division in 1914–15.^[2] After missing out on a second consecutive title in 1919–20 on goal average, Watford joined the Football League Third Division in 1920–21, and after its subsequent reorganisation became founder members of the Third Division South in 1921.^[3]

Watford's achievements over the next 37 years were scarce, as they remained in the Third Division South throughout. Fred Pagnam finished as the Division's top scorer in 1922–23,^[4] the club reached the final of the Third Division South Cup in 1935 and 1937 (winning on the latter occasion),^[5] and Len Dunderdale scored 21 goals for Watford in 1938–39 despite leaving mid way through the season.^[6] The team started to progress following the reorganisation of the Football League into four national divisions in 1958. They won promotion to the Third Division in 1960, the Second Division in 1969, and reached the FA Cup semi-final in 1970. However, the league progress was reversed with two relegations over the next five years, and in 1976–77 Watford were briefly bottom of the entire Football League.^[1]

A turning point in the club's history came in the late 1970s. Singer, shareholder and lifelong Watford supporter Elton John became chairman in 1976, and appointed Graham Taylor as manager in 1977. The club achieved consecutive promotions between 1977 and 1979, and reached the First Division for the first time in their history in 1982.^[7] Furthermore, in 1982–83 Watford finished second in the First Division, and Luther Blissett was the division's top scorer with 27 goals. Consequently, Watford qualified for the UEFA Cup in 1983–84, and also reached their first FA Cup Final. Following Taylor's departure in 1987, Watford were relegated in 1988.^[8]

Watford remained in English football's second tier for eight seasons, until they were relegated in 1995–96.^[1] Taylor returned as manager in 1997, and for the second time in his career led Watford to consecutive promotions, although he was unable to prevent relegation from the Premier League in 1999–2000.^[9] In the 21st century Watford have reached two League Cup semi-finals, one FA Cup semi-final, and have spent a further season in the Premier League by virtue of winning the 2006 Football League Championship play-off final under the management of Aidy Boothroyd.^[10]^[11]

Seasons

1881–1896

The club was formed as Watford Rovers in 1881, when George Devereux de Vere Capell, Earl of Essex and owner of Cassiobury Park, gave a group of boys permission to use the grounds for football. However, the agreement stipulated that the team could not play organised competitive matches on the estate.^[12] Members of the group included Henry Grover, the man later recognised as the club's founder, and Charlie Peacock, who played for Hertfordshire, became involved with board meetings at the club, and became the proprietor of the Watford Observer, the local newspaper. Over the next five years the team participated exclusively in friendly matches against schools and local clubs.^[12] One match of note in Watford's pre-competitive history is their first recorded fixture against future rivals Luton Town; a 1–0 home win to Watford on 5 December 1885.^[13] In the 1886–87 season, Watford Rovers entered the FA Cup for the first time, although they were eliminated in their opening game. They have competed in at least one competition in every season since.^[13] Rovers' first match against Watford St Mary's was a 7–4 home win on 17 January 1891. The teams met on eleven further occasions prior to their merge in 1898, with Rovers/West Hertfordshire winning six times, St Mary's four times.^[13]^[14]

Goal tallies are for competitive fixtures only.^[13]

Season^[13]	FA Cup	Herts Senior Cup	FA Amateur Cup	Hennessey Cup	Top scorer	Goals
1886–87	R1	F	—	—	Fred Sargent	4
1887–88	R2	F	—	—	Fred Sargent	12
1888–89	QR3	W	—	SF	Fred Sargent	7
1889–90	QR3	SF^{[nb 1]}	—	SF	Fred Sargent	7
1890–91	QR2	W	—	R2	Fred Sargent	10
1891–92	QR2	W	—	—	Walter Coles	13
1892–93	QR1	—	—	—	Walter Coles	1
1893	After becoming West Hertfordshire Sports Club's football team in 1890, Rovers were renamed West Hertfordshire for 1893–94.
1893–94	—	W	R3	—	Walter Coles	4
1894–95	QR1	SF	R3	—	Syd Hobbs & Richard Wright	5
1895–96	QR2	—	R2	—	Mac MacLachlan	3

1896–present

Correct as of the end of the 2009–10 season. For information on the season in progress, see 2010–11 Watford F.C. season. Goal tallies are for competitive fixtures only.^[16]^[17]^[18]^[19]

Season	Division ^{[nb 2]}	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts ^{[nb 3]}	Pos	FA Cup	League Cup	Competition	Result	Name	Goals
Season	League									FA Cup	League Cup	Other		Top scorer
1896–97	South 2	24	11	1	12	41	49	23	9th	QR3	& —	Herts Senior Cup	W	William Saunders	15
1897–98	South 2	22	11	6	5	50	48	28	3rd	PR	& —	é —	& —	Tuggy Beach	11
1898	é After merging with amateur team Watford St. Mary's, the club was renamed Watford Football Club.	&	&	&	&	&	&	&	é	&	&	é	&	é	&
1898–99	South 2L	22	14	2	6	62	35	30	3rd	QR3	& —	BCCL^{[nb 4]}	1st	Charlie Hare	22
1899–1900	South 2 ↑	20	14	2	4	57	25	30	1st	QR4	& —	BCCL^{[nb 5]}	1st	Charlie Hare	32
1900–01	South 1	28	6	4	18	24	52	16	14th	QR4	& —	é —	& —	Jack Price	9
1901–02	South 1	30	9	4	17	36	60	22	13th	QR4	& —	é —	& —	Herbert Lyon	14
1902–03	South 1 ↓	30	6	4	20	35	87	16	15th	QR3	& —	é —	& —	Ernest Cottrell Jimmy Tennant	7
1903–04	South 2 ↑	20	18	2	0	70	15	38	1st	QR4	& —	é —	& —	Bertie Banks	22
1904–05	South 1	34	14	3	17	41	44	31	13th	QR6	& —	é —	& —	John Goodall	12
1905–06	South 1	34	8	10	16	38	57	26	14th	R2	& —	United League^{[nb 6]}	1st	Jimmy Reid	15
1906–07	South 1	38	13	16	9	46	43	42	9th	R1	& —	United League^{[nb 7]}	8th	Jack Foster	16
1907–08	South 1	38	12	10	16	47	59	34	14th	R1	& —	é —	& —	Jack Foster	12
1908–09	South 1	40	14	9	17	51	64	37	14th	R1	& —	é —	& —	Archie Hubbard	16
1909–10	South 1	42	10	13	19	51	76	33	19th	R1	& —	Southern Charity Cup	F	Jimmy Maclaine	15
1910–11	South 1	38	13	9	16	49	65	35	14th	R1	& —	Southern Charity Cup	SF	Charlie White	12
1911–12	South 1	38	13	10	15	56	58	36	9th	R1	& —	Southern Charity Cup	R1	Tommy Dixon	13
1912–13	South 1	38	12	10	16	43	50	34	14th	QR5	& —	Southern Charity Cup	SF	Tommy Dixon	13
1913–14	South 1	38	10	9	19	50	56	29	18th	QR5	& —	Southern Charity Cup	R1	Thomas Ashbridge	14
1914–15	South 1	38	22	8	8	68	46	52	1st	QR6	& —	Southern Charity Cup	R1	George Edmonds	17
1915–17	é Peacetime competitions were suspended during the First World War. Watford competed in the Wartime London Combination in 1915–16 and 1916–17.^[25]	&	&	&	&	&	&	&	é	&	&	é	&	é	&
1917–19	é Watford did not play any organised fixtures in 1917–18 and 1918–19.^[25]	&	&	&	&	&	&	&	é	&	&	é	&	é	&
1919–20	South 1	42	26	6	10	69	42	58	2nd	QR6	& —	é —	& —	George Edmonds	19
1920–21	Division 3⁽³⁾	42	20	8	14	59	44	48	6th	R2	& —	é —	& —	Frank Hoddinott	25
1921–22	Division 3S^(3P)	42	13	18	11	54	48	44	7th	R2	& —	é —	& —	Fred Pagnam	17
1922–23	Division 3S^(3P)	42	17	10	15	57	54	44	10th	R1	& —	é —	& —	Fred Pagnam^{[nb 8]}	32 ♦
1923–24	Division 3S^(3P)	42	9	15	18	45	54	33	20th	R3	& —	é —	& —	Eddie Mummery	12
1924–25	Division 3S^(3P)	42	17	9	16	38	47	43	11th	R1	& —	é —	& —	Len Andrews Fred Pagnam	7
1925–26	Division 3S^(3P)	42	15	9	18	73	89	39	15th	R2	& —	é —	& —	Jack Swann	22
1926–27	Division 3S^(3P)	42	12	8	22	57	87	32	21st	R2	& —	é —	& —	George Edmonds	13
1927–28	Division 3S^(3P)	42	14	10	18	68	78	38	15th	R1	& —	é —	& —	Bill Sheppard	25
1928–29	Division 3S^(3P)	42	19	10	13	79	74	48	8th	R4	& —	é —	& —	Frank McPherson	35
1929–30	Division 3S^(3P)	42	15	8	19	60	73	38	15th	R2	& —	é —	& —	Frank McPherson	25
1930–31	Division 3S^(3P)	42	14	7	21	72	75	35	18th	R5	& —	é —	& —	George James	31
1931–32	Division 3S^(3P)	42	19	8	15	81	79	46	11th	QF	& —	é —	& —	George James	26
1932–33	Division 3S^(3P)	42	16	12	14	66	63	44	11th	R3	& —	é —	& —	Billy Lane	22
1933–34	Division 3S^(3P)	42	15	7	20	71	63	37	15th	R1	& —	Third Division South Cup	R2	Tommy Barnett	17
1934–35	Division 3S^(3P)	42	19	9	14	76	49	47	6th	R2	& —	Third Division South Cup	F	Billy Lane	35
1935–36	Division 3S^(3P)	42	20	9	13	80	54	49	5th	R4	& —	Third Division South Cup	R1	Tommy Barnett	17
1936–37	Division 3S^(3P)	42	19	11	12	85	60	49	4th	R1	& —	Third Division South Cup^{[nb 9]}	W	Tommy Barnett^{[nb 9]}	22
1937–38	Division 3S^(3P)	42	21	11	10	73	43	53	4th	R3	& —	Third Division South Cup	SF	Tommy Jones^{[nb 9]}	15
1938–39	Division 3S^(3P)	42	17	12	13	62	51	46	4th	R3	& —	Third Division South Cup	R1	Len Dunderdale	21
1939–40 ^{[nb 10]}	Division 3S^(3P)	3	0	2	1	4	5	2	99 —	& —	& —	é —	& —	Four players^{[nb 11]}	1
1939–46	é Peacetime competitions were suspended during the Second World War. Watford participated in wartime leagues until 1945–46.^[29]	&	&	&	&	&	&	&	é	&	&	é	&	é	&
1945–46	é —	& —	& —	& —	& —	& —	& —	& —	é —	R4	& —	é —	& —	Ron Gray^{[nb 12]}	4
1946–47	Division 3S^(3P)	42	17	4	20	61	76	39	16th	R2	& —	é —	& —	Ralph Evans	19
1947–48	Division 3S^(3P)	42	14	10	18	57	79	38	15th	R1	& —	é —	& —	Taffy Davies	11
1948–49	Division 3S^(3P)	42	10	15	17	41	54	34	17th	R1	& —	é —	& —	Dave Thomas	14
1949–50	Division 3S^(3P)	42	16	13	13	45	35	45	6th	R4	& —	é —	& —	Dave Thomas	21
1950–51	Division 3S^(3P)	46	9	11	26	54	88	29	23rd	R1	& —	é —	& —	Johnny Hartburn	13
1951–52	Division 3S^(3P)	46	13	10	23	57	81	36	21st	R2	& —	é —	& —	Cyril Thompson	25
1952–53	Division 3S^(3P)	46	15	17	14	62	63	47	10th	R2	& —	é —	& —	Johnny Meadows	13
1953–54	Division 3S^(3P)	46	21	10	15	85	69	52	4th	R1	& —	é —	& —	Roy Brown	21
1954–55	Division 3S^(3P)	46	18	14	14	71	62	50	7th	R3	& —	é —	& —	Maurice Cook	31
1955–56	Division 3S^(3P)	46	13	11	22	52	85	37	21st	R2	& —	Southern Floodlight Cup	R1	Les Graham	16
1956–57	Division 3S^(3P)	46	18	10	18	72	75	46	11th	R2	& —	Southern Floodlight Cup	R2	Les Graham	17
1957–58	Division 3S^(3P)	46	13	16	17	59	77	42	16th	R1	& —	Southern Floodlight Cup	SF	Tommy McMillan	11
1958–59	Division 4⁽⁴⁾	46	16	10	20	81	79	42	15th	R2	& —	Southern Floodlight Cup	R1	Johnny Gavin Peter Gordon	13
1959–60	Division 4⁽⁴⁾ ↑	46	24	9	13	92	67	57	4th	R5	& —	Southern Floodlight Cup	R2	Cliff Holton^{[nb 13]}	48 ♦
1960–61	Division 3⁽³⁾	46	20	12	14	85	72	52	4th	R3	R1	é —	& —	Cliff Holton	34
1961–62	Division 3⁽³⁾	46	14	13	19	63	74	41	17th	R3	R3	é —	& —	Ron Crisp	13
1962–63	Division 3⁽³⁾	46	17	8	21	82	85	42	17th	R4	R1	é —	& —	Dai Ward^{[nb 14]}	30
1963–64	Division 3⁽³⁾	46	23	12	11	79	59	58	3rd	R2	R1	é —	& —	Charlie Livesey	25
1964–65	Division 3⁽³⁾	46	17	16	13	71	64	50	9th	R1	R2	é —	& —	George Harris	21
1965–66	Division 3⁽³⁾	46	17	13	16	55	51	47	12th	R2	R2	é —	& —	Cliff Holton	12
1966–67	Division 3⁽³⁾	46	20	14	12	61	46	54	3rd	R3	R1	é —	& —	Terry Garbett	18
1967–68	Division 3⁽³⁾	46	21	8	17	74	50	50	6th	R3	R2	é —	& —	Barry Dyson	15
1968–69	Division 3⁽³⁾ ↑	46	27	10	9	74	34	64	1st	R4	R1	é —	& —	Barry Endean	20
1969–70	C Division 2⁽²⁾	42	9	13	20	44	57	31	19th	SF ^{[nb 15]}	R2	é —	& —	Barry Endean	14
1970–71	C Division 2⁽²⁾	42	10	13	19	38	60	33	18th	R4	R2	é —	& —	Ron Wigg	17
1971–72	C Division 2⁽²⁾ ↓	42	5	9	28	24	75	19	22nd	R3	R3	é —	& —	Keith Eddy	7
1972–73	Division 3⁽³⁾	46	12	17	17	43	48	41	19th	R3	R1	é —	& —	Pat Morrissey	10
1973–74	Division 3⁽³⁾	46	19	12	15	64	56	50	7th	R2	R1	é —	& —	Billy Jennings^{[nb 16]}	29 ♦
1974–75	Division 3⁽³⁾ ↓	46	10	17	19	52	75	37	23rd	R1	R1	é —	& —	Ross Jenkins	11
1975–76	Division 4⁽⁴⁾	46	22	6	18	62	62	50	8th	R1	R2	é —	& —	Ross Jenkins	19
1976–77	Division 4⁽⁴⁾	46	18	15	13	67	50	51	7th	R3	R3	é —	& —	Keith Mercer	25
1977–78	Division 4⁽⁴⁾ ↑	46	30	11	5	85	38	71	1st	R3	R3	é —	& —	Ross Jenkins	18
1978–79	Division 3⁽³⁾ ↑	46	24	12	10	83	52	60	2nd	R2	SF	é —	& —	Ross Jenkins^{[nb 17]}	37 ♦
1979–80	C Division 2⁽²⁾	42	12	13	17	39	46	37	18th	QF	R1	é —	& —	Luther Blissett	11
1980–81	C Division 2⁽²⁾	42	16	11	15	50	45	43	9th	R4	QF	é —	& —	Malcolm Poskett	21
1981–82	C Division 2⁽²⁾ ↑	42	23	11	8	76	42	80	2nd	R5	QF	Football League Group Cup	QF	Luther Blissett	25
1982–83	Division 1⁽¹⁾	42	22	5	15	74	57	71	2nd	R5	R3	Football League Trophy^{[nb 18]}	QF	Luther Blissett^{[nb 19]}	33 ♦
1983–84	Division 1⁽¹⁾	42	16	9	17	68	77	57	11th	F	R2	UEFA Cup	R3	Mo Johnston	24
1984–85	Division 1⁽¹⁾	42	14	13	15	81	71	55	11th	R5	QF	é —	& —	Luther Blissett	28
1985–86	Division 1⁽¹⁾	42	16	11	15	69	62	59	12th	QF	R3	é —	& —	Colin West	16
1986–87	Division 1⁽¹⁾	42	18	9	15	67	54	63	9th	SF	R3	Full Members Cup	R3	Mark Falco	16
1987–88	Division 1⁽¹⁾ ↓	40	7	11	22	27	51	32	20th	QF	R4	Full Members Cup	R3	Malcolm Allen	9
1988–89	C Division 2⁽²⁾	46	22	12	12	74	48	78	4th*	R5	R2	Full Members Cup	QF	Paul Wilkinson	21
1989–90	C Division 2⁽²⁾	46	14	15	17	58	60	57	20th	R4	R2	Full Members Cup	R2	Paul Wilkinson	16
1990–91	C Division 2⁽²⁾	46	12	15	19	45	59	51	20th	R3	R2	Full Members Cup	R1	Paul Wilkinson	18
1991–92	C Division 2⁽²⁾	46	18	11	17	51	48	65	10th	R3	R2	Full Members Cup	R1	Luther Blissett	12
1992–93	C Division 1⁽²⁾	46	14	13	19	57	71	55	16th	R3	R4	Anglo-Italian Cup	PR	Paul Furlong	22
1993–94	C Division 1⁽²⁾	46	15	9	22	66	80	54	19th	R3	R2	Anglo-Italian Cup	PR	Paul Furlong	19
1994–95	C Division 1⁽²⁾	46	19	13	14	52	46	70	7th	R5	R2	é —	& —	Craig Ramage	11
1995–96	C Division 1⁽²⁾ ↓	46	10	18	18	62	70	48	23rd	R3	R3	é —	& —	Craig Ramage	15
1996–97	Division 2⁽³⁾	46	16	19	11	45	38	67	13th	R4	R2	Associate Members Cup	SF	Tommy Mooney	12
1997–98	Division 2⁽³⁾ ↑	46	24	16	6	67	41	88	1st	R3	R2	Associate Members Cup	R1	Peter Kennedy	13
1998–99	C Division 1⁽²⁾ ↑	46	21	14	11	65	56	77	5th*	R3	R1	é —	& —	Gifton Noel-Williams^[38]	10
1999–2000	Premier League⁽¹⁾ ↓	38	6	6	26	35	77	24	20th	R3	R3	é —	& —	Heiðar Helguson^[39]	6
2000–01	C Division 1⁽²⁾	46	20	9	17	76	67	69	9th	R3	R3	é —	& —	Tommy Mooney^[40]	19
2001–02	C Division 1⁽²⁾	46	16	11	19	62	56	59	14th	R3	QF	é —	& —	Tommy Smith^[41]	11
2002–03	C Division 1⁽²⁾	46	17	9	20	54	70	60	13th	SF	R1	é —	& —	Heiðar Helguson^[42]	11
2003–04	C Division 1⁽²⁾	46	15	12	19	54	68	57	16th	R3	R2	é —	& —	Scott Fitzgerald^[43]	10
2004–05	C Championship⁽²⁾	46	12	16	18	52	59	52	18th	R3	SF	é —	& —	Heiðar Helguson^[44]	20
2005–06	C Championship⁽²⁾ ↑	46	22	15	9	77	53	81	3rd*	R3	R3	é —	& —	Marlon King^{[nb 20]}	22 ♦
2006–07	Premier League⁽¹⁾ ↓	38	5	13	20	29	59	28	20th	SF	R4	é —	& —	Hameur Bouazza^[47]	7
2007–08	C Championship⁽²⁾	46	18	16	12	62	56	70	6th*	R4	R2	é —	& —	Darius Henderson^[48]	12
2008–09	C Championship⁽²⁾	46	16	10	20	68	72	58	13th	R5	R5	é —	& —	Tommy Smith^[49]	17
2009–10	C Championship⁽²⁾	46	14	12	20	61	68	54	16th	R3	R2	é —	& —	Danny Graham^[50]	14

Key

South 1 = Southern League First Division
South 2 = Southern League Second Division
South 2L = Southern League Second London Division
Premier League = Premier League
Championship = Football League Championship
Division 1 = Football League First Division
Division 2 = Football League Second Division
Division 3 = Football League Third Division
Division 3S = Football League Third Division South
Division 4 = Football League Fourth Division
BCCL = Bucks & Contiguous Counties League

P = Played
W = Games won
D = Games drawn
L = Games lost
F = Goals for
A = Goals against
Pts = Points
Pos = Final position

PR = Preliminary Round
QR1 = First Qualifying Round
QR2 = Second Qualifying Round
QR3 = Third Qualifying Round
QR4 = Fourth Qualifying Round
QR5 = Fifth Qualifying Round
QR6 = Sixth Qualifying Round
R1 = Round 1

R2 = Round 2
R3 = Round 3
R4 = Round 4
R5 = Round 5
QF = Quarter-finals
SF = Semi-finals
F = Final
W = Winners

Champions	Runners-up	Play-offs*	Promoted ↑	Relegated ↓	Top scorer in Watford's division ♦

Footnotes

Two middle-aged men, standing on a grass field — Maurice Cook (right) was Watford's top scorer in 1954–55.

^ The semi-final was abandoned at 2–2, owing to crowd trouble after a St Albans goal was disallowed. Watford Rovers declined to contest the replay, in order "to prevent further ill-feeling."^[15]
^ From 1896 until 1920, the Football League and Southern League ran in parallel. In 1920–21, the Southern League First Division was absorbed by the Football League, thus becoming part of the English football pyramid.^[20] From 1920–21 onwards, the number in parentheses denotes the division's "level" in the structure of the English league system;
(1): Highest level of English football
(2): Second highest level of English football
(3): Third highest level of English football
(3P): Third highest level of English football, running in parallel with the Third Division North
(4): Fourth highest level of English football
^ From 1896–97 until 1980–81, two points were awarded for a win, and one for a draw. From the 1981–82 season onwards, three points have been awarded for a win.^[20]
^ Watford's record in the BCCL: Played 10, Won 8, Drew 1, Lost 1, Scored 43, Conceded 12, Points 17.^[21]
^ Watford's record in the BCCL: Played 10, Won 7, Drew 0, Lost 1, Scored 40, Conceded 6, Points 14.^[22]
^ Watford's record in the United League: Played 18, Won 13, Drew 4, Lost 1, Scored 49, Conceded 15, Points 20.^[23]
^ Watford's record in the United League: Played 14, Won 3, Drew 1, Lost 10, Scored 15, Conceded 38, Points 7.^[24]
^ Pagnam scored 30 goals in the Football League.^[26]
^ ^a ^b ^c Due to fixture congestion, the 1936–37 Third Division South Cup did not finish until October 1937. As it was officially part of 1936–37, Barnett's two goals in the 8–3 semi-final win against Notts County on 13 September 1937 are included in his 1936–37 goal tally; Jones' goal in the same fixture is not included in his 1937–38 tally. If this convention were reversed, both players would have remained Watford's top scorer in the respective seasons; Barnett in 1936–37 with 20 goals, Jones in 1937–38 with 16 goals.^[27]
^ All Football League results were anulled upon the outbreak of war.^[28]
^ Ralph Evans, George Lewis,Taffy Davies and William Law scored one Football League goal each. These were annulled upon the outbreak of war, and do not count towards the player's career totals. Watford's top scorer in 1939–40 wartime competitions—that is, excluding the Football League—was George Lewis with 29 goals.^[28]
^ The goal tally given is for the FA Cup only. Including wartime matches, Watford's top scorer was George Lewis, with 27 goals.^[30]
^ Holton scored 42 goals in the Football League.^[31]
^ Ward scored 29 goals in the Football League. Trefor Jones, a published football and cricket statistician, states that this is "Division 3's highest tally".^[32] However, Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation state that Coventry City player George Hudson scored 30 league goals.^[33]
^ Watford played Manchester United in a match to decide third place, losing 2–0.^[18]
^ Jennings scored 26 goals in the Football League.^[34]
^ Jenkins scored 29 goals in the Football League.^[35]
^ The Group Cup was rebranded as the Football League Trophy for 1982–83 season, before being abolished completely. It should not be confused with the present day Football League Trophy.
^ Blissett scored 27 goals in the Football League.^[36]^[37]
^ King scored 21 goals during the regular season of the Football League (excluding the play-offs).^[45]^[46]

References

General

Jones, Trefor (1998). Watford Season by Season. ISBN 0-9527458-1-X.
Phillips, Oliver (1991). The Official Centenary History of Watford FC 1881–1991. Watford Football Club. ISBN 0-9509601-6-0.
Jones, Trefor (1996). Watford Football Club Illustrated Who's Who. ISBN 0-9527458-0-1.

Specific

^ ^a ^b ^c Watford Football Club Illustrated Who's Who p. 9
^ Watford Season by Season pp. 60–61
^ The Official Centenary History of Watford FC pp. 52–53
^ Watford Season by Season p. 69
^ Watford Season by Season pp. 92–98
^ Watford Season by Season p. 101
^ The Official Centenary History of Watford FC, Chapter Ten, pp. 196–223
^ Watford Football Club Illustrated Who's Who pp. 275–276
^ "Graham Taylor profile". BBC Sport. 5 February 2002. Retrieved 18 July 2010.
^ "Watford dismiss manager Lewington". BBC Sport. 22 March 2005. Retrieved 18 July 2010.
^ "Boothroyd & Watford part company". BBC Sport. 3 November 2008. Retrieved 18 July 2010.
^ ^a ^b The Official Centenary History of Watford FC pp. 12–15
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Watford Season by Season pp.7–13
^ Watford Season by Season p. 217
^ Watford Season by Season p. 11
^ Watford Season by Season pp. 24–205
^ "Watford history 1975 to date". Tony Brown. Statto.com. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
^ ^a ^b "Watford's FA Cup history". Watford Football Club. 2 February 2009. Retrieved 27 July 2010.
^ "Watford's League Cup history". Watford Football Club. 14 December 2008. Retrieved 27 July 2010.
^ ^a ^b "History of the Football League". The Football League. 16 June 2010. Retrieved 28 July 2010.
^ Watford Season by Season p. 28
^ Watford Season by Season p. 30
^ Watford Season by Season p. 42
^ Watford Season by Season p. 44
^ ^a ^b Watford Season by Season p. 208
^ Watford Season by Season p. 69
^ Watford Season by Season p. 96
^ ^a ^b Watford Season by Season p.209
^ Watford Season by Season pp. 209–215
^ Watford Season by Season p. 214
^ Watford Season by Season p. 129
^ Watford Season by Season p. 135
^ James M. Ross (12 June 2009). "English league leading goalscorers". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 28 July 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
^ Watford Season by Season p. 157
^ Watford Season by Season p. 167
^ Watford Season by Season p. 175
^ "This week in history ~ Division One, April 9, 1983". When Saturday Comes. 9 April 2009. Retrieved 26 July 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
^ "Watford 1998/1999 player appearances". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
^ "Watford 1999/2000 player appearances". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
^ "Watford 2000/2001 player appearances". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
^ "Watford 2001/2002 player appearances". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 July 2010.
^ "Goalscorers 2002/03". Watford Football Club. Retrieved 19 October 2009.
^ "Goalscorers 2003/04". Watford Football Club. Retrieved 19 October 2009.
^ "Goalscorers 2004/05". Watford Football Club. Retrieved 19 October 2009.
^ Vicki Hodges (6 May 2006). "Dowie issues Palace rallying cry". BBC Sport. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
^ "Seasons stats 2005/06". Blind, Stupid and Desperate. Retrieved 19 October 2009.
^ "Goalscorers 2006/07". Watford Football Club. Retrieved 19 October 2009.
^ "Goalscorers 2007/08". Watford Football Club. Retrieved 19 October 2009.
^ "Goalscorers 2008/09". Watford Football Club. Retrieved 19 October 2009.
^ "Goalscorers 2009/10". Watford Football Club. Retrieved 21 June 2010.

[16] The semi-final was abandoned at 2–2, owing to crowd trouble after a St Albans goal was disallowed. Watford Rovers declined to contest the replay, in order "to prevent further ill-feeling."^[15]

[22] From 1896 until 1920, the Football League and Southern League ran in parallel. In 1920–21, the Southern League First Division was absorbed by the Football League, thus becoming part of the English football pyramid.^[20] From 1920–21 onwards, the number in parentheses denotes the division's "level" in the structure of the English league system;
(1): Highest level of English football
(2): Second highest level of English football
(3): Third highest level of English football
(3P): Third highest level of English football, running in parallel with the Third Division North
(4): Fourth highest level of English football

[23] From 1896–97 until 1980–81, two points were awarded for a win, and one for a draw. From the 1981–82 season onwards, three points have been awarded for a win.^[20]

[25] Watford's record in the BCCL: Played 10, Won 8, Drew 1, Lost 1, Scored 43, Conceded 12, Points 17.^[21]

[27] Watford's record in the BCCL: Played 10, Won 7, Drew 0, Lost 1, Scored 40, Conceded 6, Points 14.^[22]

[29] Watford's record in the United League: Played 18, Won 13, Drew 4, Lost 1, Scored 49, Conceded 15, Points 20.^[23]

[31] Watford's record in the United League: Played 14, Won 3, Drew 1, Lost 10, Scored 15, Conceded 38, Points 7.^[24]

[34] Pagnam scored 30 goals in the Football League.^[26]

[overflow-36] Due to fixture congestion, the 1936–37 Third Division South Cup did not finish until October 1937. As it was officially part of 1936–37, Barnett's two goals in the 8–3 semi-final win against Notts County on 13 September 1937 are included in his 1936–37 goal tally; Jones' goal in the same fixture is not included in his 1937–38 tally. If this convention were reversed, both players would have remained Watford's top scorer in the respective seasons; Barnett in 1936–37 with 20 goals, Jones in 1937–38 with 16 goals.^[27]

[38] All Football League results were anulled upon the outbreak of war.^[28]

[39] Ralph Evans, George Lewis,Taffy Davies and William Law scored one Football League goal each. These were annulled upon the outbreak of war, and do not count towards the player's career totals. Watford's top scorer in 1939–40 wartime competitions—that is, excluding the Football League—was George Lewis with 29 goals.^[28]

[42] The goal tally given is for the FA Cup only. Including wartime matches, Watford's top scorer was George Lewis, with 27 goals.^[30]

[44] Holton scored 42 goals in the Football League.^[31]

[47] Ward scored 29 goals in the Football League. Trefor Jones, a published football and cricket statistician, states that this is "Division 3's highest tally".^[32] However, Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation state that Coventry City player George Hudson scored 30 league goals.^[33]

[48] Watford played Manchester United in a match to decide third place, losing 2–0.^[18]

[50] Jennings scored 26 goals in the Football League.^[34]

[52] Jenkins scored 29 goals in the Football League.^[35]

[53] The Group Cup was rebranded as the Football League Trophy for 1982–83 season, before being abolished completely. It should not be confused with the present day Football League Trophy.

[56] Blissett scored 27 goals in the Football League.^[36]^[37]

[66] King scored 21 goals during the regular season of the Football League (excluding the play-offs).^[45]^[46]

[chronology-1] Watford Football Club Illustrated Who's Who p. 9

[2] Watford Season by Season pp. 60–61

[3] The Official Centenary History of Watford FC pp. 52–53

[4] Watford Season by Season p. 69

[5] Watford Season by Season pp. 92–98

[6] Watford Season by Season p. 101

[7] The Official Centenary History of Watford FC, Chapter Ten, pp. 196–223

[8] Watford Football Club Illustrated Who's Who pp. 275–276

[profile-9] "Graham Taylor profile". BBC Sport. 5 February 2002. Retrieved 18 July 2010.

[Lewington-10] "Watford dismiss manager Lewington". BBC Sport. 22 March 2005. Retrieved 18 July 2010.

[Boothroyd-11] "Boothroyd & Watford part company". BBC Sport. 3 November 2008. Retrieved 18 July 2010.

[early-12] The Official Centenary History of Watford FC pp. 12–15

[firstgames-13] Watford Season by Season pp.7–13

[14] Watford Season by Season p. 217

[15] Watford Season by Season p. 11

[sbscomplete-17] Watford Season by Season pp. 24–205

[stattohistory-18] "Watford history 1975 to date". Tony Brown. Statto.com. Retrieved 26 July 2010.

[fac-19] "Watford's FA Cup history". Watford Football Club. 2 February 2009. Retrieved 27 July 2010.

[flc-20] "Watford's League Cup history". Watford Football Club. 14 December 2008. Retrieved 27 July 2010.

[flhistory-21] "History of the Football League". The Football League. 16 June 2010. Retrieved 28 July 2010.

[24] Watford Season by Season p. 28

[26] Watford Season by Season p. 30

[28] Watford Season by Season p. 42

[30] Watford Season by Season p. 44

[WW1-32] Watford Season by Season p. 208

[33] Watford Season by Season p. 69

[35] Watford Season by Season p. 96

[sbs209-37] Watford Season by Season p.209

[40] Watford Season by Season pp. 209–215

[41] Watford Season by Season p. 214

[43] Watford Season by Season p. 129

[45] Watford Season by Season p. 135

[46] James M. Ross (12 June 2009). "English league leading goalscorers". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 28 July 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)

[49] Watford Season by Season p. 157

[51] Watford Season by Season p. 167

[54] Watford Season by Season p. 175

[wscscorer8283-55] "This week in history ~ Division One, April 9, 1983". When Saturday Comes. 9 April 2009. Retrieved 26 July 2010. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)

[57] "Watford 1998/1999 player appearances". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 July 2010.

[58] "Watford 1999/2000 player appearances". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 July 2010.

[59] "Watford 2000/2001 player appearances". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 July 2010.

[60] "Watford 2001/2002 player appearances". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 July 2010.

[wfcgoal0203-61] "Goalscorers 2002/03". Watford Football Club. Retrieved 19 October 2009.

[wfcgoal0304-62] "Goalscorers 2003/04". Watford Football Club. Retrieved 19 October 2009.

[wfcgoal0405-63] "Goalscorers 2004/05". Watford Football Club. Retrieved 19 October 2009.

[64] Vicki Hodges (6 May 2006). "Dowie issues Palace rallying cry". BBC Sport. Retrieved 8 July 2010.

[basdstats0506-65] "Seasons stats 2005/06". Blind, Stupid and Desperate. Retrieved 19 October 2009.

[wfcgoal0607-67] "Goalscorers 2006/07". Watford Football Club. Retrieved 19 October 2009.

[wfcgoal0708-68] "Goalscorers 2007/08". Watford Football Club. Retrieved 19 October 2009.

[wfcgoal0809-69] "Goalscorers 2008/09". Watford Football Club. Retrieved 19 October 2009.

[wfcgoal0910-70] "Goalscorers 2009/10". Watford Football Club. Retrieved 21 June 2010.

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v t e Watford Football Club
The club	History Seasons Players 50+ appearances 1–49 appearances Players of the season Managers Records Watford Ladies Academy Europe Notable matches Current season
Stadiums	Cassio Road Vicarage Road
Training Ground	Watford Training Ground
Supporters	Elton John Luton Town rivalry Theme from Z-Cars
Sister clubs	Udinese Calcio Granada CF