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Watford Football Club is an English Football League team located in Watford, Hertfordshire. The team was formerly owned by Elton John, who is now honorary life president. Best known of the club's past managers is former England manager Graham Taylor. Under Taylor, the team rose from the Fourth Division to the old First Division (now the Premiership). In 1984 Watford reached the FA Cup final and finished second in that Division, but began a slow decline after that. Graham Taylor left the club in 1987, and they were relegated to the Second Division (now the Football League Championship) at the end of the 1987-1988 season. They remained there for six seasons, during which time the Second Division became the First Division, and in 1996 they were again relegated to the Second Division. After his difficult years away at England and other clubs, fans' favourite Graham Taylor returned in 1997, and in his first season back led the team to an impressive Second Division championship, beating Bristol City into second place after a season-long struggle. Greater things were yet to come: the following season the team made it into the Play-offs, and beat Bolton Wanderers in the final at Wembley Stadium to gain promotion to the Premiership, the first club to get there from the Second Division in two straight seasons. The Premiership season started brightly with an early surpising victory over Liverpool, but soon faded away, and Watford were relegated after finishing bottom. Since then, they have remained in the First Division/Championship. The 2002-2003 season saw the club in severe financial difficulties, along with many League clubs, following the collapse of ITV Digital, but an unexpected run to the FA Cup semi-final generated vital cash and the club survived. The difficulties left their mark, however, and the team looked in danger of relegation for much of the 2003-2004 season. However, a strong finish to the season saw them reach the safety of mid-table. The 2004-2005 season saw a continuation of the good from of the previous season, with the club well in the upper half of the Championship after the first few games. However, a long run of draws and losses has subsequently seen the club slip down the table, to 15th place by late 2004. The team plays at Vicarage Road, a stadium they share with Saracens Rugby Club. The team is known as the Hornets as a result of its yellow and black strip. Famous past players:External links:
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