Further to this team pic from 1898, i thought i'd seen it before and suddenly realised why.. because i had seen it in this article.. http://www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk/content/new-contributions/the-cother-brothers and i quote.. "The first black players in Watford FC were the Cother brothers, Edwin and John, who began playing with the team in 1898. Their father was born in India and the two dark skinned brothers became widely known as ‘Darkie’ " Looking again at the pic i think it's a bit of a stretch to describe them as the first black players for us. I mean can you spot them?
That's actually a better quality version of the picture - but it's still impossible to tell if anybody is even remotely dark skinned. At a guess, I'd say back row, third from left; and middle row holding the ball - but that's only because they remind me a bit of Freddie Mercury, and I believe he had Indian ancestry, didn't he?!!
I'm pretty certain I've just found myself in a "historical" (FFS I'm not even 50!!!) photo looking exceptionally stylish with my Dutch style jacket (courtesy of Wembley market) and my even more stylish "wedge" haircut - I'm also turning away from the camera. As well as going to school with Tim Sherwood part of our group was the guy responsible for the "0657 Keegan" graffito (from Bushey arches) seen in the titles of Murphy's Mob.
Luther nets vs West Brom September 82. The last.. sorry only.. time we went top of the pile. I'm putting it here as a lucky omen
Here's some of those players named in the line-up for a cup final in which a future Watford manager also played - against us.
I can see 4 players of ours which made league appearances and for Chelsea at least 6 off the top of my head including R.L. our future manager!
For them Richardson, Wilkins (Rays brother), Sparrow, Lewington, Finnieston and Maybank For us, Walsh, Bristow, Watt (one sub) and Mercer That's without any research there could be others!
Pretty sure their keeper, Richardson, was one of those involved with the recent sex abuse in football scandal.
Didn't know Richardson or Watt. Funny how they only added initials for about half, and obviously didn't bother to find out for those they didn't know, despite it being a cup SF !
It was John Watt for us, Derek Richardson for them, however I have just noticed he didn't make any league appearances for Chelsea but played later for QPR and Sheff United!
Yes, Chelsea used to have the best youth system in the country. Maybe they still do - but who can tell?
Not just a look back in time but also a quiz question. Who was the player that was so keen to not play under Vialli he put himself up for sale at the pre season photo shoot?
Using detailed calculations from the eyeline of eight separate spectators and four players that the ball will be in the air just above the fourth Chinese symbol on the giant red banner. Do I win a prize? ..
Not quite sure how you did your calculations.. but you are correct! You win a pair of Shanghai fc vs Watford fc memorial chopsticks.
Think i'll have to give you the answer now. According to this it was Neil Cox. He'd been left out of the pre-season tour (because GT had told Vialli that he was a disruptive influence in the dressing room) Cox thought he'd get his own back with this stunt but apparently it endeared him to GV, who decided not to put him on the transfer list. A stunt that backfired you could say!
Haha like this Stevo, however it is now going to annoy me that I don't know who is behind the sign.... Also do the club still do the team photo? Has this seasons been done if so?
Ive been trying to find that squad pic with names.. without success. Someone probably got it correct already (way before i noticed Cox was in front of the sign ) This season? There must be one i would think, though maybe they wait till the window is closed so maybe it's not been published anywhere yet.
Hey Stevo, Interesting factoid - may I suggest a repost of your lucky omen pic in the match thread? Anything to help against the Pulis baggie long ball cloggers, as we seem to be labelling them