FOLLOWING the Hornets' capture of new club record signing Nathan Ellington last week, we asked you for your memories on our big record signings of the past. Here's what you had to say!

The Duke signed last Wednesday (29 August) for £3.25m from West Bromwich Albion - breaking the previous transfer record of £2.25m which was paid to Tottenham for Allan Nielson in August 2000.

Ellington made his debut in Saturday's win over Ipswich Town, coming on as a second half substitute and hitting the post within minutes of coming on the field.

Paul Wiles, Tring, Herts on Steve Simms..

"I remember the day Graham Taylor asked Elton if he could splash out £200,000 on a central defender from Leicester. At the time it was a record for a club in the old 3rd Division let alone for WFC. This was in the 1978-79 season. A season that saw a consecutive promotion to the old Division 2.
 
"Steve provided the missing link that was required to take a group of players that had already been successful the previous year as champions of Division 4 to a new level.
 
"He partnered Ian Bolton in central defence, a signing Graham Taylor made the previous year from Notts County. With Ian's powerful strike of the ball and Steve's heading ability they became a force to be feared notching several goals between them that season.
 
Simmo (as we sang in the Rookery) will be remembered as a pivotal signing for us."
 
Ian L Hutchinson on some big names from the past..

"I have been privileged to have witnessed them all play for Watford, Ron Wigg on his day wasn't bad, Dave Woodfield -  it was unfortunate when he was injured as we were unable to see the best of him. Ross Jenkins was great, at first I used to think he was a little awkward but as you watched him, with a better partner in Luther Blissett your saw how good he was.

"Gerry Armstrong was a good player for us. Luther Blissett must go down as one of the all time greats for Watford - a super player. In Nordon Wooter, Watford never ever received the best from this player. Heidar Helguson I never thought he was that good and was very pleased that he never came back to Watford this time around.

"Let's hope that our new boy will give us what is needed, alongside King we may see another Ross Jenkins and Luther Blissett."

William Brown, Stoke-on-Trent, on Blissett

"Whilst I was delighted at the return of Luther it was also tinged with sadness for him. The poignant moment at the Cup Final when it was expected that he was coming back but he was unable to play in one of Watford's finest moments. The chant that rang around Wembley when he appeared must also have got to him.
 

"Memories from his early days and cup goals against Man United to after his playing days and him still coming to Vicarage Road despite his shabby treatment at the end. In the old "Directors Box" in the Main / East stand I spoke to him a few times. He is a true gentleman and ambassador for the game and epitomises all that Watford Football club as re-engineered by GT and, to some degree continuing today, stands for.
 
Mark Bishop on Woodfield and Ray Train

"I remember Woodfield, he lasted less than half an hour of his debut before collapsing in a heap. He never played again. I also remember Ray Train he was a good player and scored against Southampton in the epic 7-1 game
 
Jeanette Foster on Simms…

"Woodfield only played about 25 minutes - I was there - so, by the minute, he has to be probably our most expensive ever signing!

"Ross Jenkins, in real terms, was worth more than forty grand although, before the arrival of Graham Taylor, many wouldn't agree with that sentiment! Simmsy gave great service & Luther's homecoming from Milan was very welcome. Wooter never really was consistent enough but Neilson was a very solid signing. If Ellington turned out to be another Luther it will be money very well spent."

Thank you to everyone who emailed in.

*Please note that views expressed in this article are not necessarily those of Watford Football Club