WHAT first started out as a tongue in cheek joke when Allan Smart first signed for the Hornets in June 1998, turned out to eventually be true less than a year later.

When arranging his contract at Vicarage Road with the then manager Graham Taylor, the pair joked about getting to the promised land of the Premiership, but that dream soon turned to reality for the Golden Boys.

Smart was signed by Taylor from Carlisle and that early exchange between the pair, that 'flippant' talk turned into reality at one of the most famous footballing venues in the world.

The forward recalls the early season form and how slowly but surely belief amongst the squad and fans began to grow.

"Even from the start of the season at Portsmouth and then at Bradford we were winning games" recalled the Scotsman.

"We weren't always playing well but we continued to pick up points and that continued over the season.

"I remember playing QPR at home and scoring, we kept our spirits up and I don't think we were outside the top eight to 10 all season."

There was 11 days between Watford's dramatic penalty-shoot out win in the semi-final of the play-offs at St Andrews, home of Birmingham City - but it felt longer according to Smart.

Building up to the game, he remembers the squad taking part in some light-hearted activities for a Sky Sports feature.

He added: "Sky wanted to do a piece with us so we eventually went go-carting, I think there was some debate about it as some of the lads wanted to play golf!

Boss Graham Taylor flanked by the scorers; Wright (left) and Smart (right)

"We made an occasion of it as a club and got fitted for suits, we decided to do that and I'm glad we did.

"I remember training in the lead up to the semi-final and we had penalties every day for what felt like forever.

"I think we trained at one of the Grammar schools in Watford leading up to the final, again we practiced penalties just in case. We had practice matches and the boys were buzzing, there was lots of finishing practice too."

The play-off final day itself of course saw the Hornets overcome Bolton at Wembley to reach the Premiership for the very first time.

Nick Wright's supreme opening strike was eventually doubled by Smart, who scored and killed off the Trotters with just a minute remaining.

Speaking on the day itself, Smart naturally feels proud at the achievements of the squad.

"It was great and tremendous to play at Wembley, it's your dream isn't it?" said Smart.

"At the end of the game it was almost a blur, it all went by so quickly.

"For those who have been fortunate enough to do it twice, they say you saviour it more the second time round.

"I got dragged off to a press conference and was rushed up there in the depths of Wembley somewhere.

What a strike! Smart settles the game

"Then when I got back to the changing rooms it ended up being just me and Wrighty! All of the champagne had gone and everyone had left, I was gutted I couldn't celebrate with everyone else.

"So if I could have it again it would be those celebrations after the game."

Smart remember's how he was dismissed in the eight  last league match of the campaign against Tranmere Rovers and after that he found it hard to get back in the side to regain a starting spot.

He recalls: "Tommy Mooney was up front after that and was magnificent, in the final few games I would get on for 15 or 20 minutes and play my part.

"I was a bit nervous leading up to the final because Graham Taylor hadn't named his subs until the day of the game.

"When he did he said it would be the same subs as the previous week. It was a relief as it was a bit late in the day, I expected to be involved but you never know in football.

"I was warming up on the side when Wrighy scored the first, I was looking straight at him and it was a magnificent strike.

"For my goal I remember the ball coming across and I was just after a good connection really, I didn't have to take a touch and I just hit it."

The evening saw the squad, families and club staff take in a function at Sopwell House before the parade around Watford the following day, which Smart felt was a great occasion because he had his family with him.

After leaving the Hornets, Smart went on to have spells with Oldham and Dundee United as well as other clubs.

Now Smart is Head of Youth Development at Southport in the north west. He assists with education as well as football and he is currently taking his teaching qualifications.

Smart lives in Preston with his family.

Today (Sunday 31 May) marks 10 years since the Golden Boys were promoted to the Premiership following their play-off success over Bolton Wanderers at Wembley Stadium.