FEW players will have ever experienced such a turnaround in fortunes as American International defender Jay DeMerit.

Singled out by former Watford boss Ray Lewington when playing a trial game for Watford's local non-League neighbours Northwood against the Hornets in July 2004, the centre-half from Green Bay, Wisconsin took to professional football like a duck to water. Not long after earning a one-year deal while trialling with the Hornets, the club wasted no time in signing the 25-year-old on a longer contract.

He surely couldn't have harboured realistic ambitions of playing more than 30 first-team games, but that's just what the University of Illinois graduate did in his first season, becoming the second Northwood player - after Scott Fitzgerald - to make a successful move five steps up the football pyramid.

And his dramatic rise to prominence continued in the 2005/06 season when he helped Watford to promotion via the play-offs, scoring the 'winning' goal on the way to victory over Leeds United at the Millennium Stadium.

Amazingly, DeMerit missed out on selection for the US 2006 World Cup squad, however he was rewarded for his reliable performances when he was called up to the national side in March 2006.

The trusty defender has so far earned 7 caps for his nation and has become a regular call-up for manager Bob Bradley for the 2012 World Cup qualifiers.

In December 2007 DeMerit was handed the armband and took on the mantle of club captain following the departure of the long serving Gavin Mahon to Queens Park Rangers.

He remained club captain the following season only giving up the armband through injury problems was a permanent fixture in the Golden Boys squad alongside new signing Mike Williamson.

The American is also a familiar face in the town; picking up the Community Ambassador award at the 2008/09 End of Season Awards in recognition of his charity and community work.

Players Kit and Shirt Sponsors:

06: Jay DeMERIT	Home Shirt:	Tracksuit
	In Loving Memory of Carlo Ferrara	John & Kim Higgs
Match Boots:	Match Kit:	Training Top:
Ryan Jack Ladyman	Lesley Wagland	-
Training Boots:	Training Kit:
Chris Higgs	-

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