In our 'Time Capsules' series, we dive into the Watford FC archives to re-publish a classic interview from an historic matchday programme.
For our latest instalment, we re-visit Graham Taylor's programme notes from the first match of the 1986/87 season.
Addressing the supporters, Taylor acknowledges the newly-built Rous Stand – now named the Graham Taylor Stand – and what this kind of investment in infrastructure meant for the future of the club...
The Programme
- Season: 1986/87
- Match: Watford 3-0 Oxford United
- Date: Saturday August 23, 1986
- Manager: Graham Taylor
- Competition: Football League Division One
The Article
Welcome back to Vicarage Road – or are you sure you are at the right ground?
The new stand represents a new era for the club, and I hope that it refuels everyone's ambitions and enthusiasm.
This is the start of my tenth season, and along with the Chairman, Directors and Management colleagues, we shall continue to try to give a lead in continuing to make Watford a progressive, successful – but above all friendly club.
We know that there are going to be a lot of changes in professional football – and in fact some of those changes are already taking place – and we want to make sure that Watford can play its part in helping to make sure that any change will be for the better.
Yes, I am sure that sooner or later some “expert” will pass an opinion that the money for the stand should have been spent on players – what an original comment that will be!
This is the year 1986 – in only 14 years' time we are in the 21st century. Only a handful of clubs will be attracting sufficient spectators to their games to make their existence worthwhile at full-time level.
Facilities are of prime importance to a club such as ours if we are going to have a chance to stay in with the “big boys”.
The first part of the challenge was accepted in 1977 when in the Fourth Division – the building of the stand shows that we have now accepted the second part.
Whilst Elton John remains Chairman and I as manager and we continue to have the support and encouragement of everyone around us, Watford will always be prepared to “have a go”.
This club belongs to all of us - all of us are in fact, the club – and as I have said in the past it will be as “big” as we choose to make it.
Good to see you back.
