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 an interview with former striker Heidar Helguson after he secured a hat-trick of accolades at the club's 2004/05 End of Season Awards.
Having received awards for 'Player', 'Goal' and 'Display' of the Season, the Icelander reflects on his and the team's campaign...
The Programme
- Season: 2004/05
- Match: Watford 1-2 West Ham
- Date: Sunday May 8, 2005
- Manager: Aidy Boothroyd
- Competition: Coca Cola Championship
The Article
Once again The Grove, in Chandlers Cross, played host to the Hornets' 'End of Season' awards, held last Sunday.
The timing of the Clydesdale Bank-sponsored event fell as well as it could possibly have done, giving everyone present - including the players, management and directors of the club - the chance to reflect on having secured Championship status just 24 hours beforehand.
Heidar Helguson was the winner of the three longest-standing awards, voted into first place for 'Player', 'Goal' and 'Display' of the Season for 2004/05. He spoke to 1881's Richard Walker this week about his triple-whammy.
“I thought I might possibly be in with a shout of one or possibly two of the awards but not three - no way,” revealed the modest Icelandic striker.
“It's hard for me to say that I feel I've done well enough to win ‘Player of the Season’ but, goals-wise and with my all-round game, it's certainly been my best-ever year at Watford.
“There have been other players who've more than done their share as well. But I'm happy with what I've done - I feel I've contributed to us being safe.”
And not just being safe, but the small matter of a Carling Cup semi-final in addition...
“That achievement has been a bit overshadowed by our need for points,” explained H. “I think when people look back on this season, they will remember the cup run which was absolutely fantastic and hopefully games early in the season when we were buzzing.”
He added: “I'm not convinced about the argument saying our league form suffered because of the cup. I think that can be an easy excuse.
“Yes, we've had to play eight or nine more games than other sides but I've always thought cup success should transfer into league form - but obviously it doesn't often work like that.”
Of his ‘Display of the Season’, he noted: “If I was going to win that award, I would have thought it would have been for the Portsmouth game. But I suppose the goal is what sticks in people's mind and, yes, Southampton was a brilliant performance by the whole team.
“I was a bit embarrassed to get all three awards but I am proud of how I've done this season.”
