Ryan Andrews has enjoyed a propelled push into the Watford limelight following a memorable run in the first-team to close out the 2022/23 season.
Still only 18 years old, the right-back has been with the Hornets since he was seven and has risen through the ranks to become a part of the senior squad, making seven appearances in all competitions by the most recent campaign’s conclusion.
When Andrews joined in 2012, moments like making his debut, his first league start at Vicarage Road and winning a Player of the Month award were all potential goals. However, as he explains, his journey began simply because he loved football.
“I first joined as an Under-9 and I remember being a young kid, not having to worry about much – just playing football and enjoying it,” Andrews began.
“I actually joined the club as a striker and I didn’t know many of my teammates. I have a late birthday, so I’ve always been the younger one in my group. At that point, you’re just playing football with your friends so you don’t have to worry about much. They were good times looking back on them.
“I’m still here with some of the players I grew up playing with - Shaq Forde, Alfie Marriott, Damani Hunter - and there are some others that have gone elsewhere but are still doing well for themselves. I still keep in contact with quite a lot of them.”
Having launched his Watford story as a striker, it took a while for Andrews to adopt his now-familiar right-back position.
“I remember moving to right-back at Under-14 level,” he said. “Our manager at the time was Chris Thurston, who is at Arsenal now, and at that age the game starts to get a bit more tactical.
“I would say he thought I would be quite a good right-back. With my pace and everything, I started playing a few games there and at first I didn’t really like it. I wondered why I was playing there, but in the long run it has worked out for me. I can only thank him for putting his faith in me and believing what I can be today.”
After growing into the defensive role, Andrews started his scholarship at the club and before long had made an impression, signing his first professional contract in May 2022 alongside his father – and former Watford player – Wayne Andrews.
He continued: “The Under-18s is where your scholarship begins and it’s more competitive football, playing games week in and out. You’re trying to get three points in the league, but also playing in the FA Youth Cup.
“Coming from that season, I had been doing quite well. I was playing for the Under-23s regularly so to sign my contract was a proud moment for me. My dad also came through the ranks at this club.
“My dad has been really helpful. He can always give me advice because he has been there and done a lot of things that I’m trying to do. My mum helps me a lot as well because growing up I was living with her and my sister.”
Putting pen-to-paper on professional terms allowed Andrews to focus on earning an opportunity within the first-team set-up. And after heading to Austria on a pre-season tour last summer, he had to wait a little while longer for his big break.
Eventually, that chance arrived in the form of a second-half substitute appearance against Reading in January 2023 during an Emirates FA Cup third-round tie.
“The week prior to the game we were training with the first-team and there were lots of other young players involved as well, like Adrian Blake, Jack Grieves and Tobi Adeyemo,” Andrews explained.
“We never considered that we might be playing or even on the bench. The manager at the time, Slaven Bilić, had spoken to me just before kick-off and had said that there was a possibility I might come on at half-time.
“I didn’t have too much time to think about it. Emotions were high and it was a dream come true. I had nerves for the first five minutes. You’re just trying to get yourself into the game, but once you start getting into the flow it comes naturally. It was a moment to remember.
“My first touch actually came from kick-off and the ball came to me and I thought that I can’t get this touch wrong, let me think about it and take my time!”
Patience would once again pay off for Andrews as a few months after making his first appearance in yellow, the full-back made his league debut for the Hornets against Coventry City.
He said: “The week before we had Huddersfield Town at home and I was in the squad, but didn’t make the bench. In the training session before Coventry, there were a few injuries and I thought this might be my shot.
“We were doing shape work, I heard my name and at first I thought he was talking to Ryan Porteous! I couldn’t smile or get too excited in the moment because we were concentrating, but after that session I remember calling my family.
“I had high emotions coming into [the match against Coventry City], especially considering it was my first league start. Being on Sky Sports as well, I had family and friends watching it back at home. I would say that was my proudest moment so far in my career, making my first start against Coventry City.”
It would all culminate in a special match against Bristol City, on April 15. With Andrews securing a run in the starting XI, he made his home debut in a 2-0 victory, earning plaudits for his performance and the supporters’ adulation as they sang: “He’s one of our own”.
“It being my home debut, I’m used to playing at Vicarage Road with the Academy, but it’s totally different when it’s full of supporters,” Andrews reflected.
“I would say going into this game that I had a lot more confidence. That was a very special moment for me. Firstly, getting the win and the clean sheet, but coming off when I did and getting a standing ovation from the fans was surreal.
“It’s what you dream of growing up, especially having been at the club since I was very young. You don’t consider that these moments could happen.
“[Looking at pictures of signing memorabilia] you feel like you’re inspiring little kids who want a signed shirt. You’re also thinking, ‘why me?’. You’ve clearly done yourself proud and they look up to you. I think it’s really important, that when they do ask for a signed shirt, they are looking up to you so why not sign it? Try and put a smile on their face.”
