Watford FC confirms the departure of long-serving defender Craig Cathcart, following the expiration of his contract with the club.
The Northern Ireland international leaves having played a hugely significant role in the Hornets’ success in recent history, scoring eight goals and helping keep over 70 clean sheets in 262 appearances over two spells, that began with a loan move way back in September 2009.
Then just 20, the now 34-year-old joined from Manchester United, where he had emerged through the academy ranks after being spotted across the Irish Sea. Earlier loans at Belgian side Royal Antwerp and at Plymouth Argyle preceded his switch to Vicarage Road, and he duly showcased his talent throughout 12 outings under Malky Mackay.
After a four-year stay at Blackpool - that saw him turn out more than 100 times for the Seasiders - Cathcart re-joined Watford ahead of the 2014/15 season, this time on a permanent deal.
Upon signing, the Belfast native made his intentions clear, stating: “As soon as I spoke to the guys here it was obvious they want to get promoted. I want to be part of something that’s going to grow, and we’re looking to get into the Premier League.”
Cathcart’s actions certainly lived up to those words, with a goal on his second debut for the club - as a substitute for Gabriel Tamaș at home to Bournemouth in September - setting the tone for a promotion campaign that also featured an audacious bicycle-kick strike against Birmingham City.
Five consecutive years in the Premier League yielded 122 appearances and four goals, while he also featured four times - including in the showpiece - during the Golden Boys’ historic run to the Emirates FA Cup final in May 2019.
After relegation in 2019/20, Cathcart made 25 appearances the following term - in the joint-best Sky Bet Championship defence in history - as Watford bounced straight back to the top-flight, notably scoring the first goal of the season to secure a winning start against Middlesbrough on the opening day.
He played 31 games in the Premier League in 2021/22, before featuring 28 times back in the Championship during the most recent campaign, which also saw him reach the 250-match milestone for the Hornets against Swansea City in December 2022.
Having started his permanent stint in Hertfordshire with 18 Northern Ireland caps to his name, Cathcart has taken that tally past the 70-mark during his time at The Vic, making four appearances at Euro 2016 and remaining an integral part of Michael O’Neill’s set-up today.
Picked to captain his country for a Euro 2024 qualifying double-header earlier this year, Cathcart has also worn the armband on several occasions for the Golden Boys, and his leadership and experience - in addition to his playing qualities - have proved invaluable to the club’s on and off-field exploits over recent years.
On his departure, Cathcart said: “Thanks to all the people at the club that have helped me along the way, through the highs and lows.
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“The club has given me a lot, I’ve made some lifelong friendships and some memories that I’ll never forget.
“All the best for the future to everyone connected with Watford.”
We would like to place on record our most sincere thanks to Craig for his contributions to Watford FC, and wish him the very best of luck for the next step in his career.
