Scott Duxbury Programme Notes: Luther Blissett Named Club Ambassador

Watford FC Chairman & CEO Scott Duxbury shares his thoughts ahead of tomorrow’s Sky Bet Championship clash with Birmingham City...

Good afternoon everyone and thank you for being here at The Vic for today’s game.

After an exciting start to the season and with the first international break now over, we’re delighted to be getting back to action this afternoon. Welcome to the Board of Directors of Birmingham City Football Club – and to their Head Coach John Eustace, who served Watford FC with distinction as captain.

Today gives me the opportunity to officially confirm as Club Ambassador the club’s all-time record appearance-maker and goalscorer, Luther Blissett OBE DL.

It was Sir Elton John who described Luther as “Watford’s favourite son” during the club’s meteoric rise from Division Four to Division One, and there’s no question as to the regard in which he is held among Watford supporters and within the wider community of the town and the borough.

Luther was a driving force for good on the pitch during the first era of sustained success for Watford FC, with Elton and the late Graham Taylor OBE at the helm together.

Our true hope is for Luther to continue to help position this football club as the heartbeat of its community, something he’s also been doing on a personal level with his many interests that have served local people and others who need a helping hand. A true driving force for good away from the football itself.

Luther will explain more in his own words about how he intends to bring this Ambassadorship to life, including the launch of community-focused projects that we’ve been discussing with him behind the scenes.

Present at both of this season’s supporter Q&A events so far, Luther has been able to hear supporters’ views directly, both as part of the Q&As themselves and afterwards during informal conversation.

We know Luther’s finger is on the pulse of fan sentiment, and we will draw upon his insights further to give everyone with Watford FC at heart the chance to feel strongly connected with the club.

I have enjoyed a strong relationship with Luther, stretching back to the time of the Pozzo family’s arrival as owners of our club. Luther’s experiences as a player in Italy meant that he was already aware of the stability and growth the Pozzos would bring to this club.

To experience footballing highs and lows during a journey that’s now in its 12th year is perfectly normal, but perhaps more importantly to continue to build and strengthen ties between the club and its supporters means a greater level of understanding can pervade over time.

What a journey it’s been for Luther personally, of course. From signing as a teenager for Watford, via his many playing and coaching accolades, through to the awarding of an OBE to reflect his football career and charitable community work, as well as being named a Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire and receiving the Freedom of the Borough of Watford.

So there’s no question that, given all of his community connections and standing among our supporters, Luther will be a truly outstanding Club Ambassador.

My continued best wishes to you and your families.

Best regards,

Scott Duxbury
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Watford Football Club