One of the brightest young talents to progress through Watford’s academy, it’s sometimes difficult to grasp just how much Gifton Noel-Williams accomplished while still a teenager.
Most notably, the strapping striker became the club’s second youngest player and youngest ever goal scorer in 1996, having been called up to the first team and handed his chance by Kenny Jackett. The manager was always a believer of Gifton’s talents and had shown faith in him where others hadn’t in the academy.
Gifton’s debut came in a League Cup tie in September 1996 at Sunderland. The striker was aged just 16 years and 247 days when he was subbed on and only Keith Mercer in 1973 had ever turned out at a younger age for the club in a competitive game.
Two months later, having made a handful more appearances, including his first start, Gifton came off the bench against Blackpool and scored his first goal in a 2-2 draw. The strike, which hit the roof of the net after a smart control and turn under pressure, made Gifton the youngest scorer in the club’s history at 16 years and 314 days old.
He wasn’t done breaking records yet though, and in February 1997 he netted against Manchester City in the FA Cup to become the club’s youngest ever scorer in this competition too.
The Islington-born forward was always mature for his age, on the pitch and off it. His father sadly passed away when Gifton was 13 years old, an enormous tragedy for any youngster to overcome. He also became a parent himself aged 16, just weeks before making his Watford debut in fact. When celebrating his first goal Gifton made a beeline towards the East Stand, where his family sat in a large group, evidencing just how high they ranked in his priorities.
After that whirlwind first season, Gifton hit seven strikes during the 1997/98 Division Two campaign, which aided the club’s successful promotion push under Graham Taylor. These included the winner against Bournemouth which sealed promotion and the opener at Fulham as Watford leapfrogged Bristol City to win the title on the final day. Gifton by this point was 18 years old, and therefore legally able to join in with the infamous champagne celebrations in the dressing room.
The following season, Gifton was Watford’s top scorer as a second successive promotion via the play-offs saw the team reach the Premiership. But it was a bittersweet year for the young man. He had reached 10 goals by January before a bad challenge from Sunderland defender Paul Butler ended the 19-year-old’s season early. This came soon after a wonderful chest and volleyed effort against the Black Cats which once again hinted at his enormous potential.
The challenge even threatened Gifton’s career, a broken kneecap leading to arthritis throughout his body. A crippling blow if there ever was one, especially as the striker had just been called up by England Under-21s following three appearances for the Under-18s.
Against all odds, and with help from specialist treatment paid for by Sir Elton John, Gifton did return to the pitch within a year. He was restricted to three Premiership appearances though and Watford were back in the second tier by the time he could truly re-establish himself in the side. Gifton scored a further 14 times before he was released in 2003.
The striker persisted though and earned a contract at Stoke City, then enjoying two of his fullest seasons as he scored 23 goals in 91 appearances for the Potters. Spells at Burnley, Brighton, Millwall and Yeovil followed, as well as time in the Spanish second tier with Real Murcia and Elche. A period playing and coaching in the United States was next, before Gifton returned to England to continue his work in coaching in and around Hertfordshire, including time with Watford’s academy.
Family is as important to Gifton as it is to Watford FC and he truly is part of ours, keeping a close relationship with the club and regularly returning to Vicarage Road. Gifton has been heavily involved with the Hornets at Home community scheme and it was only natural that he would quickly sign up as a Hornets Ambassador to continue a thriving relationship.
Appearances (goals):
Football League: 107+62 (33)
FA Cup: 10+2 (5)
Football League Cup: 10+2 (3)
Total: 127+66 (41)
Profile written February 2021.
'Join date' refers to first-team debut for former players.
