Signed by the club’s greatest ever manager, Graham Taylor, in the summer of 1997, Micah Hyde joined the Hornets at a time of fresh optimism, with the club looking to gain promotion back into the First Division [Championship] following GT’s return to the dugout.
Hyde contributed to a successful first campaign at Vicarage Road, often showing glimpses of what was to come, playing 40 times and scoring four as Watford were promoted as champions.
An incredible second successive promotion was achieved in 1998/99, the Hornets finishing fifth thanks to seven wins from their last eight games, with Hyde notching goals against Crystal Palace and Bolton Wanderers - the latter generating an impromptu arm-swinging celebration to mark the birth of his son.
After that frenzied conclusion, a two-legged play-off semi-final against Birmingham City awaited Hyde and his teammates. Victory in the first leg proceeded a nervy match at St. Andrews that was eventually decided on penalties, with the Golden Boys securing their place in the final.
It was during this campaign that Hyde cemented an indomitable midfield partnership with current Academy Director Richard Johnson, complementing each other’s skill, tenacity and ability on the pitch. Hyde would use his guile and Johnson would use his power in a towering dynamic duo.
The pair would start the play-off final against Bolton in what would become the highlight of Hyde’s Watford career. The midfielder admitted he had only been to the home of English football, Wembley Stadium, once before on a school trip but you wouldn’t have known it.
Hyde was in his element as he played his part on the hallowed turf, conjuring up a defence-splitting pass to Peter Kennedy who would assist Allan Smart, doubling Watford’s lead and securing their place in the top-flight.
With two successive promotions under his belt, Hyde played 33 times in the Premier League and scored three times, but the Golden Boys struggled to match the highs of their previous campaigns and were relegated back to the second tier.
Hyde remained at the club for another four seasons, as the Hornets achieved security in the form of consecutive mid-table finishes in the First Division, and the midfielder would continue to feature regularly throughout.
In total, the energetic playmaker would go on to make 286 appearances and score 27 goals in all competitions for Watford, alongside a successful international career with Jamaica, where he earned 17 caps.
Although Hyde enjoyed a storied footballing career with clubs like Burnley and Peterborough United in the years after, the midfielder will always be remembered for his time at The Vic, rightfully earning his place as a Hornets Ambassador.
Appearances (goals):
Football League & Premier League: 238+18 (23)
FA Cup: 13
Football League Cup: 16+1 (4)
Total: 267+19 (27)
Profile written April 2022.
'Join date' refers to first-team debut for former players.
