List of Watford F.C. seasons

Formed on 15 April 1898 as a result of the amalgamation of two strong local clubs, Watford St. Mary's and West Herts.

West Herts began life as Watford Rovers in 1881, the club entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886.

[2] After the resumption of Southern League football following a four-year hiatus due to the First World War, Watford missed out on a second consecutive title in 1919–20 on goal average.

Singer, shareholder and lifelong Watford supporter Elton John became chairman in 1976, and appointed Graham Taylor as manager in 1977.

[1] Taylor returned as manager in 1997, and for the second time in his career led Watford to consecutive promotions, although he was unable to prevent relegation from the Premier League in 1999–2000.

West Herts began life as Watford Rovers in 1881, when George Devereux de Vere Capell, Earl of Essex and owner of Cassiobury Park, gave a group of boys permission to use the grounds for football.

[15] Matches played when the club was not entering competitions included the first recorded fixture against future rivals Luton Town; a 1–0 home win to Watford on 5 December 1885.

[16] In the 1886–87 season, Watford Rovers entered the FA Cup for the first time, although they were eliminated in their opening game.

[16] From 1886 Rovers participated in the Herts Senior Cup, a competition open to all clubs in Hertfordshire, winning it on four occasions.

In the background and to the left are two large stands, each of which seem capable of holding thousands of people. In the foreground is a well maintained grass pitch. Yellow balloons can be seen in the sky.
The Rookery and Main stands at Vicarage Road , at the end of the 1999–2000 season
Watford Performances from 1920 until 2023
Two middle-aged men, standing on a grass field
Maurice Cook (right) was Watford's top scorer in 1954–55.
A man wearing a predominantly black shirt and shorts, both with yellow and white patterns, standing on a grass field.
Heiðar Helguson was Watford's top scorer in 1999–2000, 2002–03 and 2004–05.