In 1977 Graham Taylor and Elton John drew up a ten-year plan to steer Watford Football Club from the depths of the Fourth Division to the top flight.
They did it in five.
The Hornets took on and defeated the giants of English football in the Eighties. They were runners-up to Liverpool in the Football League, they played in Europe, and reached the FA Cup final at Wembley for the first time.
Enjoy the Game by Lionel Birnie, published in 2010, is a book that tells the story of that incredible decade based on dozens of interviews with the players and management who made it happen.
Now, for the first time, it's available as an audio series, read by Watford supporter, actor and voice artist Colin Mace.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In 1977 Graham Taylor and Elton John drew up a ten-year plan to steer Watford Football Club from the depths of the Fourth Division to the top flight.
They did it in five.
The Hornets took on and defeated the giants of English football in the Eighties. They were runners-up to Liverpool in the Football League, they played in Europe, and reached the FA Cup final at Wembley for the first time.
Enjoy the Game by Lionel Birnie, published in 2010, is a book that tells the story of that incredible decade based on dozens of interviews with the players and management who made it happen.
Now, for the first time, it's available as an audio series, read by Watford supporter, actor and voice artist Colin Mace.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
'I looked out there on the pitch. They were just kids.'
In autumn 1982, Watford embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. First stop was West Germany and a UEFA Cup first round date with Kaiserslautern.
The squad was entering a transitional period. Luther Blissett, Ross Jenkins and Gerry Armstrong had all moved on. Some of the players who'd helped the club to the First Division were coming to the end and, to make matters worse, the Hornets suffered a lengthy injury crisis.
And, with all the club's new signings ineligible for Europe, it meant that the team that represented Watford as they made their debut in European competition could almost pass as a reserve and youth side.
After defeat in West Germany, it looked as if Watford's adventure would be over early...
Enjoy the game by Lionel Birnie. Read by Colin Mace. Produced by Jon Moonie.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.