The head of a man in his 40s.
John Barnes made 31 appearances for England during his Watford career.[1]

Watford Football Club is an English association football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. 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, and renamed West Herts in 1891, the team joined the Southern League in 1896. West Herts amalgamated with local rivals Watford St. Mary's for the start of the 1898–99 season, to form a new club, Watford Football Club.[2] Between 1898 and 1920, Watford competed in the Southern League, winning the championship in 1914–15. The Southern League was suspended for the next four seasons due to the First World War. On the league's resumption in 1919–20, Watford finished as runners up on goal average.[3] At the start of 1920–21, Watford joined the Football League Third Division, and transferred to the Third Division South when the league was reorganised the following season. They have played in the Football League ever since, with the exception of 1939–1946, when competitive football was suspended due to the Second World War, and the 1999–2000 and 2006–07 seasons, when they competed in the Premier League. In addition to the latter two seasons, the club also competed in the top division of English football between 1982 and 1988,[4] achieving their highest league placing of second in the 1982–83 season.[5]

Many of Watford's individual records are held by former centre forward Luther Blissett. He has made more Watford appearances (503, including substitute appearances) and scored more goals for the club (186) than anyone else. His corresponding totals in the Football League (415 appearances and 148 goals) are also Watford records.[5] Cliff Holton has scored the most goals for Watford in a single season; 48 in all competitions in the 1959–60 season, including 42 in the Football League.[5][6] Eddie Mummery's five-goal haul against Newport County on 5 January 1924 is the club record for goals scored by a player in a Football League match.[5] Watford's most-used goalkeeper is Skilly Williams, who played for the club 341 times between 1913 and 1926.[7] John Barnes and Kenny Jackett share the record for the most international caps won while playing for Watford. Barnes made his first 31 England appearances before transferring from Watford to Liverpool in 1987.[8] Jackett, a one-club man,[9] made the same number of appearances for Wales.[1] Seven people have played competitively for the club while managing them: John Goodall, Harry Kent, Fred Pagnam, Neil McBain, Bill Findlay, Ken Furphy, and most recently Mike Keen between 1973 and 1975.[10]

Key

This list contains players who have made 50 or more competitive appearances for Watford, since the amalgamation of West Herts and Watford St Mary's. Non-professional players (or any player who has not signed a first team contract) or any other academy player(s) are not on the list.[a] It includes appearances and goals in the Premier League, Football League, Southern Football League, FA Cup, Football League Cup, Football League Trophy, Full Members Cup, UEFA Cup and Anglo-Italian Cup. Appearances and goals in other competitions or non-competitive matches are not included. The table does not include appearances and goals from 1939–40; the season was abandoned after three matches due to the Second World War, and playing records from those matches were annulled.[12]

Positions[b]
GK Goalkeeper
FB Full back DF Defender
HB Half back MF Midfielder
IF Inside forward FW Forward
OF Outside forward
CF Centre forward
Key
Symbol Meaning
‡ Player still at the club
† Won the Player of the Season award. Multiple symbols denote multiple wins.
[PM] Spent time as player-manager
* Player holds club record(s)
Apps Number of appearances for Watford

Players

Two middle-aged men, standing on a grass field
Maurice Cook (right) missed only four games between his debut and final appearance for Watford.[13]
Two men wearing yellow shirts, red shorts and red socks, celebrating on a grass field
Troy Deeney (left) celebrates a goal with Nyron Nosworthy
The head and upper torso of a young man, wearing a black and red top. The logo on his top is coloured red, black and yellow, and reads "WATFORD"
Danny Graham was the Football League Championship's top scorer in the 2010–11 season.[14]
A man in a black football shirt and shorts, with yellow outline, standing on a grass field.
Heiðar Helguson played for the club in two periods between 1999 and 2010.
A middle-aged man, wearing a white T-shirt and black shorts, standing on a grass field.
Andy Hessenthaler played for the team between 1991 and 1996.
The head and shoulders of a man, with a cornrow hairstyle. On his shirt is a blue and white crest, featuring three lions.
Goalkeeper David James started his career at Watford, and went on to play for England.
Scott Loach
Scott Loach playing in goal for Watford
The head and torso of a man in his 30s or 40s, wearing a shirt, tie and blazer.
Malky Mackay played for Watford as a centre back, and later managed the team.
The head of a man in his 30s.
Jack McNee played for West Hertfordshire, prior to their merger with Watford St. Mary's in 1898.
A man wearing a yellow football shirt and shorts, standing on the playing pitch.
Midfielder Gavin Mahon was voted Watford F.C. Player of the Season in 2003–04.
A young man with short dark hair and a short, well maintained beard. He is wearing a yellow top and black shorts, both with red trim, yellow and black socks, and white footwear. He is standing on a grass field. On his forearm, he is wearing an armband; the word "Captain" is visible.
Adrian Mariappa graduated from Watford's academy, and has captained the team.[15]
A man in a jacket and tie standing in a car park outside a football stadium.
Tommy Mooney made 287 Watford appearances between 1994 and 2001.
A young man wearing a red and white striped top, red shorts, red socks and white studded training shoes, standing on a grass field. The number 9 is visible on his shorts
Academy graduate Gifton Noel-Williams played for Watford between 1996 and 2003.[16]
The head and upper body of young man wearing a yellow top, standing on a grass field. His top features a distinctive red, black and yellow crest, with the word "Watford" visible below it.
Hungary striker Tamás Priskin
The head and shoulders of a man, wearing a white shirt, blue tie and black blazer
Tommy Smith won the Player of the Season award twice during his second spell at the club.
A man wearing a yellow shirt, red shorts and red socks, standing on a grass field. A goalpost and net are visible behind him.
Centre back Martin Taylor joined Watford in 2010.
The head and shoulders of a man, wearing a hat and coat.
Skilly Williams was Watford's goalkeeper as they won the 1914–15 Southern League.[17]
The head and shoulders of a young man with short hair. He is wearing a white top with red trim. The top features a crest with three lions on it, and a small star above it.
Ashley Young left Watford for a club record fee of £9.65 million in 2007.[18]

Current players' statistics correct at end of 2022-23 season.

Name Position Years at Watford[c] Apps Goals International honours[d] Notes/refs

Almen Abdi

MF 2012–2016 131 25   Switzerland
Chris Adams OF 1954–1956 82 6  None —
Malcolm Allen CF 1985–1988 58 13  Wales —
Manuel Almunia GK 2012–2014 81 0  None —
Tommy Anderson IF / OF 1957–1958, 1965 75 16 Scotland schoolboys [21]
Gabriele Angella DF 2013–2015 82 10 Italy under-21 —

Ikechi Anya

MF 2012–2016 138 9  Scotland —
Neal Ardley MF 2002–2005 128 7 England under-21 [22]
Gerry Armstrong CF 1980–1983 97 19  Northern Ireland —
Jimmy Armstrong HB 1933–1939 201 2  None [e]
Barry Ashby DF 1989–1994 127 3  None —
Charlie Aston FB 1905–1908 110 1  None —
Daniel Bachmann ‡ GK 2017- 84 0  Austria —
George Badenoch HB / OF 1903–1906 89 10  None —
Bert Badger HB 1906–1908 56 5  None —
Al Bangura MF 2005–2009 78 1  Sierra Leone [24]
David Bardsley DF 1983–1987 121 9  England —
Jack Barnes OF 1931–1933 83 11  None —
John Barnes* MF 1981–1987 296 85  England [f]
Tommy Barnett IF 1928–1939 431 160  None [e]
Bob Barnshaw HB 1914–1921 61 4  None —
Ted Bassett OF 1919–1921 73 9  None —
Colin Bateman FB 1954–1957 56 0  None —
Cristian Battocchio ‡ MF 2012- 66 7 Italy under-21 —
Darren Bazeley DF / MF 1990–1999 281 27 England under-21 —
Bobby Bell FB 1957–1964 300 2  None —
Ted Bennett GK 1953–1956 86 0 Great Britain
England amateur 		[g]
Micky Benning OF 1959–1962 122 15  None —
Arthur Betts FB 1907–1910 100 0  None —
Dave Bewley FB 1953–1956 120 1  None —
Billy Biggar GK 1904–1910 234 1  None —
Luther Blissett* CF 1976–1983, 1984–1988, 1991–1993 503 186  England [h][26]
Ian Bolton DF / MF 1977–1983 287 36  None †
Dennis Bond HB / MF 1964–1966, 1972–1977 301 42 England youth [27]
Dennis Booth MF 1977–1980 117 2  None —
Hamer Bouazza FW 2004–2007 100 13  Algeria [28]
Jimmy Bowie IF 1952–1955 130 40  None —
Joe Brooks FB 1903–1907 114 0  None —
Roland Brown OF 1901–1904 61 5  None —
Roy Brown HB / CF 1953–1957 147 41  None —
Tommy Brown IF / HB 1949–1953 113 12  None —
William Brown FB 1928–1935 241 0  None —
Chris Bulling HB 1911–1914 68 5  None —
Harold Bulling FB 1911–1915 103 1  None [i]
Freddie Bunce OF 1955–1962 173 40 England youth —
Dave Butler DF 1970–1975 186 3  None —
Steve Butler CF 1991–1992 73 9 England C —
Nigel Callaghan MF 1980–1987, 1991 298 52 England B [30]
Wilf Carter HB 1920–1925 131 4  None —
Etienne Capoue MF 2015–2020 181 14  France —
Marco Cassetti DF 2012–2014 81 1  Italy —
George Catleugh HB 1954–1964 318 16  None —
Alec Chamberlain GK 1996–2007 288 0  None † †
James Chambers DF 2004–2007 106 2 England youth [31]
Billy Chapman OF 1928–1934 232 10  None —
Ken Charlery CF 1992–1993 53 13  Saint Lucia
England C 		[32]
Sammy Chung HB / CF 1957–1965 243 24  None —
Peter Coffill MF 1975–1977 69 7  None —
Tony Collins OF 1950–1953, 1957 112 10  None [33]
Bobby Cook OF 1951–1952 56 9  None —
Lee Cook MF 2001–2004 64 7  None —
Maurice Cook CF 1953–1958 218 77  None —
Jack Cother FB 1898–1905 123 0  None —
Tony Coton GK 1984–1990 291 0 England B † † †
Don Cowie MF 2009–2011 94 9  Scotland [34]
Neil Cox DF 1999–2005 248 21 England under-21 [22]
Laurie Craker MF / DF 1973–1976 72 4  None —
Ron Crisp HB / IF 1961–1965 101 17  None —
Horace Cumner OF 1948–1950 66 7  Wales —
Arthur Daniels OF 1926–1930 146 17  None —
Taffy Davies OF / IF 1931–1950 312 72 Wales wartime [e][j]
Tom Davies HB 1933–1937 61 3  None —
Joe Davison FB 1927–1931 147 2  None —
Troy Deeney ‡ FW 2010– 365 122  None —
Gerard Deulofeu FW 2018–2020 70 17  Spain —
Jay DeMerit DF 2004–2010 213 10  United States [36]
Bill Devan IF 1933–1937 95 34  None —
Paul Devlin MF 2003–2006 88 6  Scotland [37]
Tommy Dixon CF 1911–1913 80 26  None —
Abdoulaye Doucouré MF 2016–2020 141 17  Mali —
Bobby Downes MF 1974–1979 230 22  None —
Lloyd Doyley ‡ DF 2001– 443 2  Jamaica [38]
Jason Drysdale DF / MF 1989–1994 160 11 England youth —
Keith Dublin DF 1990–1994 190 2 England youth —
Len Dunderdale CF 1938–1939, 1946–1948 81 36  None [e][39]
Sean Dyche DF 2002–2005 78 0  None —
Bruce Dyer CF 1993–1994, 2003–2005 116 23 England under-21 [40]
Clint Easton MF 1996–2001 79 2 England under-20 [41]
Keith Eddy DF / MF 1966–1972 274 31  None —
George Edmonds CF 1913–1920, 1926–1927 112 60  None [i][42]
Tommy Eggleston HB / FB 1948–1952 186 9  None —
Jimmy Eggleton HB 1923–1926 52 2  None —
Nathan Ellington FW 2007–2011 56 5  None —
Joel Ekstrand ‡ DF 2012- 100 2 Sweden —
Barry Endean CF 1968–1971 93 37  None —
John Eustace MF 2008–2013 168 16  None —
Ralph Evans IF 1937–1948 96 32  None [e]
Willie Falconer MF 1988–1991 116 13 Scotland youth —
John Farley MF 1971–1974 115 9  None —
Les Farnen HB 1946–1949 81 0  None [e]
Alec Farrall MF 1966–1967 56 11 England schoolboys —
Tiny Fayers HB 1908–1910 69 2 England amateur —
Bill Findlay HB 1932–1939 137 6  None [PM]
[e][k]
Ken Fisher HB 1947–1951 110 2  None —
Scott Fitzgerald FW 2003–2005 59 12  None —
Ben Foster GK 2005–2007

2018–2022

207 0  England †
[43]
Fernando Forestieri FW 2012–2015 92 21 Italy under-21
Colin Foster DF 1994–1996 78 8  None —
Cyril Foster IF 1925–1928 71 24  None —
Jack Foster CF 1905–1907 59 30  None —
Damien Francis MF 2006–2008 57 9  Jamaica [44]
Colin Franks MF 1969–1973 124 9  None —
Eddie Fuller HB 1927–1929 59 0  None —
Paul Furlong CF 1992–1994 91 41 England C †
Ken Furphy DF 1964–1968 111 1  None [PM]
[l]
George Fyfe HB / FW 1905–1910 128 7  None [i]
Len Gallimore FB 1937–1946 75 0  None [e]
Terry Garbett FW 1966–1971 231 50  None —
Alan Garner DF 1975–1979 232 16  None †
Brian Garvey MF 1965–1970 201 2  None —
Marcus Gayle DF/FW 2002–2005 115 9  Jamaica †
[45]
Tony Geidmintis DF 1976–1978 61 0  None —
Nigel Gibbs DF 1983–2002 491 7 England under-21 †
Stephen Glass MF 2001–2003 69 5  Scotland [46]
John Goodall* IF 1903–1907 69 17  England [PM]
[m]
Ken Goodeve DF 1974–1976 73 5  None —
Danny Graham FW 2009–2011 98 41 England under-20 †
[47][48]
Les Graham IF 1955–1957 94 32  None —
Andre Gray FW 2017-2021 125 21  Jamaica —
Albert Green IF 1913–1915 50 13  None [i]
Fred Gregory FB 1911–1926 333 17  None [i]
Tony Gregory OF / HB 1960–1963 119 17 England youth —
Val Gregory HB 1911–1920 161 16  None [i]
Jock Grieve HB 1909–1911 68 1  None —
Dixie Hale MF 1967–1970 113 10  None —
Jamie Hand MF 2001–2006 61 0  None —
Charlie Hare CF 1898–1900 55 35  None —
Jon Harley DF 2008–2010 83 2 England under-21 [49]
Tommy Harmer IF 1960–1962 74 7 England B —
Joe Harper HB 1946–1952 170 1  None —
George Harris OF 1962–1966 178 60  None —
Tommy Harris FB 1936–1948 102 6  None —
Steve Harrison DF 1978–1981 102 0  None —
Jack Harrop FB 1956–1960 117 0  None —
Johnny Hartburn OF 1949–1951 71 21  None —
Heiðar Helguson FW 1999–2005, 2009, 2010 228 75 Iceland †
[50][51]
Darius Henderson FW 2005–2008 117 31  None —
Mick Henderson DF 1979–1982 67 0  None —
Andy Hessenthaler MF 1991–1996 217 15 England C —
Joe Hewitt GK 1927–1931 110 0  None —
Johnny Hill OF 1898–1900 55 19 Scotland junior [n]
Alf Hitch HB 1906–1908 72 2  None —
Tommie Hoban DF 2011- 57 2 Republic of Ireland under-21 —
Frank Hoddinott CF 1919–1921 54 32  Wales —
Glyn Hodges MF 1987–1990 102 19  Wales †
Lee Hodson DF 2009–2013 91 1 Northern Ireland [53]
Jonathan Hogg MF 2011-2013 84 0  None —
Rick Holden MF 1988–1989 54 10  None —
David Holdsworth DF 1988–1996 303 14 England under-21 —
Tom Holland GK 1930–1932 73 0  None —
Cliff Holton* CF 1958–1961, 1965–1966 163 104  None [o][54]
Arthur Horsfield CF 1975–1977 83 16 England youth —
Fred Horsman FB 1919–1924 138 0  None —
Will Hoskins FW 2007–2010 70 9 England under-20 [55]
Billy Houghton HB 1964–1966 51 3 England youth —
Trevor How DF 1975–1979 101 2  None —
Bobby Howfield CF 1957–1959, 1962–1963 99 24  None [56]
Archie Hubbard IF 1908–1909 53 20  None —
Will Hughes MF 2017–2021 118 8 England England Under 21s —
Micah Hyde MF 1997–2004 286 44  Jamaica [57]
Kenny Jackett* DF / MF 1980–1990 428 34  Wales [f]
David James GK 1990–1992 98 0  England †
[58]
George James CF 1930–1933 94 76  None —
Ross Jenkins MF 2008–2014 95 2 England under-20 [59]
Ross Jenkins CF 1972–1983 398 142  None † †
Billy Jennings CF 1970–1974 100 37 England youth †
Pat Jennings GK 1963–1964 52 0 Northern Ireland —
Joe Johnson FB 1920–1924 102 1  None —
Richard Johnson MF 1991–2003 277 22 Australia [60]
Bryn Jones FB / DF 1963–1966 99 1  None —
Jimmy Jones FB 1947–1954 167 0  Wales amateur —
Tommy Jones OF 1935–1946 131 26  Wales [e]
Roger Joslyn MF 1974–1979 214 21  None —
Christian Kabasele DF 2016–2023 166 7  Belgium —
Mike Keen DF 1972–1975 136 6  None [PM]
[p]
Frank Kelly OF 1905–1909 50 8  None —
Jimmy Kelly HB 1950–1954 123 4  None —
Jim Kennedy HB 1913–1915 52 3  None —
Peter Kennedy MF 1997–2001 134 22 Northern Ireland [61]
Harry Kent HB 1909–1913 69 9  None [PM]
[q]
Marlon King FW 2005–2008 87 37  Jamaica †
[62]
Bobby Laing OF 1950–1952 60 8  None —
Billy Lane IF 1932–1936 127 68  None [e]
Bunny Larkin HB 1962–1964 57 3  None —
Gerard Lavin DF 1992–1995 147 3 Scotland under-21 —
Billy Law OF 1906–1908 66 7  None —
Richard Lee GK 2001–2010 110 0  None —
Walter Lees DF 1968–1976 253 11 Scotland junior —
Bernie Lewis MF 1967–1970 57 9  Wales under-23 —
Jim Lewis FB 1931–1939 116 0  None [e]
Billy Lindsay FB 1903–1906 68 0  None —
Jimmy Lindsay MF 1971–1973 73 13  None —
Jimmy Linton GK 1959–1963 87 0  None —
Charlie Livesey CF 1962–1965 71 28  None —
Scott Loach GK 2008–2012 163 0 England under-21 [63]
Arthur Lockett FB 1908–1912 154 1  England —
Jan Lohman MF 1981–1986 81 10 Netherlands under-21 —
Harry Lowe IF 1929–1935 130 47  None [e]
Ray Lugg MF 1969–1972 67 6  None —
Jimmy McAnearney IF 1963–1966 88 19  None —
Jobi McAnuff FW 2007–2009 92 5  Jamaica [64]
Neil McBain HB 1928–1931 94 5  Scotland [PM]
[r]
Dave McCartney HB 1903–1906 91 14  None —
John McClelland DF 1984–1989, 1990 234 3 Northern Ireland † †
[65]
Larry McGettigan MF 1971–1974 55 3  None —
Malky Mackay DF 2005–2008 61 5  Scotland [66]
Jimmy MacLaine IF 1908–1911 107 35  None —
Jim McLaren GK 1933–1939 208 0 Scotland schoolboys —
Joe McLaughlin DF 1990–1992 53 2 Scotland under-21 —
Anthony McNamee MF 2002–2008 103 3  None —
Jack McNee IF 1898–1900 52 27  None [n]
Vince McNeice HB 1957–1964 259 1  None —
Frank McPherson CF 1928–1930, 1933–1936 102 75  None [67]
Gavin Mahon MF 2002–2008 215 7  None †
Sandy Main HB 1904–1911 75 1  None —
Terry Mancini HB 1961–1965 76 0 Republic of Ireland —
Adrian Mariappa DF 2005–2012 247 4  Jamaica †
[68][69]
Adam Masina DF 2018–2022 90 3  Morocco —
Alan Mayes CF 1974–1979 157 36  None —
Johnny Meadows HB / IF 1951–1960 236 46  None —
Keith Mercer* CF 1973–1979 154 53  None †
[s]
Keith Millen DF 1994–1999 191 6  None —
Kevin Miller GK 1994–1997 151 0  None † †
Frank Mitchell HB 1952–1957 205 0  None —
Tommy Mitchell OF 1912–1914 63 9  None —
Tommy Mooney DF / FW 1994–2001 287 64  None † †
Jamie Moralee CF 1994–1996 61 7  None —
Jack Moran FB 1932–1935 106 0  None —
Lew Morgan RB 1946–1947 54 0 Scotland schoolboys —
Tom Morgan HB 1935–1938 113 6  None —
Harry Morris HB 1925–1928 50 4  None —
Mark Morris DF 1987–1989 53 2  None —
Pat Morrissey CF 1971–1974 117 29 Republic of Ireland under-23 —
Geoff Morton GK 1948–1951 113 0  None —
Eddie Mummery* IF / HB 1921–1925 126 23  None [t]
Sean Murray MF 2010-2015 85 14 Republic of Ireland under-21 —
Michel Ngonge FW 1998–2000 57 11  DR Congo [70]
Ken Nicholas FB 1959–1964 219 6 England youth —
Fred Nidd FB / GK 1900–1902 60 0  None [i]
Allan Nielsen MF 2000–2003 113 19  Denmark [71]
Gifton Noel-Williams FW 1996–2003 193 41 England under-18 [72]
Lee Nogan CF 1991–1994 117 30  Wales —
Phil Nolan IF 1947–1954 95 8  None —
Nyron Nosworthy DF 2011-2014 61 2  Jamaica [73]
Mick O'Brien HB 1931–1933 71 6  Ireland
 Republic of Ireland 		—
Vic O'Brien FB 1934–1946 202 10  None [e]
John-Joe O'Toole MF 2007–2009 66 12 Republic of Ireland under-21 [74]
Harry Oliver FB / HB 1948–1952 128 4 England schoolboys —
Ken Oliver CF 1963–1964 63 28  None —
Brian Owen MF 1963–1970 170 20  None —
Mike Packer DF 1968–1973 77 2  None —
Rob Page DF / DF 1993–2001 252 3  Wales †
[75]
Fred Pagnam CF 1921–1927 157 74  None [PM]
[u]
Steve Palmer MF[v] 1995–2001 272 9  None †
Johnny Paton OF 1952–1955 91 17 Scotland schoolboys —
Tommy Paton HB 1948–1952 149 1  None —
Roberto Pereyra FW 2016–2020 115 18  Argentina —
Gary Penrice CF 1989–1991, 1995–1997 93 22  None [77]
Kevin Phillips CF 1994–1997 65 25  England [78]
Brian Pollard MF 1977–1979 85 8 England youth —
Andy Porter HB 1960–1963 80 4  None —
Gary Porter MF / DF 1984–1997 472 57 England under-21 †
Malcolm Poskett CF 1980–1982 80 31  None —
George Prior FB 1924–1930 189 3  None —
Tamás Priskin FW 2006–2009 82 19 Hungary [79]
Keith Pritchett DF 1976–1982 171 9  None —
Sebastian Prödl DF 2015–2020 85 13 Austria —
Daniel Pudil DF 2012–2015 108 3 Czech Republic —
Trevor Putney MF 1991–1993 65 2  None —
Craig Ramage MF 1994–1997 120 29 England under-21 —
Andy Rankin GK 1971–1979 329 0 England under-23 † †
Alf Reed HB 1935–1939 133 5  None [e]
George Reilly CF 1983–1985 61 19  None —
Pat Rice DF 1980–1984 137 1 Northern Ireland —
Jack Richardson HB 1898–1909 179 5  None [n]
Kevin Richardson MF 1986–1987 50 2  England —
Tommy Rigg GK 1946–1948 85 0  None —
Iwan Roberts CF 1986–1990 83 12  Wales —
Paul Robinson DF 1996–2003 252 9 England under-21 [80]
Glenn Roeder DF 1989–1991 86 3 England B —
Peter Ronald IF 1914–1921 102 29  None —
Wilf Rostron DF 1979–1989 404 30 England schoolboys † †
Reg Saphin GK 1951–1954 59 0  None —
Stewart Scullion MF 1966–1971, 1973–1976 348 55  None [81]
Albie Sharp FB / HB 1898–1901 69 3  None —
Bill Sheppard IF 1927–1929 95 39  None —
Steve Sherwood GK 1977–1987 269 1  None —
Tim Sherwood MF 1987–1989 51 2  England [82]
Bill Shipwright FB / HB 1954–1959 153 0  None —
Danny Shittu DF 2006–2008 75 11 Nigeria [83]
Steve Sims DF 1978–1984, 1986–1987 219 8 England B †
[84]
Lee Sinnott DF 1983–1987 95 2 England under-21 —
Reg Slade FB 1921–1929 124 0  None —
Bert Slater GK 1965–1969 152 0  None —
Allan Smart FW 1998–2001 64 13  None —
Bert Smith HB 1925–1927 55 1 Ireland Ireland —
Frank Smith IF / HB 1921–1931 341 31  None —
Tommy Smith FW 1997–2003, 2006–2009 306 64 England under-21 † †
[85][86]
Jason Soloman DF 1989–1995 116 6 England youth —
Marvin Sordell FW 2009–2012 81 27 England under-21
Great Britain 		[w][88]
Matthew Spring MF 2005–2007 53 9  None —
Arthur Squires IF 1909–1913 116 25  None [i]
Eric Steele GK 1979–1984 65 0 England youth —
Jimmy Stephenson OF 1922–1927 209 20  None —
Worrell Sterling MF 1983–1988 122 17  None —
Alex Stewart FB 1910–1915 160 4  None [i]
Jordan Stewart MF 2005–2008 117 2 England under-21 [89]
John Stirk DF 1978–1979 60 0 England youth —
Jock Strain HB 1921–1927 193 6  None —
Jack Swann CF 1925–1927 59 31  None —
Brian Talbot MF 1985–1986 59 8  England —
Wally Tattersall OF 1910–1912 72 8  None —
Les Taylor MF 1980–1985 211 20  None †
Martin Taylor DF 2010–2012 95 10 England under-21 [90]
Jimmy Tennant OF 1902–1905 92 21 Scotland junior —
Steve Terry DF 1980–1988 208 20  None —
Dave Thomas CF 1948–1950 111 43  None —
Rod Thomas FW 1988–1992 95 9 England under-21 —
Cyril Thompson CF 1951–1953 83 41  None —
Dániel Tőzsér ‡ MF 2014- 66 5  Hungary —
Ray Train MF 1978–1982 112 4  None —
Peter Turner IF 1904–1907 108 22 Scotland junior —
Dave Underwood GK 1952–1953, 1956–1957, 1960–1963 192 0  None [91]
Dennis Uphill CF 1959–1960 58 36  None —
Paolo Vernazza MF 2000–2004 108 3 England under-21 [92]
Matěj Vydra ‡ FW 2012-13, 2014- 92 38  Czech Republic —
Micky Walker GK 1968–1973 159 0  Wales under-23 —
Peter Walker CF 1954–1962 183 42  None —
Tom Walley HB 1967–1971, 1976–1977 248 18  Wales [93]
Ernie Wallington OF / IF 1921–1922 53 5  None —
Jimmy Walsh DF 1974–1977 70 0  None —
Tom Walters CF 1935–1938 59 25  None [e]
Dai Ward CF 1962–1963 66 32  Wales —
Darren Ward DF 1996–2001, 2008 77 4  None [94]
Jack Warner IF 1926–1930 115 25  None —
Tommy Waterall OF 1914–1921 112 20  None —
Danny Webber FW 2002, 2003–2005 80 21 England under-20 [95][96]
Joe Webster GK 1910–1914 148 0  None [97]
Duncan Welbourne* HB / DF 1963–1974 457 25  None [x]
Colin West CF 1985–1986 56 23  None —
Charlie White IF 1909–1925 372 86  None [i]
Ron Wigg CF 1970–1973 110 27  None —
Fred Wilkinson HB 1919–1921 74 1  None —
John Wilkinson OF 1921–1923 65 7  None —
Paul Wilkinson CF 1988–1991, 1995 159 55 England under-21 [99]
Johnny Williams DF 1964–1975 419 2  None —
Skilly Williams* GK 1913–1926 341 0  None [i][y]
Lee Williamson MF 2007–2009 78 5  None —
Tug Wilson CF / HB 1951–1957 51 12  None —
Micky Wood HB / IF 1898–1901 61 2  None [n]
Lew Woodroffe IF / OF 1947–1951 64 6  None —
Arthur Woodward HB / GK 1926–1939 420 18  None [e]
Arthur Woolliscroft IF 1930–1933 67 16  None —
Nordin Wooter FW 1999–2002 70 3 Netherlands under-21 [100]
Mark Yeates MF 2011-2013 66 7 Republic of Ireland B [101]
Ashley Young MF 2003–2007 110 22  England [102]

Notes

  1. ^ Appearances made before the start of the 1898–99 season are not included, because West Hertfordshire and Watford St Mary's competed in the FA Cup as separate entities.[11]
  2. ^ For more information, see Formation (association football).
  3. ^ Years given denote the span between a player's first and last peacetime appearance—they do not take into account appearances for Watford while peacetime competitions were suspended due to the First and Second World Wars. Where a player spent multiple periods at the club, these periods are denoted as multiple ranges of years.
  4. ^ Where a player did not compete internationally, no country is denoted. Only the highest level of international competition is given, except where a player competed for more than one country, in which case the highest level for each country is shown. Between 1926 and 1950, two competing teams claimed to represent the island of Ireland.
    Ireland denotes players who played for the Irish Football Association team.
    Republic of Ireland denotes players who played for the Football Association of Ireland team.
    For more information, see Ireland national football team (1882–1950) and Republic of Ireland national football team.[19][20]
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Also played for Watford during the Second World War.[23]
  6. ^ a b Barnes and Jackett share the record for the most senior international caps won by a player while at Watford. Barnes made 31 appearances for England while at Watford; Jackett made 31 appearances for Wales during his one-club career.[1]
  7. ^ Bennett played for Great Britain at the 1952 Summer Olympics.[25]
  8. ^ Blissett holds the record for the most total appearances and goals for Watford. He also holds the club's records for the most Football League games and goals (415 games, 148 goals).[5]
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Also played for Watford during the First World War.[29]
  10. ^ Davies played for the senior Wales team in a wartime international match. Matches played during the Second World War were not subsequently recognised as full internationals, and are regarded as "unofficial".[35]
  11. ^ Findlay was player-manager between 1937 and 1944, and continued managing until 1947.[10]
  12. ^ Furphy was player-manager for the entirety of his Watford playing career, and continued as manager until 1971.[10]
  13. ^ Goodall was player-manager for the entirety of his Watford playing career. He continued managing the club until 1910.[10] He is the oldest player ever to play for the club; on his last appearance he was 44 years 87 days old.[5]
  14. ^ a b c d Player made additional appearances for West Hertfordshire prior to the start of the 1898–99 season.[52]
  15. ^ Holton holds the Watford record for the most goals in a season; 48 in 1959–60.[6] His 42 goals in the Football League that season is also a club record.[5]
  16. ^ Keen was player-manager between 1973 and 1975, and continued as manager until 1977.[10]
  17. ^ Kent was player-manager between 1910 and 1913, and continued to manage the club until 1926.[10]
  18. ^ McBain player-managed the club between 1929 and 1931. He continued managing until 1937, and returned for a second spell as manager between 1956 and 1959.[10]
  19. ^ Mercer was the youngest player to play for Watford in a competitive match, aged 16 years 125 days.[5]
  20. ^ Mummery holds the record for the most goals by a Watford player in a Football League match. He scored five times against Newport County on 5 January 1924.[5]
  21. ^ Pagnam was player-manager between 1926 and 1927, and continued managing until 1929.[10]
  22. ^ Although primarily a midfielder, Palmer played in every position for the club during the 1997–98 season.[76]
  23. ^ Sordell played for Great Britain at the 2012 Summer Olympics.[87]
  24. ^ Welbourne holds the Watford record for the most consecutive league games (280).[98]
  25. ^ Williams has played more games in goal for Watford than anyone else.[7]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Players of Watford FC.
Bibliography
  • Jones, Trefor (1996). The Watford Football Club Illustrated Who's Who. T.G. Jones. ISBN 978-0-9527458-0-8.
  • Jones, Trefor (1998). Watford Season by Season. T.G. Jones. ISBN 978-0-9527458-1-5.
  • Phillips, Oliver (1991). The Official Centenary History of Watford FC 1881–1991. Watford Football Club. ISBN 978-0-9509601-6-6.
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