Former Hornets director's suite steward Stephen Dunham reflects on 75 years supporting Watford and meeting Liverpool legend Bill Shankly
9:41am Wednesday 27th February 2013 in Latest Sport By Anthony Matthews, Group Sports Editor
Stephen Dunham.
Forty-Three years ago last week on February 21, 1970, 34,047 fans crammed into Vicarage Road to watch Watford pull off one of the great results in their history when Ken Furphy’s side beat Bill Shankly’s Liverpool 1-0 in the sixth round of the FA Cup thanks to a famous Barry Endean goal.
It was also the day when Stephen Dunham began work as the director’s suite steward at the club, a role he was to fulfil for 37 years before he was made redundant on the eve of the 2007/08 season.
Six years on and now aged 83, Steve remains a Hornets fan – “Watford was my life” – and last month marked the 75th anniversary of him visiting Vicarage Road for the first time when his elder brother, Peter, took him along to watch a 1-1 draw with Gillingham as a birthday present.
From that January 1938 day onwards, Watford-born Steve was hooked and he went on to have a number of different jobs at the club before his director’s suite role brought him into contact with some of the most famous names in football and beyond, coinciding with the club’s golden era.
Reflecting on his lifelong passion for the club when we met at his Tring home a fortnight ago, the retired sales development manager for John Dickinson at Nash Mills recalled being a ballboy and programme seller at Vicarage Road in the 1940s before starting his national service.
After spending six months in the Royal Navy and 18 months in the army during which “my family used to send me the West Herts Post and Watford Observer every week to keep me in touch with the Blues for football and Kings Langley for cricket”, Steve was back following Watford “north, south, east and west” and became a turnstile operator in the Shrodells Stand.
He soon became involved with Watford Supporters Club, was co-opted on to their committee in 1958 and became area manager for the weekly club tote collecting £150 a week from eight agents in Hemel Hempstead.
“Early in the 1958/59 season I remember Watford FC chairman Mr (Jim) Bonser and director Mr (Doug) Broad turning up for the Supporters Club monthly meeting,” said Steve, whose daughter Lynne is married to John Smith, the son of late director and vice-chairman Geoff Smith.
“They wanted £3,000 to sign a new player and would not go until they convinced the committee to come up with a cheque. They said they could not divulge the name of the player at the time, it was highly confidential.
“The committee finally agreed and gave them a cheque. It turned out to be to sign Cliff Holton from Arsenal, which was probably the best ever signing in the history of Watford FC.”
Steve remained on the Supporters Club until 1965 when he resigned to become membership secretary of the newly-formed Watford FC Supporters Club. Five years later he was appointed director’s suite steward by club secretary Ron Rollitt.
Recalling the events of his first day, Shankly asked for a results sheet to be brought to the dressing room after the game. Steve was invited in and remembered: “When I went in the Liverpool players were just sitting with their heads in their hands. You could have heard a pin drop.
“Mr Shankly put his hand on my shoulder and went through the results, passing comments. He thanked me, kept the results sheet and I went back to my post.
“Before leaving to go back to Liverpool, Mr Shankly came to thank us for our help and hospitality and said Watford were a credit to the game for our friendship and hospitality, which was a lot better than a lot of clubs whom they visited regularly.
“He was such a wonderful friendly and sociable man. No wonder he was so well liked all over the football world. He was a person I will never forget.”
Steve also has good memories of meeting plenty of other football people including Brian Clough – “a really nice friendly man” – and Bill Nicholson, as well as celebrities such as Rod Stewart and Billie Jean King, who were guests of Elton John at games, and politician Michael Foot.
Perhaps unsurprisingly though, it is the Graham Taylor years which is remembered with particular fondness by Steve, whose favourite Watford game was the 7-1 League Cup victory over Southampton after the Hornets had lost the first leg 4-0.
“Not only did he do a great job at Watford, but he did a lot of good for English football,” he said. “I remember when he introduced the Family Enclosure beside the Main Stand, the first to do so in the country and now practically every club has one.
“The Graham Taylor era was by far the best in my 75 years as a Watford supporter.”
The manner in which those 37 years were abruptly ended when the Graham Simpson-Mark Ashton regime was at the Vicarage Road helm still hurts though.
“Being made redundant after all those years being part of the match-day team came as a complete shock,” Steve admitted. “I’ve lost a lot of interest not being involved but can’t keep away and still go as often as possible.”
- Steve's all-time Watford XI: Tony Coton; Duncan Welbourne, Tommy Eggleston, John McClelland, Johnny Meadows, Wilf Rostron, Nigel Callaghan, John Barnes, Dennis Uphill, Cliff Holton, Luther Blissett. Substitutes: David James, George Catleugh, Kenny Jackett, Tim Sherwood, Nigel Gibbs, Tom Walley.
Comments(48)
londomollari
says...
10:22am Wed 27 Feb 13
This article reminds me of a girl I was friendly with, in the mid 1980's. Having a meal in an Italian Restaurant (opposite the end of Market street) she was sexually molested by a diner at the next table. Her and her sister had to walk out, followed b y the manager who apologised, but refused to do anything else as 'he is my best customer'.
'Dirty, filthy, disgusting old man' she said. 'Told me 'do you know who I am? I am ****** ******'' . My friend and I couldn't believe what she told us---it was a very well known Watford footballer of the 50's. (NOT Big Cliff!)
londomollari
says...
10:32am Wed 27 Feb 13
mellow yellow
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11:12am Wed 27 Feb 13
watford1881
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11:12am Wed 27 Feb 13
Eastsussexhornet
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11:16am Wed 27 Feb 13
craig239 wrote:And I couldn't get a ticket! My dad took me to see Spurs v Stoke that day instead. I then saw the highlights on MOTD....memories.
Steve
Ray Luggs cross What a goal!
Watford is in our blood!
Harry's Bar
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12:20pm Wed 27 Feb 13
tommy gunn
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12:44pm Wed 27 Feb 13
Colin West's mullet
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12:56pm Wed 27 Feb 13
Harry's Bar
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12:57pm Wed 27 Feb 13
tommy gunn wrote:It would be a nice gesture for the club to invite him to a game as their guest.
Absolutely,Steve is a top man who has been a loyal supporter and fine ambassador for the club over many years.To make him redundant was ridiculous.Pleased to see that he is still going to a few games and remembers a few of the old ones in his team especially Cliff, what a player he was.Not enough recognition is given to those who help behind the scenes.
gloryhornet4
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1:19pm Wed 27 Feb 13
Eastsussexhornet wrote:The MOTD highlights are on You Tube.
craig239 wrote:And I couldn't get a ticket! My dad took me to see Spurs v Stoke that day instead. I then saw the highlights on MOTD....memories.
Steve
Ray Luggs cross What a goal!
Watford is in our blood!
Later Shankly said of that game WFC were the worst side ever to beat Scousepie. Sour grapes especially as WFC should have scored more. Lucky to beat WFC earlier in the season in the League Cup.
Chris the Vic
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1:23pm Wed 27 Feb 13
Great team but shame there was no place for Duncan W and Keith Eddy. As for the five forwards...suspect Luther would get in way but you have to include him. As for Holton and Uphill they were not pretty but were so very effective, best pairing I have ever seen at the Vic and Ross and Luther were very good.
As for best result...7.1 against Soton was great but they rested Keegan and Shilton, but when we beat a full strength Forest 4.1 and they were reigning European Champions it has to be the best in the history of WFC
Great days under GT and Elton, and what great support we had then.
TommmB
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1:56pm Wed 27 Feb 13
londomollari wrote:Marlon King?
Great game, great crowd, great atmosphere, and the greatest game of Ray Luggs career. This article reminds me of a girl I was friendly with, in the mid 1980's. Having a meal in an Italian Restaurant (opposite the end of Market street) she was sexually molested by a diner at the next table. Her and her sister had to walk out, followed b y the manager who apologised, but refused to do anything else as 'he is my best customer'. 'Dirty, filthy, disgusting old man' she said. 'Told me 'do you know who I am? I am ****** ******'' . My friend and I couldn't believe what she told us---it was a very well known Watford footballer of the 50's. (NOT Big Cliff!)
JonBoy
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2:06pm Wed 27 Feb 13
londomollari wrote:That was called the Casa Roma I believe, next door to the Empire cinema more or less.
Great game, great crowd, great atmosphere, and the greatest game of Ray Luggs career.
This article reminds me of a girl I was friendly with, in the mid 1980's. Having a meal in an Italian Restaurant (opposite the end of Market street) she was sexually molested by a diner at the next table. Her and her sister had to walk out, followed b y the manager who apologised, but refused to do anything else as 'he is my best customer'.
'Dirty, filthy, disgusting old man' she said. 'Told me 'do you know who I am? I am ****** ******'' . My friend and I couldn't believe what she told us---it was a very well known Watford footballer of the 50's. (NOT Big Cliff!)
holtonian
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2:07pm Wed 27 Feb 13
JonBoy
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2:08pm Wed 27 Feb 13
TommmB wrote:Nah King would have broken her jaw
londomollari wrote:Marlon King?
Great game, great crowd, great atmosphere, and the greatest game of Ray Luggs career. This article reminds me of a girl I was friendly with, in the mid 1980's. Having a meal in an Italian Restaurant (opposite the end of Market street) she was sexually molested by a diner at the next table. Her and her sister had to walk out, followed b y the manager who apologised, but refused to do anything else as 'he is my best customer'. 'Dirty, filthy, disgusting old man' she said. 'Told me 'do you know who I am? I am ****** ******'' . My friend and I couldn't believe what she told us---it was a very well known Watford footballer of the 50's. (NOT Big Cliff!)
londomollari
says...
2:14pm Wed 27 Feb 13
JonBoy wrote:That's the one! Couldn't remember the name. My friend (who was 'going out' with the girl) was going to find the guy and give him a kicking---we told him no---unless he wanted to be on the front page of the Wobby. The girl was fiery and had a full repertoir of Anglo Saxon---it would have been a very loud encounter---.
londomollari wrote:That was called the Casa Roma I believe, next door to the Empire cinema more or less.
Great game, great crowd, great atmosphere, and the greatest game of Ray Luggs career.
This article reminds me of a girl I was friendly with, in the mid 1980's. Having a meal in an Italian Restaurant (opposite the end of Market street) she was sexually molested by a diner at the next table. Her and her sister had to walk out, followed b y the manager who apologised, but refused to do anything else as 'he is my best customer'.
'Dirty, filthy, disgusting old man' she said. 'Told me 'do you know who I am? I am ****** ******'' . My friend and I couldn't believe what she told us---it was a very well known Watford footballer of the 50's. (NOT Big Cliff!)
hornet1968
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3:12pm Wed 27 Feb 13
andyhooked
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3:43pm Wed 27 Feb 13
SAHornet
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3:53pm Wed 27 Feb 13
londomollari
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4:26pm Wed 27 Feb 13
andyhooked wrote:If you want backing for the Ken Furphy Corner, write me down! Great memories. Once in your place, you were stuck there---no loo, no half time tea. I was against the barrier, which had some space advantage, but dangerous in a surge---which happened at the goal! I remember a guy fainting (not sure if it was this game) and big problems getting him to the front to recover. Great cupo matches under Furphy---the game at Old Trafford against some of the United legends, the Scullion goal past Stepney----.
I was there and what a great day. Even when some Scouser scum bag nicked the scarf off of my neck it was still a great day. Remember queing up for tickets and as a kid it was a long walk to pick up the old 347 bus to get to the ground from Northwood Hills and a long walk to get the bus. Now, with this story in mind, I am banging on again about the SW corner when completed being named after Ken Furphy!!!
andyhooked
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4:36pm Wed 27 Feb 13
londomollari
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4:51pm Wed 27 Feb 13
andyhooked wrote:Cracking shot from out side the area--Stepney had no chance.
Wish I was old enough to have gone and seen Scully's goal at Man U. If the replay had not been postponed who knows but then they had a certain Dennis Law
Welbourne's Chopper
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5:52pm Wed 27 Feb 13
Witnessed the flying pig AKA Tommy Lawrence clutching at thin air as Endean's header flew in the top corner in '70. Awesome!
londomollari
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6:20pm Wed 27 Feb 13
londomollari
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6:49pm Wed 27 Feb 13
londomollari
says...
7:06pm Wed 27 Feb 13
The Rover
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7:16pm Wed 27 Feb 13
Eastsussexhornet
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8:17pm Wed 27 Feb 13
londomollari wrote:I started the religion in 1968 so I don't remember that one. But since you have introduced memorable goals, there was one that I remember but haven't seen it referred to ever. It was an evening game in 1968-70 against, I think, Tranmere. I was in the Shrodells stand (only one of half a dozen times I ever paid for a seat!). The goal was at the Vicarage Road end. The ball went about 50ft in the air just short of the goal line, landed on a Watford player's foot and went in. I THINK that player was Terry Garbett but I'm not sure.
Just taking this chance to ask. Does anyone remember a league match--mid 60's. I think against Bristol C or R. The Bristol goalkeeper was. I think, Briggs. Watford scoired 4 goals. I remember Briggs coming for a cross, completely missing it, and the ball running down his arm, onto his shoulder, and bouncing into the net. As the cheers (and laughter) subsided, a leather-lunged individual shouted, very clearly, 'Briggs, you're useless." At which point the keeper turned to face the crowd, and very slowly, and very sadly nodded his head. Anyone else remember?
londomollari
says...
9:38pm Wed 27 Feb 13
Eastsussexhornet wrote:I never missed a home game in the 60's. The nearest goal to that I remember, was against Tranmere, evening game, lateish sixties. It was the famous Brian Owen "Watford Observer Clock" goal. However, that was at the Rookery end. I don't remember anything similar at the Vicarage road end---but I'm afraid my memory is a bit patchy these days.
londomollari wrote:I started the religion in 1968 so I don't remember that one. But since you have introduced memorable goals, there was one that I remember but haven't seen it referred to ever. It was an evening game in 1968-70 against, I think, Tranmere. I was in the Shrodells stand (only one of half a dozen times I ever paid for a seat!). The goal was at the Vicarage Road end. The ball went about 50ft in the air just short of the goal line, landed on a Watford player's foot and went in. I THINK that player was Terry Garbett but I'm not sure.
Just taking this chance to ask. Does anyone remember a league match--mid 60's. I think against Bristol C or R. The Bristol goalkeeper was. I think, Briggs. Watford scoired 4 goals. I remember Briggs coming for a cross, completely missing it, and the ball running down his arm, onto his shoulder, and bouncing into the net. As the cheers (and laughter) subsided, a leather-lunged individual shouted, very clearly, 'Briggs, you're useless." At which point the keeper turned to face the crowd, and very slowly, and very sadly nodded his head. Anyone else remember?
CARDIFFHORN
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9:50pm Wed 27 Feb 13
londomollari wrote:I thought the Brian Owen goal (with snow on it ) was at the Vic Rd end, it was a foggy night as well I seem to recall
Eastsussexhornet wrote:I never missed a home game in the 60's. The nearest goal to that I remember, was against Tranmere, evening game, lateish sixties. It was the famous Brian Owen "Watford Observer Clock" goal. However, that was at the Rookery end. I don't remember anything similar at the Vicarage road end---but I'm afraid my memory is a bit patchy these days.
londomollari wrote:I started the religion in 1968 so I don't remember that one. But since you have introduced memorable goals, there was one that I remember but haven't seen it referred to ever. It was an evening game in 1968-70 against, I think, Tranmere. I was in the Shrodells stand (only one of half a dozen times I ever paid for a seat!). The goal was at the Vicarage Road end. The ball went about 50ft in the air just short of the goal line, landed on a Watford player's foot and went in. I THINK that player was Terry Garbett but I'm not sure.
Just taking this chance to ask. Does anyone remember a league match--mid 60's. I think against Bristol C or R. The Bristol goalkeeper was. I think, Briggs. Watford scoired 4 goals. I remember Briggs coming for a cross, completely missing it, and the ball running down his arm, onto his shoulder, and bouncing into the net. As the cheers (and laughter) subsided, a leather-lunged individual shouted, very clearly, 'Briggs, you're useless." At which point the keeper turned to face the crowd, and very slowly, and very sadly nodded his head. Anyone else remember?
londomollari
says...
11:20pm Wed 27 Feb 13
londomollari
says...
11:29pm Wed 27 Feb 13
Eastsussexhornet
says...
9:19am Thu 28 Feb 13
londomollari wrote:But I think if YOU think it was Tranmere as well, then there must be something in this. Four shillings that seat cost!!
Eastsussexhornet wrote:I never missed a home game in the 60's. The nearest goal to that I remember, was against Tranmere, evening game, lateish sixties. It was the famous Brian Owen "Watford Observer Clock" goal. However, that was at the Rookery end. I don't remember anything similar at the Vicarage road end---but I'm afraid my memory is a bit patchy these days.
londomollari wrote:I started the religion in 1968 so I don't remember that one. But since you have introduced memorable goals, there was one that I remember but haven't seen it referred to ever. It was an evening game in 1968-70 against, I think, Tranmere. I was in the Shrodells stand (only one of half a dozen times I ever paid for a seat!). The goal was at the Vicarage Road end. The ball went about 50ft in the air just short of the goal line, landed on a Watford player's foot and went in. I THINK that player was Terry Garbett but I'm not sure.
Just taking this chance to ask. Does anyone remember a league match--mid 60's. I think against Bristol C or R. The Bristol goalkeeper was. I think, Briggs. Watford scoired 4 goals. I remember Briggs coming for a cross, completely missing it, and the ball running down his arm, onto his shoulder, and bouncing into the net. As the cheers (and laughter) subsided, a leather-lunged individual shouted, very clearly, 'Briggs, you're useless." At which point the keeper turned to face the crowd, and very slowly, and very sadly nodded his head. Anyone else remember?
No Wheels
says...
9:40am Thu 28 Feb 13
londomollari wrote:Thanks for this Londonmollari, and to all the others who contribute on these games from the sixties and beyond. It's great that so many of you contribute on here. This was way ahead of my time, but I have heard my dad talk about this goal. He was a rugby and cricket man, and was never actually much of a fan of football at all. Apart from a handful of games when he took me along in the seventies, he hardly went to any Watford games. Anyway, for some reason he was at this game, and I can still remember him talking about this goal. The way he told it, you could see when the ball was still way up in the air that a freak goal was on the cards. One detail though - I thought he had described it as a goal that sealed promotion, or saved us from relegation or something dramatic like that... Was that the case, or did he (or maybe I) embellish it to make the story more dramatic...
It was a misty night. But, patchy memory notwithstanding, it was without a doubt the rookery end. The ball looked as if it were going to hit the W.O. Clock, then it caught the (strong) wind as it rose over the stand, then plummeted straight down. The keeper had walked around his left hand post to collect the ball, and the ballboy was also running to collect it. When the keeper realised what was happening, he tried to scramble back, the ball glanced the bar on the way down, deflected off the desperate keeper, and bounced in. Otrhers havent mentioned it, but from where I was it looked as if Owens shot hit a defenders foot, and that's why it flew upwards at such a rate.
Harry's Bar
says...
10:21am Thu 28 Feb 13
londomollari wrote:Watching Troy Deeney being interviewed after the Brighton game I had to hide behind the sofa.
Remember, too, Franks scoring against the great Gordan Banks---that was a cracking shot, too! Whatever happened to Franks? I always seem to remember him as the ugliest Watford Footballer I had seen---A couple of scars and stitch marks and he could have appeared in a Frankenstein film. Sorry, maybe I'm doing him a disservice.
Do you remember Sam Ellis...?
tommy gunn
says...
10:48am Thu 28 Feb 13
londomollari
says...
10:54am Thu 28 Feb 13
No Wheels wrote:A little bit embellished. It was in Watfords championship season, but there was a few games before the Plymouth game that sealed promotion. Thye game finished 3-1 to Watford---but I seem to remember that Watford were struggling a little before the goal.
londomollari wrote:Thanks for this Londonmollari, and to all the others who contribute on these games from the sixties and beyond. It's great that so many of you contribute on here. This was way ahead of my time, but I have heard my dad talk about this goal. He was a rugby and cricket man, and was never actually much of a fan of football at all. Apart from a handful of games when he took me along in the seventies, he hardly went to any Watford games. Anyway, for some reason he was at this game, and I can still remember him talking about this goal. The way he told it, you could see when the ball was still way up in the air that a freak goal was on the cards. One detail though - I thought he had described it as a goal that sealed promotion, or saved us from relegation or something dramatic like that... Was that the case, or did he (or maybe I) embellish it to make the story more dramatic...
It was a misty night. But, patchy memory notwithstanding, it was without a doubt the rookery end. The ball looked as if it were going to hit the W.O. Clock, then it caught the (strong) wind as it rose over the stand, then plummeted straight down. The keeper had walked around his left hand post to collect the ball, and the ballboy was also running to collect it. When the keeper realised what was happening, he tried to scramble back, the ball glanced the bar on the way down, deflected off the desperate keeper, and bounced in. Otrhers havent mentioned it, but from where I was it looked as if Owens shot hit a defenders foot, and that's why it flew upwards at such a rate.
londomollari
says...
11:04am Thu 28 Feb 13
tommy gunn wrote:Before my time, but couldn't resist looking him up. 1957. Played about 17 games, was made captain on his debut and got sent off.
Whilst on the topic of nostalgia who remembers Charlie Billington,a centre half we picked up from somewhere.Poor Charlie wasn't blessed with great football skill infact some said that they needed to open the gates at the allotments for him to turn round in.I well remember a game under floodlights when a wag in the crowd shouted ' turn the lights out Charlie can play better in the dark' Don't recall the game only the comment.We don't seem to get the amusing remarks these days but its good to see a bit more atmosphere in some parts of the ground.Perhaps Steve would remember Charlie.?
Agree about the humorous remarks.
In the 68/69 Championship season, the last few league games produced crowds of over 20,000. Could do with that response this season.
londomollari
says...
11:19am Thu 28 Feb 13
Harry's Bar wrote:Sam. God, yes, he was no picture to show the kiddies. Good footballer, tho'. I think at Watford we only saw him towards the tail end of his career.
londomollari wrote:Watching Troy Deeney being interviewed after the Brighton game I had to hide behind the sofa.
Remember, too, Franks scoring against the great Gordan Banks---that was a cracking shot, too! Whatever happened to Franks? I always seem to remember him as the ugliest Watford Footballer I had seen---A couple of scars and stitch marks and he could have appeared in a Frankenstein film. Sorry, maybe I'm doing him a disservice.
Do you remember Sam Ellis...?
londomollari
says...
11:29am Thu 28 Feb 13
The greatest memories of the 69 Championship season was the completly unforgettable match at Swindon. Eddy, the penalty king, missing that penalty, the Endean goal, the team playing out of their skins, being trapped before the match in a cafe by a baying mob of knuckle dragging turnip crushers, the Watford fans chanting 'Country, Country Bumpkins". What a game, what a day!
londomollari
says...
11:36am Thu 28 Feb 13
Harry's Bar
says...
1:29pm Thu 28 Feb 13
londomollari wrote:I wonder of those 20,000 how many paid cash on the day and how many purchased tickets beforehand.
tommy gunn wrote: Whilst on the topic of nostalgia who remembers Charlie Billington,a centre half we picked up from somewhere.Poor Charlie wasn't blessed with great football skill infact some said that they needed to open the gates at the allotments for him to turn round in.I well remember a game under floodlights when a wag in the crowd shouted ' turn the lights out Charlie can play better in the dark' Don't recall the game only the comment.We don't seem to get the amusing remarks these days but its good to see a bit more atmosphere in some parts of the ground.Perhaps Steve would remember Charlie.?Before my time, but couldn't resist looking him up. 1957. Played about 17 games, was made captain on his debut and got sent off. Agree about the humorous remarks. In the 68/69 Championship season, the last few league games produced crowds of over 20,000. Could do with that response this season.
Eastsussexhornet
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2:30pm Thu 28 Feb 13
MJ1
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6:33pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Eastsussexhornet wrote:Yes great cross from Ray Lugg past 'fatty' Lawrence in goal. Actually you could get tickets on the day. WFC had doubled the ticket price to cash in on the big tie and many people including myself were going to boycott it. But on the day, we just had to go. There was a small matchday ticket office - a hole in the wall in Occupation Road so paid up and we got in and stood behind the goal at the Rookery End - to see Barry Endean's great and unforgettable goal.
craig239 wrote:And I couldn't get a ticket! My dad took me to see Spurs v Stoke that day instead. I then saw the highlights on MOTD....memories.
Steve
Ray Luggs cross What a goal!
Watford is in our blood!
MJ1
says...
6:36pm Thu 28 Feb 13
londomollari wrote:Yep. That was from the hospital laundry which abutted the then Shrodells Stand. We were playing a Polish Side called Gornik I recall.
Anyone remember the night of 'The Fog'? When a mystery white cloud appeared from the hospital site (South West corner), floated down the terrace onto the pitch, where it settled no higher than waist height? The players could be seen waist height upwards, but the stuff was so thick the players couldn't see the grass or the ball. The ref stopped the match, and the stuff faded away after five minutes or so.
londomollari
says...
10:50pm Thu 28 Feb 13
MJ1 wrote:It was like a scene from a bad sci-fi film. I half expected hands to stretch out of the cloud and drag the players down, never to be seen again.
londomollari wrote:Yep. That was from the hospital laundry which abutted the then Shrodells Stand. We were playing a Polish Side called Gornik I recall.
Anyone remember the night of 'The Fog'? When a mystery white cloud appeared from the hospital site (South West corner), floated down the terrace onto the pitch, where it settled no higher than waist height? The players could be seen waist height upwards, but the stuff was so thick the players couldn't see the grass or the ball. The ref stopped the match, and the stuff faded away after five minutes or so.
Linda Geddes
says...
3:34pm Fri 1 Mar 13
I also queued round the block for the Man Utd replay, watched the match and then whizzed home to watch the highlights on MOTD.
Best night ever though was taking my children to watch the Hornets beat Kaiserslauten - freezing cold, but oh what a night!
craig239 says...
10:02am Wed 27 Feb 13
Ray Luggs cross What a goal!
Watford is in our blood!