Click to use the eyefootball Desktop site.
The 2019/20 Premier League season did not start well for the Hornets. The team from Watford lost the majority of the games they played, recording only one win so far. At the moment, they occupy the very last place in the league standings and their chances of improving are rather bleak at the moment.
Despite not doing well at this time, Watford FC is a club with a long tradition and history filled with numerous ups and downs. However, one of the things that made it to #1 of the most important events in the Hornets’ history was Elton John’s acquisition of the club. How did the legendary singer and songwriter decide to buy the club? How was the relationship between him and the club born? Keep reading to find out!
Why Elton John Supports Watford?
Why does anyone support any club really? Just like anyone else in the UK, Elton John is a huge football fan and has been a lifelong supporter of Watford FC. Simply put, he has been actively following their games since he was a child, and when the stardom struck him, he decided that it was time for him to help them improve their rankings.
Watford does have some sort of appeal that makes many people simply fall in love with the club, despite their current lack of success. For example, a company called OneTouch made a Watford FC slot game to honour the club and its great tradition.
What Did Elton John Change in the Club?
In 1976, at the peak of his stardom, Elton John officially became the chairman of the club and immediately appointed a new manager named Graham Taylor. But apart from the manager, he did something that every club needs — invested tons of money in it.
All of a sudden, the Hornets started doing great and made a three-division jump and made it to the First Division, which was the top-tier English football competition before the Premier League.
In fact, the year of 1983 was pretty good for the club as they managed to end up second in the league after Liverpool. Only a year after that, Watford FC had an opportunity to play under the lights of Wembley Stadium, having reached the FA Cup Final.
Changes in Ownership
It’s safe to say that Watford FC had some of the best results in history when Elton John was the chairman. However, he was too busy with his life as a superstar, as entertainment was his main line of work. That’s why he had to make some changes regarding his role as the chairman of the club.
In 1987, he had to sell his beloved club to Jack Petchey. However, he remained the president of the club and was able to maintain ties with it for ten more years, after which he decided to buy Watford FC back once again, returning to his role as the chairman.
Eventually, he had to step down again in 2002 as the club required somebody who would be able to commit full-time to it. Nevertheless, the role of the honorary life president was once again given to him.
Elton John Hasn’t Severed Ties with the Club
Despite not being able to commit to the club, Elton John has continued to make occasional donations. Moreover, he often watches the games Watford FC plays and supports the club in all competitions. Although he used to go to the games back in the day, he is not young anymore and is not really a fan of the crowds pointing their mobile devices at him.
Back in 2005, Elton John even held a concert at Vicarage Road, and all the money that was collected was donated to the club. Thanks to his contribution to the club, Elton John was given an honorary stand.
The whole story has a happy ending, as Elton John has remained one of the biggest supporters of Watford FC, and even had his son sign up for the Watford Academy team. According to Elton, young Zachary really loves football! Who knows, maybe the young lad becomes as famous as his dad — not as a musician but as a football player!
Written by Ketan Patel
Copyright 2007 - 2019 Eyefootball Ltd. All rights reserved. The news and views discussed here are those of the participating users, and do not necessarily represent or have the endorsement of the editors of Eye Football.
Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - Contact Us - Use Desktop Site