Dennis Joseph Thomas BOND (1964‐1978) Midfielder
Born Walthamstow, Essex, 17 March 1947 Representative Honours England Schools & Youth Watford Career Football League: 271+1 appearances (38 goals, including 8 penalties) FA Cup: 13 appearances (2 goals, including 1 penalty) Football League Cup: 16 appearances (2 goals) Début: 2‐5 away defeat v Gillingham, Football League Div 3, 29 Aug 1964 Final game: 3‐2 home win v Southport, Football League Div 4, 29 Apr 1978 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Football League 83; all competitions 90
Career Path Walthamstow Schools; Woodford Town; also Sunday football in Walthamstow; WATFORD (apprentice May 1962, professional March 1964); Tottenham Hotspur (£30,000 March 1967); Charlton Athletic (£25,000 October 1970); WATFORD (loan February 1973, £15,000 July 1973); Dagenham (free June 1978); Highfield Sports player‐manager (by October 1981); Boreham Wood (1982/83); Waltham Abbey player‐manager; Mount Grace Old Boys manager (by November 1988); Spurs Vets (by 2000/01)
Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1964/65 WATFORD 18 1 Football League Division 3 – 9th of 24 1965/66 WATFORD 44 7 Football League Division 3 – 12th of 24 1966/67 WATFORD 31 9 Football League Division 3 – 3rd of 24 1966/67 Tottenham Hotspur 1 Football League Division 1 – 3rd of 22 1967/68 Tottenham Hotspur 5 1 Football League Division 1 – 7th of 22 1968/69 Tottenham Hotspur 2 Football League Division 1 – 6th of 22 1969/70 Tottenham Hotspur 12 1 Football League Division 1 – 11th of 22 1970/71 Tottenham Hotspur 1 1 Football League Division 1 – 3rd of 22 1970/71 Charlton Athletic 22 1 2 Football League Division 2 – 20th of 22 1971/72 Charlton Athletic 36 1 1 Football League Division 2 – 21st of 22 (Relegated) 1972/73 Charlton Athletic 12 3 Football League Division 3 – 11th of 24 1972/73 WATFORD 3 Football League Division 3 – 19th of 24 1973/74 WATFORD 46 2 Football League Division 3 – 7th of 24 1974/75 WATFORD 41 4 Football League Division 3 – 23rd of 24 (Relegated) 1975/76 WATFORD 39 1 10 Football League Division 4 – 8th of 24 1976/77 WATFORD 44 5 Football League Division 4 – 7th of 24 1977/78 WATFORD 5 Football League Division 4 – 1st of 24 (Promoted)
Oozing class from a very early age, this skilful little midfielder played League football at 17 and had a good career, which however failed to reach heights that reflected his ability. The fee received from Tottenham Hotspur for Dennis Bond’s transfer was a Watford record at the time, and altogether he had three spells at Vicarage Road, including one on loan.
Known as “Dennis”. Birth index OK, although it says “Denis”. Marriage index has “Dennis”. When on loan to Watford he was recalled by Charlton after 11 days. In the same month (at the same time?) Charlton returned the on‐loan Micky Walker to Watford after 6 days. Selected for PFA Div 4 “team” 1976/77. Running a building business by Nov 1985. Address in Mar 1992: 4 Stafford Close, Cheshunt, EN8 9EH – and still there in 2009 (01992 29803). 5 ft 5½ ins / 5 ft 7 ins / 10 st 10 lbs. Jonathan Henry BOND (2012-2015) Goalkeeper
Born Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, 19 May 1993 Representative Honours Wales Youth & Under-21 England Youth & Under-21 Watford Career Football League: 18+4 appearances FA Cup: 5 appearances Football League Cup: 6 appearances Début: (as sub) 0-2 away defeat v Portsmouth, Football League Championship, 2 Jan 2012 Final game: (as sub) 1-3 away defeat v Huddersfield Town, Football League Championship, 10 Jan 2015 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Football League 7; all competitions 7
Career Path Berkhamsted Raiders (aged 10); WATFORD (Academy from age 10, professional July 2010); Brackley Town (loan March 2011 & September 2011); Forest Green Rovers (loan November 2011); Dagenham & Redbridge (loan February 2012); Bury (loan March 2012); Reading (£250,000 July 2015); Gillingham (loan August 2016); Peterborough United (loan June 2017)
Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 2011/12 WATFORD 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 11th of 24 2011/12 Dagenham & Redbridge 5 Football League Division 2 (4th tier) – 19th of 24 2011/12 Bury 6 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 14th of 24 2012/13 WATFORD 7 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 3rd of 24 2013/14 WATFORD 9 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 13th of 24 2014/15 WATFORD 2 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 2d of 24 (Promoted) 2015/16 Reading 14 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 17th of 24 2016/17 Gillingham 7 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 20th of 24
Among a series of loan spells during the 2011/12 season, the tall and well-built Jonathan Bond made a couple of first-team appearances in the Watford goal, and in making his début at the age of 18 years and 228 days became the club’s youngest goalkeeper at senior level since Pat Jennings half a century earlier. When representing Wales in an Under-17 international against Russia in October 2009, with his side a goal down Bond went upfield for a corner and scored from close range. Wales went on to win the match. He later changed his allegiance and represented England at both Under-20 and Under-21 levels.
Birth index OK. Capped for Wales at under-16 level 2008/09. Also U-17. And for England: Under-20. At 18 yrs 228 days, the youngest gk in a competitive first-team match since Jennings. 6 ft 4 ins. 13 st 3 lbs.
Jack Elliot BONHAM (2013) Goalkeeper
Born Stevenage, Hertfordshire, 14 September 1993 Representative Honours Republic of Ireland Youth Watford Career Football League: 0+1 appearance Sole appearance: (as sub) 1-2 home defeat v Leeds United, Football League Championship, 4 May 2013
Career Path WATFORD (Academy, scholar June 2010, professional September 2010, released close season 2013); Harrow Borough (loan February 2012); Brentford (free June 2013); Arlesey Town (loan November 2013); Carlisle United (loan June 2017)
Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 2012/13 WATFORD 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 3rd of 24 2013/14 Brentford 1 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 2nd of 24 (Promoted) 2016/17 Brentford 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 10th of 24
At the age of 19 Jack Bonham could hardly have had a more testing or dramatic first-team début in goal. Regular ‘keeper Manuel Almunia sustained an injury in the pre-match warm-up for a contest which could have ended with Watford having won promotion to the FA Premier League. The nominated substitute goalkeeper, Jonathan Bond, therefore had to play from the start, and Bonham replaced him on the substitutes bench. Less than twenty minutes’ into the match Bond was badly injured and took no further part, which meant that Bonham, who was originally present purely as a spectator, was thrust into a tense and crucially important match. To widespread sympathy, he was unable to prevent the two Leeds United goals which left Watford to continue their promotion bid via the Play-offs.
Under-17 caps 2009-10.
Alexandre BONNOT (1999‐2000) Midfielder
Born Poissy, France, 31 July 1973 Representative Honours France Schools & Youth Watford Career Football League & FA Premier League: 8+8 appearances Début: (as sub) 0‐0 home draw v Portsmouth, Football League Div 1, 9 Jan 1999 Final game: 1‐0 home win v Coventry City, FA Premier League, 14 May 2000 Longest run of consecutive appearances: FA Premier League/Football League 7; all competitions 7
Career Path Paris St Germain (France) (apprentice, then professional); SCO Angers (France) (3 seasons until contract cancelled close season 1998); Merida (Spain) trial (close season 1998); Gillingham trial; WATFORD (free November 1998); Queens Park Rangers (free July 2001, contract cancelled February 2002); Heart of Midlothian trial (close season 2002); a football agent in Barcelona (Spain) (by February 2005); Raphaelois Stage (France) (by January 2007)
Football League and FA Premier League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1998/99 WATFORD 1 3 Football League Division 1 (2nd tier) – 5th of 24 (Promoted) 1999/00 WATFORD 7 5 FA Premier League – 20th of 20 (Relegated) 2001/02 Queens Park Rangers 17 5 1 Football League Division 2 (3rd tier) – 8th of 24
Son of a Spanish mother and a French father, the genial Alex Bonnot was an international player up to and including Under‐ 20 level. Small in stature, but with a useful range of midfield attributes, he was unable to hold down a first‐team place at Vicarage Road, and at Queens Park Rangers his contract was cancelled after only seven months, at which point he returned to France. A subsequent trial with Heart of Midlothian came to nothing.
Known as “Alex”. Youth caps include 1 at U‐20 level. Bought out his SCO Angers contract, who were in financial trouble. Played in 2 reserve‐team games while on loan to Gillingham for 10 days, and spent 2 weeks on trial with Watford before signing. His English agent was Billy Jennings. Living in Barcelona by Oct 2004, and not playing football. Dennis BOOTH (1977-1980) Midfielder
Born Stanley Common, Derbyshire, 9 April 1949 Watford Career Football League: 97+3 appearances (2 goals) FA Cup: 6 appearances Football League Cup: 11 appearances Début: 2-1 away win v Hartlepool United, Football League Div 4, 5 Nov 1977 Final game: 0-5 away defeat v Sunderland, Football League Div 2, 26 Apr 1980 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Football League 50; all competitions 57
Career Path Derbyshire Schools; Charlton Athletic (schoolboy June 1964, apprentice July 1964, professional April 1966); Blackpool (£7,000 July 1971); Southend United (£7,000 March 1972); Lincoln City (loan February 1974, £9,000 August 1974); WATFORD (£10,000 October 1977); Hull City (£40,000 May 1980, acting-manager May 1984, reserve-team player-coach June 1984, acting-manager April 1988, assistant-manager June 1988 until May 1989); Aston Villa coaching staff (July 1989 until close season 1991); Stafford Rangers (assistant-manager November 1991, manager January 1992); Bristol Rovers assistant- manager (April 1993); Huddersfield Town (assistant-manager July 1995); Derby County scout (by March 1998); Notts County assistant-manager (close-season 1998 until early-1999); Aberdeen scout (briefly); Nottingham Forest assistant-manager (July 1999 until close season 2001); Nuneaton Borough assistant-manager (December 2001); coaching work with England U-21s; England U-21 scout (July 2002); Carlisle United assistant-manager (October 2003); Preston North End assistant-manager (close season 2006); Carlisle United (briefly temporary assistant-manager August 2007, rejoined as first-team coach by November 2008, head of football affairs by May 2011); UK Football Finder FC executive chairman and first-team coach 2013)
Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1966/67 Charlton Athletic 3 Football League Division 2 – 19th of 22 1967/68 Charlton Athletic 13 4 Football League Division 2 – 15th of 22 1968/69 Charlton Athletic 18 3 5 Football League Division 2 – 3rd of 22 1969/70 Charlton Athletic 27 3 Football League Division 2 – 20th of 22 1970/71 Charlton Athletic 6 Football League Division 2 – 20th of 22 1971/72 Blackpool 12 Football League Division 2 – 6th of 22 1971/72 Southend United 16 Football League Division 4 – 2nd of 24 (Promoted) 1972/73 Southend United 42 1 Football League Division 3 – 14th of 24 1973/74 Southend United 19 1 Football League Division 3 – 12th of 24 1973/74 Lincoln City 16 3 Football League Division 4 – 12th of 24 1974/75 Lincoln City 46 2 Football League Division 4 – 5th of 24 1975/76 Lincoln City 42 1 Football League Division 4 – 1st of 24 (Promoted) 1976/77 Lincoln City 45 2 Football League Division 3 – 9th of 24 1977/78 Lincoln City 13 1 Football League Division 3 – 16th of 24 1977/78 WATFORD 31 Football League Division 4 – 1st of 24 (Promoted) 1978/79 WATFORD 37 Football League Division 3 – 2nd of 24 (Promoted) 1979/80 WATFORD 29 3 2 Football League Division 2 – 18th of 22 1980/81 Hull City 36 1 Football League Division 3 – 24th of 24 (Relegated) 1981/82 Hull City 37 2 Football League Division 4 – 8th of 24 1982/83 Hull City 34 Football League Division 4 – 2nd of 24 (Promoted) 1983/84 Hull City 14 Football League Division 3 – 4th of 24 1984/85 Hull City 1 Football League Division 3 – 3rd of 24 (Promoted)
The midfield anchorman in Graham Taylor’s Fourth Division championship-winning teams at both Lincoln City and Watford was Dennis Booth, who captained the latter to further promotion at the first attempt. After playing League football for nearly two decades, and having figured prominently in five promotions and just one relegation, he resumed former Lincoln/Watford links by serving as a coach under Taylor at Aston Villa and as John Ward’s assistant-manager at Bristol Rovers.
Known as “Dennis”. Birth index OK. Hull City playing registration was cancelled June 1989. Had 5 months out of the game before becoming a Derby County scout in March 1998. Phone number in March 1992: 0283 515228. 5 ft 7½ ins. 10 st 5 lbs. / 11st 11lbs. Hameur BOUAZZA (2004-2007) Winger
Born Évry, France, 22 February 1985 Representative Honours Algeria Full Watford Career Football League & FA Premier League: 46+37 appearances (9 goals, including 1 penalty) FA Cup: 5+1 appearances (2 goals) Football League Cup: 8+2 appearances (3 goals, including 1 penalty) Début: (as sub) 2-2 home draw v Sunderland, Football League Div 1, 7 Feb 2004 Final game: 0-1 away defeat v Sheffield United, FA Premier League, 28 Apr 2007 Longest run of consecutive appearances: FA Premier League/Football League 10; all competitions 13
Career Path Auxerre (France) (2001/02); WATFORD (scholar September 2002, professional July 2004); Swindon Town (loan October 2005); Fulham (£3 million August 2007); Charlton Athletic (loan August 2008); Birmingham City (loan January 2009); Sivasspor (Turkey) (free August 2009); Blackpool (free September 2009, released close season 2010); Arles-Avignon (France) (2010); Millwall (loan January 2011, contract April 2011); AC Omonia (Cyprus) (free June 2012, released August 2012); Real Racing Club de Santander (Spain) (September 2012); Rangers trial (July 2013); ES Sétif (Algeria) (December 2013); Red Star (France) (September 2014); Étoile du Sahel (Tunisia) (January 2017); Tours (France) (July 2017, released December 2017); FC Fleury 91 (France) (January 2018)
Football League and FA Premier League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 2003/04 WATFORD 6 3 1 Football League Division 1 (2nd tier) - 16th of 24 2004/05 WATFORD 10 18 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 18th of 24 2005/06 WATFORD 3 11 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 3rd of 24 (Promoted) 2005/06 Swindon Town 11 2 2 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 23rd of 24 (Relegated) 2006/07 WATFORD 27 5 6 FA Premier League – 20th of 20 (Relegated) 2007/08 Fulham 15 5 1 FA Premier League – 17th of 20 2008/09 Charlton Athletic 22 3 4 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 24th of 24 (Relegated) 2008/09 Birmingham City 9 7 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 2nd of 24 (Promoted) 2009/10 Blackpool 11 8 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 6th of 24 (Promoted) 2010/11 Millwall 3 9 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 9th of 24 2011/12 Millwall 19 7 2 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 16th of 24
Born in France to Algerian-immigrant parents, Hameur Bouazza (he might actually have started life as ‘Hamer’) was brought over to Watford on a scholarship and made his Football League début while still at that level. In 2006/07 he made his mark in a mostly dismal Premier League season as a pacy and energetic left-winger with an eye for goal, finishing as leading scorer with an overall tally which included goals in the FA Cup quarter-final and semi-final. He also made his international début in the week in which Yohan Cavalli, son of the Algeria manager, signed for Watford. The substantial transfer fee which followed would eventually have been increased by another million pounds had he made 50 appearances for Fulham. There was later a bizarrely brief Turkish interlude which ended when he requested, and was granted, his release after five days and one appearance as a Sivasspor player.
Known as “Hameur” (but actually Hamer?). Watford would have received another £1 million if Fulham stayed in the FAPL for 2 years and Bouazza made 50 apps.
James Duncan BOWIE (1952-1955) Inside-forward
Born Kintore, Aberdeenshire, 9 August 1924 Died Southend, Essex, 4 August 2000 Watford Career Football League: 125 appearances (39 goals, including 13 penalties) FA Cup: 5 appearances (1 goal) Southern Floodlight Cup: 1 appearance Début: 4-1 home win v Bristol City, Football League Div 3 (South), 23 Aug 1952 Final game: 2-2 home draw v Northampton Town, Football League Div 3 (South) 26 Dec 1955 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Football League 60; all competitions 61
Career Path Aberdeen Parkvale (amateur June 1942, professional October 1943); Middlesbrough & Hounslow Town guest player during Second World War; Chelsea (£25 February 1944); Fulham (valued at £20,000 in player-exchange January 1951); Brentford (player-part-exchange March 1952); WATFORD (July 1952 with J.Paton); Bedford Town (“about £500” January 1956); Headington United (circa February 1957); Fulham (May 1957); March Town (free close season 1958); Wisbech Town (December 1959); Trowbridge Town manager
Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1947/48 Chelsea 22 5 Football League Division 1 – 18th of 22 1948/49 Chelsea 22 7 Football League Division 1 – 13th of 22 1949/50 Chelsea 16 4 Football League Division 1 – 13th of 22 1950/51 Chelsea 16 2 Football League Division 1 – 20th of 22 1950/51 Fulham 14 3 Football League Division 1 – 18th of 22 1951/52 Fulham 20 4 Football League Division 1 – 22nd of 22 (Relegated) 1951/52 Brentford 9 Football League Division 2 – 10th of 22 1952/53 WATFORD 32 11 Football League Division 3 (South) – 10th of 24 1953/54 WATFORD 43 20 Football League Division 3 (South) – 4th of 24 1954/55 WATFORD 40 7 Football League Division 3 (South) – 7th of 24 1955/56 WATFORD 10 1 Football League Division 3 (South) – 21st of 24
You don’t see many these days, but English professional football used to be full of canny little ball-playing Scottish inside- forwards. One such was Jimmy Bowie, who prompted Watford’s attack for three-and-a-half years, both creating and scoring a substantial share of the goals, and the hat-trick he scored at Shrewsbury on 22 August 1953 was, and still is, the only one for a beaten Watford side in a league match. His signing with Frank Mitchell and others prompted a surge of expectation and big gates, but the euphoria was short-lived. As a Chelsea player in wartime Bowie appeared in the 1944 South Cup final at Wembley, which Charlton Athletic won 3-1, and he eventually left Stamford Bridge in part-exchange for Jimmy Hill. He later ran public houses in Northwood, Trowbridge and Great Wakering, near Southend.
Known as “Jimmy”. Birth & death indexes OK. Probate nothing. Guested for Hounslow Town January 1944. Fulham signed him in exchange for Hinshelwood, both players being valued at £20,000. Fulham’s 12th man for first match of replayed FA Cup semi-final v Man Utd 1957/58. Born Forest Cottages, Kintore. Served in the Navy in Second World War. Represented Northern Command v Scottish Command at Darlington 16 Dec 1944 (see Soccer History 32, p 23). Guest app for Watford in testimonial match 2/5/1957. Ran a pub in Northwood, then one in Trowbridge by August 1971. Moved to Southend area in the early-1970s, becoming manager of a local Conservative club and then running the Red Lion, Great Wakering, by June 1989. Died after suffering for two years from Parkinson’s disease. 5 ft 6 ins. 11 st 2 lbs.
Stuart Clive BRACE (1965‐1966) Winger
Born Taunton, Somerset, 21 September 1942 Watford Career Football League: 16 appearances (4 goals) FA Cup: 2 appearances (2 goals) Début: 4‐0 home win v Oldham Athletic, Football League Div 3, 25 Sep 1965 Final game: 1‐1 home draw v Oxford United, Football League Div 3, 2 Apr 1966 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Football League 11; all competitions 13
Career Path Taunton Town; Plymouth Argyle (November 1960); WATFORD (£1,000 September 1965); Mansfield Town (free July 1966); Peterborough United (£5,000 November 1967); Grimsby Town (£4,000 October 1968); Southend United (£6,000 October 1973); Falmouth Town (free close season 1976); Liskeard Athletic coach (by 1982)
Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1962/63 Plymouth Argyle 3 Football League Division 2 – 12th of 22 1963/64 Plymouth Argyle 2 Football League Division 2 – 20th of 22 1964/65 Plymouth Argyle 3 Football League Division 2 – 15th of 22 1965/66 Plymouth Argyle 1 Football League Division 2 – 18th of 22 1965/66 WATFORD 16 4 Football League Division 3 – 12th of 24 1966/67 Mansfield Town 44 1 21 Football League Division 3 – 9th of 24 1967/68 Mansfield Town 11 1 4 Football League Division 3 – 21st of 24 1967/68 Peterborough United 15 4 Football League Division 3 – 9th of 24 (Relegated) 1968/69 Peterborough United 7 1 2 Football League Division 4 – 18th of 24 1968/69 Grimsby Town 30 10 Football League Division 4 – 23rd of 24 1969/70 Grimsby Town 46 25 Football League Division 4 – 16th of 24 1970/71 Grimsby Town 43 1 9 Football League Division 4 – 19th of 24 1971/72 Grimsby Town 44 19 Football League Division 4 – 1st of 24 (Promoted) 1972/73 Grimsby Town 39 18 Football League Division 3 – 9th of 24 1973/74 Grimsby Town 3 Football League Division 3 – 6th of 24 1973/74 Southend United 35 20 Football League Division 3 – 12th of 24 1974/75 Southend United 44 2 11 Football League Division 3 – 18th of 24 1975/76 Southend United 27 4 8 Football League Division 3 – 23rd of 24 (Relegated)
Stuart Brace accumulated what, for a right‐winger, was a formidable tally of more than 150 Football League goals, being particularly successful in his five‐year stint with Grimsby Town, where he won a Fourth Division championship medal. In 1967/68 he, along with John Fairbrother, suffered relegation with Peterborough United, who finished 9th in the table: they were relegated as a consequence of financial irregularities, thereby allowing Mansfield Town, the club Brace had just left, to escape the drop despite finishing 21st. His stay at Vicarage Road was brief, the free transfer he was given seeming seriously ill‐judged in the light of his subsequent career. His father made one Football League appearance for Bristol City.
Known as “Stuart”. Birth index OK. In 2001 living in Plymstock and working as a sales rep for Aggregate Industries Ltd. 5 ft 8 ins. 10 st 4 lbs.
Arthur Danby BRADFORD (1896) Full‐back
Born Chislehurst, Kent, 1 September 1876 Died Little Kingshill, Buckinghamshire, 6 June 1953 West Herts Career Southern League: 1 appearance Sole appearance: 0‐1 home defeat v Uxbridge, Southern League Div 2, 12 Dec 1896
Career Path Clapham Rovers; WEST HERTS (1896)
Southern League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1896/97 WEST HERTS 1 Southern League Division 2 – 9th of 13
Arthur Bradford was elected a member of West Herts Club & Ground in February 1896 and played at left‐back in a Southern League home game against Uxbridge the following December, in which the visitors scored the only goal. A fortnight later he made his only other first‐team appearance, in a friendly match. His cousin, Henry Bradford, turned out in the same two games, and the pair both played for the prominent amateur club Clapham Rovers, which had won the FA Cup in 1880. Arthur became chairman of the family firm in the City.
Known as “Arthur”. Birth & death indexes & probate all OK. Clapham Rovers had won FA Cup in 1880. Cousin of Henry. They were reported to be brothers ‐ in fact Arthur had four sisters and no brother. 1891 census: Radley, Berks. 1901 census: North End House, High St, Watford. 1911 census: Upton Lodge, Watford. Elected a member of West Herts Club & Ground 28/2/1896. Lived at Upton Lodge, Upton Rd, next door to Freddie Sargent, in 1918, and at time of his sister’s wedding in 1903 their father’s home was North End House, Watford. Playing member of West Herts Golf Club in 1907, and remained a very keen player. In 1895 he joined insurance brokers Robert Bradford Ltd, founded by grandfather in 1820. He became senior partner and then, after it had become a limited company, chairman. Also a Lloyd’s underwriter. “A womanizer,” I was told circa 1995 by his grandson (Robin Bradford, 12 Ponsonby Place, SW1P 4PT ‐ phone 0171‐630 6667; business address Robin Bradford [Life & Pensions Consultants] Ltd, 66b Royal Mint St, E1 6LG ‐ phone 0171‐702 1818). At this time Mr Edward France, company secretary of Robert Bradford (Holdings) Ltd ‐ 0171‐623 5280, had a pic of a bewhiskered Arthur Bradford. He left estate valued at £134,447‐11s‐5d.
Henry BRADFORD (1896) Winger
Born Chilton, Buckinghamshire, 20 November 1872 Died Exmouth, Devon, 11 May 1953 West Herts Career Southern League: 1 appearance Sole appearance: 0‐1 home defeat v Uxbridge, Southern League Div 2, 12 Dec 1896
Career Path Clapham Rovers; WEST HERTS (1896)
Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1896/97 WEST HERTS 1 Southern League Division 2 – 9th of 13
Although elected a member of West Herts Club & Ground several months after Arthur Bradford, Henry played in the same two games as his cousin – one Southern League fixture and one friendly. He occupied a wing position each time – once on the right and once on the left. The friendly was a Boxing Day meeting with Watford St Mary’s which produced record Cassio Road gate receipts approaching £50. The cousins both played for the prominent amateur club Clapham Rovers, which had won the FA Cup in 1880.
Known as “Henry”, Death index OK. Died Exmouth, buried Littleham. Cousin of Arthur. They were reported to be brothers, but Arthur had only four sisters and no brother. 1881 census: the family living in Paignton. 1891 census: Kensington Mansions, Henry, 18, scholar, nephew (of William A., Lloyds underwriter), b Chilton, Bucks. 1901 & 1911 census: Westhampnett, Sussex Elected a member of West Herts Club & Ground 8/6/1896. W. Arthur Bradford nominated as his executors his son Arthur Danby Bradford and his nephew Henry Bradford. The Robert Bradford (Holdings) Ltd historian, Mr Jim Best (12 Clifton Way, Hutton, Brentwood, CM13 2QR ‐ 01277 214377), to whom I spoke circa 1995, had a family tree which showed Henry to be the only H. Bradford of that generation. Henry had an account with Robert Bradford Ltd, but apparently was not involved in the running of the company. A.D. Bradford’s grandson reckoned that Henry spent some time in South Africa at some time, but otherwise knew nothing about him. Address at time of death: Pencarwick Hotel, Louisa‐terrace, Littleham, Exmouth. Widow Ada Decima Bradford, effects £30,104. Obit in Exmouth Journal describes him as a former Lloyd’s underwriter.
John Henry BRADSHAW (1919) Inside-forward
Born Burnley, Lancashire, 28 June 1892 Died King’s Lynn, Norfolk, 1970 Watford Career Southern League: 1 appearance Sole appearance: 0-0 home draw v Cardiff City, Southern League Div 1, 11 Oct 1919
Career Path Southend United (amateur close season 1913); WATFORD (amateur by October 1919); Luton Town (amateur 1920); Aberdare Athletic (May 1920); Queens Park Rangers (professional August 1921, released close season 1922); Southend United training staff (July 1922)
Southern League and Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1919/20 WATFORD 1 Southern League Division 1 – 2nd of 22 1919/20 Luton Town 1 Southern League Division 1 – 20th of 22 1921/22 Queens Park Rangers 5 Football League Division 3 (South) – 5th of 22 1922/23 Southend United 1 Football League Division 3 (South) – 15th of 22
Small and red-haired, this member of a prominent footballing family played inside-right in his one Southern League game for Watford. He had been stationed briefly in Abbots Langley with his First World War army unit, the Kensingtons (13th Battalion, London Regiment), after the battalion was formed and before it departed for the battlefields in November 1914. Jack Bradshaw’s manager at Southend was his brother Joe, and when he played for Watford his father, Harry, who managed Arsenal and Fulham, was secretary of the Southern League. Another brother played Second Division football for Burnley.
Known as “Jack”. Birth & death indexes OK, probate nothing. Only first-team app in his first Southend spell was in a friendly. Only SL app for Luton was 21 Feb 1920. Made an SL app for Southend Utd 1922/23, having joined the club as a member of the training staff. He had been stationed briefly in Abbots Langley with The Kensingtons (13th London Regt) after unit was formed and before it departed for France in November 1914. (see Battlefields of the First World War, pp36/37). Son of Harry, who managed Arsenal & Fulham and was also Southern Lge secretary. Younger brother of Joe, manager of Southend when Jack first played for them as an amateur, and also of Fulham & Bristol City. Another brother was registered by Fulham (along with Joe) in August 1904, under Harry’s management, and moved to Burton Utd cs 1905, and to Burnley, cs 1907 [I think this should be 1911]). Pen pic of Harry in The Footballer, Vol 3, No 3, p41. Jack described as small and ruddy-haired. 5 ft 6 ins. 10 st 7 lbs.
John BRANDON (1895) Forward
West Herts Career FA Cup: 1 appearance Sole appearance: 0‐1 home defeat v Old St Stephens, FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round, 2 Nov 1895
Career Path Watford Permanent Way; WEST HERTS; Watford St Mary’s (amateur September 1897)
Other than the FA Cup appearance, Brandon played for the club’s first team in only two friendly matches.
Registered by St Mary’s with the FA. The 1881 & 1871 censuses reveal a John B.Brandon born Bushey Heath 1867/8, but he didn’t have a brother with initial W. C.BRAY (1905) Full‐back
Watford Career South Eastern League: 1 appearance Sole appearance: 6‐0 home win v Hastings & St Leonards United, South Eastern League, 14 Jan 1905
Career Path Berkhamsted (by November 1903); WATFORD (amateur by January 1905)
Only Croom can match his first‐team record of success – a 6‐0 victory in his only game, in which he turned out at left‐back. Joe Brooks, who was otherwise a fixture in the side, made way for Bray on this occasion, and the Berkhamsted man didn’t play for the first team again.
There’s a Charles Bray, aged 13, in Watford in the 1881 census (too old?). Ben BRELSFORD (1928‐1930) Full‐back (formerly Ben HAZLEHURST) Born Sheffield, Yorkshire, 21 September 1896 Died Oldham, Lancashire, 1968 Watford Career Football League: 25 appearances (1 goal) Début: 1‐0 home win v Gillingham, Football League Div 3 (South), 15 Sep 1928 Final game: 1‐1 home draw v Queens Park Rangers, Football League Div 3 (South), 8 Mar 1930 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Football League 15; all competitions 15
Career Path Sheffield Wednesday (November 1922); Barrow (£150 July 1924); Oldham Athletic (May 1926); WATFORD (free May 1928); Bray Unknowns (free May 1930); Shelbourne (August 1930); Manchester North End (December 1930); Rossendale United (September 1931); Larne (August 1932); Newton Heath Loco (permit granted to play as an amateur January 1933); New Mills (permit granted to play as an amateur January 1934); Chamber Colliery coach (after Second World War)
Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1924/25 Barrow 32 1 Football League Division 3 (North) – 14th of 22 1925/26 Barrow 31 1 Football League Division 3 (North) – 22nd of 22 1926/27 Oldham Athletic 8 Football League Division 2 – 10th of 22 1927/28 Oldham Athletic 1 Football League Division 2 – 7th of 22 1928/29 WATFORD 18 Football League Division 3 (South) – 8th of 22 1929/30 WATFORD 7 1 Football League Division 3 (South) – 15th of 22
One of a well‐known Sheffield footballing family, Ben Brelsford had two seasons at Hillsborough as a reserve‐team player before setting off on his considerable travels, which included spells in Ireland. He played at left‐back in all his League games for Watford, possessing both height and brawn, with a corresponding ability to kick and tackle strongly. He was said to be a likeable character, although with a taste for pranks involving a scant regard for the law. His identity within the Brelsford family was not as it has always been reported to be: his surname was actually Hazlehurst, the first husband of his mother (a sister of two of the other footballing Brelsfords) having been a Hazlehurst who died when Ben was four years old.
Known as “Ben”. I have birth certificate. Death index OK (J1968). Probate nothing. In May 1930 the West Herts Post reported that he’d “gone to Ashton National – this was perhaps confusion with one of the other Brelsfords. When he joined Rossendale it was reported that he’d gone “back” to Rossendale. Said to be youngest brother of W.H. of Sheffield Utd and Charles of Wednesday, but was actually their nephew. T.W., also Wednesday, was a cousin of the two brothers. 1901 Census: 30 March Street, Attercliffe, Sheffield, William & Ann Brelsford, daughter Annie E. Hazlehurst (widow, 24), son William H. (16 [known as “Beau” ‐ died 25/3/1954, aged 69]), daughter Nellie (15), son Charles (10), son Thomas (6 [possibly the Thomas W. death S1946, aged 52 – or was this the brothers’ cousin?]) & son Benjamin [sic] (4). 1911 census – Ben Hazlehurst, 14, son of John Edward & Annie Elizabeth Jarvis, born Sheffield. I have Ben’s birth certificate – he was actually Ben Hazlehurst, born at 30 March Street [see 1901 Census, above]. Annie Hazlehurst was in fact his mother ‐ her husband Thomas died early 1901. When he joined Larne in August 1932, Ben was said to have had Hazlehurst as a middle name. According to a story told to Garth Dykes by an Oldham colleague of Brelsford’s, the latter stole a mattress, cutlery, etc, from a hotel at which they were staying. Garth also mentioned a report of Brelsford’s wife, from whom he was separated, being convicted of theft. Brelsford described by George Jewett as “a lovable rascal”. 5 ft 10 ins / 5 ft 11 ins / 6 ft. 12 st / 13 st 3 lbs.
Liam Robert BRIDCUTT (2008-2009) Midfielder
Born Reading, Berkshire, 8 May 1989 Representative Honours Scotland Full Watford Career Football League: 4+2 appearances FA Cup: 0+2 appearances Football League Cup: 1 appearance Début: 1-1 home draw v Doncaster Rovers, Football League Championship, 29 Nov 2008 Final game: (as sub) 4-3 home win v Crystal Palace, FA Cup 4th Round, 24 Jan 2009 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Football League 5; all competitions 6
Career Path Chelsea (scholar July 2005, professional July 2007); Yeovil Town (loan February 2008); WATFORD (loan November 2008); Stockport County (loan August 2009); Brighton & Hove Albion (free August 2010); Sunderland (£3 million January 2014); Leeds United (loan November 2015, undisclosed fee August 2016); Nottingham Forest (undisclosed fee August 2017)
Football League & FA Premier League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 2007/08 Yeovil Town 6 3 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 18th of 24 2008/09 WATFORD 4 2 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 13th of 24 2009/10 Stockport County 15 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 24th of 24 (Relegated) 2010/11 Brighton & Hove Albion 31 6 2 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 1st of 24 (Promoted) 2011/12 Brighton & Hove Albion 43 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 10th of 24 2012/13 Brighton & Hove Albion 43 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 4th of 24 2013/14 Brighton & Hove Albion 8 3 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 6th of 24 2013/14 Sunderland 9 3 FA Premier League – 14th of 20 2014/15 Sunderland 10 8 FA Premier League – 16th of 20 2015/16 Leeds United 23 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 13th of 24 2016/17 Leeds United 22 3 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 7th of 24
Schooled under Brendan Rodgers at Stamford Bridge (appropriately enough for a player whose mother’s maiden name was Blues), Liam Bridcutt captained Chelsea Reserves. When Rodgers took charge at Watford he immediately recruited the player on loan as a holding midfielder who was familiar with the manager’s requirements. There were also loan periods with Yeovil Town and Stockport County, but with little or no chance of ever breaking into Chelsea’s extravagantly assembled first-team squad he was released in 2010 and immediately found Football League success with Brighton & Hove Albion.
Known as “Liam”. Birth index OK – surname was originally Blues. (Paul D.Bridcutt = Kathleen D.E.Blues, Oct 1993.) Matthew Anthony BRIGGS (2013-2014) Wing-back
Born Wandsworth, London, 9 March 1991 Representative Honours England Youth & Under-21 Guyana Full Watford Career Football League: 6+3 appearances (1 goal) Début: 1-2 home defeat v Blackpool, Football League Championship, 9 Mar 2013 Final game: 3-1 home win v Leicester City, Football League Championship Play-off Semi-Final, 2nd Leg, 12 May 2013 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Football League 3; all competitions 3 Career Path Fulham (trained from age 8, scholar July 2007, professional June 2009, released close season 2014); Leyton Orient (loan January 2010); Peterborough United (loan February 2012); Bristol City (loan October 2012); WATFORD (loan March 2013); Millwall (free August 2014); Colchester United (loan January 2015, free June 2015, released May 2017); Lincoln City trial (July 2017); Chesterfield (July 2017)
FA Premier League & Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 2006/07 Fulham 1 FA Premier League – 16th of 20 2009/10 Leyton Orient 1 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 17th of 24 2010/11 Fulham 3 FA Premier League – 8th of 20 2011/12 Fulham 1 1 FA Premier League – 9th of 20 2011/12 Peterborough United 5 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 18th of 24 2012/13 Bristol City 4 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 24th of 24 (Relegated) 2012/13 WATFORD 6 3 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 3rd of 24 2013/14 Fulham 2 FA Premier League – 19th of 20 (Relegated) 2014/15 Millwall 7 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 22nd of 24 (Relegated) 2014/15 Colchester United 17 1 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 19th of 24 2015/16 Colchester United 25 1 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 23rd of 24 (Relegated) 2016/17 Colchester United 11 4 Football League Division 2 (4th tier) – 8th of 24
When Matthew Briggs made his first-team début for Fulham at the age of 16 years and 65 days he was the youngest player ever to have appeared in an FA Premier League match. He joined Watford on loan late in the 2012/13 season at a time when the club was striving for promotion to the top tier. Athletically-built and certainly talented, he was prone to moments of carelessness during his nine appearances, which were of varied quality.
Capped at U-16, U-17, U-19, U-20 & U-21 levels. Guy Austin BRISTOW (1974‐1976) Centre‐half
Born Kingsbury, Middlesex, 23 October 1955 Watford Career Football League: 18+5 appearances Début: (as sub) 1‐5 away defeat v Wrexham, Football League Div 3, 21 Dec 1974 Final game: (as sub) 2‐3 away defeat v Torquay United, Football League Div 4, 6 Nov 1977 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Football League 15; all competitions 15
Career Path WATFORD (apprentice July 1971, professional July 1973, released close season 1977); Lillehammer (Norway) (by March 1978)
Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1974/75 WATFORD 2 Football League Division 3 – 23rd of 24 (Relegated) 1975/76 WATFORD 18 2 Football League Division 4 – 8th of 24 1976/77 WATFORD 1 Football League Division 4 – 7th of 24
In Norway he and Kevin McCarthy helped Lillehammer to progress from the Fourth Division to a high position in the Second within two years – an echo of simultaneous events at Vicarage Road. Guy Bristow was a centre‐half. After returning to England he had a milk round in the Sarratt area.
Known as “Guy”. Birth index OK. Not, as reported, a son of G.A. (Brentford). His parents were Austin & Dora (née Biggerstaff), who married at Watford in 1953. Left football on return from Norway and by Jan 1985 was working as a milkman in the Sarratt area. 5 ft 9 ins. 11 st 1 lb. Miguel Ángel BRITOS (2015- ) Centre-back (Full name: Miguel Ángel BRITOS CABRERA)
Born Maldonado, Uruguay, 17 July 1985
Watford Career (to end of 2016/17 season) FA Premier League: 51 appearances (1 goal) FA Cup: 4 appearances Football League Cup: 1 appearance Début: 0-1 away defeat v Preston North End, Football League Cup 2nd Round, 25 Aug 2015 Longest run of consecutive appearances: FA Premier League 14; all competitions 11
Career Path Fénix (Uruguay) (professional 2005); Juventud (Uruguay) (January 2006); Montevideo Wanderers (Uruguay) (July 2007); Bologna (Italy) (€2 million July 2008); Napoli (Italy) (€9 million July 2011); WATFORD (free July 2015)
FA Premier League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 2015/16 WATFORD 24 FA Premier League – 13th of 20 2016/17 WATFORD 27 1 FA Premier League – 17th of 20
Sent off on Watford début. James BROAD (1926) Centre‐forward
Born Stalybridge, Cheshire, 10 November 1891 Died Chelmsford, Essex, 22 August 1963 Watford Career Football League: 1 appearance (1 goal) FA Cup: 1 appearance Début: 2‐0 away win v Bristol Rovers, Football League Div 3 (South), 4 Dec 1926 Final game: 0‐1 home defeat v Brighton & Hove Albion, FA Cup 4th Round, 11 Dec 1927 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Football League 1; all competitions 2
Career Path St Mark’s, West Gorton; Stalybridge Celtic; Manchester City (November 1909); Oldham Athletic (free August 1913); Blackburn Rovers guest player during First World War; Morton (June 1917 for 2 seasons); Corunna (Spain) coach; Millwall (“big fee” April 1919); Las Palmas (Spain) coach (October 1920); Stoke (£2,000 [paid to Millwall] June 1921); Barcelona (Spain) coach (August 1924); Sittingbourne (October 1924); Everton (£1,400 November 1924); New Brighton (£200 December 1925); WATFORD (August 1926 until February 1927); Peterborough & Fletton United (March 1927); Caernarvon Town (October 1927); Taunton United (September 1928); Geneva (Switzerland) coach (1930); coaching in Italy (1931); Fleetwood (August 1931); Morecambe; coaching in Turkey, South America, Norway & The Netherlands; Chelmsford groundsman
Football League, Scottish League and Southern League Career
Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1913/14 Oldham Athletic 10 4 Football League Division 1 – 4th of 20 1914/15 Oldham Athletic 5 1 Football League Division 1 – 2nd of 20 1917/18 Morton 16 9 Scottish League Division 1 – 4th of 18 1918/19 Morton 23 15 Scottish League Division 1 – 3rd of 18 1919/20 Millwall 39 32 Southern League Division 1 – 14th of 22 1920/21 Millwall 9 6 Football League Division 3 – 7th of 22 1921/22 Stoke 41 25 Football League Division 2 – 2nd of 22 (Promoted) 1922/23 Stoke 30 23 Football League Division 1 – 21st of 22 (Relegated) 1923/24 Stoke 37 14 Football League Division 2 – 6th of 22 1924/25 Everton 14 8 Football League Division 1 – 17th of 22 1925/26 Everton 4 Football League Division 1 – 11th of 22 1925/26 New Brighton 11 3 Football League Division 3 (North) – 12th of 22 1926/27 WATFORD 1 1 Football League Division 3 (South) – 21st of 22
By the time he reached Vicarage Road Jimmy Broad was a veteran, much‐travelled centre‐forward who before long was to be sacked by Watford for an incident which also involved another hardened old pro, Jack Swan, who was suspended sine die. Broad had previously fallen out early in the 1920/21 season with the Millwall management and gone off to Spain, having scored 32 Southern League goals in the previous campaign, the club’s next‐highest tally being four. His father and two brothers were well‐known in the game. (There is some doubt as to the recipient of Everton’s £1,400 in November 1924. Broad was said to have been retained on Millwall’s transfer‐list with a £2,500 valuation at the end of 1923/24, a circumstance which cannot be reconciled with the £2,000 fee paid to Millwall by Stoke in June 1921.)
Known as “Jimmy”. Birth & death indexes OK, probate nothing. Fell out with the Millwall management and left the club to coach in Spain. Sacked by Watford Feb 1927 via 14 days’ notice for a breach of discipline also involving Swan, who was suspended sine die. Brother of Tom (Man City & Stoke) and W. (Millwall). Their father was Man City trainer by cs 1919. Played for Southern Lge v Corinthians 29/12/1919, when Millwall Reserves were members of the Southern Lge. Served in France in Great War. Wrongly denoted as a Morton amateur in SFL records, but SFA registers show him correctly as a pro. 5 ft 8 ins. 11 st 10 lbs. Leigh David BROMBY (2008-2009) Defender
Born Dewsbury, Yorkshire, 2 June 1980 Representative Honours England Schools Watford Career Football League: 37+3 appearances (1 goal) FA Cup: 0+1 appearance Football League Cup: 5 appearances Début: 3-0 home win v Wolverhampton Wanderers, Football League Championship, 2 Feb 2008 Final game: (as sub) 1-0 home win v Scunthorpe United, FA Cup 3rd Round, 3 Jan 2009 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Football League 13; all competitions 16
Career Path Liversedge (July 1997); Sheffield Wednesday (free July 1998); Mansfield Town (loan December 1999); Norwich City (loan February 2003); Sheffield United (free July 2004); WATFORD (£600,000 January 2008); Sheffield United (loan January 2009, £400,000 July 2009); Leeds United (£250,000 August 2009, Academy coaching staff May 2013); Huddersfield Town coaching staff (August 2014)
Football League and FA Premier League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1999/00 Mansfield Town 10 1 Football League Division 3 (4th tier) – 17th of 24 2000/01 Sheffield Wednesday 17 1 Football League Division 1 (2nd tier) – 17th of 24 2001/02 Sheffield Wednesday 26 1 Football League Division 1 (2nd tier) – 20th of 24 2002/03 Sheffield Wednesday 26 1 Football League Division 1 (2nd tier) – 22nd of 24 (Relegated) 2002/03 Norwich City 5 Football League Division 1 (2nd tier) – 8th of 24 2003/04 Sheffield Wednesday 29 1 Football League Division 2 (3rd tier) – 16th of 24 2004/05 Sheffield United 46 5 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 8th of 24 2005/06 Sheffield United 35 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 2nd of 24 (Promoted) 2006/07 Sheffield United 12 5 FA Premier League – 18th of 20 (Relegated) 2007/08 Sheffield United 11 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 9th of 24 2007/08 WATFORD 18 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 6th of 24 2008/09 WATFORD 19 3 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 13th of 24 2008/09 Sheffield United 6 7 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 3rd of 24 2009/10 Leeds United 31 1 1 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 2nd of 24 (Promoted) 2010/11 Leeds United 9 4 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 7th of 24 2011/12 Leeds United 7 3 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 14th of 24
Staking the earliest possible claim to approval from the Vicarage Road crowd, Leigh Bromby created a goal with a long throw- in within a minute of the start in his Watford début. He continued to earn popularity as a tall and effective centre-half, but twelve months after joining the club he was back at Bramall Lane, initially on loan before being sold at a loss. Before his transfer to Watford, his last League appearance for Sheffield Utd was against Watford ..... and so was his first game after returning to Bramall Lane on loan. Injury prevented him from playing at all in the 2012/13 season, at the end of which his Leeds United contract expired and he joined that club’s Academy coaching staff.
Known as “Leigh”. Birth index OK. The fee paid by Watford could have risen to a total of £850,000 had appearances and promotion increments become payable. Stephen Michael Lord BROOKER (1999) Forward
Born Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, 21 May 1981 Watford Career FA Premier League: 0+1 appearance FA Cup: 0+1 appearance Début: (as sub) 2‐3 home defeat v Wimbledon, FA Premier League, 7 Aug 1999 Final game: (as sub) 0‐1 home defeat v Birmingham City, FA Cup 3rd Round,11 Dec 1999 Longest run of consecutive appearances: all competitions 1
Career Path WATFORD (trainee July 1997, professional June 1999); Port Vale (loan January 2001, £15,000 January 2001 plus £30,000 of the subsequent “sell‐on” fee); Bristol City (£150,000 September 2004); Cheltenham Town (loan January 2008); Doncaster Rovers (loan November 2008, signed January 2009, released close season 2011); Buxton (October 2012)
FA Premier League & Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1999/00 WATFORD 1 FA Premier League – 20th of 20 (Relegated) 2000/01 Port Vale 20 3 8 Football League Division 2 (3rd tier) – 11th of 24 2001/02 Port Vale 41 9 Football League Division 2 (3rd tier) – 14th of 24 2002/03 Port Vale 21 5 5 Football League Division 2 (3rd tier) – 17th of 24 2003/04 Port Vale 29 3 8 Football League Division 2 (3rd tier) – 7th of 24 2004/05 Port Vale 9 5 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 18th of 24 2004/05 Bristol City 33 16 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 7th of 24 2005/06 Bristol City 34 3 16 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 9th of 24 2006/07 Bristol City 19 4 2 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 2nd of 24 (Promoted) 2007/08 Bristol City 1 3 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 4th of 24 2007/08 Cheltenham Town 14 5 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 19th of 24 2008/09 Bristol City 4 2 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 10th of 24 2008/09 Doncaster Rovers 1 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 14th of 24 2010/11 Doncaster Rovers 1 12 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 21st of 24
Except for the two seasons in which he scored a total of 37 times in the Football League, Steve Brooker’s goal tallies were useful rather than prolific, but his hard work was always of value to attacking colleagues. He had to leave Watford to get his career going and he had good spells with both Port Vale and Bristol City. There’s no doubt about the highlight: a late and spectacular winning goal for Vale in the 2000/01 Associate Members Cup Final at the Millennium Stadium. Injury forced him out of the game prematurely at the age of 30.
Known as “Steve”. Birth index OK. In Sep 2006, when capt of Bristol C, was convicted of affray and gaoled for a month for his part in a night‐club brawl which also involved two City colleagues. Joseph BROOKS (1903-1907) Full-back
Born Stalybridge, Cheshire, 24 August 1878 Watford Career Southern League: 106 appearances FA Cup: 8 appearances South Eastern League: 28 appearances (1 goal) United League: 25 appearances (1 goal) Début: 3-1 away win v Grays United, Southern League Div 2, 5 Sep 1903 Final game: 0-0 home draw v Swindon Town, Southern League Div 1, 20 Apr 1907 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Southern League 62; all competitions 60
Career Path Stalybridge Rovers (amateur); Glossop (amateur 1900/01, professional close season 1902); WATFORD (August 1903); Sheffield United (£275 April 1907); Stalybridge Celtic (free close season 1912 until at least September 1919); Hurst manager (by 1921)
Football League and Southern League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1900/01 Glossop 4 Football League Division 2 – 5th of 18 1903/04 WATFORD 20 Southern League Division 2 – 1st of 11 (Promoted) 1904/05 WATFORD 34 Southern League Division 1 – 9th of 18 1905/06 WATFORD 23 Southern League Division 1 – 14th of 18 1906/07 WATFORD 29 Southern League Division 1 – 9th of 20 1907/08 Sheffield United 27 Football League Division 1 – 17th of 20 1908/09 Sheffield United 29 Football League Division 1 – 12th of 20 1909/10 Sheffield United 36 Football League Division 1 – 6th of 20 1910/11 Sheffield United 20 Football League Division 1 – 9th of 20 1911/12 Sheffield United 14 Football League Division 1 – 14th of 20
Ever-present in Southern League games in his first two seasons at Cassio Road, Joe Brooks was a very popular and powerfully built left-back who served Watford well for four years. He followed this with five seasons at the top level with Sheffield United before returning to non-League circles in his home town. As a younger man he’d been an accomplished athlete and prize-winning amateur cyclist.
Known as “Joe”. Birth index OK – Ashton-under-Lyne reg dist S1878. Christening: 13 Oct 1878, Chapelry of St John, Dukinfield, date of birth 24 Aug 1878, parents Joseph & Theresa. Hurst were in Lancs Combination. Signed for 1904/05 for £3 pw. Signed for 1905/06 for £10 signing-on fee, 30/- pw in summer and £3 pw winter. 1881 census: Dukinfield, aged 2, parents Joseph & Theresa (there were stepchildren, so this was mother’s second marriage). 1891 census: Dukinfield, aged 12, parents Joseph & Theresa. 1901 census: Stalybridge, aged 22, general labourer, widowed mother Theresa, aged 60. 1911 census – Joseph Brooks, 32, married 5 years, pro footballer (Sheff Utd FC), wife Mary (born Bolton), daughter Mary Windover Standish Brooks, 4, born Watford, son Norman, 1, b Stalybridge. Married Mary Stirling at Ashton-under-Lyne S1906. Herts Leader 25/10/1904 says he “returned from Stalybridge...” (perhaps last summer?) “...in sorrowful circumstances. A bereavement such as he has sustained takes the heart out of a man”. No trace in indexes of a young wife’s death at Stalybridge at this time, nor of his mother, Theresa, so perhaps an infant death? Sheff Utd gave him permission to live in Stalybridge, November 1908. SL Div 2 runner-up with Stalybridge Celtic, 1914/15. Prominent cyclist (“races in the colours of Stalybridge”) & athlete - once held “the amateur one-mile cycling championship”. Said to have won prizes totalling £700 as an amateur cyclist. (This figure “over £1,000” a few weeks later.) He had twice been selected for England to travel overseas (Austria & Canada), but had to cry off due to spills on the track. 5 ft 10 ins. 13 st.
Kurtney Wayne Cookson BROOKS (2009) Midfielder
Born Slough, Berkshire, 14 September 1991 Representative Honours Wales Youth Watford Career Football League Cup: 0+1 appearance Sole appearance: (as sub) 2-0 away win v Barnet, Football League Cup 1st Round, 11 Aug 2009
Career Path Chelsea (Academy, released aged 14); WATFORD (scholar July 2008 until close season 2010); Wealdstone (August 2010); Beaconsfield SYCOB (November 2013); Marlow (May 2014); Burnham Red Lion (October 2014)
Kurtney Brooks was released at the end of his two-year scholarship and made the short move to Wealdstone, having been given a brief first-team outing and also capped by Wales at Under-19 level.
Known as “Kurtney”. Birth index OK – originally registered with surname Crandon, re-registered as Brooks, Jan 1997 (mother’s maiden name Crandon). Midfielder. Capped at U-19 level Sep 2009. Matthew BROUGHTON (1904‐1907) Winger
Born Grantham, Lincolnshire, 8 October 1880 Died Grantham, Lincolnshire, 23 January 1957 Watford Career Southern League: 14 appearances South Eastern League: 1 appearance Début: 1‐0 away win v Luton Town, South Eastern League, 27 Dec 1904 Final game: 0‐0 home draw v Swindon Town, Southern League Div 1, 20 Apr 1907 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Southern League 3; all competitions 3
Career Path Grantham; Nottingham Forest (amateur November 1901, professional December 1901); Grantham; Coventry City (amateur October 1904); Notts County (amateur October 1904); WATFORD (amateur November 1904)
Football League and Southern League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1901/02 Nottingham Forest 16 4 Football League Division 1 – 5th of 18 1902/03 Nottingham Forest 11 1 Football League Division 1 – 10th of 18 1904/05 Notts County 2 1 Football League Division 1 – 18th of 18 1904/05 WATFORD 8 Southern League Division 1 – 9th of 18 1905/06 WATFORD 1 Southern League Division 1 – 14th of 18 1906/07 WATFORD 5 Southern League Division 1 – 9th of 20
Matt Broughton travelled down from Lincolnshire on each of the occasions on which he turned out for Watford as an amateur over a period of two‐and‐half years – twelve times on the right wing and twice at inside‐right. He’d earlier played at the highest level for both the Nottingham clubs, including a spell as a professional for Forest, before reverting to amateur status. Well‐known in his home town for his sporting prowess, he captained Grantham Cricket Club for many years.
Known as “Matt”. Birth & death indexes and probate all OK. Died Hillview Hospital, Grantham. No obit in Grantham paper, except formal announcement. 1881 Census: 100 Norton St, Grantham, aged six months, son of a joiner. Town of Grantham (but not whole Grantham reg dist) has been searched in 1891 Census without success. Lived in Grantham and travelled down specially for each Watford game. Captained Grantham CC for many years. Cousin of First Class cricketer J.J. Broughton.
George Frederick BROWN (1905-1906) Centre-forward / Inside-forward
Born Stantonbury, Buckinghamshire, 27 April 1886 Died Wolverton, Buckinghamshire, 14 April 1965 Watford Career Southern League: 3 appearances South Eastern League: 1 appearance United League: 1 appearance Début: 2-2 home draw v Portsmouth, Southern League Div 1, 4 Sep 1905 Final game: 0-3 away defeat v Brentford, Southern League Div 1, 20 Jan 1906 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Southern League 2; all competitions 2
Career Path Wolverton Town (2 seasons); Northampton Town (1903/04); WATFORD (May 1905); Northampton Town (September 1906)
Southern League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1903/04 Northampton Town 9 4 Southern League Division 1 – 15th of 18 1904/05 Northampton Town 29 5 Southern League Division 1 – 12th of 18 1905/06 WATFORD 3 Southern League Division 1 – 14th of 18 1906/07 Northampton Town 4 Southern League Division 1 – 20th of 20
This career as a professional footballer was over when the player was only 21. He made his Southern League début at the age of 17 and joined Watford while still serving a trade apprenticeship as an engine-fitter, which he continued during his Cassio Road spell. George Brown’s promise as a centre-forward and inside-left was not fulfilled and he twice applied for reinstatement as an amateur, the Football Association refusing the first request, in May 1907, but granting the second exactly two years later.
Known as “George”. Birth index OK (Newport Pagnell J1886). Death (I have certificate) & probate OK. “Aged 19” when he signed. Lived at Stony Stratford in August 1905. Still had two years of an apprenticeship as an engine-fitter to serve when he joined Watford, and he continued with it. Applied via Northants FA for reinstatement as an amateur, May 1907, having “last played for Northampton Town”. Application refused by FA. Applied again May 1909, via Berks & Bucks FA - again, having “last played for Northampton Town”. Application granted. 1891 census: 16 Oxford St, Wolverton; Albert G.Brown, 31, railway coach painter, b Hoxton, London; Rosina E., wife, 29, b Birmingham; Albert V.G., son, 9, b Holloway, London; Violet M., daughter, 7, b Holloway; George F., son, 4, b Wolverton; Lilian R., daughter, 1, b Wolverton; C.W.Richardson, boarder, single, 27, railway coach painter, b Lewes, Sussex. 1901 census: 49 Stratford Rd, Wolverton, George Brown, 14, apprentice engine fitter, b Stantonbury, parents George & Rose. 1911 census: 16 Cambridge St, Wolverton, George Brown, head, 24, brass finisher, railway company’s works, b Stantonbury; wife Ida, 25, b Stantonbury, married 2 years, no children. Marriage: George Frederick Brown=Ida Keturah Dormer 12 July 1908 (Potterspury reg dist S1908 3b 87) 1939 Register: 61 Wolverton Rd, Wolverton, born 22 Apr 1886, licensed victualler, “Duke of Edinburgh”, wife Gladys W. Wife’s death: Ida K.Brown (43), Potterspury reg dist S1929. (Probate – nothing) 2nd marriage: George Frederick Brown=Gladys Winifred Pimbley (Potterspury reg dist J1931) Death certificate: licensed victualler (retired), aged 79, died at home address, 19 Victoria St, Wolverton, informant G.W.Brown, widow of the deceased, present at death. Probate Calendar: George Frederick Brown of 19 Victoria Street, Wolverton, died 14 April 1965. Probate to Gladys Winifred Brown, widow, £1,247. 5 ft 8 ins. 11 st.
Henry Roy BROWN (1953‐1957) Forward / Centre‐half
Born Stoke‐on‐Trent, Staffordshire, 20 December 1923 Died Bushey, Hertfordshire, 8 November 1989 Watford Career Football League: 142 appearances (40 goals) FA Cup: 5 appearances (1 goal) Southern Floodlight Cup: 1 appearance Début: 0‐2 away defeat v Southampton, Football League Div 3 (South), 19 Aug 1953 Final game: 1‐1 home draw v Colchester United, Football League Div 3 (South), 15 Oct 1957 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Football League 17; all competitions 18
Career Path Stoke City (groundstaff 1938, amateur May 1939, professional August 1942); Chester and Shrewsbury Town guest player during Second World War; WATFORD (£5,500 June 1953); Chelmsford City (July 1958)
Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1946/47 Stoke City 4 Football League Division 1 – 4th of 22 1947/48 Stoke City 7 Football League Division 1 – 15th of 22 1948/49 Stoke City 2 Football League Division 1 – 11th of 22 1950/51 Stoke City 26 4 Football League Division 1 – 13th of 22 1951/52 Stoke City 15 2 Football League Division 1 – 20th of 22 1952/53 Stoke City 16 8 Football League Division 1 – 21st of 22 (Relegated) 1953/54 WATFORD 36 21 Football League Division 3 (South) – 4th of 24 1954/55 WATFORD 31 13 Football League Division 3 (South) – 7th of 24 1955/56 WATFORD 29 2 Football League Division 3 (South) – 21st of 24 1956/57 WATFORD 37 4 Football League Division 3 (South) – 11th of 24 1957/58 WATFORD 9 Football League Division 3 (South) – 16th of 24 (Relegated)
One of the very few black footballers of his day, Roy Brown also stood out for the distinguished service he gave Watford as centre‐half, winger and centre‐forward, and was known especially for his speed and spring‐heeled heading ability. His hat‐ trick in a 7‐1 victory over Crystal Palace in 1954/55 was the club’s first in a home League game for eight years. During the war he served as a Physical Training Instructor in the North Staffordshire Regiment. His brother served two terms as Lord Mayor of Stoke‐on‐Trent, in 1983/84 and 1997/98.
Known as “Roy”. Birth & death indexes and probate all OK, except that death index says, incorrectly, date of birth 20 Dec 1924, and death index and probate both say, incorrectly, “Roy Henry”. FL card has order of forenames altered to “Henry Roy”, presumably after seeing his birth certificate. Guest apps for Chester 1944/45. Transfer‐listed by Watford at £1,000 cs 1958. A wartime PTI in the North Staffs Regt. His brother, Douglas Alexander Brown, served twice as Lord Mayor of Stoke‐on‐Trent (1983/84 and 1997/98). 6 ft / 5 ft 9½ ins. 11 st. Joseph BROWN (1937‐1938) Forward
Born Troon, Ayrshire, 10 April 1913 Watford Career Football League: 6 appearances (2 goals) Division 3 (South) Cup: 3 appearances (1 goal) Second World War competitions: 17 appearances (4 goals) Début: 1‐1 away draw v Millwall, Football League Div 3 (South), 2 Oct 1937 Final game in peacetime competitions: 3‐2 away win v Queens Park Rangers, Div 3 (South) Cup 3rd Round, 28 Feb 1938 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Football League 3; all competitions 5
Career Path Troon Athletic (May 1932); Shawfield (July 1935); Aberdeen (September 1935, cancelled August 1937); WATFORD (September 1937, initially on trial, released close season 1938 but re‐signed November 1938); Frickley Colliery (free July 1939); WATFORD (November 1940)
Scottish League & Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1935/36 Aberdeen 3 Scottish League Division 1 – 3rd of 20 1937/38 WATFORD 6 2 Football League Division 3 (South) – 4th of 22
He was taken on following a trial period early in the 1937/38 season, and after being released the following summer was eventually re‐engaged on part‐time terms, and rejoined the club yet again during the Second World War. A forward who played mainly on the left‐wing at Vicarage Road, Joe Brown was sent off in his fifth Football League appearance, away to Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic in a match which finished goalless.
Known as “Joe”. Birth index OK. Very possibly died Stevenston reg dist 1967, aged 54 (Stevenston is near Troon) – check this by getting birth cert & finding mother’s maiden name. Born at Loans, Troon, son of a holder‐on. Had a job in Watford when he re‐signed, as a part‐timer, in November 1938. Barnsley & Doncaster searched 1939. 5 ft 6 ins. 11 st. J.A.BROWN (1889‐1890) Forward
Watford Rovers Career Herts County Cup: 1 appearance Hennessey Cup: 1 appearance Début: 2‐0 win v Hoddesdon (at St Albans), Herts County Cup Final, 23 Mar 1889 Final game: 0‐1 away defeat v Windsor Phoenix, Hennessey Cup Semi‐final, 1 Feb 1890 Longest run of consecutive appearances: all competitions 1
Career Path Notts County; WATFORD ROVERS
Although not featuring on the scoresheet in either of the two cup‐tie appearances, he played for the club in three first‐team friendly games in those pre‐Southern League days and scored a total of five goals. He also represented Hertfordshire.
Reece BROWN (2013) (Defender)
Born Manchester, 1 November 1991 Representative Honours England Youth Watford Career Football League: 0+1 appearance Football League Cup: 2 appearances Début: 3-1 away win v Bristol Rovers, Football League Cup 1st Round, 7 Aug 2013 Final game: 2-0 home win v AFC Bournemouth, Football League Cup 2nd Round, 28 Aug 2013 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Football League 1; all competitions 1
Career Path Fletcher Moss Rangers; Manchester United (from age 9, scholar June 2008, professional July 2010); Bradford City (loan September 2010); Doncaster Rovers (loan August 2011); Oldham Athletic (loan March 2012); Coventry City (loan July 2012); Ipswich Town (loan February 2013); WATFORD (free July 2013); Carlisle United (loan March 2014); Barnsley (undisclosed fee July 2014, released January 2015); Bury (August 2015, released close season 2016); Sheffield United (September 2016); Bury (free January 2017); Rochdale (free May 2017)
Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 2010/11 Bradford City 3 Football League Division 2 (4th tier) – 18th of 24 2011/12 Doncaster Rovers 1 2 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 24th of 24 (Relegated) 2011/12 Oldham Athletic 15 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 16th of 24 2012/13 Coventry City 6 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 15th of 24 2012/13 Ipswich Town 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 14th of 24 2013/14 WATFORD 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 13th of 24 2013/14 Carlisle United 9 3 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 22nd of 24 (Relegated) 2014/15 Barnsley 10 3 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 11th of 24 2015/16 Bury 15 13 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 14th of 24 2016/17 Sheffield United 2 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 1st of 24 (Promoted) 2016/17 Bury 7 1 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 19th of 24
Having made little impact following his arrival at Vicarage Road, strapping defender Reece Brown was loaned out to Carlisle United and made a string of late-season League appearances before moving to Barnsley in the summer. Like his elder brother and England international, he was an Old Trafford product, but unlike Wes he was unable to break into the Manchester United first team.
Known as “Reece”. Capped at U-19 & U-20 levels. Robert Henry BROWN (1961‐1963) Forward
Born Streatham, London, 2 May 1940 Representative Honours England Amateur Great Britain Amateur Watford Career Football League: 28 appearances (10 goals) FA Cup: 2 appearances (1 goal) Début: 3‐1 away win v Romford, FA Cup 2nd Round, 25 Nov 1961 Final game: 0‐2 home defeat v Millwall, Football League Div 3, 30 Apr 1963 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Football League 21; all competitions 21
Career Path Barnet; Middlesex Wanderers; Hertfordshire; London; Fulham (amateur September 1960); WATFORD (professional November 1961); Northampton Town (November 1963 – “nominal cash/exchange deal” involving B.R.Jones, who was probably valued higher); Cardiff City (October 1966, retired October 1969); Hull City youth‐development officer (1982); Cardiff City lottery department; Wales assistant‐manager; Hull City assistant‐manager, caretaker‐manager for 1 month
Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1960/61 Fulham 5 2 Football League Division 1 – 17th of 22 1961/62 Fulham 3 2 Football League Division 1 – 20th of 22 1961/62 WATFORD 21 6 Football League Division 3 – 17th of 24 1962/63 WATFORD 7 4 Football League Division 3 – 17th of 24 1963/64 Northampton Town 6 Football League Division 2 – 11th of 22 1964/65 Northampton Town 20 13 Football League Division 2 – 2nd of 22 (Promoted) 1965/66 Northampton Town 21 9 Football League Division 1 – 21st of 22 (Relegated) 1966/67 Northampton Town 3 Football League Division 2 – 21st of 22 (Relegated) 1966/67 Cardiff City 29 14 Football League Division 2 – 20th of 22 1967/68 Cardiff City 21 9 Football League Division 2 – 13th of 22
Bobby Brown was prominent as an amateur forward who represented Great Britain in the 1960 Olympics, scored both of Barnet’s goals in the 1958/59 FA Amateur Cup final at Wembley (Crook Town won 3‐2) and also played in the First Division for Fulham before turning professional when offered terms by Watford. In his two years at Vicarage Road, during which he once scored four times in ten minutes for the Reserves, he was hampered by injury, and it was another knock, suffered on Boxing Day 1967 when with Cardiff City, which eventually forced his retirement. He left football after falling out with a Hull City director, and later ran a pub, restaurant and caravan park in Haverfordwest.
Known as “Bobby”. Birth index OK. According to Frank Grande (Northampton Town historian), he fell out with a Hull City director and quit that club to run a hotel in Wales. As an amateur represented Herts, London & Athenian Lge. Scored 3 in 3½ mins and 4 in 10 mins for Reserves in 8‐0 win v Brentford 9/11/1963. FA tour to Far East, NZ & USA, 1961. Played for FA XI v New Zealand at Northampton 13/4/1964. By November 2004 running a pub, caravan park and restaurant at Haverfordwest. 5 ft 10 ins. 13 st.
Thomas Graham BROWN (1949‐1953) Inside‐forward
Born Cowdenbeath, Fife, 11 August 1924 Died Blackpool, Lancashire, December 2005 Watford Career Football League: 108 appearances (11 goals, including 1 penalty) FA Cup: 5 appearances (1 goal) Début: 0‐0 away draw v Leyton Orient, Football League Div 3 (South), 20 Aug 1949 Final game: 1‐3 home defeat v Norwich City, Football League Div 3 (South), 17 Oct 1953 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Football League 45; all competitions 50
Career Path Kelty Our Boys (professional September 1940, cancelled October 1941); Kelty Rangers; Dunfermline Athletic (September 1943, cancelled September 1946); Worcester City; Portsmouth (October 1946); WATFORD (£1,000 July 1949); Nelson (close season 1954); Northwich Victoria
Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1947/48 Portsmouth 17 1 Football League Division 1 – 8th of 22 1949/50 WATFORD 42 5 Football League Division 3 (South) – 6th of 22 1950/51 WATFORD 28 3 Football League Division 3 (South) – 23rd of 24 1951/52 WATFORD 27 2 Football League Division 3 (South) – 21st of 24 1952/53 WATFORD 5 Football League Division 3 (South) – 10th of 24 1953/54 WATFORD 6 1 Football League Division 3 (South) – 4th of 24
A highly popular inside‐forward who could also fill a half‐back role and on the wing, he was small (weighing 9½ stones) and skilful in the traditional Scottish style. Tommy Brown’s experience before reaching Vicarage Road included representative football for the RAF and top‐flight appearances for Portsmouth. After five seasons his Football League registration was retained while he was transfer‐listed with a fee of £1,000 on his head, but he chose to leave the club and dropped into non‐ League circles in the north‐west. He’d also been transfer‐listed in 1951 (£1,500) and 1953 (£1,000), but he re‐signed for the new season in each case.
Known as “Tommy”. Birth & death indexes OK. Probate nothing. Born 140 Failford Rd, Cowdenbeath. Clubs which appear in SFA registers include Kelty Our Boys, but not Kelty Rangers ‐ except Kelty North End Rangers, which is in the 1940/41 register, but not 1941/42 or 1942/43. For 1943/44 apps, see Soccer History 29, page 22 (Dunfermline First Series & Second Series). In February 1992 living at 160 Grange Road, Blackpool (Blackpool 396849). 5 ft 4 ins / 5 ft 5 ins. 9 st 8 lbs.
William BROWN (1901-1904) Winger
Born Luton, Bedfordshire, 27 June 1874 Died Luton, Bedfordshire, 6 January 1940 Watford Career Southern League: 57 appearances (4 goals) FA Cup: 4 appearances (1 goal) South Eastern League: 12 appearances (2 goals) Début: 1-0 away win v Queens Park Rangers, Southern League Div 1, 7 Sep 1901 Final game: 2-3 away defeat v Luton Town, South Eastern League, 30 Apr 1904 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Southern League 21; all competitions 24
Career Path Luton Town (late-1891/92); St Albans Town (reinstated amateur September 1895, professional again May 1898); Luton Town (close season 1899); WATFORD (May 1901); Luton Town (August 1904)
Southern League & Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1894/95 Luton Town 2 Southern League Division 1 – 2nd of 9 1895/96 Luton Town 1 Southern League Division 1 – 2nd of 10 1899/00 Luton Town 26 3 Football League Division 2 – 17th of 18 (Relegated) 1900/01 Luton Town 24 5 Southern League Division 1 – 10th of 15 1901/02 WATFORD 15 1 Southern League Division 1 – 13th of 16 1902/03 WATFORD 22 Southern League Division 1 – 15th of 16 (Relegated) 1903/04 WATFORD 20 3 Southern League Division 2 – 1st of 11 (Promoted) 1904/05 Luton Town 2 Southern League Division 1 – 17th of 18
Never mind “William”, he was widely known not only as “Tip” but also “Roland”, for reasons which prove elusive. Watford’s first-choice right-winger for most of his three seasons at Cassio Road, he also had a thriving straw-hat-making business in his home town – a Hatter, therefore, in more than one context. And although not renowned for goalscoring, he enjoyed a hat- trick in a friendly against Luton, with whom he had three spells, and also played for the short-lived professional club St Albans Town. As a cricketer he was a major figure in Bedfordshire, serving Luton Town CC as an opening batsman for over 30 years and honorary secretary for 33, scored freely and bowled medium-pace for the county for 25 seasons (last appearance aged 50), and represented his club on the Bedfordshire committee and the Club Cricket Conference. He was active in the wider community, too, as a special constable and freemason.
Known as “Roland” and “Tip”. Death index (“aged 65”) & probate OK. 1939 Register: 142 High Town Rd, Luton, William Brown, b 27 Jun 1874, straw hat manufacturer, also special constable, wife Martha, born 4 Jun 1874. Resumed pro status when St Albans adopted professionalism in 1898 – see also Albie Sharp. According to Wisden obit, a prolific run-getter and medium-paced bowler for Beds CCC for 25 years. Died at 142 High Town Rd, Luton. Obit in Luton News reveals: hon sec of Luton Town CC for 33 years and opened their batting for over 30 years, represented the club on Beds CCC committee and Club Cricket Conference, made last appearance for Beds when 50, a hat manufacturer, special constable & freemason, nickname ‘Tip’ acquired in football career *although always referred to in Watford papers as ‘Roland’, of which there is no mention at all in the obit, which calls him William ‘Tip’ Brown+. Among the mourners at funderal were wife (unnamed), sisters Miss M. Brown and Mrs Tomkins, niece Miss Hannell, and nephews Mr H. & Mr A. Brown. Didn’t re-sign for 1902/03 until early November. Signed for 1903/04 for 30/- pw and his expenses to away matches and 7/6d for every match other than Saturdays. Had a thriving straw-hat-making business by August 1904. A W.Brown registered with FA by Rushden Fosse September 1904, and one by Pye Bridge November 1904. Withdrew from team 25/4/1903 owing to family bereavement - there were four Brown deaths registered Luton J1903 - Ann (79), Bernard Sidney (0), Emma (77), Walter (56) - nothing for any of them in probate indexes; a search of the 1881 Census index tends to rule out the aforementioned Walter as his father, so could Bernard Sidney be a son? - there’s nothing in the obit columns of the Luton News. 5 ft 5½ ins. 11 st 4 lbs. William BROWN (1928‐1935) Full‐back
Born Bishop Auckland, County Durham, 27 February 1907 Died City of London, 17 August 1976 Watford Career Football League: 220 appearances FA Cup: 21 appearances Division 3 (South) Cup: 8 appearances Début: 2‐3 away defeat v Queens Park Rangers, Football League Div 3 (South), 6 Oct 1928 Final game: 4‐2 away win v Nunhead, FA Cup 1st Round, 30 Nov 1935 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Football League 96; all competitions 111
Career Path Barrington School; Bishop Auckland; Crook Town (February 1927); Huddersfield Town (professional May 1927); WATFORD (free May 1928); Exeter City (exchanged for R.Robinson June 1936); Darlington (June 1939); Dickinson’s, Apsley player‐coach (close season 1948 for 2 seasons); Hemel Hempstead Town coach (close season 1950)
Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1928/29 WATFORD 11 Football League Division 3 (South) – 8th of 22 1929/30 WATFORD 18 Football League Division 3 (South) – 15th of 22 1930/31 WATFORD 31 Football League Division 3 (South) – 18th of 22 1931/32 WATFORD 42 Football League Division 3 (South) – 11th of 22 1932/33 WATFORD 38 Football League Division 3 (South) – 11th of 22 1933/34 WATFORD 27 Football League Division 3 (South) – 15th of 22 1934/35 WATFORD 37 Football League Division 3 (South) – 6th of 22 1935/36 WATFORD 16 Football League Division 3 (South) – 5th of 22 1936/37 Exeter City 32 Football League Division 3 (South) – 21st of 22 1937/38 Exeter City 26 Football League Division 3 (South) – 17th of 22 1938/39 Exeter City 28 Football League Division 3 (South) – 14th of 22 1939/40 Darlington 3 Football League Division 3 (North) – season abandoned
No other outfield player has ever concluded his Watford career with as many as 249 first‐team appearances without a single goal, but Bill (“Buster”) Brown’s defensive qualities and consistency at right‐back were formidable. He was also a professional sprinter as a young man. Although his subsequent football moves took him to the far south‐west, and thence back to his native north‐east, he had married a Watford lady in 1933 and retained their home in the town, where he settled. He died in St Bartholomew’s Hospital.
Known as “Bill” & “Buster”. Probate OK. Signed with R. Cowan. Married Agnes Grace Johnson of 67 Kings Avenue, Monday 27/2/1933. Biography in The Football Who’s Who. After transfer to Exeter he continued to live at 94 Kings Avenue, Watford, still his home at time of death. One of several ex‐players living in the Watford area who met manager McBain in August 1956 to discuss arrangements for establishing a local scouting network. The others were Barnett, McHugh, Armstrong & Woodward. Presumably granted a permit to play as an amateur for Dickinson’s. 5 ft 8 ins. 11 st.
Wayne Lawrence BROWN (2002-2004) Defender
Born Barking, London, 20 August 1977 Watford Career Football League: 34+2 appearances (4 goals) FA Cup: 1 appearance Début: (as sub) 1-1 away draw v Preston North End, Football League Div 1, 31 Jan 2002 Final game: 1-3 away defeat v West Bromwich Albion, Football League Div 1, 31 Jan 2004 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Football League 11; all competitions 11
Career Path Leyton Orient (2 years from the age of 12); Ipswich Town (schoolboy April 1993, trainee May 1994, professional May 1996); Colchester United (loan October 1997); Queens Park Rangers (loan March 2001); Wimbledon (loan September 2001); WATFORD (loan January 2002, free December 2002); Gillingham (loan September 2003); Colchester United (loan February 2004, free July 2004); Hull City (£400,000 July 2007); Preston North End (loan October 2008); Leicester City (loan January 2009, undisclosed fee July 2009); Preston North End (free July 2010, released close season 2011); Bury Town (October 2011 briefly before retirement through injury); Colchester United coaching staff (caretaker-manager December 2015)
Football League & FA Premier League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1997/98 Colchester United 2 Football League Division 3 (4th tier) – 4th of 24 (Promoted) 1997/98 Ipswich Town 1 Football League Division 1 (2nd tier) – 5th of 24 1998/99 Ipswich Town 1 Football League Division 1 (2nd tier) – 3rd of 24 1999/00 Ipswich Town 21 6 Football League Division 1 (2nd tier) – 3rd of 24 (Promoted) 2000/01 Ipswich Town 4 FA Premier League – 5th of 20 2000/01 Queens Park Rangers 2 Football League Division 1 (2nd tier) – 23rd of 24 (Relegated) 2001/02 Wimbledon 17 1 Football League Division 1 (2nd tier) – 9th of 24 2001/02 WATFORD 10 1 3 Football League Division 1 (2nd tier) – 14th of 24 2002/03 Ipswich Town 7 2 Football League Division 1 (2nd tier) – 7th of 24 2002/03 WATFORD 12 1 1 Football League Division 1 (2nd tier) – 13th of 24 2003/04 Gillingham 4 1 Football League Division 1 (2nd tier) – 21st of 24 2003/04 WATFORD 12 Football League Division 1 (2nd tier) – 16th of 24 2003/04 Colchester United 16 Football League Division 2 (3rd tier) – 11th of 24 2004/05 Colchester United 38 2 1 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 15th of 24 2005/06 Colchester United 38 2 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 2nd of 24 (Promoted) 2006/07 Colchester United 46 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 10th of 24 2007/08 Hull City 44 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 3rd of 24 2008/09 Hull City 1 FA Premier League – 17th of 20 2008/09 Preston North End 6 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 6th of 24 2008/09 Leicester City 7 2 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 1st of 24 (Promoted) 2009/10 Leicester City 38 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 5th of 24 2010/11 Preston North End 12 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 22nd of 24 (Relegated)
One of the less exotic signings of the Vialli reign, Wayne Brown first came to Watford on loan and recorded a rare feat for a centre-half – two goals in a game from open play, these coming against Coventry City. He could, and did, also play at left back, but it was overwhelmingly as a strong and solid influence in a centre-back pairing that he built a Football League (and twice very briefly Premier League) career encompassing 14 seasons. After his very early association with Leyton Orient, and before signing schoolboy forms for Ipswich Town, he had unsuccessful trials with five other League clubs, including Watford.
Known as “Wayne”. Birth index OK. After his 2-year association with Leyton Orient he had trials with Arsenal, Millwall, Watford (aged 15), Gillingham & Sheffield United before signing for Ipswich. William Willson BRUNT (1890-1900) Goalkeeper
Born Watford, Hertfordshire, 29 October 1869 Died Watford, Hertfordshire, 1942 Watford Career Southern League: 6 appearances Herts Senior Cup: 2 appearances Bucks & Contiguous Counties League: 1 appearance Début: 5-0 away win v Uxbridge, Hennessey Cup 1st Round, 1 Nov 1890 Final game: 1-2 away defeat v Southall, Southern League Div 2, 17 Apr 1900 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Southern League 3; all competitions 4
Career Path The Grove (by 1889/90); Watford St Mary’s (early-1890/91); WATFORD ROVERS (1890/91); Watford Church Institute (1891/92 & 1892/93); Watford St Mary’s (amateur September 1897); WATFORD (amateur September 1898, then professional September 1898)
Southern League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1898/99 WATFORD 1 Southern League Division 2 – 3rd of 12 1899/00 WATFORD 5 Southern League Division 2 – 1st of 11 (Promoted)
He became Guthrie Baker’s understudy after turning professional, but had been the club’s regular goalkeeper back in 1890/91 after helping Watford St Mary’s to win the Herts County Cup the previous season. A son of a Watford High Street tailor, Billy Brunt sustained severe facial injuries in March 1894 when he fell from a 26-rung ladder at Broad Street station in the course of his employment as a painter, but recovered to resume his football career.
Known as “Billy”. Birth (D1869) & death (D1942) indexes OK – probate nothing. Baptized St Mary’s, Watford, 9 Mar 1877 [sic]. 1939 Register: 32 Gladstone Rd, Watford, William W.Brant [sic], b 29 Oct 1869, widower, foreman painter, retired. FA registration as an amateur by Watford St Mary’s Sep/Oct 1897. FA registrations include W. Brunt, Creswell Utd pro September 1904, and also Brodsworth Colliery pro July 1908. No birth announcement in Watford Observer. At time of both 1881 & 1891 Censuses lived at 172a High St - father a tailor employing one man. Wife Emily Jane died 16/11/1918 - address 32 Gladstone Rd. Gave evidence in court January 1889, his brother having been charged with false pretences. Pen pic and portrait in Watford Observer 28/2/1891. 11 st 7 lbs.
Michael Anthony BRYAN (2009-2010) Winger
Born Hammersmith, London, 21 February 1990 Representative Honours Northern Ireland Under-21 & Full Watford Career Football League: 5+7 appearances Football League Cup: 0+2 Début: (as sub) 0-2 away defeat v Sheffield United, Football League Championship, 15 Aug 2009 Final game: 1-1 home draw v Nottingham Forest, Football League Championship, 6 Nov 2010 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Football League 5; all competitions 5
Career Path Queens Park Rangers (from age 10); Hayes & Yeading youth team; WATFORD (youth team and Reserves from November 2007, professional November 2008, released close season 2012); Bradford City (loan August 2011); AFC Bournemouth trial (January 2012); Leyton Orient trial (February 2012); Northampton Town trial (July 2012); Aldershot trial (July 2012); Brackley Town (November 2012); Daventry Town (loan November 2012); Corby Town (free January 2013); Portsmouth trial (July 2013); Hendon (August 2013); Hampton & Richmond Borough (June 2014); Harrow Borough (September 2014)
Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 2009/10 WATFORD 1 6 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 16th of 24 2010/11 WATFORD 4 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 14th of 24 2011/12 Bradford City 5 3 Football League Division 2 (4th tier) – 18th of 24
Sprightly and tricky, Michael Bryan made a handful of first-team appearances over two seasons under Malky Mackay and became a Full international at the age of 20, but under a change of manager was sidelined in 2011/12 and released at the end of the season.
Known as “Michael”. Birth index OK. First Full cap at 20. Contrary to reports, he was never registered as a scholar. Prince BUABEN (2011-2013) Midfielder
Born Akosombo, Ghana, 23 April 1988 Representative Honours Ghana Full Watford Career Football League: 21+10 appearances (1 goal) FA Cup: 1 appearance Football League Cup: 0+1 appearance Début: (as sub) 1-1 away draw v Bristol Rovers, Football League Cup 1st Round, 23 Aug 2011 (lost in penalty shoot-out) Final game: (as sub) 0-1 away defeat v Hull City, Football League Championship, 2 Apr 2013 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Football League 16; all competitions 12
Career Path AVV Zeeburgia (Netherlands) (2002); Ajax (Netherlands) academy (2004); Manchester City trial; Dundee United (July 2007 after trial period); WATFORD (free July 2011, released close season 2013); Carlisle United (October 2013); Partick Thistle (loan January 2014); Heart of Midlothian (free July 2014)
Scottish Premier League, Scottish League Championship & Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 2007/08 Dundee United 20 4 3 Scottish Premier League – 5th of 12 2008/09 Dundee United 20 2 1 Scottish Premier League – 5th of 12 2009/10 Dundee United 33 1 2 Scottish Premier League – 3rd of 12 2010/11 Dundee United 29 6 2 Scottish Premier League – 4th of 12 2011/12 WATFORD 21 9 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 11th of 24 2012/13 WATFORD 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 3rd of 24 2013/14 Carlisle United 10 2 1 Football League Division 1 (3rd tier) – 22nd of 24 (Relegated) 2013/14 Partick Thistle 9 2 Scottish Premiership – 10th of 12 2014/15 Heart of Midlothian 21 4 Scottish League Championship (2nd tier) – 1st of 10 (Promoted) 2015/16 Heart of Midlothian 33 3 2 Scottish Premiership – 3rd of 12 2016/17 Heart of Midlothian 11 9 1 Scottish Premiership – 5th of 12
Covering plenty of ground over the course of a match, midfielder Prince Buaben was a frequent member of the Watford first- team squad in 2011/12 after spending four seasons with one of the better sides in Scotland, where he helped Dundee United to win the Scottish FA Cup in the club’s centenary season. He was taken from Ghana to The Netherlands at the age of nine and was nurtured in the Ajax academy, but owing to a difficulty over his residential status in that country he was unable to accept the Amsterdam club’s offer of a professional contract.
According to Wikipedia he adopted the full name Prince Christian Buaben Abankwah after his father’s death in 2010, but the player says in the programme 31 Dec 2011: “I am Prince Buaben, that’s my full name”. Scottish FA Cup win in Dundee Utd’s centenary season, 2009/10. Also played in the club’s Scottish Lge Cup final defeat 1907/08. William Edward BUCKLEY (2010-2011) Forward
Born Oldham, Greater Manchester, 21 November 1989 Watford Career Football League: 31+8 appearances (5 goals) FA Cup: 2 appearances Football League Cup: 2 appearances Début: (as sub) 1-3 away defeat v Cardiff City, Football League Championship, 21 Mar 2010 Final game: (as sub) 1-3 away defeat v Preston North End, Football League Championship, 7 May 2011 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Football League 12; all competitions 14
Career Path Curzon Ashton (2 years); Rochdale (non-contract August 2007, contract September 2007); WATFORD (£200,000 January 2010, plus increments amounting to £39,000 based on appearances, and £152,200 as 20% of the subsequent “sell-on” profit); Brighton & Hove Albion (£1 million June 2011, plus 15% of “sell-on” profit); Sunderland (£2.5 million August 2014); Leeds United (loan October 2015); Birmingham City (loan January 2016); Sheffield Wednesday (loan August 2016); Bolton Wanderers (free June 2017)
Football League & FA Premier League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 2007/08 Rochdale 2 7 Football League Division 2 (4th tier) – 5th of 24 2008/09 Rochdale 28 9 10 Football League Division 2 (4th tier) – 6th of 22 2009/10 Rochdale 12 3 3 Football League Division 2 (4th tier) – 3rd of 24 (Promoted) 2009/10 WATFORD 4 2 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 16th of 24 2010/11 WATFORD 27 6 4 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 14th of 24 2011/12 Brighton & Hove Albion 16 13 8 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 10th of 24 2012/13 Brighton & Hove Albion 30 8 8 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 4th of 24 2013/14 Brighton & Hove Albion 22 10 3 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 6th of 24 2014/15 Brighton & Hove Albion 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 20th of 24 2014/15 Sunderland 9 13 FA Premier League – 16th of 20 2015/16 Leeds United 1 3 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 13th of 24 2015/16 Birmingham City 5 5 1 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 10th of 24 2016/17 Sheffield Wednesday 2 9 Football League Championship (2nd tier) – 4th of 24
Possessor of a devastating turn of pace, Will Buckley was an inconsistent performer at Watford, but at his best capable of tormenting defenders, never more so than in causing Cardiff City to replace an experienced left-back with a substitute well before half-time. Seventeen months after joining the club, he was only 21 when sold on at a profit, Brighton & Hove Albion recognizing the player’s potential.
Known as “Will”. Birth index OK. Pre-Rochdale details confirmed by the player himself – also the fact that he was never a scholar. Cecil BULLING (1911-1914) Half-back
Born Tuxford, Nottinghamshire, 12 July 1886 Died Nottingham, 1 February 1968 Watford Career Southern League: 60 appearances (4 goals, including 1 penalty) FA Cup: 8 appearances Southern Charity Cup: 2 appearances Début: 2-4 away defeat v Brentford, Southern League Div 1, 9 Sep 1911 Final game: 1-3 away defeat v Coventry City, Southern League Div 1, 18 Apr 1914 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Southern League 35; all competitions 38
Career Path Heanor Town (2 seasons); WATFORD (May 1911); Luton Town (a month’s trial October 1914)
Southern League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1911/12 WATFORD 32 1 Southern League Division 1 – 9th of 20 1912/13 WATFORD 26 3 Southern League Division 1 – 14th of 20 1913/14 WATFORD 2 Southern League Division 1 – 18th of 20
The elder of two brothers signed simultaneously, Cecil – always known as ‘Chris’ – Bulling was club captain in his second Cassio Road season, following which he underwent a cartilage operation in the summer and was not re-engaged until February 1914, when it soon became clear that his best days as a defensive half-back had gone. Thereafter, while on trial at Luton Town he took part in a 2-0 victory against Watford in a Southern Charity Cup tie at Kenilworth Road. A third Bulling brother played in the Football League for Tottenham Hotspur, and a nephew later did so for Leicester City and Wrexham.
Known as “Chris”. Birth & death (M1968) indexes OK – probate nothing. Listed at £200 May 1913 but fee reduced to £100 “by the authorities” – cartilege operation cs 1913 and wasn’t re-engaged until fit in Feb 1914. Brother of Harold. Another brother, Evelyn, played for Spurs. A nephew (James, son of brother Horace) played for Leicester City & Wrexham - see obit in AFS Report 78. 1891 Census - address Shere Wood Bungalow, Martin Moor, Martin, Lincs. In 1992 Sarah Bulling, great-neice of James, researching family history and living at 94 Mimms Hall Rd, Potters Bar, EN6 3DX. 5 ft 11½ ins. 11 st 9 lbs.
Harold Montague BULLING (1911-1915) Full-back
Born Martin, Lincolnshire, 29 September 1890 Died West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, 9 November 1933 Watford Career Southern League: 99 appearances (1 goal) FA Cup: 4 appearances Southern Charity Cup: 5 appearances First World War competitions: 1 appearance Début: 0-1 home defeat v Luton Town, Southern Charity Cup, 1st Round, 13 Sep 1911 Final game in peacetime competitions: 2-1 away win v Brighton & Hove Albion, Southern League Div 1, 24 Apr 1915 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Southern League 29; all competitions 33
Career Path West Bridgford Boys; Heanor Town (1910); WATFORD (May 1911); Nottingham Forest (guest player during First World War, unspecified fee August 1919); Shirebrook (free close season 1926)
Southern League & Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1911/12 WATFORD 9 Southern League Division 1 – 9th of 20 1912/13 WATFORD 30 Southern League Division 1 – 14th of 20 1913/14 WATFORD 25 1 Southern League Division 1 – 18th of 20 1914/15 WATFORD 35 Southern League Division 1 – 1st of 20 1919/20 Nottingham Forest 20 Football League Division 2 – 18th of 22 1920/21 Nottingham Forest 39 Football League Division 2 – 18th of 22 1921/22 Nottingham Forest 42 1 Football League Division 2 – 1st of 22 (Promoted) 1922/23 Nottingham Forest 31 1 Football League Division 1 – 20th of 22 1923/24 Nottingham Forest 33 Football League Division 1 – 20th of 22 1924/25 Nottingham Forest 21 Football League Division 1 – 22nd of 22 (Relegated)
Outlasting his brother Chris at Cassio Road, full-back Harold Bulling was a regular member of the club’s Southern League championship-winning team. On the resumption of peacetime football in 1919, reluctant to leave Nottingham, where he was working for his father, a building contractor, and had been playing as a wartime guest for Forest, he was sold to that club and was ever-present when it won the Second Division championship in 1921/22. His other five seasons at the City Ground were conspicuously less successful. The fee received from Forest enabled back-pay of about £270 to be paid to Watford players then on the staff who, before the Great War, had agreed to take a cut in wages in view of the club’s dire financial circumstances. A third Bulling brother and a nephew also played in the Football League.
Known as “Harold”. Birth & death indexes and probate all OK. Brother of Chris (qv) & Evelyn, and uncle of James. Married “recently” (March 1912). Missed the match 16/9/1914 owing to a family bereavement. Served in The King’s (Liverpool Regiment) in the First World War, and was awarded the MM. 5 ft 9ins / 5 ft 10 ins / 5 ft 11 ins. 11 st 3 lbs.
Frederick BUNCE (1955‐1962) Winger
Born Bushey, Hertfordshire, 16 February 1938 Died Victoria, Australia, 9 October 1991 Representative Honours England Youth Watford Career Football League: 150 appearances (34 goals) FA Cup: 19 appearances (3 goals) Southern Floodlight Cup: 4 appearances (2 goals) Football League Cup: 4 appearances (3 goals) Début: 0‐2 away defeat v Southampton, Football League Div 3 (South), 22 Oct 1955 Final game: 2‐2 home draw v Poole Town, FA Cup 1st Round, 3 Nov 1962 Longest run of consecutive appearances: Football League 79; all competitions 61
Career Path Hertfordshire Schools; Bushey United youth team; Watford Boys Club; Hertfordshire youth team; WATFORD (groundstaff and amateur September 1955, professional October 1955); Cambridge United (November 1962); Cambridge City; Highlands Park (South Africa) (February 1964 until December 1964); Boksbury (South Africa) (1965); Germiston Callies (South Africa) (1966 until 1967); Bedmond coach (1967); Ringwood City Wilhelmina (Australia) (1969 until 1974); youth coach in Melbourne (Australia) by January 1988
Football League Career Apps Subs Goals League Status and Final Position 1955/56 WATFORD 10 1 Football League Division 3 (South) – 21st of 24 1956/57 WATFORD 2 Football League Division 3 (South) – 11th of 24 1958/59 WATFORD 21 7 Football League Division 4 – 15th of 24 1959/60 WATFORD 24 3 Football League Division 4 – 4th of 24 (Promoted) 1960/61 WATFORD 43 16 Football League Division 3 – 4th of 24 1961/62 WATFORD 44 7 Football League Division 3 – 17th of 24 1962/63 WATFORD 6 Football League Division 3 – 17th of 24
A flying left‐winger with a bustling, energetic style which endeared him to the crowd – “Open the gates” was the popular cry when he set off at a gallop – Freddie Bunce brought the club’s first England honours since Tiny Fayers won Amateur caps in 1909. He helped Highlands Park to win the South African national league title in 1964, and in February 1969 paid £250 out of his own pocket to cancel his registration with Germiston Callies in order to play back in England for Bedmond, whom he had been coaching for 18 months. He later coached under Brian Garvey in Australia, where he was employed in a sportswear company by Willie Devine, once his rival for the Watford left‐wing position. He died of cancer at the age of 53.
Known as “Freddie”. Birth index OK. Joined Cambridge Utd (ie non‐Lge) Nov 62, but still on Watford’s transfer list at £2,000 cs 1963 – League registration cancelled by FL Aug 1963. Died of cancer. In the Army on National Service by July 1956 ‐ demobbed September 1958, when he signed full‐time. Hat‐trick on home début for Cambridge Utd. Represented Transvaal in inter‐state match in April 1964. Expected to emigrate to Australia at end of season to play for Ringwood City Wilhelmina, who had promised to reimburse the £250 and find him a job as a school physical‐training instructor. Employed by Willie Devine for a sportswear company in Australia by December 1984. Working as a youth coach under Brian Garvey in Melbourne, January 1988.