Hertfordshire | Watford FC to wear Elton John-inspired football kit

Elton John is still standing as a huge Watford fan

Watford will wear a special one-off kit this weekend, inspired by their former chairman Sir Elton John.

Author | Peter Grainger 

The design marks nearly 50 years since the musician took up the role at Vicarage Road in 1976.

The club said Sir Elton, a lifelong supporter who first followed the Hornets as a six-year-old, was closely involved in shaping the look. It takes inspiration from the artwork of his Diamonds album.

The strip will make its only appearance on Saturday, when Watford face Blackburn Rovers in the Championship.

Each shirt is made from polyester knit and carries a star design, the Watford crest and a retro Happy Hornet badge dating back to Sir Elton’s arrival as chairman.

On the back, the kit is embossed with a line from Your Song: “How wonderful life is while you’re in the world.”

Fans will be able to buy the strip in versions with or without the gambling sponsor’s name on the front.

Elton John’s history with the club

The Elton John Stand

In the 1970s and 1980s, he served as Watford's chairman and owner, famously appointing Graham Taylor as manager. Under his stewardship, they climbed from the Fourth Division to the old First Division.

During something of a golden era for Watford. Taylor led the Hornets to a second-place finish behind Liverpool in the 1982-83 season, and the following year guided them to their first FA Cup final.

During an emotional farewell tour in 2022, the musician played two shows at the club's home ground of Vicarage Road.

In a recent discussion with the media, he said: "I first came to Vicarage Road when I was six years old and I was hooked, I became a Watford fan for life. I can't tell you how much I love this club and you, the supporters. It's been so much part of my life, I can't tell you, I get very emotional thinking about it."