A new mural celebrating Watford Football Club’s play-off final victory at Wembley Stadium, 25 years ago, has been officially unveiled...
This was done by the Leader of Hertfordshire County Council Richard Roberts, Chairman of the Council Terry Douris, Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor, and club legends from the final.
The unveiling on The Crescent took place on Saturday (28 September), before their Championship home game against Sunderland FC. It features many of the heroes from a famous day in the Hornet’s history when they beat Bolton Wanderers 2-0. Goal scorers Nick Wright and Allan Smart are there, together with captain Robert Page, goalkeeper Alec Chamberlain and defender Paul Robinson. Manager Graham Taylor is featured with the trophy, in an iconic image from the game.
Alec Chamberlain, Robert Page and Nick Wright were able to be there on Saturday to reminisce about the match, which meant the team would play in the Premiership for the first time in the clubs’ history.
Funded by Hertfordshire County Council, the project demonstrates how working with partners and the community can encourage walking, wheeling and cycling in the county. Licenced street artists MurWalls, who created the previous Vicarage Road subway design for ‘100 Years at the Vic’ were commissioned to bring the game to life on the walls of the subway. Their work includes an anti-graffiti paint to protect the subway art for future generations.
Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, said: “We are committed to improving our subways so that they provide an environment that encourages more walking, wheeling and cycling. This great mural of a famous day in Watford Football Club’s history is another example of us working in partnership with the local community. My thanks go to all involved in this fantastic project.”
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor said: “Watford Football Club has a proud tradition of serving the community as the ‘Original Family Club,’ and it’s fantastic to see another mural reflecting their impact. Graham Taylor, who brought the club back to the top division, played a huge part in that and it’s great to see him featured with the trophy in an iconic image from the game. The mural is a great way to brighten the area, and I’m sure fans will enjoy it for years to come.”
The new mural has an audio description, created by the David Katz Foundation, so that those who have visual impairments can enjoy it by scanning a QR code.
To find out more about the Local Transport Plan 2018-2031, the county council’s blueprint to help deliver more sustainable, safe and efficient travel options for Hertfordshire, please visit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ltp
