We may not have had much in the way of snowy weather yet unlike some parts of the country, but with winter now here we’re taking a look back to an era when Watford's matches at this time of year were often played on a white coated Vicarage Road pitch.
The advent of underground heating and protective coverings means much better protection can now be given to the playing surface, but for many years it was straw that was often used to provide a barrier to the elements.
The team at the Watford Treasury has once again been looking through the picture archives, so scroll through these images and look back at a time when Watford became a football winter wonderland for fans.
A snow covered Vicarage Road in 1958
Clearing the snow in the 1959/60 season
Did you grow up in Watford are interested in sharing your pictures and memories? Join more than 6,700 members of 'We grew up in Watford' via this link
Snow clearance in the 1962/63 campaign
The players get their brooms out
Watford's efforts to get this game on were rewarded as they beat Carlisle United 5-1 in December 1962
An attendance of 8,397 braved the elements to watch the Carlisle match
Fans help to clear the pitch
Supporters help to get the straw off the pitch
The latest volume The Watford Treasury — a visual history of Watford Football Club — is out now. It’s a 96-page full-colour magazine of photography and articles covering almost every decade of the club’s existence. Highlights include a piece on the Watford Observer’s former cartoonist Terry Challis, written by Oliver Phillips. There’s also an interview with Steve Palmer about Graham Taylor's 1990s side; reflections on the late Alan Garner by his team-mate Ian Bolton; and, looking further back, an article on 1950s goalkeeper (and GB Olympian) Ted Bennett.
Last Updated:
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
Report This Comment