Watford F.C. Player of the Season

For details on all Watford players, see List of Watford F.C. players and List of Watford F.C. players (1–49 appearances).

Watford Football Club are an English football club, from Watford, Hertfordshire. Founded in 1881 as Watford Rovers, the club has competed in the Football League since 1920 and since the 2015–16 season have competed in the Premier League. First introduced by the Watford Observer in the 1972–73 season, the Watford F.C. Player of the Season award is voted for annually by supporters of the club.^[2] It recognises the best overall performance by an individual player through the season. Winners were originally presented with the Watford Observer Trophy, but since 2016–17 the award has been named the Graham Taylor Player of the Season Award, after the club's former manager.^[3][4]

Adrian Mariappa was voted Player of the Season for 2011–12.^[1]

Goalkeeper Andy Rankin won the initial award in the 1972–73 season, ahead of Colin Franks and Duncan Welbourne. In the 1974–75 season, Rankin won the award for the second time, becoming the first of ten players to do so as of 2016.^[2][5] Another goalkeeper, Tony Coton, is the only player to have received the title for a third time. Coton is one of four players to have won the award in consecutive seasons, the others being Wilf Rostron in 1982–83 and 1983–84, Tommy Smith in 2007–08 and 2008–09, and most recently, Troy Deeney in 2013–14 and 2014–15. Eight winners of the award have represented their country at full international level, of whom only John McClelland went on to become Watford's Player of the Season for a second time.^[5]

Towards the end of each season, fans vote directly for the Player of the Season. Historically this has been conducted by post, but in recent years it has taken place on the Watford Observer's website. This system was earmarked for change to a match-by-match rating system in 2009,^[6][7] but in March 2010, the Observer decided to revert to the traditional method of voting.^[8]

Winners

  † Inducted into the Watford Hall of Fame

Statistics correct at end of 2018–19 season.

Tommy Mooney, winner in 1995–96 and 2000–01.

Ben Foster, winner in 2006–07.

Tom Cleverley is the only player to win the award having made fewer than 50 appearances.

Danny Graham was the Football League Championship's top scorer in the 2010–11 season.^[9]

Troy Deeney won the award in consecutive seasons, in 2013–14 and 2014–15.

Watford F.C. Player of the Season winners

Season	Level[a]	Name	Position[b]	Apps[c]	Goals[c]	National team[d]	Notes
1972–73	3	Andy Rankin	Goalkeeper	329	0	England under-23
1973–74	3	Billy Jennings	Forward	100	37	England youth	[10]
1974–75	3	Andy Rankin	Goalkeeper	329	0	England under-23
1975–76	4	Ross Jenkins	Forward	398	142	None	† [e]
1976–77	4	Keith Mercer	Forward	154	53	None
1977–78	4	Alan Garner	Defender	232	16	None
1978–79	3	Ross Jenkins	Forward	398	142	None	† [e]
1979–80	2	Ian Bolton	Defender	287	36	None	† [12]
1980–81	2	Steve Sims	Defender	219	8	England B
1981–82	2	Les Taylor	Midfielder	211	20	None	† [13]
1982–83	1	Wilf Rostron	Defender	404	30	England schoolboys
1983–84	1	Wilf Rostron	Defender	404	30	England schoolboys
1984–85	1	John McClelland	Defender	234	3	Northern Ireland	† [14][15]
1985–86	1	Tony Coton	Goalkeeper	291	0	England B	† [16][17]
1986–87	1	Tony Coton	Goalkeeper	291	0	England B	† [16][17]
1987–88	1	John McClelland	Defender	234	3	Northern Ireland	† [14][15]
1988–89	2	Glyn Hodges	Midfielder	102	19	Wales	[18]
1989–90	2	Tony Coton	Goalkeeper	291	0	England B	† [16][17]
1990–91	2	David James	Goalkeeper	98	0	England	† [19][20][21]
1991–92	2	Nigel Gibbs	Defender	491	7	England under-21	† [f]
1992–93	2	Paul Furlong	Forward	91	41	England C	[23][24]
1993–94	2	Gary Porter	Midfielder	472	57	England under-21	† [25]
1994–95	2	Kevin Miller	Goalkeeper	151	0	None
1995–96	2	Tommy Mooney	Forward	287	64	None	† [26]
1996–97	3	Kevin Miller	Goalkeeper	151	0	None
1997–98	3	Alec Chamberlain	Goalkeeper	288	0	None
1998–99	2	Steve Palmer	Defender	272	9	None	[g]
1999–2000	1	Rob Page	Defender	252	3	Wales	† [28][29]
2000–01	2	Tommy Mooney	Forward	287	64	None	† [26]
2001–02	2	Alec Chamberlain	Goalkeeper	288	0	None
2002–03	2	Marcus Gayle	Defender	115	9	Jamaica	[30]
2003–04	2	Gavin Mahon	Midfielder	215	7	None	[17][31]
2004–05	2	Heiðar Helguson	Forward	228	75	Iceland	† [15][32][33]
2005–06	2	Marlon King	Forward	87	37	Jamaica	[26][34][35]
2006–07	1	Ben Foster	Goalkeeper	119	0	England	[13][36][37]
2007–08	2	Tommy Smith	Midfielder	306	64	England under-21	[20][38][39]
2008–09	2	Tommy Smith	Midfielder	306	64	England under-21	[38][39][40]
2009–10	2	Tom Cleverley	Midfielder	94	13	England under-21	[41][42]
2010–11	2	Danny Graham	Forward	98	41	England under-20	[43][44]
2011–12	2	Adrian Mariappa	Defender	317	5	Jamaica	[1][45][46]
2012–13	2	Almen Abdi	Midfielder	92	23	Switzerland	[47]
2013–14	2	Troy Deeney	Forward	371	123	None	[48]
2014–15	2	Troy Deeney	Forward	371	123	None	[49]
2015–16	1	Heurelho Gomes	Goalkeeper	156	0	Brazil	[50]
2016–17	1	Sebastian Prödl	Defender	82	3	Austria	[51]
2017–18	1	Abdoulaye Doucouré	Midfielder	102	13	France under-21	[52]
2018–19	1	Etienne Capoue	Midfielder	140	14	France	[53]

Statistics

Goalkeeper David James started his career at Watford, and went on to play for England.

Wins by playing position

Position[b]	Number of winners[h]
Goalkeeper	12
Defender	13
Midfielder	10
Forward	12

Wins by international representation

Country	Number of winners[h]
England	18
Jamaica	3
France	2
Northern Ireland	2
Wales	2
Austria	1
Brazil	1
Iceland	1
Switzerland	1

Footnotes

1. The official "Level" of competition in the structure of the English league system.
2. For a full description of positions see association football positions.
3. "Apps" is short for appearances, and refers to competitive first team appearances for Watford. Goals refers to competitive first team goals scored for Watford.
4. Where a player represented his country at multiple levels, only the highest level is given.
5. Not to be confused with Ross Jenkins (footballer, born 1990), who won the Watford Young Player of the Season award in 2008–09.^[11]
6. Gibbs spent his entire playing career at Watford.^[22]
7. Palmer is listed as a defender as he played most games this season as a central defender. He has played in every position for the club.^[27]
8. Multiple winners are counted multiple times.

References

General

• Players of the Season sourced to: "Former Watford Players of the Season". Watford Football Club. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
• Pre-1998 player information sourced to: Jones, Trefor (1996). The Watford Football Club Illustrated Who's Who. ISBN 0-9527458-0-1.
• Post-1998 player information sourced to: "Watford: Squad stats". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
• Further information sourced in an individual player's notes section as necessary.

Further reading

• Phillips, Oliver (2001). The Golden Boys: A Study of Watford's Cult Heroes. Alpine Press Ltd. p. 230. ISBN 0-9528631-6-2.
• Phillips, Oliver (1991). The Official Centenary History of Watford FC 1881–1991. Watford Football Club. pp. 181–182, 271–272. ISBN 0-9509601-6-0.

Specific

1. "Mariappa wins Player of the Season award". Watford Observer. 28 April 2012. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
2. Phillips, Oliver (1991). The Official Centenary History of Watford FC 1881–1991. Watford football club. pp. 271–272. ISBN 0-9509601-6-0.
3. "Hornets star first player to retain trophy for 22 years". Watford Observer. Newsquest. 3 May 2009. Archived from the original on 24 February 2012. Retrieved 6 October 2009.
4. "Graham Taylor Player of the Season". Watford F.C. 25 April 2017. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
5. "Former Watford Players of the Season". Watford F.C. Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
6. "Still time to vote for your Player of the Season". Watford Observer. Newsquest. 9 April 2009. Retrieved 5 October 2009.
7. "Supporters to pick their own Watford FC's player of the season". Watford Observer. Newsquest. 10 August 2009. Retrieved 5 October 2009.
8. "One week left to vote for Watford's Player of the Season". Watford Observer. Newsquest. 23 March 2010. Retrieved 23 August 2010.
9. "Watford reject bids for Danny Graham and Will Buckley". BBC Sport. 20 May 2011. Retrieved 20 May 2011.
10. "On This Day: 20 February". West Ham United F.C. Archived from the original on 23 February 2009. Retrieved 5 October 2009.
11. "Player of the Season". Watford F.C. 10 July 2009. Archived from the original on 7 May 2009. Retrieved 5 October 2009.
12. "Hall of Fame". Watford F.C. 10 June 2009. Archived from the original on 1 September 2009. Retrieved 6 October 2009.
13. "Foster Voted Player of the Season". Watford F.C. 8 May 2007. Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 6 October 2009.
14. Roberto Mamrud. "Appearances for Northern Ireland National team". RSSSF. Retrieved 5 October 2009.
15. "H's Treble at Prestige Night". Watford F.C. 6 May 2005. Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 6 October 2009.
16. Barrie Courtney. "England – International Results B-Team – Details". RSSSF. Retrieved 5 October 2009.
17. "The Main Mahon". Watford F.C. 17 November 2004. Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 6 October 2009.
18. "Glyn Hodges Reserve Team Manager". Manchester City F.C. Retrieved 5 October 2009.
19. "David James". The Football Association. Retrieved 5 May 2011.
20. "Roll of Honour". Watford F.C. 6 May 2008. Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 6 October 2009.
21. "David James: All time playing career". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 5 February 2010. Retrieved 12 October 2009.
22. "Nigel Gibbs: All time playing career". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 6 October 2009.
23. "Furlong Adds Experience". Barnet F.C. Archived from the original on 6 May 2010. Retrieved 6 October 2009.
24. "Paul Furlong:All time playing career". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 22 April 2009. Retrieved 12 October 2009.
25. "England – U-21 International Results 1986-1995 – Details". RSSSF. Retrieved 8 October 2009.
26. "Marlon Wins Player of the Year". Watford F.C. 2 May 2006. Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 5 October 2009.
27. Tongue, Steve (31 October 2000). "Palmer the all-rounder ready for United test". The Independent. London. Retrieved 5 October 2009.
28. Luis Fernando Passo Alpuin. "Appearances for Wales National Team". RSSSF. Retrieved 5 October 2009.
29. "Robert Page: All time playing career". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 3 December 2010. Retrieved 12 October 2009.
30. "Player Profile:Marcus Gayle". AFC Wimbledon. Archived from the original on 11 February 2009. Retrieved 5 October 2009.
31. "Gavin Mahon: All time playing career". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 24 September 2009. Retrieved 12 October 2009.
32. "Félagsmaður" (in Icelandic). Football Association of Iceland (KSÍ). Retrieved 5 May 2011.
33. "Heidar Helguson: All time playing career". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 4 December 2010. Retrieved 1 July 2010.
34. "National Team- Profile". Jamaica Football Federation. Archived from the original on 27 April 2010. Retrieved 5 October 2009.
35. "Marlon King: All time playing career". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 2 October 2008. Retrieved 12 October 2009.
36. "Ben Foster:All time playing career". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 16 October 2009. Retrieved 12 October 2009.
37. "Ben Foster". The Football Association. Retrieved 9 May 2011.
38. "Tommy Smith: All time playing career". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Archived from the original on 12 October 2009. Retrieved 12 October 2009.
39. Richard Williams (1 September 2000). "Joe Cole fires young England". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 28 October 2009.
40. "Player of the Season". Watford F.C. 3 May 2009. Archived from the original on 5 October 2011. Retrieved 6 October 2009.
41. "Tom Cleverley". The Football Association. Retrieved 4 May 2010.
42. "Player of the season". Watford F.C. 18 April 2010. Archived from the original on 25 April 2010. Retrieved 4 May 2010.
43. "Danny Graham: All time playing career". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 May 2011.
44. Matthews, Anthony (30 April 2011). "Danny Graham is Player of the Season". Watford Observer. Newsquest. Retrieved 9 May 2011.
45. "Adrian Mariappa". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
46. "Hornets duo help Jamaica to victory". Watford Observer. 21 May 2012. Retrieved 21 May 2012.
47. "AWARDS: Player of the Season". Watford F.C. 5 May 2013. Archived from the original on 3 June 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
48. "DEENEY: "A Real Honour"". Watford F.C. 8 May 2014. Archived from the original on 3 June 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
49. "END OF SEASON AWARDS: Deeney's Player of the Season Double". Watford F.C. 3 May 2015. Archived from the original on 3 June 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
50. "END OF SEASON AWARDS: Gomes Named 2015/16 Player Of The Season". Watford F.C. 18 May 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
51. "End of Season Awards". Watford F.C. 22 May 2017. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
52. "End of Season Awards: Winners". Watford F.C. 12 May 2018. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
53. "End of Season Awards: Capoue Wins Player of the Season". Watford F.C. 9 May 2019. Retrieved 15 December 2019.