HORNETS RETURN TO A BYGONE ERA
WATFORD continued with their promotion celebrations even though they were just minutes away from being crowned Championship kings.
Despite the late Wednesday equaliser which handed the title and trophy to Bournemouth (3-0 winners at Charlton), it was largely a case of mission accomplished at Vicarage Road.
There was a sea of red, yellow and black as the glory days of a bygone era, initiated by Graham Taylor and backed by Sir Elton John, were recreated.
Those two iconic figures have stands named after them, and it was fitting that both were packed with fans who have been allowed to dream again.
Manager Slavisa Jokanovic looked to be on a hiding to nothing when he became Watford’s fourth manager of the season in October.
But the Hornets have won 21 of 35 games under his charge and are back in the top flight for the first time since 1999.
Not too much was known about Jokanovic the coach when he took over.
However, he is remembered for a two-year spell as a player with Chelsea and the 64 international caps he won for the then Yugoslavia.
No-one has benefited more from him than leading scorer Troy Deeney whose 21 goals and strike partnership with Matej Vydra have been major factors in Watford’s success.
Jokanovic said: “I am disappointed with this result – we should have had a penalty and their goal was offside – but it doesn’t change the fact that next season we will be in the Premier League.”
As for speculation about his future as Watford boss, the Serb added: “I’m happy here and this is a great club which has given me a wonderful opportunity in management.”
Both Deeney and Vydra had chances early on, only to be denied by Chris Kirkland, but the prolific pair were both involved in Watford’s opener after 25 minutes.
Kirkland could only parry Deeney’s shot into the path of the on-rushing Vydra who headed gleefully home.
But there was a late sting in the tale for the Hornets.
Wednesday sub Atdhe Nuhiu popped up with a last-minute equaliser to to stun the home faithful – at least for a few minutes – and take some of the shine off the trophy which is heading for the south coast.