1982

2014-2015 Groundhop

11th September 1982 – Watford 3-0 WBA.

For the subsequent seven days, Watford FC really were The Best team in the land. 

Whilst clearly being the culmination of a whole community endeavour, just 24 players and 6 backroom staff were used all season. Forming the basis for my groundhopping articles in the matchday programme, I’m planning to see other clubs that this entire 30 man squad played and worked for, you’ll find me…

(following a suggestion of one fellow Hornet, a concert of SEJ has also been added to the list)

The Full Squad

Gerry Armstrong & Real Club Deportivo Mallorca – Match Report

John Barnes – team chosen

Luther Blissett & AC Milan and Fakenham Town FC – Match Report

Ian Bolton & Chalfont St Peter AFC – Match Report

Nigel Callaghan – team chosen

Roy Clare

Paul Franklin – team chosen

Jimmy Gilligan & Newport County AFC – Match Report

Billy Hails

Steve Harrison

Kenny Jackett & Bushey Rangers – Match Report

Ross Jenkins & Washington Diplomats – Match Report

Richard Jobson & Burton Albion FC – Match Report

Elton John

David Johnson & Whyteleafe FC – Match Report

Jan Lohman & SVV Schiedam, NEC Nijmegen, Burgerhoutse SC and Royal Cappellen – Match Report

Charlie Palmer & Long Eaton United FC – Match Report

Martin Patching & Dunstable Town FC – Match Report

Neil Price & Walton and Hersham FC – Match Report

Keith Pritchett & Drumchapel Amateurs – Match Report

Pat Rice & Arsenal Youth – Match Report

Wilf Rostron & Ryhope Colliery Welfare FC – Match Report

Steve Sherwood & Gainsborough Trinity FC – Match Report

Steve Sims & Lincoln United FC – Match Report

Eris Steele & Wallsend Boys Club – Match Report

Worrell Sterling & Deeping Rangers – Match Report

Graham Taylor

Les Taylor & Oxford United FC – Match Report

Steve Terry & Enfield Town FC – Match Report

Tom Walley

John Ward

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Rule(s) – For each member of the 1982-83 squad – players, backroom staff and chairman – the hopper MUST see one of his other teams play, and top it all with a concert. Preferably this should be done without seeing any teams twice.

Exceptions

There are only three exceptions to this rule….

1. Environmental Issue. Any midweek game incurring a petrol-guzzling journey of more that 4hrs (round trip) may be deemed too long to complete without upsetting the environment, work, or the family. In such instances an alternative fixture, or a closer option should be chosen, but the hopper must still try to avoid too much Ground/Team Repetition (GTR*).

2. Social Issue. Any risk of crowd trouble or hospitalisation (eg. local rivals) can amend the above rule although a local derby or two might be nice. Once again the hopper must always try to avoid too much GTR.

3. Moral Issue. How to avoid the few teams one isn’t so keen on… An alternative game may be preferable.

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#WFC1982