Greatest Watford Players Ever – Top 10 Legends
6. Cliff Holton
A truly exceptional goal-scorer, Cliff Holton joined the club in 1958. Holton remarkably scored a club-record 48 goals in the 1959/60 campaign, earning his place in the history books as one of the greatest ever goal-scorers to have represented Watford.
Following his impressive record, Holton transferred to Northampton and eventually Crystal Palace before returning to Vicarage Road for a brief spell in 1965. He scored 105 goals for Watford. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest Watford players ever.
5. Nigel Gibbs
Gibbs spent his entire professional career as a right-back for Watford. He won the player of the year in 1992 and was soon appointed the club captain.
Gibbs featured regularly in Watford’s rise from the Second Division to the Premier League between 1997 and 1999.
He made 411 league appearances for the club, more than anyone except Luther Blissett and Duncan Welbourne.
4. Gary Porter
Gary Porter was predominantly a midfielder that also played left-back. He was a set-piece specialist and deadly with a penalty kick. Porter had the ability to unlock opposition defences with his passing whilst also contributing with his fair share of goals.
Porter played a starring role in one of the most entertaining games in the club’s history, scoring a hat-trick against Bolton Wanderers in a seven-goal thriller. A 90th-minute winner from the penalty spot gave the Hornet’s all three points, overcoming a three-goal deficit with 20 minutes left.
He made 472 appearances for the club in all competitions, which is the third-highest ever. He was voted Player of the Season in 1993–94.
3. Ross Jenkins
Ross Jenkins started his career at Crystal Palace, before spending eleven years with Watford. He played for the club whilst they were both bottom and top of The Football League.
Jenkins played almost 400 times for the club earning legendary status in the process of scoring 142 goals. His contributions were recognised both in 1976 and 1979 when he won the Player of the Season award.
With intelligent movement and a strong aerial prowess, coupled with excellent service, Jenkins was a deadly forward.
Having been a Watford season ticket holder for 25 years personally I’d rank Troy 3rd only behind John Barnes and of course Luther. The guy deserves far more credit than the ranking given on here not only for stuff on the pitch but off it too, not to mention his loyalty and his amazing captaincy. Captain Fantastic. All that being said, of course not a player but on or off field Graham Taylor ranks number one in any listings. The guy was a legend both on and off the pitch and having been lucky enough to have met him a few times, what a true gentleman and a thoroughly decent man as well. ❤️