The last time Watford can really remember a major success in the coveted FA Cup is in 2007. The Hornets met a talented Manchester United side at the Millenium Stadium in a semi-final where many Watford fans dreamt of the impossible.
This is the route Watford took:
Third Round: Watford 4 – 1 Stockport County
Fourth Round: West Ham 0 – 1 Watford
Fifth Round: Watford 1 – 0 Ipswich
Quarter Final: Plymouth Argyle 0 – 1 Watford
Semi Final: Watford 1 – 4 Manchester United (Bouazza 26′ – Rooney 7′, 66′, Ronaldo 28′, Richardson 82′)
This marked the end for Aidy Boothroyd’s men in a monumental effort. Manchester United eventually went on to play Chelsea in the final, of whom eventually won the competition. The 2006/07 season was also the last time Watford were in the Premier League, though, contrary to the heroic efforts in the FA Cup, it ended in disaster with Watford finishing last with 28 points.
Can you name the team Boothroyd put out against Ferguson’s men at the Millenium Stadium in the Semi Final? Find the answers in the slideshow below!
Richard Lee - Goalkeeper
Richard Lee made 92 appearances for Watford between 2002 and 2010. Currently plays for Hampton and Richmond Borough after leaving Brentford last year. Was never really a first-choice ‘keeper in his career.
Adrian Mariappa - Right Back
Mariappa came through Watford’s academy, eventually making 216 appearances for the Golden Boys before moving to Reading for a fee of between two and three million pounds. He currently plays for Premier League outfit Crystal Palace.
Jay DeMerit - Centre Back
Jay DeMerit enjoyed a long-lasting career at Watford as a key centre-back between 2004 and 2010. Played 183 times, scoring nine goals in the process. Retired at Vancouver Whitecaps in 2014.
Clarke Carlisle - Centre Back
Clarke Carlisle joined Watford from Leeds United in a £100,000 deal, making 36 appearances for Watford between 2005 and 2007. He then joined Burnley in 2007, making a further 131 appearances. Now retired and chairman of the Professional Footballers’ Association.
Jordan Stewart - Left Back
Jordan Stewart was a constant name in Watford line-ups between 2005 and 2008, making 105 appearances as Watford left-back. He’s currently a free agent after leaving his last club San Jose Earthquakes.
Gavin Mahon (C) - Defensive Midfielder
Gavin Mahon joined Watford in 2002 and installed as captain between 2005 and 2008. He went on to make 189 appearances for Watford before joining Queens Park Rangers. He most recently played for non-league Tamworth in the 2013/14 season but is yet to find a club after leaving.
Damien Francis - Defensive Midfielder
Damien Francis appeared 47 times for Watford between 2006 and 2008, scoring 6 times. However, Watford became his last club as he was sadly forced to retire after an injury problem.
James Chambers - Right Winger
James Chambers was known to be a versatile player, though his preferred position was full-back. He played on the wing against Manchester United in order to double up Mariappa at right back to stem United’s attacks. Chambers played for Watford on 90 occassions between 2004 and 2007.
Tommy Smith - Attacking Midfielder
Tommy Smith came through the club’s youth system and scored 33 goals in 149 appearances between 1997 and 2003. However, he rejoined the club in 2006 after Watford gained promotion back into the Premier League, going on to make another 124 appearances, scoring 27 goals. He left in 2009 to join Portsmouth.
Hameur Bouazza - Left Winger
Hameur Bouazza came to Watford as a youth player, eventually graduating and making 83 appearances for Watford before joining Fulham in 2007. He scored eight goals for Watford, with seven of them coming in Watford’s doomed Premier League campaign. The Algerian winger also scored against United in the FA Cup semi-final to make it 1-1, though Ronaldo and co. eventually scored another three to put the game to bed.
Tamas Priskin - Striker
Tamas Priskin was at Watford between 2006 and 2009. The Hornets was the Hungarian striker’s more successful club in England, racking up 15 goals in 68 appearances for Watford. He has made 54 appearances for the Hungarian national football team and is currently playing for Slovan Bratislava in Slovakia.
Lloyd Doyley - Came on for Mariappa (88')
Lloyd Doyley has, and will, have legendary status at Watford FC. The one-club man has been ever-present in the Watford sides throughout the last decade. He has made 395 appearances for the Golden Boys since 2001, whilst obtaining nine caps for Jamaica.
Steve Kabba - Came on for Chambers (70')
Steve Kabba made 25 appearances for Watford between 2007 and 2009. However, he didn’t really hit it off in his career. His last club was Barnet where he scored 12 goals in 32 appearances. Now retired.
Marlon King - Came on for Priskin (78')
Marlon King initially joined Watford on loan from Nottingham Forest in 2005, scoring 12 goals in 21 appearances, helping Watford to gain promotion to the Premier League. Thereafter, he joined Watford on a permanent transfer, racking up 36 goals in 81 appearances. However, King hasn’t played football since 2013 as he is currently serving an 18-month jail sentence.