It was an astonishing day that saw so many different emotions but ended in joyous celebrations as Watford clinched promotion back to the Premier League nine years ago today.
April 25, 2015 had begun with a travelling army of almost 3,200 fans heading to the south coast to see the Hornets face Brighton & Hove Albion in a lunchtime kick-off.
The visitors struggled in the opening quarter of the game, prompting boss Slavisa Jokanovic to make an early change and bring on Daniel Tozser for Ikechi Anya. Within four minutes, Troy Deeney had fired Watford in front.
The Hornets had their chances to make the afternoon more comfortable before a thrilling climax saw Deeney set up Matej Vydra to score a late second to leave their side four points clear at the top of the Championship at that stage.
It was then a question of waiting as the tension continued to build through a rollercoaster afternoon that saw both Middlesbrough and Norwich City fail to get the results they needed to deny Watford promotion.
The Hornets were back in the Premier League and a big party could now get started.
Here are some scenes from that memorable afternoon on the south coast nine years ago today.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel