Hornets Heroes Episode Four - Tommy Smith

Watford legend Tommy Smith spoke exclusively to Vibe107.6 FM sport reporter Noah Abrahams.

A Watford FC legend, Tommy Smith joined Vibe107.6 FM sports reporter Noah Abrahams for a chat on the station’s latest YouTube series – ‘Sports Vibe: Hornets Heroes’.

A key member of the Hornets’ first ever Premier League promotion winning squad, the former forward remains a fan favourite among the Golden Boys faithful.

• Signing for Watford FC

“The early days were incredible really,” Smith said.

“There were so many fantastic memories. My journey was always mapped out and at Watford at that particular time, there always seemed to be a path into the first team.

“A number of players had done it over the years before me. I kind of knew that if I got my had down and worked hard, with a little bit of luck, I could get towards the first team.

“I was just fortunate to be at the club at the time. Graham Taylor came back and the club got back to back promotions.”

• Graham Taylor

“Graham Taylor was brilliant for me. Graham was almost like a father figure for me at the club. I always felt as though he was pushing for me. Graham identified that I had a chance of getting into the first team and he could see me getting there.

“I felt that I had a real support from the management and staff. Graham was brilliant with me and my family.”

• Watford’s first Premier League season 99/2000

“Ultimately we fell short on quality that season.

“You had the Middlesbrough’s who were a middle of the road Premier League team with massive players. It was a really strong league and the goal between the Championship and the Premier League was quite big back then.

“We had a lot of good players and we huffed and puffed. Ultimately however, we just didn’t have the quality unfortunately.”

• Gianluca Vialli

“I was really fortunate to have worked under someone who had such an incredible career in football.

“Vialli was brilliant. unfortunately, the season didn’t quite work out as well as we had all hoped. We went from quite a direct team under Graham, to a team that kept possession, who passed and moved.

“The transition in style was a big learning curve for the players who were there. It was an interesting, but turbulent time. Whilst it didn’t quite work out, for me it was brilliant to work under Gianluca.

“I learnt a lot from him and he’s a great man. He was full of charisma, but sadly it just wasn’t to be. Watford probably wasn’t the right fit for him and what he was trying to do, but ultimately it just didn’t work.”

• A second spell at Watford

“I was desperate to come back to the club really.

“I was actually lined up to move to Sheffield United, but at the 11^th hour, Aidy Boothroyd and Watford came in with a late bid.

“My mind was made up. I felt that I had a point to prove coming back and that I had improved over my three seasons away.

“Watford’s my hometown club and it was really important for me to come back and carry on what I had started.”

• Aidy Boothroyd

“There’s only so much a manager can do. Everyone has their own style and way of working.

“Aidy was very different to anyone I had worked under before. He had traits of Graham Taylor. Aidy was full of charisma and he made you want to play for him.

“He had a desire and a passion about football. Aidy had a work ethic, where you had to work really hard under him.

“I loved him, he was really successful, and we had a great period under him at the club. He got us promoted and we were closer to staying up than we were under Graham.

“I have great memories of Aidy and it was a great time to be at the club.”

• Favourite memory in a Watford shirt

“The real highlight for me was my first Watford goal.

“I came on as a sub against QPR. I was 17 years old and scored with my second touch.

“That for me was the greatest moment of my career, because it propelled me into the first team and the spotlight.”

• Manchester United vs Watford FA Cup 9^th January 2021

“The FA Cup is fantastic.

“I always enjoyed playing in it. It’s nice to get away from the league and to play against teams above you.

“We drew Manchester United in the FA Cup Semi-Final and I have great memories looking back. It was a great opportunity to play against a team with their quality.

“It’s a fantastic draw for Watford. The United squad have some massive names. The boys will really be looking forward to that.”

• Watford 2020/21 season

“Watford have a really strong and fantastic squad with strength in depth.

“It’s been a bit of a patchy start in terms of form, but having not been brilliant so far, we’re up there.

“It looks like we are gradually building and getting better. The blend of what Vladimir Ivic is trying to bring in, will always take a bit of time.

“I think we’re going to go from strength to strength and get stronger as the season progresses without doubt. It’s all looking really bright.”