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26th February 2022- Premier League, Manchester United 0 Watford 0

Attendance: 73,152

BBC Sport: The Red Devils dropped two more points in their quest for a Champions League place and left the field to boos after being frustrated by the lowly visitors, despite dominating at Old Trafford.

Sky Sports: In a poignant moment before a ball had been kicked, both sets of players, led by United interim boss Ralf Rangnick, displayed a sign calling for peace following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Guardian: In added time, Sarr nearly performed a late smash-and-grab but his 30-yard shot sailed wide.

BHappy: There’s no knocking a draw at Old Trafford.  As at Villa – before one point became three – there’s the suspicion that it’s not quite enough but a third League point at this venue and the first since November 1985 is not to be taken lightly. As for what comes next…  it should be stating the obvious that our home form is the biggest obstacle to our escape since there are still plenty of games to be played and plenty of bad teams within reach. 

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26th February 2011- Championship, Doncaster Rovers 1 Watford 1

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Jason Euell’s first goal for injury-hit Doncaster earned a key point for his new side against play-off chasing Watford who had John Eustace sent off.

https://www.soccerbase.com/matches/results.sd?date=2011-02-26
https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-championship/26-february-2011/
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26th February 2002- New Division One, Watford 2 Norwich City 1

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At seven o’clock, debate is raging in the Estcourt. Whatever his mistakes, I can’t help feeling a little sorry for Luca Vialli, who has so far failed to create a team that can speak on his behalf and is therefore in the position of having every word in every sentence in every interview picked apart. Personally, I’m thoroughly bored by it all…so many opinions, so many personalities, so much guff (and I include this guff, of course) where there should be football.

It’s a long time since I have been able to pack life’s niggles into a box and keep the lid on it all the way through a Watford match. For me, going to football used to be all about leaving the outside world behind for ninety minutes, and immersing myself in a world of yellow and red. Somewhere along the way, the boundaries came down, and the world seeped in; the colours lost their brightness.

https://www.soccerbase.com/matches/results.sd?date=2002-02-26
https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/26-february-2002/

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26th February 2000- Premier League, Chelsea 2 Watford 1

https://www.watfordfcarchive.co.uk/fixture/2000-02-26
Daily Telegraph, 28 Feb 2000
Guardian, 28 Feb 2000

BSAD: We have played better this season, but only on two occasions. Even then, those performances did not have the courage in adversity that we showed on Saturday. That we trailed Chelsea for the majority of the game was not unexpected, that we still dominated and disturbed our illustrious opponents was, frankly, astounding. If ever there was a moral victory to be claimed, it was here.

BSAD: We responded in a style reminiscent of last season’s surge to Wembley. Refusing to acknowledge the plethora of stars on the other side we tore into them, giving everything in our artillery. Smart led the line superbly, his movement sharp and strength impressive. He was backed up by the excellent Hyde, who has shown in recent weeks that he really does have the ability to play, and play well, at this level. At the back Page, Gibbs and the imposing Williams looked composed and assured. We looked like we belonged in the Premiership.

https://www.soccerbase.com/matches/results.sd?date=2000-02-26
https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/premier-league/26-february-2000/
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26th February 1999- New Division One, Watford 0 Swindon Town 1

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Painfully, we’re actually battling against ourselves as much as our opponents. The lack of confidence shown by certain key players – and that really is all that’s wrong with them – directly results from some disgraceful behaviour by sections of the Watford support. We’re sixth and there’s a witch hunt going on.

https://www.soccerbase.com/matches/results.sd?date=1999-02-26
https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/26-february-1999/
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26th February 1983-Division One, Watford 2 Aston Villa 1

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According to GT’s figures the rise from Fourth to First Division cost £762,500 in transfer fees.

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More games from 26th February at https://oldwatford.com/tag/feb26

Sunday Telegraph, 27 Feb 1983

The Observer, 27 Feb 1983

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26th February 1980- Division Two, Charlton Athletic 0 Watford 0

Programme images courtesy of Matt Hall

https://watford.fcdb.info/index.php?page=matches
Daily Telegraph, 27 Feb 1980
Guardian, 27 Feb 1980
Evening Standard, 27 Feb 1980
Daily Mirror, 27 Feb 1980
https://www.soccerbase.com/matches/results.sd?date=1980-02-26
https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-two/26-february-1980/
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26th February 1972- Division Two, Watford 0 Millwall 1

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The ongoing energy crisis meant that once again we kicked off at 2.45pm as there was a ban on the use of floodlights.

http://watford.fcdb.info/index.php?page=matches
Evening Standard, 26 Feb 1972
Sunday Mirror, 27 Feb 1972
Sunday People, 27 Feb 1972

Watford Observer match report

https://www.soccerbase.com/matches/results.sd?date=1972-02-26
https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-two/26-february-1972/
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26th February 1966- Division Three, Millwall 0 Watford 0

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http://watford.fcdb.info/index.php?page=matches
Sunday People, 27 Feb 1966
Sunday Mirror, 27 Feb 1966

Watford Observer match report

https://www.soccerbase.com/matches/results.sd?date=1966-02-26
https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-three/26-february-1966/
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26th February 1955- Division Three (South)- Leyton Orient 0 Watford 1

https://www.watfordfcarchive.co.uk/fixture/1955-02-26
Sunday Dispatch, 26 Feb 1955
https://www.soccerbase.com/matches/results.sd?date=1955-02-26
https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/division-three-south/26-february-1955/

24th February 2026- Championship, Watford 0 Ipswich Town 2

Watford Observer: Team news: Maamma and Baah unlikely to feature against Ipswich

How Still has changed the way Watford train, with 45 minutes on pitch pre-Ipswich

Watford Observer: MATCHDAY AS IT HAPPENED: Watford 0-2 Ipswich Town

Five talking points from Watford’s defeat to Ipswich

Match Report: Ipswich inflict first defeat on Still with 2-0 win at Watford

WATCH: Immediate reaction to Watford 0-2 Ipswich Town

Still reflects on ‘game of two halves’ after Watford beaten 2-0 by Ipswich

Still explains change in system was due to injured wingers

BBC: Ipswich Town revived their hopes of automatic promotion as Sindre Walle Egeli and George Hirst gave them victory over Watford at Vicarage Road.

Sky: Kieran McKenna’s visitors moved up to third by getting the better of Ed Still’s play-off hopefuls, who saw Tom Ince’s late penalty saved by Town goalkeeper Christian Walton.

Fran’s Watford Blog: It was a disappointing performance after the great showing against Derby. Still started with five at the back, but we didn’t really get going in the first half. There was a better showing in the second half, and we created some decent chances, but Ipswich were worthy winners. I have to say that in both games that we have played against them, I thought that Ipswich were the best team that I have seen this season. While the team performance left something to be desired, Mfuni was outstanding again, his composure on the ball is remarkable in one so young. Abankwah, who had been outstanding on Saturday had a few dodgy moments on this occasion. Our attacking play definitely suffered due to the absence of Maamma. The news that he will be missing for some time is a cause for concern. It was good to see Bove get some time on the pitch. He is clearly a talented footballer, and I look forward to seeing a lot more of him in the future.

21st February 2026- Championship, Watford 2 Derby County 0

Watford Observer: Eustace is winless from his five matches against Watford as a manager

Derby County preview: Play-off hopes on the line in three-game week

Irankunda ‘itching’ to return and accepts blame for suspension

‘The Matchday Edition’ – Watford launch new physical post-match publication

Team news: Pollock ‘touch-and-go’, Ngakia returns, Baah trains ‘really well’

Still knows it’s a big week for play-off hopes – but wants to stay present

Still wants balance between patience and ‘vertical football’ to beat Derby

https://www.watfordfc.com/news/2026/february/21/digital-digest-derby-edition

Watford Observer: MATCHDAY AS IT HAPPENED: Watford 2-0 Derby County

Five talking points as Watford beat Derby to give Still first victory

Match Report: Kjerrumgaard and Doumbia end winless run as Derby beaten 2-0

WATCH: Immediate reaction to Watford 2-0 Derby County

Still believes Watford are ‘connecting again’ after Derby win

Maamma and Baah to be assessed after Derby injuries

Derby shut-out proved Abankwah is becoming the complete defender

Still on ‘winner’ Goglichidze, ‘big brother’ Kayembe and scoring strikers

Derby boss Eustace: Watford wanted it more than us

Still identifies where Watford can improve further after first win

BBC: Watford ended a run of seven Championship games without victory by beating play-off rivals Derby County.

Sky: It also extended a remarkable streak in this fixture, with Watford recording their sixth successive win over their opponents.

BHappy: So it’s hugely reassuring when we score within the first few minutes. It’s never anything but a delight to score at any time of course but here it’s particularly pivotal… the goal affords us the luxury of being able to hold Derby at arm’s length and, when they’re forced to commit forward to recover the game, to hit them with blistering counterattacks. Pretty much exactly what Derby would have chosen to be able to do to us, you suspect, and one caveat to the afternoon is the uncertain answer to the question, “How well would we have coped with having to chase the game?”.

From the Rookery End: After a winless run of 7 games, Watford marked Ed Still’s first home game in charge with a comprehensive win over fellow Play Off hopefuls Derby County.

14th February 2026- Championship, Preston North End 2 Watford 2

Watford Observer: Still calls on Watford to unite for play-off push

Bove will be on the bench at Preston as Still targets front-foot style

Preston preview: Still needs wins straight away, that’s the reality

Match Wrap: Preston North End 2-2 Watford – Watford FCDownload

Watford Observer: MATCHDAY AS IT HAPPENED: Preston North End 2-2 Watford

Match Report: Still’s Watford bow ends in ding-dong 2-2 at Preston

Still felt Watford did enough to win after Baah changed the game at Preston

Bove received dressing-room applause after emotional return to football

Still on why he selected four centre-backs: ‘It’s Preston away’

Preston verdict: How did Ed Still fare in his first match as Watford head coach?

BBC: Second-half substitute Milutin Osmajic rescued a draw for Preston to deny Ed Still victory in his first game as Watford’s new head coach.

Sky: Preston had taken the lead through a well-taken Lewis Dobbin strike in the 19th minute but were pegged back by Othmane Maamma’s cool 55th-minute leveller and fell behind due to an unfortunate own goal from Odel Offiah two minutes later.

BHappy: Since the half is characterised by North End being run ragged, they end the game utterly exhausted as every passing minute brings the possibility of victory closer. They’ll argue that the blocks and the deflections and the bodies earned their point, but nobody could have argued if one of the many chances had gone in to decide the game, least of all a sublime volley from Formose Mendy which span off the inside of the post, rolled along the goalline, by-passed the far post and went out for a goal kick. By this time a fine chant (new to my ears) had gained traction, celebrating Big and Little Mendy in turn to the tune of 2 Unlimited’s “No Limit”.

From the Rookery End: Watford travelled to Deepdale and returned with a 2-2 draw against Preston — a result that, for a first game under a new Head Coach, looks decent… but still leaves the same lingering annoyance. With the season entering the business end, draws aren’t enough, and the pressure is building to start turning draws into wins.

9th February 2026- Ed Still appointed as new Watford Head Coach

Official: Hornets Appoint Still As Head Coach – Watford FCDownload

Watford Observer: Ed Still profile: Find out more about Watford’s new head coach

Watford announce Ed Still as their new head coach

Ed Still and Scott Duxbury’s first words on head coach appointment

Scepticism is understandable – but Pozzo’s left-field appointments often work best

National journalists and Troy Deeney react to Ed Still appointment

Still’s coaching staff takes shape as duo stay on

Still: ‘I know I’m not the biggest name – but stick with us’

BBC: Championship side Watford have appointed Edward Still as their head coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

Ed Still has promised Watford fans “fast, attacking football” from his team as he looks to make a winning start as head coach.

From the Rookery End: Ed Still Special: In Conversation with Watford’s new Head Coach

7th February 2026- Championship, Southampton 1 Watford 0

Watford Observer: Why Southampton v Watford will kick off at 12.31 on Saturday

Referee named for Watford’s trip to Southampton

Daniels demanding ‘same energy, enthusiasm and quality’ at Saints

‘We want to be effective with the ball’ – How Daniels wants Watford to play

When we next play them it would be lovely if we could come up with a similar image for that leaflet that now masquerades as a programme featuring the 7-1, the 4-1 win in 1982, the Chris Nicholl nightmare in 1983, the 3-2 in 1999, the 5-2 in 2004 and the 5 consecutive wins against them from 2005-2008.

Match Wrap: Southampton 1-0 Watford – Watford FCDownload

Watford Observer: MATCHDAY LIVE: Southampton 1-0 Watford

Match Report: Watford without a goal in three as they lose 1-0 to Southampton

Daniels calls for accountability after ‘unfortunate’ timing of Goglichidze sub

Daniels rues missed chances as ‘good performance’ unrewarded at Saints

BBC: New Southampton signing Cyle Larin scored just three minutes into his Southampton debut as Saints beat Watford in the Championship.

Sky: For the Hornets, who were led by interim Charlie Daniels for the second time, they are winless since New Year’s Day and haven’t scored in their last three matches.

3rd February 2026- Championship, Hull City 0 Watford 0

Originally postponed just 23 minutes before kick off on the 4th January.

Watford Observer: What should we expect from Watford under Daniels, Mariappa and Gosling?

Match Wrap: Hull City 0-0 Watford – Watford FCDownload

Watford Observer: MATCHDAY AS IT HAPPENED: Hull City 0-0 Watford

Match Report: Watford draw 0-0 at Hull City but impress under Daniels

WATCH: Immediate reaction to Hull City 0-0 Watford

Daniels on ‘really good performance’ at Hull after one session as Watford boss

Mendy ‘showed why he’s a top player’ at Hull, says Daniels

Daniels, Mariappa and Gosling should be very proud of Watford’s performance at Hull

Daniels ready to take charge at Southampton ‘unless I’m told otherwise’

‘Everything’s a fresh start’ – Why Jeremy Petris and Formose Mendy were recalled

BBC: Hull missed the chance to close the gap on the Championship’s top two after a dull goalless draw against managerless Watford.

Sky: Hull came into the rearranged fixture in third spot having won all four Championship matches since the postponement, but they were denied a fifth victory on the bounce by play-off hopefuls Watford.

Fran’s Watford Blog:  The post-match consensus was that we had all thoroughly enjoyed the game. It had been competitive and the Hornets were the better team, which was certainly not what we were expecting before the game. Mendy, who had very little game time under Javi, was excellent and looks likely to get more opportunities under Daniels, who clearly rates him. Abankwah, who has put in some excellent performances in defence, showed us what he could do going forward, with one particular surging run giving me great joy. Mfuni was a revelation. I was surprised to see the 17 year-old starting, but he put in a performance that belied his years. He was composed and effective in defence, while also popping up in the opposition box to get on the end of crosses. After Alleyne, it appears that City have done us another favour. I look forward to seeing more of the lad.