Chapter 19 – The Family Club

English football was in the doldrums in the 1980s. Hooliganism was thought of as 'the English disease'. English fans caused trouble at home and abroad, culminating in the tragic violence that marred the 1985 European Cup final. England's grounds were run-down and blighted by fences designed to keep hooligans in.But Watford were determined to buck the trend and set a very different example. As humble as the facilities were, there were no fences obscuring the view at Vicarage Road. The Hornets established themselves as The Family Club and created areas where children and families could watch the game safely. While other clubs – notably Luton Town – banned away supporters and introduced an identity card scheme, Watford wanted to make football a game for everyone.Enjoy the game by Lionel Birnie. Read by Colin Mace. Produced by Jon Moonie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.