Here at FTRE we were saddened to learn of the passing of former Watford player and manager, Ken Furphy.

Watford’s progress under Graham Taylor is the stuff of legend, but Furphy laid the foundations of future success and began the proud tradition of upsetting the odds with “little old Watford” by winning promotions and reaching an FA Cup Semi Final.

He, like Taylor, wasn’t afraid of doing something different and this amazing footage shows a footballing first; a broadcast of Furphy’s pre-match team talk ahead of Watford’s FA Cup clash with Manchester United. The Hornets went on to claim an unlikely draw at Old Trafford.

We’re currently experiencing exciting times as Watford supporters, but today’s news provides the ideal opportunity to look back and remember what others have done to ensure our club is in the position it enjoys today.

Ken Furphy will remain one of the most pivotal and important men in Watford’s history and our thoughts are with his family and friends.

RIP Ken.

In Ken’s honour we have put his clipboard with is Manchester United Dosier into our list of 100 Objects.