School kids give the thumbs up to the Hornets' cup final hopes

Playing in a game of the stature of an FA Cup Final places extra pressures on the players involved, including satisfying the demands of the media.

Although there wasn’t the 24/7 level of coverage of football when Watford were preparing for their historic day at Wembley 40 years ago, the final was THE big day of the domestic football calendar and the interest in it from TV, radio and the written media reflected that.

Five days before the Hornets faced Everton beneath the famous Twin Towers on May 19, a press day took place at Vicarage Road which involved the players taking place in various photo opportunities, as well as being quizzed in front of the cameras.

All smiles as Pat Rice referees a tug-of-war for the No. 2 shirt between David Bardsley and Nigel Gibbs (Image: Watford Observer)

Les Taylor and Kenny Jackett made the day for a group of school kids, David Bardsley and Jan Lohman were among those who ran up and down the terrace steps, while John Barnes, George Reilly and Mo Johnston had some fun with a hosepipe.

Jan Lohman and David Bardsley take a jog down the terrace steps (Image: Watford Observer)

Perhaps the most poignant scene captured by a Watford Observer photographer though, was captain Wilf Rostron still fronting up in front of the cameras despite the huge disappointment of being suspended for the final.

George Reilly, John Barnes and Mo Johnston are having a splashing time (Image: Watford Observer)

The Watford Observer will be publishing more memories and reflections from the Hornets' first appearance in an FA Cup Final throughout this 40th anniversary weekend.

The suspended Wilf Rostron is still smiling as he chats to the media (Image: Watford Observer)

David Bardsley is snapped running back up the steps as some media activities continue on the pitch behind him (Image: Watford Observer)

Les Taylor and Kenny Jackett meet some young fans (Image: Watford Observer)

The Hornets strike force of George Reilly and Mo Johnston are interviewed for TV (Image: Watford Observer)