The trophy presented to Watford Football Club’s first championship winning side is up for auction tomorrow.

The silver rosebowl was presented to The Hornets after the club secured the Southern League Second Division title in 1900.

The trophy is expected to fetch between £8,000 and £10,000 when it is sold by Guildford-based auctioneer firm Wellers tomorrow.

The bowl, engraved with Watford Football Club, sits on a carved oak stand with a plaque which was added at a later date.

It reads: “Presented to J Bonser Esq (club chairman) by the directors and officers of Watford Football Club to commemorate the winning of promotion to the Football League Division III Season 1959-60.”

The club’s first promotion winning squad of 1899-1900 included Watford’s first paid captain, Jimmy McNee, who arrived from Bolton Wanderers to become top scorer with 16 goals in 20 games.

The title-winning squad also included winger and newsagent John Hill, former Aston Villa striker Charlie Hare – who played for Canada – and St Albans man Albie Sharp, who was sent off twice.

Algy Varley, council worker Jack Cother and dog-breeding goalkeeper Guthrie Baker were also key players – along with W. Fellows, the only outfield player not to score in the club’s record 11-0 win over nine-man Maidenhead.

The auction gets under way from 10.30am on Thursday. Visit www.wellersauctions.com for more information.