WATFORD's new kit has received a mixed reaction with many critical of the substantial advance of the proportion of red, particularly on the long-sleeved version.

Having been raised in an era when clubs played in the same colours every year, the enthusiasm and interest that greets this constant change is somewhat hard to adjust to.

But, if Watford had to change their shirts, could they not have come up with something more original? And why is red the predominant colour for a club that played in gold or yellow and black with a touch of crimson?

However, it was interesting to see Page and Mooney sporting the strip in the programme publicity. Were they chosen because they have identical haircuts? Certainly the backs of their heads look roughly the same from the rear? So is it necessary when ordering the kit at the club shop to ask for "regulation number two clip" for the hair as well?

Among the fans less than enamoured with the advance of red in the strip is Mr P White of Norman Crescent, Pinner.

He laments the demise of black and suggests the nickname Hornets is fast becoming a misnomer as he knows of "no red and yellow Hornet although I believe there exists in the insect world a weevil of that hue".

He does however feel that "Come on you weevils" lacks vigour and panache. The colours are familiar in Spain, he writes but would "Franco's Barmy Army" chant be appropriate in the Vicarage Road stand?

"It is the worst strip in the League," he says and if there is another club challenging for this doubtful honour, he would like to know.

Don't despair Mr White, as soon as I hear of the existance of an underground cell near Pinner I'll let you know. They are growing: those groups of fans gathering secretly, sporting black and gold shirts with a dash of red, sporting ZCLF* armbands, listening to a certain police theme tune and recalling things like the Rookery End and scoring from corners, before disbanding when the replica Watford Observer clock says midnight.

See you there.

There could be a new chant about beating those people at Kenilworth Road. Bedford Rugby Club are to play at the Hatters' ground and will, as new to the Premiership, entertain Saracens.

"We beat the S**m 28-10" doesn't really have the right ring about it however.

You know that feeling when you have ventured out on something and you realise you have gone too far to abort the exercise? I had that sensation on Tuesday night, turning into Occupation Road around 6.20pm.

There was a large queue spreading across the entrance of Occupation Road, but I inched towards the queue which parted before my gentle advance.

But then it parted, parted and continued to part. I had not realised the queue was not only 40 yards long but about 30 yards deep. Suddenly I was enveloped by Watford fans as I inched forward, wishing I could turn back, but knowing I had a pile of stuff to deliver to the main entrance, not least the heavy Player of the Season trophy.

Eventually I made it, and was later relieved to see I was not the only one who had undergone this customarily trouble-free, but this time ill-advised venture. Directors and ambulance cars coming down have experienced something akin to the human version of parting the Red Sea.

For those who made space with good grace I thank you, and for the one who made the gesture: same to you fella!

Fulham fan Reg Finch moved to Watford in 1962, and began following the Hornets.

He even became a season ticket holder before retiring to the Cotswolds in 1986. As a special surprise, his sons Peter and Richard have arranged hospitality for him and his family and his five-year-old grandson, George, is to be a mascot at Craven Cottage.

The only question is, who will old Reg Finch want to win?

ZCLF* stands for Z-Cars Liberation Front.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.