Strolling around Vicarage Road on a matchday, you might not even take a second glance at the disabled seating bays, visually impaired supporters wearing hearing loops or even the recently installed sensory room - as all three are just another part of the Watford furniture.

But, for disabled fans, it has not always been that way at the Hornets’ home ground, or any other across the Premier League and beyond.

Facilities have improved tenfold at Vicarage Road in recent years, with the Golden Boys leading the way in a number of fields for fans with disabilities - its sensory room, opened in November, is the first installed by any club in the south of England. It is also the biggest in the entire country, and only the third permanently-open room of its kind at a Premier League or EFL club.

New wheelchair and easy access spaces have been opened during the season, too, and while the Hornets will not fulfil an obligatory Premier League quota in time for next season, David Butler, chairman of independent supporter group WFC Enables, has rightly pointed out ‘actual demand’ should be prioritised over external targets.

In addition, a number of ‘soccer sight’ headsets are available to blind or partially sighted fans who want to enjoy the atmosphere on a matchday, providing live commentary of the action unfolding in front of them.

And while most, if not all of the above may not be news to regular attendees of Vicarage Road - to many who would benefit from such assistance, a day at the football can still seem a prohibitive experience.

With that in mind, the Hornets supported Disabled Access Day, which aims to encourage people to try new experiences and places, during last weekend’s game with Southampton.

Lisa Edwards, partnership manager with Euan’s Guide, a charity which is the brains behind the day, said: “A lot of people have got in touch saying they had no idea it would be possible to come to a football match with their son or daughter.

“There was a dad with their disabled sons here today, but it’s about making people aware of having the conversation and seeing what they can get involved in.

“It’s all about shining a light on accessibility and encouraging disabled people to go out and trying something new.

“Euan’s Guide is a little like Trip Advisor for disabled people, and both Watford and Southampton are on there as of this week - that’s great, for getting the word out there about how welcome disabled people are.”

Lisa, along with George Fielding, who uses a wheelchair himself and is an everyday ambassador for Disabled Access Day, both attended Saturday’s Watford game - and while the performance on the pitch may have been a disappointment, their message was broadcast loud and clear.

George delivered a half-time message to the Hornets faithful on the importance of accessibility and the good work Watford have done to improve their offering in recent years, and was given a deserved round of applause at the end of his speech.

Before the game, he told the Watford Observer: “I think for a lot of people with disabilities, the only football they see is fronted by Gary Lineker on a Saturday night.

“The importance of things like this is to say that football is for everyone, disabled or not. We’ve started talking to people like Watford all over the UK and asked what we can achieve by listening to disabled people, their families and carers.

“Watford have put their hands up and asked for help in improving their facilities. They already have 72 wheelchair sites and are investing in a changing place toilet, which includes a hoist and everything else you would need.

“Watford’s attitude and investment are demonstrating that football is for everyone. I would have no problem telling people I know with disabilities they would have the most amazing time here.

“Football is so important to so many disabled people, and many of them idolise these players. I hope that a football fanatic sitting at home during the Southampton game hears and sees Watford taking the lead and realises they are not alone and can identify with the people here - and can join in, too.”