It was his dependability that gave Johnny Williams an almost exclusive hold on the left-back position for a decade and ensured only eight players have made more first-team appearances for Watford in the club’s history.

Williams’ death at the age of 73 was announced by the Hornets last Friday and the Watford Observer’s former assistant editor and long-serving club correspondent Oliver Phillips has reflected on the Vicarage Road career of the defender who played 419 games during his time at the club.

Oliver said: “Johnny was the least fanfared of Watford’s top appearance makers. The irony was that every spring, successive managers would pencil in a wish list, which included a new left-back, but not until ten years later when manager Mike Keen brought in Bobby Downes and Keith Pritchett did Johnny lose his place.

“Ironically the former Hemel Hempstead youngster, who graduated through the Junior and Reserves, moved to Colchester where he was a regular experiencing relegation and promotion.

“He was essentially a ‘steady Eddie’ boasting a good left foot but a player who did not particularly catch the eye.

Johnny Williams death was announced last Friday

Johnny Williams' death was announced last Friday

“Dressing room colleagues down the years recalled with amusement Johnny’s after-match enquiries as he attempted to establish if the opposition right winger had scored or put in a cross from which a goal was scored.

“If the answer was negative on both counts Johnny would be pleased he had done his job but this somewhat singular approach did not always win him the admiration of the managers. He was dependable and that should have earned him managerial praise but in fact the most memorable accolade came from Brian Clough who was briefly Brighton manager and enthused over the Watford full back’s performance.

“Part of the 1969 history-making side, he won promotion to Division Two with Watford and was a regular in the side that reached the club’s first ever Cup semi-final.

“He earned a deserved testimonial, which included an Elton John solo concert at Bailey’s. Perhaps he is best remembered as part of the three Ws which were the first names on the team sheet for years: Walker, Welbourne, Williams.”