Coronavirus: Message to Watford fans ahead of possible promotion

The Hornets are guaranteed promotion on Saturday if they beat Millwall at Vicarage Road, and it will see the club go up at the first time of asking.

If Watford can secure promotion, the pandemic inevitably means celebrations will be subdued, with restrictions still in place to stop large gatherings and close contact.

There have been murmurings of fans venturing into the town centre and The Parade on Saturday if everything goes to plan.

No fans will be allowed into Vicarage Road. Credit: Action Images

However, ahead of the big day, Watford's chief inspector has released a statement reminding fans of the "importance" of behaving responsibly.

Chief Inspector Ian Grout said: "We completely understand fans' desire to mark the occasion should Watford be promoted to the Premier League and as a Hornets fan myself I will be celebrating the club’s achievement too.

"I have been working with the constabulary’s events planning team and as a result we have allocated resources, including extra officers from our safer neighbourhood teams, for reassurance.

"We are also liaising closely with our partners at both the club and Watford Borough Council to ensure the safety of all fans and the public ahead of the weekend.

"I would ask all fans to consider the current climate and also the importance of continuing to recognise the measures that are in place to stop the spread of coronavirus.

"We have worked so hard with partners over the past year to reduce infections in Watford and we want to do all we can to build on the current downward trend and work towards the next roadmap dates of May 17 and eventually, June 21."

Watford chief inspector Ian Grout

Alan Gough, group head of community and environmental services at the council, said: "I'm sure our residents are all looking forward to Saturday's game. I would encourage everyone to celebrate at home if Watford get promoted, and if you do celebrate elsewhere to always remain in line with government guidance.

"We must all remember that the measures are in place to keep us safe and to ensure Covid-19 cases in Watford remain low. We need to keep doing what we are doing."

Just under 100 people living in Watford have tested positive for coronavirus in April, according to the latest figures published on the Government's dashboard.

A further 70 or so cases have been recorded in Three Rivers district over the same time period, with 50 in Hertsmere, which includes Bushey.

Watford's match on Saturday kicks off at 3pm but a return to top flight football may be even closer than it is now, dependent on Brentford's game against Bournemouth which starts earlier the same day, at 12.30pm.