A new magazine which explores Watford’s history is set to be launched at the Graham Taylor match-day next month.

The Watford Treasury, produced by editor Colin Payne, is an independent publication which explores the Hornets’ history through a series of pictures, stories and collections.

Featuring 100 pages, the magazine will be priced at £5 and will be produced three times a year.

Supporters will be able to purchase the first edition on the Graham Taylor match-day against Sampdoria on Saturday, August 4, with the magazine being available to buy outside Vicarage Road Stadium and from the Watford Museum Gift Shop. Copies will also be available to order as well.

Payne believes the publication will provide Watford supporters with a unique look at the club’s history, with the first edition set to reflect on the 1968-69 season, where Watford won the Division Three title, among other topics.

He said: “We’ve given a lot of thought to it as there’s never been anything quite like it, not just at Watford, but any club. The support we’ve received from the club has been so positive, and I think there’s an appetite to see Watford’s past presented in such a tangible way. Hopefully this will be reflected by fellow fans of the club.

“For me the catalyst for the magazine was the ‘Hornet History and Old Stuff’ Facebook group. Within weeks of it being started it was apparent that there was a genuine appetite for not just historical themes, but the memorabilia and images that were appearing. Through this, collectors and supporters got together, and the idea of a quality magazine focusing on Watford’s heritage was hatched.

“It soon became clear that it was a labour of love, as are all the best creative projects. The enthusiasm for it has become contagious. No one involved is making a penny, and yet the eagerness to be involved is remarkable.”

Payne also went on to praise the efforts of the Watford Museum for their support with the project and hopes the magazine will be well received by the club’s fan base.

He said: “We were aware that the emphasis needed to be on the quality, be that the images, the writing, the presentation, even the paper it is printed on. Everything needed to be as good as we could possibly make it.

“This has been aided no end by the fact that from the very beginning Watford Museum have given us full support, from allowing access to their collection, offering rooms to meet, advice and any assistance we have needed. The magazine is truly collaborative and with it comes a feeling that in our own way we too are contributing to that heritage. 

“The result is we have been able to produce a really impressive magazine that not only looks fantastic, but is something that is a pleasure to read.

“Volume one includes articles as diverse as the John Goodall story, a personal recollection of the 1968-69 season, a look back to when a horse show on the Vicarage Road pitch was considered totally acceptable, as well as a host of other topics, many featuring some fantastic memorabilia and seldom seen images.”