Watford have been blessed with some fine goalkeepers over the years but this man remains the best in the view of many fans.

Having moved from Birmingham City for £300,000 in September 1984, Tony Coton’s Vicarage Road career got off to a less than auspicious start as he conceded five times on his debut against Everton behind a far from secure defence.

The goalkeeper also arrived at the Hornets with a court case hanging over his head, but Graham Taylor appeared as a character witness and succeeded in keeping his new signing out of prison.

Watford Observer: All eyes are on Coton as he tips the ball over the bar.All eyes are on Coton as he tips the ball over the bar. (Image: Watford Observer)

Coton was to repay Taylor – and Watford – with a superb six years of service in which he made 291 appearances and was named Player of the Season three times, an achievement that remains without equal.

Watford Observer: Coton receiving one of his three Player of the Season awards from Ian Bolton.Coton receiving one of his three Player of the Season awards from Ian Bolton. (Image: Watford Observer)

Coton went on to enjoy five seasons with Manchester City and remains widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers never to win an England cap.

Watford Observer: Safely gathering the ball.Safely gathering the ball. (Image: Watford Observer)

Here are ten pictures from our archive that you may not have seen for some time to enjoy Coton's time at Vicarage Road once again.

Watford Observer: Training in the snow.Training in the snow. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Liverpool's Ronnie Whelan looks on as Coton drops on the ball.Liverpool's Ronnie Whelan looks on as Coton drops on the ball. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Beneath the Wembley scoreboard.Beneath the Wembley scoreboard. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Coton moves to get back to his feet as the Hornets clear the ball.Coton moves to get back to his feet as the Hornets clear the ball. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Coton is already changed as he gets off the team bus.Coton is already changed as he gets off the team bus. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: A shot through the goal as Coton arcs his back to save.A shot through the goal as Coton arcs his back to save. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Coton and his teammates meet some fans.Coton and his teammates meet some fans. (Image: Watford Observer)