Memories of Watford career of ex-Wolves and Walsall man Darren Bazeley

Nine years after making his Watford debut as a 17-year-old in a 3-1 victory over Hull City at Vicarage Road, the right winger turned full-back made the last of his 281 Hornets appearances in one of the most famous games in the club’s history – the 2-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers in the Division One Play-Off Final.

Although Bazeley initially struggled to make the starting XI under Graham Taylor in the 1998/99 season, he become an ever-present after October 20 and made a total of 39 appearances, his most during a single campaign at Vicarage Road.

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Celebrating in the rain. (Image: Watford Observer)

The player turned down a new contract in the summer of 1999 and opted to be reunited with former Hornets boss Colin Lee at Wolves – the pair were to later link up again at Walsall – and Bazeley has since go on to enjoy a successful coaching career in New Zealand.

Bazeley is almost having his shirt ripped off. (Image: Watford Observer)

Here are ten pictures from our archive that you may not have seen for some time as we look back on Bazeley’s playing days at Watford.

Keeping an eye on the ball during a warm up. (Image: Watford Observer)

The linesman keeps a close eye as Bazeley tries to get out of this corner. (Image: Watford Observer)

The player reflects during a disappointing moment in his Hornets career. (Image: Watford Observer)

Bazeley gets set to cross. (Image: Watford Observer)

In aerial action against Crystal Palace. (Image: Watford Observer)

Bazeley fires in a shot. (Image: Watford Observer)

A moment of celebration with Nigel Gibbs. (Image: Watford Observer)