They didn’t know it at the time but the hundreds of young fans who attended Watford’s Open Day in August 1981 were at the start of a season-long journey that was to end with history being made.

The 1981/82 campaign saw the Hornets achieve promotion to the top tier of the English game for the first time, but nine months beforehand Vicarage Road was opened up to let supporters have a glimpse behind the scenes, add to their autograph collections, while some lucky youngsters were given the opportunity to train with their Hornets heroes.

These pictures from the Watford Observer archive were taken at the Open Day on August 26, 1981 – three days before Graham Taylor’s charges got their league campaign off to a winning start with a 1-0 victory at Newcastle United.

We hope you enjoy looking through them – and you may spot yourself if you were at Vicarage Road that day.

Watford Observer: Hornets physio Billy Hails talks to some young fans.Hornets physio Billy Hails talks to some young fans. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Who's washing the kit today?Who's washing the kit today? (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Luther Blissett, Kenny Jackett, Wilf Rostron and Steve Sims deliver some heading practice.Luther Blissett, Kenny Jackett, Wilf Rostron and Steve Sims deliver some heading practice. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Showing off some skills.Showing off some skills. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Hundreds packed into the Main Stand as the players did some stretching exercises.Hundreds packed into the Main Stand as the players did some stretching exercises. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Graham Taylor points out what he wants doing.Graham Taylor points out what he wants doing. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Steve Sims is surrounded by autograph hunters.Steve Sims is surrounded by autograph hunters. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Some of the players relax while their teammates are put through their paces.Some of the players relax while their teammates are put through their paces. (Image: Watford Observer)