“We wouldn’t change Webby for the world and wish him a great birthday.”
Those are the affectionate words of Luther Blissett for his friend and fellow Watford legend Ian Bolton, who is celebrating his 70th birthday today.
Born in Leicester on July 15, 1953, Graham Taylor had the versatile defender and midfielder on loan at Lincoln City and brought him to Vicarage Road for a bargain £12,000 in July 1977.
He went on to become an integral part of Taylor’s side that rose from the Fourth Division to the club’s highest ever league finish of runners-up in the First Division.
Blissett said: “What can we say about Ian Bolton or, should I say, Webby as we call him. He was named after a captain Webb who swam the channel - I think it was Dennis Booth who came up with that name one day as he looked just like him when walked out of the shower! The height. That tash!
“Watford FC’s best value for money signing ever - as he reminds us - could play full back, centre back or midfield.
“This original rocket man determined and competitive to the end. 70 years of age and still showing those same qualities when representing the Former Players Club today in our community work.
“Same terrible jokes too!
“But we wouldn’t change Webby for the world and wish him a great birthday.”
Along with Blissett, Ross Jenkins and Steve Sherwood, Bolton was one of the ‘Rocket Men’ – the four men who played in all four divisions for the Hornets during their meteoric rise.
He quickly became known for his ability to hit long driven passes and his powerful shooting ability and made a total of 287 league and cup appearances during his time at Vicarage Road, scoring 36 goals.
Bolton won the Player of the Season award in 1980 but perhaps the biggest testament to him is that Taylor rated him as “pound-for-pound my best ever signing.”
To help celebrate Ian's birthday, we've taken a look back into our archive and hope you enjoy these pictures of him in action and other highlights of his time at Vicarage Road.
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