“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.

Watford Observer: The defensive wall tries to hold firm as Bolton lets fly.The defensive wall tries to hold firm as Bolton lets fly. (Image: Watford Observer)

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.

Watford Observer: Bolton celebrates his Player of the Season award.Bolton celebrates his Player of the Season award. (Image: Watford Observer)

“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.”

Watford Observer: The player scored 11 penalties during his Watford career.The player scored 11 penalties during his Watford career. (Image: Watford Observer)

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.

Watford Observer: Looking focused.Looking focused. (Image: Watford Observer)

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.

Watford Observer: Bolton waits for this effort to hit the back of the net.Bolton waits for this effort to hit the back of the net. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: An opponent takes evasive action as Bolton strikes a free-kick.An opponent takes evasive action as Bolton strikes a free-kick. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Bolton looks on as Gerry Armstrong battles for a header against Nottingham Forest.Bolton looks on as Gerry Armstrong battles for a header against Nottingham Forest. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Bolton leaps in celebration in Watford's famous 7-1 cup victory over Southampton.Bolton leaps in celebration in Watford's famous 7-1 cup victory over Southampton. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The defender and midfielder scatters an opposition wall with this strike.The defender and midfielder scatters an opposition wall with this strike. (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Martin Patching is among Bolton's teammates waiting to see whether this shot ends in a goal.Martin Patching is among Bolton's teammates waiting to see whether this shot ends in a goal. (Image: Watford Observer)