The world of football is continuing to mourn the passing of one of the best ever players following the death of Sir Bobby Charlton.

The England World Cup winner, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 86, only came up against Watford on a few occasions during his illustrious career – but the first remains one of the best remembered cup ties in the club’s history.

European champions Manchester United – including the Holy Trinity of Charlton, George Best and Denis Law – needed two attempts to get past their then Division Three opponents in the FA Cup fourth round in 1969 after Ken Furphy’s side secured a heroic 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in front of more than 63,000 fans.

Watford Observer: Tom Walley stretches every muscle to try to prevent George Best from crossingTom Walley stretches every muscle to try to prevent George Best from crossing (Image: Watford Observer)

After the scheduled replay date had been postponed, a club record attendance of 34,099 somehow crammed into Vicarage Road on February 3, 1969 to see if Watford could complete a famous upset, but two Law goals saw Sir Matt Busby’s side through.

Watford Observer: Stewart Scullion's shot gave Watford an early lead at Old TraffordStewart Scullion's shot gave Watford an early lead at Old Trafford (Image: Watford Observer)

Charlton was to return to Vicarage Road five years later as player-manager with Preston North End for a Division Three clash at the start of the 1974/75 season.

Watford Observer: More than 34,000 packed into Vicarage Road for the replayMore than 34,000 packed into Vicarage Road for the replay (Image: Watford Observer)

Regarded as one of the best games of the 1970s because of the quality of the attacking football from both sides, Watford were 3-0 up before they had to hold on for a 3-2 victory.

Watford Observer: Denis Law lurks in case Mike Walker lets the ball slip from his graspDenis Law lurks in case Mike Walker lets the ball slip from his grasp (Image: Watford Observer)

Sadly, our archive only has a couple of pictures of Charlton in action in these matches, but here are a selection of images from them featuring a gentleman widely recognised as England’s greatest player.

Watford Observer: Watford try to get on the end of a crossWatford try to get on the end of a cross (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Dennis Bond scores his first goal against Charlton's Preston side in August 1974Dennis Bond scores his first goal against Charlton's Preston side in August 1974 (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Watford went 3-0 in front against PrestonWatford went 3-0 in front against Preston (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: A smaller crowd of just under 9,000 were at Vicarage Road for Charlton's return in 1974A smaller crowd of just under 9,000 were at Vicarage Road for Charlton's return in 1974 (Image: Watford Observer)