Elton John turns to Graham Taylor and grabs him by the shoulder as news filters through. Manchester United had lost and Watford had finished second in Division One. They were the second best team in the county and it happened 41 years ago today.

Saturday, May 14, 1983 had started with Ron Atkinson’s Red Devils sitting second in the top-flight as the Hornets prepared to face champions Liverpool in the final game of Bob Paisley’s trophy-laden managerial reign at Anfield.

An attendance of 27,173 crammed into Vicarage Road to watch as goals from the late Martin Patching and Luther Blissett sealed the Hornets’ 22nd victory of the season – only the champions won more.

Watford Observer: The Hornets chairman nearly loses his hat in the celebrationsThe Hornets chairman nearly loses his hat in the celebrations (Image: Watford Observer)

United were also winning 2-1 at Notts County, only to concede two late goals which meant Watford were runners-up in the Football League in their first season at the top table of the English game just five years after they had won promotion from Division Four. It remains a remarkable achievement.

Watford Observer: A proud day for everyone associated with the clubA proud day for everyone associated with the club (Image: Watford Observer)