Watford's Rookery Stand opened 30 years ago at Vicarage Road

The Hornets beat Bristol City 1-0 thanks to a Kevin Phillips goal on the day when the new Rookery Stand was first opened to fans.

Fans got to watch from the new Rookery Stand for the first time on this day 30 years ago. (Image: Watford Observer) Built at a cost of £1.6million, the 6,960-seater stand took 10 months to construct and season-ticket holders were given the opportunity to watch Glenn Roeder’s side in action from the new facility for the first time on April 22, 1995.

The diving Kevin Phillips heads in Watford's winning goal. (Image: Watford Observer) The construction of what was initially known as the South Stand continued the redevelopment of Vicarage Road.

Keith Millen and Derek Payne celebrate the only goal of the game from the grounded Kevin Phillips. (Image: Watford Observer) Following the building of the Vicarage Road end and the completion of the lower tier of the Rous Stand – now the Graham Taylor Stand – in the summer of 1993, work began on redeveloping the Rookery end the following year.

Kevin Phillips starts to get to his feet to join the celebrations. (Image: Watford Observer) However, the new stand was not fully designated for Watford fans until the club embarked on their first Premier League season in 1999/2000.

The new stand meant a new home for the Watford Observer's famous sign. (Image: Watford Observer) Harry the Hornet entertains some young fans. (Image: Watford Observer) The new stand replaced the former Rookery end terracing. (Image: Watford Museum)The letters of the Watford Observer clock lie on the mangled metal work during the demolition of the Rookery end. (Image: Watford Observer) The contrast of the old metal work with the new Rous Stand. (Image: Watford Observer) Construction of the new Rookery Stand in October 1994. (Image: Watford Observer) The construction work viewed from the lower tier of what is now the Graham Taylor Stand. (Image: Watford Observer)