Plans to rebuild a historic feature in Watford, a stunning victory at Arsenal that was dedicated to Graham Taylor, the record-breaking departure of a Hornets’ striker and an honour for the town’s mayor were among the stories making our headlines five and ten years ago this week.
FIVE YEARS AGO
Plans to rebuild Cassiobury Park gates revealed
Cassiobury Park’s historic gates could be rebuilt – but the group behind the project is calling for public support and funding to help kickstart the scheme.
The gates, which joined a pair of gatehouses, were built in 1802 to mark the entrance to the carriageway drive leading up to Cassiobury House. They were demolished in 1970 to facilitate expansion works on the Rickmansworth Road.
An artist's impression of the gates
The Rickmansworth Road entrance was refurbished in 2016 as part of a restoration project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Big Lottery Fund, and Watford Borough Council.
The £6.5m scheme also returned the historic bandstand, revamped the pools, and created a new hub building complete with café, exhibition room, and education facilities.
When the “Cassiobury Park Gates. Rebuilt” committee formed two years ago, their aim was to restore the original gates and gatehouses to the front of the park.
“The general consensus from most people is that they should have never been knocked down in the first place - it’s a travesty,” said committee secretary Cheryl Green.
“We are a bit annoyed that the park has been given about £5m from the Heritage Lottery Fund for maintenance and upkeep of heritage. The hub is a new build – there’s no heritage in that whatsoever.”
Picture: Action Images
Watford boss Mazzarri dedicates Arsenal triumph to Graham Taylor
Walter Mazzarri dedicated his side's remarkable 2-1 win at Arsenal to Watford legend Graham Taylor.
The Hornets pulled off a shock victory over the Gunners to end their seven-match winless run in the Premier League.
The funeral of Taylor will be held tomorrow (Ferbruary 1) and Mazzarri dedicated this evening's stunning win to the club's greatest manager.
Watford head coach Mazzarri said: "I want to dedicate this victory to the great person that was Graham Taylor.
"I wanted to do it before today but I think today was a great game and want to dedicate this victory especially to him and to the fans as well."
Read more: Sir Elton's tribute when Watford said its final farewell to Graham Taylor
Picture: Action Images
Ighalo leaves Watford in record-breaking deal
Odion Ighalo has joined Chinese Super League side Changchun Yatai in a record £20m deal.
The figure dwarfs the club’s previous record transfer fee received, which stood at £12.5m paid by Derby County for Matej Vydra in August 2016.
Ighalo leaves Vicarage Road with a record of 39 goals in 100 appearances after spending two-and-a-half years at the club.
He starred during the Hornets’ return to the Premier League last season as he found the net 17 times but has scored just twice this season.
TEN YEARS AGO
Mayor picks up MBE
Watford elected mayor Dorothy Thornhill rubbed shoulders with Oscar-winning actor Colin Firth among others as she collected her MBE award at Buckingham Palace.
Mrs Thornhill, who has been at the borough's helm since 2002, describe the experience of receiving the honour “humbling”.
News of her MBE was announced in the summer and she was presented the medal by Prince Charles.
She said: “As a Welsh girl I was very proud to have the Prince of Wales.
“What came out of it for me was that it was about ordinary people being recognised for quite special things.
“It was quite a humbling experience.”
Picture: Action Images
Sordell completes Bolton switch
Bolton Wanderers have completed the signing of Watford striker Marvin Sordell, subject to confirmation by the FA and Premier League.
The striker has signed a three-and-a-half year contract following his move for an undisclosed fee, which we understand could potentially reach more than £3.5m.
Sordell had looked set to join Cardiff City this afternoon but then Bolton came in with an increased offer for the England Under-21 striker.
Sordell did not play for Watford during the 2-0 victory over Millwall as the striker was withdrawn by the Hornets owner Laurance Bassini.
Funding secured for new road to Watford General Hospital
Government funding has been secured for a new multi-million pound access road to Watford General Hospital.
Ministers at the Department of Health have earmarked £7m for a new route to the link road with the M1 from the back of the hospital.
The move also brings plans for a new Health Campus development on the site a step closer as a new access route is crucial for the project.
Jan Filochowski, the chief executive of the trust that oversees Watford General, said: “I was surprised and delighted when I found out we had secured the money, we thought it was a bit of a long shot.
“It [the new road] is a fundamental, if not the fundamental building block for the Health Campus."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here