An impassioned Sir Elton John urged Hornets fans to get behind new head coach Rob Edwards and implored the players to perform “with a lot more f***ing passion” than last season as he made a triumphant homecoming to Vicarage Road last night.

The former chairman had the home of the club with whom he will always be synonymous on its feet during a memorable two-and-a-half hour set of many of his greatest and most-loved songs on the opening night of his Farewell Yellow Brick Tour shows at the stadium.

An emotional Sir Elton, who also unveiled the club’s new third kit, spoke movingly about what the club means to him, how proud he is of the development of the stadium and his respect and admiration for the fans, particularly after last season when they witnessed the worst season of results at Vicarage Road in the club’s history.

READ MORE

Sir Elton said: “I first came to Vicarage Road when I was six years old in 1953 and it was a pitiful sight. And when I became chairman it was still a pitiful sight, but now we have a beautiful stadium and I’m so proud in what I see. I can’t believe it. It’s like a dream come true, and we’ve come so far.

“Yes, we had a horrendous year last year, but we’ve got to put that behind us. We’ve got to back the new coach, we’ve got to back the team and they’ve got to play with a lot more f***ing passion than they did last year.

Watford Observer:

Sir Elton unveils the Hornets' new third kit

“You have no idea how much this club is embedded in my soul. I love this club so much, it’s part of my life. It’s been a huge part of my life, not just coming here as a child and then getting involved in the club itself, but I loved the people within the club that I had when I became chairman, the board, all the supporters, I loved every single moment. It saved my life, this club.

“I can’t wait to finish the tour next year so that I can spend more time here with you and watch the games. But you’ve been brilliant supporters. You’ve stayed there through thick and thin – and, god, it was thin last year. But we will improve, we will get there and we have to believe.

“I love you Watford Football Club. I love you so, so much.

“I wish you love, happiness and health. Be kind to each other and I’ll see you when I can.”

The new third kit consists of a black and white vertical striped shirt and is in recognition of what the Watford players wore when Vicarage Road became the club’s home 100 years ago in 1922.