A freshly rebranded pub has revealed the origin behind its new name - which honours a major part of Watford FC's history. 

The Wishing Well in St Albans Road has now relaunched as the Cother Arms after closing for refurbishment on July 27.

The name refers to the Cother brothers, the first players of colour to play for Watford and the first players of Asian descent to play professional football anywhere.

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Jack and Edwin Cother began playing for Watford in 1898, with Jack becoming a fans' favourite and making over 130 appearances.

Martin Cother, Jack’s grandson, lives in Rickmansworth and was invited to the opening on Sunday.

He said: “It’s fantastic, it is special to see them recognised in this way.

Watford Observer: Jack Cother on the pub sign. Picture: Stephen DanzigJack Cother on the pub sign. Picture: Stephen Danzig

“The pub invited us down and told us it was named the Cother Arms solely because of their history.

"I thought the pub had a good atmosphere and we were all very pleased to see the big sign saying Cother Arms.”

The pub was taken over by Craft Union Pub Company which is part of the Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pubs operator.

Pub landlady Becca Harington said: "It was a group decision to change the name, Craft Union wanted something from the heart of the community."

Watford Observer: The Cother Arms, St Albans Road. Picture: Stephen DanzigThe Cother Arms, St Albans Road. Picture: Stephen Danzig

The Cother Brothers certainly fit the bill, due to their connections with the history of the club and community.

She added: "Martin contacted us on Facebook, we invited him down and I was able to learn more about it from him.

“People have been coming down and they’ve been asking about the name change and where it comes from, so I have had to do my research so I can answer them all.

“With the pub having a whole new complete makeover now a new name goes with a fresh start and it seems to have done its job as people have been interested.”

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