Vicarage Road has been home to Watford FC for 100 years. The first match took place on August 30, 1922 when Watford played Millwall.

As part of the centenary celebrations, Watford FC will be publishing a book, ‘100 Years at Vicarage Road’. It will tell the story of the stadium’s evolution through pictures, words and reminiscences from supporters and players. Memorable games and goals also appear.

The Watford Observer has reported on and photographed events at Vicarage Road throughout this time. Among the 350 images that editor Geoff Wicken has chosen for the book are a selection from our library.

Watford Observer:

We’re featuring a selection of photographs from Vicarage Road in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Some of them feature in the book, while others haven’t been seen for a long time. Today it's the turn of the 1970s.

Watford Observer:

An early-1970s jogging session in front of a set of short-lived dugouts. Graffiti is visible on the Rookery’s back wall

Watford Observer:

Mid-70s sartorial eloquence in the home changing room

Watford Observer:

Groundsman Les Simmons considers how to deal with the rubbish left behind after the 1974 Elton John concert

Watford Observer:

Graham Taylor multi-tasks by pouring champagne into the 1977/78 Division Four championship trophy while balancing on the front ledge of the Main Stand

Watford Observer:

Congratulations for Luther Blissett after one of his two goals against Newcastle in the League Cup in 1978

Watford Observer:

Fans and players join forces to rake straw off the pitch prior to a 1978/79 winter fixture