The season had only finished the day before with a superb 5-1 victory to secure a 12th-place finish for Watford in Division One but work was beginning on a process which would ultimately see all four sides of Vicarage Road developed.

A Watford Observer photographer visited the ground on May 6, 1986 to capture a very unusual scene as coach Steve Harrison jogged around the pitch while work is being carried out on the playing surface against a backdrop of heavy building machinery and workmen.

The Shrodells or West Stand had housed fans for 64 years since the club’s move from Cassio Road but work was underway to remove the seating in preparation for its demolition and construction of the new Rous Stand.

Watford Observer: Steve Harrison jogs past as work is carried out on the pitchSteve Harrison jogs past as work is carried out on the pitch (Image: Watford Observer)

Our photographer was back at the stadium six days later on May 12 as diggers were lifting away rubble and work was continuing on dismantling the top section of the stand.

Watford Observer: The seating is removed from the lower section of the Shrodells StandThe seating is removed from the lower section of the Shrodells Stand (Image: Watford Observer)

The pictures on this page are from both those visits at what was to be the start of the work to redevelop Vicarage Road into the stadium we recognise today.

Watford Observer: A view from the other side of the seating being removedA view from the other side of the seating being removed (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Work also had to be carried out at the Rookery end of the groundWork also had to be carried out at the Rookery end of the ground (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: This picture shows how much progress had been made by May 12, 1986This picture shows how much progress had been made by May 12, 1986 (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Part of the terracing was also dismantledPart of the terracing was also dismantled (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Constructing the Rous Stand meant the pitch had to be moved towards the East StandConstructing the Rous Stand meant the pitch had to be moved towards the East Stand (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The shell of a stand in the background as a tractor works on the pitchThe shell of a stand in the background as a tractor works on the pitch (Image: Watford Observer)