The idea of footballers occupying their spare time by playing a guitar or practicing their putting on a rug on a hotel floor feels somewhat alien in this modern era of games consoles and Netflix, but that’s how these Watford players helped keep themselves busy when they took a trip to the seaside.
These wonderful snaps from the Watford Observer archive were taken in 1965 when Ken Furphy took his players to Margate – in November.
Whether the players appreciated having to train in presumably chilly conditions on a beach beneath the cliffs is open to question, although they looked happy enough as their manager appeared to outline some tactics in the sand.
Relaxing with a game of cards (Image: Watford Observer)
Our photographer’s diary states the pictures were taken on November 10, 1965, three says before Watford won 5-1 at Corinthian Casuals in the first round of the FA Cup thanks to two goals apiece from Stuart Brace and Brian Owen, with Duncan Welbourne also on the scoresheet.
Writing a letter perhaps? (Image: Watford Observer)
Catching up with the latest news (Image: Watford Observer)
Dribbling along the beach (Image: Watford Observer)
Heading practice next to the sea (Image: Watford Observer)
Some of the players appear distracted by what they're watching rather than listening to the guitar (Image: Watford Observer)
Getting in some putting practice (Image: Watford Observer)
The trip to Margate took place before Watford enjoyed a comfortable win in the FA Cup (Image: Watford Observer)
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