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 cardsRelaxing 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?Writing a letter perhaps? (Image: Watford Observer)

Catching up with the latest newsCatching up with the latest news (Image: Watford Observer)

Dribbling along the beachDribbling along the beach (Image: Watford Observer)

Heading practice next to the seaHeading practice next to the sea (Image: Watford Observer)

Some of the players appear distracted by what they're watching rather than listening to the guitarSome of the players appear distracted by what they're watching rather than listening to the guitar (Image: Watford Observer)

Getting in some putting practiceGetting in some putting practice (Image: Watford Observer)

The trip to Margate took place before Watford enjoyed a comfortable win in the FA CupThe trip to Margate took place before Watford enjoyed a comfortable win in the FA Cup (Image: Watford Observer)