It’s been 35 years since Watford made their last FA Cup Final appearance under the legendary Graham Taylor. On Saturday, the home of football will be resplendent in yellow once again. Although the great man won’t be there this time, everyone knows how proud he’d be to see Javi Gracia and his team write Watford’s name on that grand old trophy for the first time.

Graham Taylor is an icon here because he understood what football can do for people – the club’s success brings our town a pride and joy that nothing else can. His values, warmth and emphasis on inclusion and family say so much about the town, and built a unique bond between the people of Watford and their football club that endures.

Which brings me to Javi Gracia and his players. They have embodied the values of the club and the town every step along their road to this final. It has been a joy to watch them, playing with heart, hunger and genuine passion. We are not always considered the most fashionable town or football club. But we keep on punching above our weight, standing up for ourselves and being proud of who we are and the place we call home.

Never has that spirit been more evident than in the unforgettable comeback against Wolves, and the team’s refusal to give up until the very end is already etched into our town’s history.

I’d like to wish everyone at Watford Football Club the very best of luck for the final. A huge effort goes into building this kind of success, and everyone employed by the club plays an integral part. Volunteers from 1881 Movement deserve a special thanks too. They have put up more than a 1,000 metres of yellow and black bunting along our High Street, decorated our Town Hall and helped to paint the town yellow.

Good luck Watford Football Club, the whole town is behind you!

  • Peter Taylor is elected Mayor of Watford