Watford (a) - General Info Thread

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Thu Oct 31, 2019 11:01 am

For any general information that could assist for supporters going to the game at Watford - but not for ticketing or coach travel issues which are covered on other threads.

Herts Clarets · Post by **Herts Clarets** » Thu Oct 31, 2019 11:45 am

Away fan friendly pub at Watford is Oddfellows , Fearnley St and close to the away end. No good if you want decent ale but it does have a large patio area out the back with a BBQ, plenty of seating and big screens showing the lunchtime Sky game. Parking I usually use one of the multi storeys in the centre, bit of a queue to pay for the ticket on exit but it is then a 10 min drive to the M1. UTC

box_of_frogs · Post by **box_of_frogs** » Thu Oct 31, 2019 3:53 pm

Will hopefully take the bus from Ricky!

aggi · Post by **aggi** » Thu Oct 31, 2019 4:14 pm

Watford is pretty short of decent pubs.

We normally go the Flag next to Watford Junction Station before the match, big pub with Sky Sports that's away fan friendly. I see it's been converted to an O'Neill's now though so don't know if it's the same.

Otherwise there's the Wetherspoons in the town centre which is average or Oddfellows which is OK but a bit rammed normally. Post-match last season I went to the Nascot Arms which seemed like a decent little pub with some proper beer on and sky sports.

TomtheClaret · Post by **TomtheClaret** » Wed Nov 20, 2019 5:50 pm

Been a few years since I went to this fixture. I used to park at a school about 10 mins walk from the ground.
Anyone know the name of school or other suitable parking? Where can get a drink before the game? Thank you in advance UTC

Burnley1989 · Post by **Burnley1989** » Wed Nov 20, 2019 6:01 pm

We went a few years ago and parked our minibus directly by the ground and got something like an £80 fine, we all just had a whip around for the driver so all in all it was worth it. Had we been clamped or towed it would have been a different story

Reckoner · Post by **Reckoner** » Wed Nov 20, 2019 6:06 pm

If you go to the football grounds guide they have info to use as a start

https://www.footballgroundguide.com/lea ... tford.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

1989_claret · Post by **1989_claret** » Wed Nov 20, 2019 8:13 pm

aggi wrote:Watford is pretty short of decent pubs.

We normally go the Flag next to Watford Junction Station before the match, big pub with Sky Sports that's away fan friendly. I see it's been converted to an O'Neill's now though so don't know if it's the same.

Otherwise there's the Wetherspoons in the town centre which is average or Oddfellows which is OK but a bit rammed normally. Post-match last season I went to the Nascot Arms which seemed like a decent little pub with some proper beer on and sky sports.

Get into Watford at 11:30am and will be heading straight into the town centre. There’s about 4/5 pubs in a row for you to sample. The Walkabout has loads of screens that will have West Ham v Spurs on.

The Flag is great for after the match before getting the train.

Clarets4me · Post by **Clarets4me** » Wed Nov 20, 2019 9:30 pm

It often makes me laugh when opposing fans describe Turf Moor and Burnley in general as a " S***hole ".... they've clearly never been to Watford, a town which has, as it's only redeeming feature, the fact that Luton is only 17 miles away.

Luton should be name of the scale on which the crapness of a place is measured, much like Charles Richter gave his name to measuring earthquakes, Stevenage would also score highly on the " Luton " scale .....

Granny WeatherWax · Post by **Granny WeatherWax** » Thu Nov 21, 2019 5:27 am

Absolute hole of a place. Worst away day of the season for me. Driving on Saturday as per normal for Watford. Aiming to get there about 2, quick in and out!

aggi · Post by **aggi** » Thu Nov 21, 2019 5:55 am

1989_claret wrote:Get into Watford at 11:30am and will be heading straight into the town centre. There’s about 4/5 pubs in a row for you to sample. The Walkabout has loads of screens that will have West Ham v Spurs on.

The Flag is great for after the match before getting the train.

Yes, there's a fair few options for fizzy lager and Sky Sports. Just not as many for a decent pint and some grub. (I'm getting old.)

box_of_frogs · Post by **box_of_frogs** » Thu Nov 21, 2019 7:10 am

If you like to arrive late by car, and leave straight away, you could park at the Tesco Extra. Pretty sure you get 3 hrs parking for free, and a brisk 10 min walk to the ground. Do not go on the top level car park by Argos etc as it’s only 2 hrs.

Woodleyclaret · Post by **Woodleyclaret** » Thu Nov 21, 2019 12:55 pm

Drive paat the ground past the hospital and park in any streets around there
Follow the road out and it leads to the M25M1

Leisure · Post by **Leisure** » Thu Nov 21, 2019 2:21 pm

WATFORD FOOTBALL CLUB AWAY SUPPORTERS TRAVEL ADVICE
POST CODE FOR SAT/NAV – WD18 0ER

DIRECTIONS

From the North and East:
Exit the M1 Motorway at Junction 5. (M25 Motorway traffic should exit at junction 21a, travel south on the A405 and join M1 southbound at Junction 6 then exit at Junction 5).
At Junction 5 take the A4008 to Watford town centre. Then go onto Beechen Grove and Exchange Road. (This is the Watford Ring Road).
From Exchange Road turn left into Vicarage Road. At the end of this first section of Vicarage Road you must turn left then immediately go into the right hand lane and turn into Farraline Road.
Take the left-hand lane and turn left back into Vicarage Road.
The football ground is then on the left-hand side.

From the South and West
Exit the M25 Motorway at Junction 19. At the roundabout at the end of the slip road turn right onto the A411.
At the end of the A411 at the roundabout turn right onto the A412. (Towards Rickmansworth)
Take the 2nd Left into Cassio Road (A4178).
On reaching the small one way system by the Hornets Precinct go over into the right hand lane and turn right.
At the junction with Farraline Road turn right and move into the left-hand lane.
Turn left into Vicarage Road the football ground is then on the left-hand side.

POLICE ADVICE TO SUPPORTERS

We will endeavour at all times to provide a level of service to all supporters visiting the Stadium which recognises the dignity and respect deserving of the vast majority of the decent football going public. Please take note of the following advice and information.

Parking
The Town Centre is served by several multi-storey car parks situated just off the ring road.
THERE IS VERY LIMITED STREET SIDE PARKING in the vicinity of the stadium and this is Controlled “Pay and Display" /“Match-day”/ "Residents" parking permit zones that are strictly observed.

By Train
Watford is on the main Birmingham to Euston line with a regular service to the Midlands and North- West.

By Tube
A Metropolitan Line (Restricted) Service also runs to Watford, the station being situated on Cassiobury Park Avenue.

Location of Visiting Supporters Seating
Visiting supporters will be located in the Eastern side of the Vicarage Road Stand.

Searching
Under the Ground Regulations it is a condition of entry to the Stadium that spectators submit to a search. Trained stewards carry out the search. Any Refusal to submit to a search may result in ejection from or entry being refused to the stadium.
Spectators should not be in possession of bottles, tins, studded belts, banners, poles or any other article likely to cause injury.

Alcohol
Alcohol is not served within the Away Stand at Vicarage Road. All legislation relating to a Designate Sporting Event applies.

ALL AREAS OF THE VICARAGE ROAD STADIUM ARE NON-SMOKING.

Marty Dobson · Post by **Marty Dobson** » Thu Nov 21, 2019 2:52 pm

"Alcohol is not served within the Away Stand at Vicarage Road."
I've changed me mind about travelling, can I get a refund?

JohnDearyMe · Post by **JohnDearyMe** » Thu Nov 21, 2019 3:23 pm

Clarets4me wrote:It often makes me laugh when opposing fans describe Turf Moor and Burnley in general as a " S***hole ".... they've clearly never been to Watford, a town which has, as it's only redeeming feature, the fact that Luton is only 17 miles away.

.....

My thoughts exactly

Leisure · Post by **Leisure** » Thu Nov 21, 2019 3:44 pm

Marty Dobson wrote:"Alcohol is not served within the Away Stand at Vicarage Road."

Last year when our coaches arrived at the ground, instead of going to The Oddfellows for a few beers a few of our lot decided to go into the ground early to have a beer there and avoid the crowded pub. They won't make that mistake on Saturday!

jrgbfc · Post by **jrgbfc** » Thu Nov 21, 2019 3:46 pm

Never minded an away day at Watford tbh. Easy enough to get to on the train via Milton Keynes. The grounds close to the town centre where you've got plenty of pubs. Far better than those horrible new stadiums that are built on retail parks in the middle of nowhere.

Montevideo · Post by **Montevideo** » Thu Nov 21, 2019 6:27 pm

West Midlands train strike on Saturday.
Trains from Milton Keynes to Watford Junction likely to be affected.
Last Saturday all West Midlands trains through MK to Watford were cancelled.
A Southern Trains service still exists . Times are different and infrequent.
Depending on your ticket you may be able to go into London and back up to Watford.
Best to check on the day.

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Thu Nov 21, 2019 6:34 pm

”Alcohol
Alcohol is not served within the Away Stand at Vicarage Road. All legislation relating to a Designate Sporting Event applies.”

Not read the document, but I have to ask, how on earth can this be right? How do they get away with this sort of discrimination?

Leisure · Post by **Leisure** » Thu Nov 21, 2019 6:39 pm

bobinho wrote:”Alcohol
Alcohol is not served within the Away Stand at Vicarage Road. All legislation relating to a Designate Sporting Event applies.”

Not read the document, but I have to ask, how on earth can this be right? How do they get away with this sort of discrimination?

Bob - Don't worry, you'll probably have had enough by the time that you get to the ground! Probably see you in the Oddfellows.

PS - Did you forget to put a smilie on your post!

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Thu Nov 21, 2019 6:49 pm

A very aptly named pub, considering who I will be with. See you in there Pete.

Quickenthetempo · Post by **Quickenthetempo** » Thu Nov 21, 2019 6:50 pm

There was no beer at Half time at Sheffield.

That's why a load of Burnley fans left to go the pub.

The police weren't right impressed they had to get back out on duty from their breaks.

Local cricketer · Post by **Local cricketer** » Thu Nov 21, 2019 6:55 pm

Quickenthetempo wrote:There was no beer at Half time at Sheffield.

That's why a load of Burnley fans left to go the pub.

The police weren't right impressed they had to get back out on duty from their breaks.

The f###%%s still advertised it though

Leisure · Post by **Leisure** » Thu Nov 21, 2019 6:58 pm

Local cricketer wrote:The f###%%s still advertised it though

Advertised what?

Local cricketer · Post by **Local cricketer** » Thu Nov 21, 2019 7:01 pm

Leisure wrote:Advertised what?

Beer on the signs above the bar. Full price list

aggi · Post by **aggi** » Fri Nov 22, 2019 12:53 pm

bobinho wrote:”Alcohol
Alcohol is not served within the Away Stand at Vicarage Road. All legislation relating to a Designate Sporting Event applies.”

Not read the document, but I have to ask, how on earth can this be right? How do they get away with this sort of discrimination?

This has always been the case at Watford. I seem to remember it's because the concourse is small so they don't want people congregating there.

1989_claret · Post by **1989_claret** » Fri Nov 22, 2019 12:59 pm

Montevideo wrote:West Midlands train strike on Saturday.
Trains from Milton Keynes to Watford Junction likely to be affected.
Last Saturday all West Midlands trains through MK to Watford were cancelled.
A Southern Trains service still exists . Times are different and infrequent.
Depending on your ticket you may be able to go into London and back up to Watford.
Best to check on the day.

Timetable below. Seems to be running ok tomorrow but will be best to keep checking in the morning.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/rv4 ... 1.pdf?dl=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

jrgbfc · Post by **jrgbfc** » Fri Nov 22, 2019 3:06 pm

Local cricketer wrote:Beer on the signs above the bar. Full price list

I'm pretty sure last time I went to Watford they were serving before game but not at half time. Must have changed their policy.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Fri Nov 22, 2019 3:16 pm

Montevideo wrote:West Midlands train strike on Saturday.
Trains from Milton Keynes to Watford Junction likely to be affected.
Last Saturday all West Midlands trains through MK to Watford were cancelled.
A Southern Trains service still exists . Times are different and infrequent.
Depending on your ticket you may be able to go into London and back up to Watford.
Best to check on the day.

We've been hit with this. We'll be about 30 mins later getting into Watford but an hour later getting back into Manchester on the train from MK.

JohnDearyMe · Post by **JohnDearyMe** » Fri Nov 22, 2019 3:22 pm

jrgbfc wrote:I'm pretty sure last time I went to Watford they were serving before game but not at half time. Must have changed their policy.

Last time i went 3 seasons ago (one where Hendrick got sent off early on) they were serving beer before the game

Leisure · Post by **Leisure** » Fri Nov 22, 2019 3:39 pm

Local cricketer wrote:Beer on the signs above the bar. Full price list

Yes, because they were selling beer before the game.

Montevideo · Post by **Montevideo** » Fri Nov 22, 2019 8:25 pm

1989_claret wrote:Timetable below. Seems to be running ok tomorrow but will be best to keep checking in the morning.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/rv4 ... 1.pdf?dl=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cheers for that 1989
Just be wary. This timetable was in operation last Saturday and still these trains didn't run.
The 13.12 from MK will run as it's a Southern service .

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Fri Nov 22, 2019 8:32 pm

Montevideo wrote:Cheers for that 1989
Just be wary. This timetable was in operation last Saturday and still these trains didn't run.
The 13.12 from MK will run as it's a Southern service .

Those trains won’t run. We are on the 13:12 now and having to get a later train back after the game.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Fri Nov 22, 2019 8:42 pm

aggi wrote:This has always been the case at Watford. I seem to remember it's because the concourse is small so they don't want people congregating there.

I think you are being very generous aggi calling it small

Burnleyareback2 · Post by **Burnleyareback2** » Fri Nov 22, 2019 8:58 pm

Can’t make it tomorrow.

Safe trip everyone, good effort and UTC

1989_claret · Post by **1989_claret** » Fri Nov 22, 2019 9:15 pm

ClaretTony wrote:Those trains won’t run. We are on the 13:12 now and having to get a later train back after the game.

Looks like the trains leaving MK to Watford at 12 minutes past run and then after the game the trains from Watford to MK at 20 past run but none of the others. Can see this being a bit of a nightmare tomorrow unfortunately.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Fri Nov 22, 2019 11:14 pm

1989_claret wrote:Can see this being a bit of a nightmare tomorrow unfortunately.

I think we've known that for about a week and a half and had it all confirmed last week.

1989_claret · Post by **1989_claret** » Fri Nov 22, 2019 11:33 pm

ClaretTony wrote:I think we've known that for about a week and a half and had it all confirmed last week.

Unfortunately I wasn’t aware. Could’ve put it on this general info thread then couldn’t you? Isn’t that the purpose of it. Cheers and see you tomorrow Tony.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Sat Nov 23, 2019 9:36 am

When I said had it confirmed last week, it was more that every single WM train was cancelled so expected it could be the same today and it is unfortunately.

Paul Waine · Post by **Paul Waine** » Sat Nov 23, 2019 9:58 am

London Overground Rail are running their usual services from London to Watford High St.

I'm not sure if that will help anyone coming down on the train from Burnley. Longer travel time getting in and out of London.

I was undecided whether to drive or get train - from S.W. London. I'm now definitely on the trains - 3 changes. Better than spending time working out where to park - if there's a lot more home fans using their cars.

Safe travels everyone.

UTC

aggi · Post by **aggi** » Sat Nov 23, 2019 10:17 am

Most have been cancelled but a few fast trains are still running from London. Otherwise the slow train takes about 50 minutes.

1989_claret · Post by **1989_claret** » Sat Nov 23, 2019 8:08 pm

Trains absolutely fine. Got the 17:40 to Milton Keynes then the 18:50 from MK to Manchester.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Sat Nov 23, 2019 9:24 pm

1989_claret wrote:Trains absolutely fine. Got the 17:40 to Milton Keynes then the 18:50 from MK to Manchester.

Did you? You told me you’d got a lift to MK.

We were on the 17:40 which was showing as cancelled but actually turned up. Meant I was able to get the 18:45 from MK to Manchester and now on a packed X43 back home.

Granny WeatherWax · Post by **Granny WeatherWax** » Sat Nov 23, 2019 9:26 pm

Drove today, been back an hour...

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Sat Nov 23, 2019 9:29 pm

Granny WeatherWax wrote:Drove today, been back an hour...

It’s not a bad journey once you get away is it? Done it by road a few times.

Granny WeatherWax · Post by **Granny WeatherWax** » Sat Nov 23, 2019 9:30 pm

ClaretTony wrote:It’s not a bad journey once you get away is it? Done it by road a few times.

Nope. We were on the M1 by about half 5 then it was just under 3 hours back to Didsbury.

Bosscat · Post by **Bosscat** » Sat Nov 23, 2019 9:31 pm

ClaretTony wrote:It’s not a bad journey once you get away is it? Done it by road a few times.

Watfords an easy one and there are some good cheap carparking within a mile or so ... even the Car park at Watford Junction Station and catch a taxi/bus both ways ......

1989_claret · Post by **1989_claret** » Sat Nov 23, 2019 9:45 pm

ClaretTony wrote:Did you? You told me you’d got a lift to MK.

We were on the 17:40 which was showing as cancelled but actually turned up. Meant I was able to get the 18:45 from MK to Manchester and now on a packed X43 back home.

Tony, you know I did cause you came over to speak to me at Milton Keynes on the platform to ask.

The 17:40 never showed as cancelled. It actually came a couple of mins early and sat at the station.

box_of_frogs · Post by **box_of_frogs** » Sat Nov 23, 2019 9:48 pm

Finally caught the bus home. Still a few clarets in Spoons on the high street! Great 2nd half performance!