The 1980-81 season proved to be a fine campaign for the hornets, with their star studded player, Wilf Rostron in fine form. The hornets finished off the season strongly in ninth position. The following season produced the ultimate triumph for Graham Taylor’s Watford boys, they dominated the second division, eventually winning automatic promotion finishing in second place. They also put on a fine run in the League cup, reaching the quarter finals, narrowly losing 2-1 to Ipswich Town.
Watford were a force in English football during the 1982-83 season, which is to this day hailed as their greatest ever season in football history. Graham Taylor guided Watford to second place in the first division, they now had a team consisting of some of the finest players in Britain, including John Barnes and the prolific striker, Luther Blissett. They also reached the last sixteen of the FA Cup, crashing out the tournament losing to Aston Villa. The Hornets however continued their magnificent run the following season, reaching the FA Cup final for the first time, the only thing standing in their way of winning the trophy was a strong Everton side. Everton won the tie 2-0 at Wembley. They had a fine season the following year in the first division once again, on this occasion finishing off in mid table, a respectable 11th position. The following season saw the club reach in an identical league position and they put on a great run in the league cup, reaching the quarter finals, losing against Sunderland.