The Hornets were coming on the back off few poor seasons and were looking for success at the start of the 1990-91 season, their new young goal keeper showing promise, David James. Watford, however, stuttered in the second division and scrambled away from the relegation zone, finishing off in 20th place. The Hornets were poor in both cup competitions, losing 4-1 against Shrewsbury in the third round of the FA Cup and crashing out the second round of the league cup, losing 3-0 against Norwich.
Watford once again crashed out of the Cups early on the following season as they were eliminated out of the FA cup in the third round losing against Swindon town, 2-1. They were also poor in the league cup, eliminated in the second round, this time losing to Everton 2-1, however with the return of Luther Blissett in the side, the Hornets had a much better season in the second division, they finished off strongly with a 10th place finish, presenting optimism in Watford.
Watford did not have as much luck in the league the following season, being condemned to 16th place by the end of the 92-93 campaign. They were once again poor in the cup competitions; they stumbled out of the FA cup in the third round, suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat against Wolves. The 93-94 season showed no change in their luck in cup competitions, losing against Mill Wall and West Ham in the FA Cup and League Cup respectively. Their 93-94 league campaign was a disaster, they crashed in the league as the season progressed, finishing off in 19th place, just avoiding relegation to the second division.