The instalment of Graham Taylor as manager of Watford paid dividends during the 97-98 campaign and they were looking to repeat the success during the 98-99 season. They started the season off really strongly and looked favourites for automatic promotion, however they stumbled late on and managed to finish the season off in fifth place, in turn earning them a birth in the play offs. The 98-99 play off year proved to be a joyous period for all Watford fans as they won the final, in turn resulting in promotion to the elusive premier league. Tommy Mooney and Steve Palmer were inspirational through out the season and were looking for success in the premiership. After enjoying back to back promotion successes, Watford’s premiership campaign was far from being fruitful. They finished off a disastrous premiership season at rock bottom, only managing six victories through out the season. The Hornets faired little better in the cup competitions, crashing out in the third round of both the FA and league cup.  
Watford went in search of a quick return the following season to the premier league however it proved to be impossible as they only managed to finish ninth in their season back out of the top flight. Watford could only manage finishing in the third rounds of the FA and League cup for the second consecutive seasons.
Watford’s new manager, Gianluca Vialli, did not get off to the start he was hoping for during the 2001-02 season, the Hornets finished the season off in 14th position. They lost in the third round of the FA cup against Arsenal however they put on a great run in the league cup, resulting in a quarter final match against Sheffield Wednesday. The Hornets embarrassingly lost the encounter 4-0 and the rest of the season proved to be academic for Watford.