# List of Watford F.C. seasons

Watford Football Club is an English football club from Watford, Hertfordshire. Formed on 15 April 1898 as a result of the amalgamation of two strong local clubs, Watford St. Mary's and West Herts. West Herts began life as Watford Rovers in 1881, the club entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886. In the same year, they also entered the county-wide Herts Senior Cup, reaching the final six times over the next ten years. Watford Rovers became West Herts in 1891, and joined the Southern League for the 1896–97 season. The team started to change from one composed entirely of amateurs to one including paid professionals. In 1898, West Herts amalgamated with Watford St Mary's to form a new club, Watford Football Club.
The club participated in the Southern League from 1896 until 1920, experiencing considerable success. They won six league titles in this period, including the Southern League First Division in 1914–15. After the resumption of Southern League football following a four-year hiatus due to the First World War, Watford missed out on a second consecutive title in 1919–20 on goal average. They joined the Football League Third Division in the 1920–21 season, and following its subsequent reorganisation became founder members of the Third Division South in 1921.
Watford competed in the Third Division South for the next 37 years, with little success. Fred Pagnam finished as the Division's top scorer in 1922–23, the club reached the final of the Third Division South Cup in 1935 and 1937 (winning on the latter occasion), and Len Dunderdale scored 21 goals for Watford in 1938–39 despite leaving midway through the season. The team started to progress after the reorganisation of the Football League into four national divisions in 1958. They won promotion to the Third Division in 1960, the Second Division in 1969, and reached the FA Cup semi-final in 1970. However, the league progress was reversed with two relegations over the next five years, and in 1976–77 Watford were briefly bottom of the entire Football League.
A turning point in the club's history came in the late 1970s. Singer, shareholder and lifelong Watford supporter Elton John became chairman in 1976, and appointed Graham Taylor as manager in 1977. The club achieved consecutive promotions between 1977 and 1979, and reached the First Division for the first time in their history in 1982. Furthermore, in 1982–83 Watford finished second in the First Division, and Luther Blissett was the division's top scorer with 27 goals. Consequently, Watford qualified for the UEFA Cup in 1983–84. They also reached their first FA Cup final, losing 2–0 to Everton at Wembley Stadium. Following Taylor's departure in 1987, Watford were relegated in 1988.
Watford remained in English football's second tier for eight seasons, until they were relegated in 1995–96. Taylor returned as manager in 1997, and for the second time in his career led Watford to consecutive promotions, although he was unable to prevent relegation from the Premier League in 1999–2000. In the 21st century Watford have reached three FA Cup semi-finals, one League Cup semi-final, and spent three further season in the Premier League after winning the 2006 Football League Championship play-off final under the management of Aidy Boothroyd and following automatic promotion under Slaviša Jokanović in 2015.

## Key

| Winners | Runners-up | Play-offs* | Promoted ↑ | Relegated ↓ | Top scorer in Watford's division ♦ |

## Seasons
### Early history

The club was formed on 15 April 1898 as a result of the amalgamation of two strong local clubs, Watford St. Mary's and West Herts. West Herts began life as Watford Rovers in 1881, when George Devereux de Vere Capell, Earl of Essex and owner of Cassiobury Park, gave a group of boys permission to use the grounds for football. However, the agreement stipulated that the team could not play organised competitive matches on the estate. Members of the group included Henry Grover, the man later recognised as the club's founder, and Charlie Peacock, who played for Hertfordshire, became involved with board meetings at the club, and became the proprietor of the Watford Observer, the local newspaper. Over the next five years the team participated exclusively in friendly matches against schools and local clubs. Matches played when the club was not entering competitions included the first recorded fixture against future rivals Luton Town; a 1–0 home win to Watford on 5 December 1885. In the 1886–87 season, Watford Rovers entered the FA Cup for the first time, although they were eliminated in their opening game. They have competed in at least one competition in every season since. From 1886 Rovers participated in the Herts Senior Cup, a competition open to all clubs in Hertfordshire, winning it on four occasions. They also participated in the Hennessey Cup—open to clubs within a 10-mile (16 km) radius of Uxbridge—between 1888 and 1891. Rovers' first match against Watford St Mary's was a 7–4 home win on 17 January 1891. The teams met on eleven further occasions prior to their amalgamation in 1898. In total, Rovers and their successors West Herts won six times, St Mary's four times, and the remaining two matches ended in draws.
| Season | FA Cup | FA Amateur Cup | Herts Senior Cup | Hennessey Cup | Top scorer(s) | Goals |
| 1886–87 | R1 | — | F | — | Fred Sargent | 4 |
| 1887–88 | R2 | — | F | — | Fred Sargent | 12 |
| 1888–89 | QR3 | — | W | SF | Fred Sargent | 7 |
| 1889–90 | QR3 | — | SF | SF | Fred Sargent | 7 |
| 1890–91 | QR2 | — | W | R2 | Fred Sargent | 10 |
| 1891–92 | QR2 | — | W | — | Walter Coles | 13 |
| 1892–93 | QR1 | — | — | — | Walter Coles | 1 |
| 1893 | &Watford Rovers were renamed West Hertfordshire for 1893–94. | & | & | & | é | & |
| 1893–94 | — | R3 | W | — | Walter Coles | 4 |
| 1894–95 | QR1 | R3 | SF | — | Syd Hobbs & Richard Wright | 5 |
| 1895–96 | QR2 | R2 | — | — | Mac MacLachlan | 3 |

### League history

From 1896–97 until 1919–20, the Football League and Southern League ran in parallel, and were organised by separate bodies. The Southern League was therefore not part of the English football league pyramid. In 1920–21, the Southern League First Division was absorbed by the Football League, thus becoming part of the English football pyramid, initially as the Football League Third Division. From 1921–22 until 1957–58, the Third Division South operated as the third highest level of English football, running in parallel with the Third Division North. From 1958–59 until 1991–92, Division 1 was the highest level of English football, Division 2 the second highest, Division 3 the third highest and Division 4 the fourth highest. The Premier League was formed in 1992–93, and since then has been the highest level of English football. Division 1 became the second level, and Division 2 the third level. In 2004–05, Division 1 was renamed as the Football League Championship.
| Season | Division | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts | Pos | FA Cup | League Cup | Competition | Result | Player(s) | Goals |
| Season | League | League | League | League | League | League | League | League | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Other | Top scorer(s) | Top scorer(s) |
| 1896–97 | South 2 | 24 | 11 | 1 | 12 | 41 | 49 | 23 | 9th | QR3 | — | Herts Senior Cup | W | William Saunders | 15 |
| 1897–98 | South 2 | 22 | 11 | 6 | 5 | 50 | 48 | 28 | 3rd | PR | — | — | — | Tuggy Beach | 11 |
| 1898 | After merging with amateur team Watford St Mary's, the club was renamed Watford Football Club. | After merging with amateur team Watford St Mary's, the club was renamed Watford Football Club. | After merging with amateur team Watford St Mary's, the club was renamed Watford Football Club. | After merging with amateur team Watford St Mary's, the club was renamed Watford Football Club. | After merging with amateur team Watford St Mary's, the club was renamed Watford Football Club. | After merging with amateur team Watford St Mary's, the club was renamed Watford Football Club. | After merging with amateur team Watford St Mary's, the club was renamed Watford Football Club. | After merging with amateur team Watford St Mary's, the club was renamed Watford Football Club. | After merging with amateur team Watford St Mary's, the club was renamed Watford Football Club. | After merging with amateur team Watford St Mary's, the club was renamed Watford Football Club. | After merging with amateur team Watford St Mary's, the club was renamed Watford Football Club. | After merging with amateur team Watford St Mary's, the club was renamed Watford Football Club. | After merging with amateur team Watford St Mary's, the club was renamed Watford Football Club. | After merging with amateur team Watford St Mary's, the club was renamed Watford Football Club. | After merging with amateur team Watford St Mary's, the club was renamed Watford Football Club. |
| 1898–99 | South 2L | 22 | 14 | 2 | 6 | 62 | 35 | 30 | 3rd | QR3 | — | — | — | Charlie Hare | 22 |
| 1898–99 | BCCL | 10 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 42 | 12 | 17 | 1st | QR3 | — | — | — | Charlie Hare | 22 |
| 1899–1900 | South 2 ↑BCCL | 2010 | 147 | 20 | 41 | 5740 | 256 | 3014 | 1st1st | QR4 | — | — | — | Charlie Hare | 32 |
| 1900–01 | South 1 | 28 | 6 | 4 | 18 | 24 | 52 | 16 | 14th | QR4 | — | — | — | Jack Price | 9 |
| 1901–02 | South 1 | 30 | 9 | 4 | 17 | 36 | 60 | 22 | 13th | QR4 | — | — | — | Herbert Lyon | 14 |
| 1902–03 | South 1 ↓ | 30 | 6 | 4 | 20 | 35 | 87 | 16 | 15th | QR3 | — | — | — | Ernest CottrellJimmy Tennant | 7 |
| 1903–04 | South 2 ↑ | 20 | 18 | 2 | 0 | 70 | 15 | 38 | 1st | QR4 | — | — | — | Bertie Banks | 22 |
| 1904–05 | South 1 | 34 | 14 | 3 | 17 | 41 | 44 | 31 | 13th | QR6 | — | — | — | John Goodall | 12 |
| 1905–06 | South 1United | 3418 | 813 | 104 | 161 | 3849 | 5715 | 2620 | 14th1st | R2 | — | — | — | Jimmy Reid | 15 |
| 1906–07 | South 1United | 3814 | 133 | 161 | 910 | 4615 | 4338 | 427 | 9th8th | R1 | — | — | — | Jack Foster | 16 |
| 1907–08 | South 1 | 38 | 12 | 10 | 16 | 47 | 59 | 34 | 14th | R1 | — | — | — | Jack Foster | 12 |
| 1908–09 | South 1 | 40 | 14 | 9 | 17 | 51 | 64 | 37 | 14th | R1 | — | — | — | Archie Hubbard | 16 |
| 1909–10 | South 1 | 42 | 10 | 13 | 19 | 51 | 76 | 33 | 19th | R1 | — | Southern Charity Cup | F | Jimmy Maclaine | 15 |
| 1910–11 | South 1 | 38 | 13 | 9 | 16 | 49 | 65 | 35 | 14th | R1 | — | Southern Charity Cup | SF | Charlie White | 12 |
| 1911–12 | South 1 | 38 | 13 | 10 | 15 | 56 | 58 | 36 | 9th | R1 | — | Southern Charity Cup | R1 | Tommy Dixon | 13 |
| 1912–13 | South 1 | 38 | 12 | 10 | 16 | 43 | 50 | 34 | 14th | QR5 | — | Southern Charity Cup | SF | Tommy Dixon | 13 |
| 1913–14 | South 1 | 38 | 10 | 9 | 19 | 50 | 56 | 29 | 18th | QR5 | — | Southern Charity Cup | R1 | Thomas Ashbridge | 14 |
| 1914–15 | South 1 | 38 | 22 | 8 | 8 | 68 | 46 | 52 | 1st | QR6 | — | Southern Charity Cup | R1 | George Edmonds | 17 |
| 1915–17 | Due to the First World War, Watford competed in the Wartime London Combination in 1915–16 and 1916–17. | Due to the First World War, Watford competed in the Wartime London Combination in 1915–16 and 1916–17. | Due to the First World War, Watford competed in the Wartime London Combination in 1915–16 and 1916–17. | Due to the First World War, Watford competed in the Wartime London Combination in 1915–16 and 1916–17. | Due to the First World War, Watford competed in the Wartime London Combination in 1915–16 and 1916–17. | Due to the First World War, Watford competed in the Wartime London Combination in 1915–16 and 1916–17. | Due to the First World War, Watford competed in the Wartime London Combination in 1915–16 and 1916–17. | Due to the First World War, Watford competed in the Wartime London Combination in 1915–16 and 1916–17. | Due to the First World War, Watford competed in the Wartime London Combination in 1915–16 and 1916–17. | Due to the First World War, Watford competed in the Wartime London Combination in 1915–16 and 1916–17. | Due to the First World War, Watford competed in the Wartime London Combination in 1915–16 and 1916–17. | Due to the First World War, Watford competed in the Wartime London Combination in 1915–16 and 1916–17. | Due to the First World War, Watford competed in the Wartime London Combination in 1915–16 and 1916–17. | Due to the First World War, Watford competed in the Wartime London Combination in 1915–16 and 1916–17. | Due to the First World War, Watford competed in the Wartime London Combination in 1915–16 and 1916–17. |
| 1917–19 | Watford did not play any organised fixtures in 1917–18 and 1918–19. | Watford did not play any organised fixtures in 1917–18 and 1918–19. | Watford did not play any organised fixtures in 1917–18 and 1918–19. | Watford did not play any organised fixtures in 1917–18 and 1918–19. | Watford did not play any organised fixtures in 1917–18 and 1918–19. | Watford did not play any organised fixtures in 1917–18 and 1918–19. | Watford did not play any organised fixtures in 1917–18 and 1918–19. | Watford did not play any organised fixtures in 1917–18 and 1918–19. | Watford did not play any organised fixtures in 1917–18 and 1918–19. | Watford did not play any organised fixtures in 1917–18 and 1918–19. | Watford did not play any organised fixtures in 1917–18 and 1918–19. | Watford did not play any organised fixtures in 1917–18 and 1918–19. | Watford did not play any organised fixtures in 1917–18 and 1918–19. | Watford did not play any organised fixtures in 1917–18 and 1918–19. | Watford did not play any organised fixtures in 1917–18 and 1918–19. |
| 1919–20 | South 1 | 42 | 26 | 6 | 10 | 69 | 42 | 58 | 2nd | QR6 | — | — | — | George Edmonds | 19 |
| 1920–21 | Division 3 | 42 | 20 | 8 | 14 | 59 | 44 | 48 | 6th | R2 | — | — | — | Frank Hoddinott | 25 |
| 1921–22 | Division 3S | 42 | 13 | 18 | 11 | 54 | 48 | 44 | 7th | R2 | — | — | — | Fred Pagnam | 17 |
| 1922–23 | Division 3S | 42 | 17 | 10 | 15 | 57 | 54 | 44 | 10th | R1 | — | — | — | Fred Pagnam | 32 ♦ |
| 1923–24 | Division 3S | 42 | 9 | 15 | 18 | 45 | 54 | 33 | 20th | R3 | — | — | — | Eddie Mummery | 12 |
| 1924–25 | Division 3S | 42 | 17 | 9 | 16 | 38 | 47 | 43 | 11th | R1 | — | — | — | Len AndrewsFred Pagnam | 7 |
| 1925–26 | Division 3S | 42 | 15 | 9 | 18 | 73 | 89 | 39 | 15th | R2 | — | — | — | Jack Swann | 22 |
| 1926–27 | Division 3S | 42 | 12 | 8 | 22 | 57 | 87 | 32 | 21st | R2 | — | — | — | George Edmonds | 13 |
| 1927–28 | Division 3S | 42 | 14 | 10 | 18 | 68 | 78 | 38 | 15th | R1 | — | — | — | Bill Sheppard | 25 |
| 1928–29 | Division 3S | 42 | 19 | 10 | 13 | 79 | 74 | 48 | 8th | R4 | — | — | — | Frank McPherson | 35 |
| 1929–30 | Division 3S | 42 | 15 | 8 | 19 | 60 | 73 | 38 | 15th | R2 | — | — | — | Frank McPherson | 25 |
| 1930–31 | Division 3S | 42 | 14 | 7 | 21 | 72 | 75 | 35 | 18th | R5 | — | — | — | George James | 31 |
| 1931–32 | Division 3S | 42 | 19 | 8 | 15 | 81 | 79 | 46 | 11th | QF | — | — | — | George James | 26 |
| 1932–33 | Division 3S | 42 | 16 | 12 | 14 | 66 | 63 | 44 | 11th | R3 | — | — | — | Billy Lane | 22 |
| 1933–34 | Division 3S | 42 | 15 | 7 | 20 | 71 | 63 | 37 | 15th | R1 | — | Third Division South Cup | R2 | Tommy Barnett | 17 |
| 1934–35 | Division 3S | 42 | 19 | 9 | 14 | 76 | 49 | 47 | 6th | R2 | — | Third Division South Cup | F | Billy Lane | 35 |
| 1935–36 | Division 3S | 42 | 20 | 9 | 13 | 80 | 54 | 49 | 5th | R4 | — | Third Division South Cup | R1 | Tommy Barnett | 17 |
| 1936–37 | Division 3S | 42 | 19 | 11 | 12 | 85 | 60 | 49 | 4th | R1 | — | Third Division South Cup | W | Tommy Barnett | 22 |
| 1937–38 | Division 3S | 42 | 21 | 11 | 10 | 73 | 43 | 53 | 4th | R3 | — | Third Division South Cup | SF | Tommy Jones | 15 |
| 1938–39 | Division 3S | 42 | 17 | 12 | 13 | 62 | 51 | 46 | 4th | R3 | — | Third Division South Cup | R1 | Len Dunderdale | 21 |
| 1939–40 | Division 3S | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 99— | — | — | — | — | Four players | 1 |
| 1939–46 | Peacetime competitions were suspended during the Second World War. Watford participated in wartime leagues until 1945–46. | Peacetime competitions were suspended during the Second World War. Watford participated in wartime leagues until 1945–46. | Peacetime competitions were suspended during the Second World War. Watford participated in wartime leagues until 1945–46. | Peacetime competitions were suspended during the Second World War. Watford participated in wartime leagues until 1945–46. | Peacetime competitions were suspended during the Second World War. Watford participated in wartime leagues until 1945–46. | Peacetime competitions were suspended during the Second World War. Watford participated in wartime leagues until 1945–46. | Peacetime competitions were suspended during the Second World War. Watford participated in wartime leagues until 1945–46. | Peacetime competitions were suspended during the Second World War. Watford participated in wartime leagues until 1945–46. | Peacetime competitions were suspended during the Second World War. Watford participated in wartime leagues until 1945–46. | Peacetime competitions were suspended during the Second World War. Watford participated in wartime leagues until 1945–46. | Peacetime competitions were suspended during the Second World War. Watford participated in wartime leagues until 1945–46. | Peacetime competitions were suspended during the Second World War. Watford participated in wartime leagues until 1945–46. | Peacetime competitions were suspended during the Second World War. Watford participated in wartime leagues until 1945–46. | Peacetime competitions were suspended during the Second World War. Watford participated in wartime leagues until 1945–46. | Peacetime competitions were suspended during the Second World War. Watford participated in wartime leagues until 1945–46. |
| 1945–46 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ~— | R4 | — | — | — | Ron Gray | 4 |
| 1946–47 | Division 3S | 42 | 17 | 4 | 20 | 61 | 76 | 39 | 16th | R2 | — | — | — | Ralph Evans | 19 |
| 1947–48 | Division 3S | 42 | 14 | 10 | 18 | 57 | 79 | 38 | 15th | R1 | — | — | — | Taffy Davies | 11 |
| 1948–49 | Division 3S | 42 | 10 | 15 | 17 | 41 | 54 | 34 | 17th | R1 | — | — | — | Dave Thomas | 14 |
| 1949–50 | Division 3S | 42 | 16 | 13 | 13 | 45 | 35 | 45 | 6th | R4 | — | — | — | Dave Thomas | 21 |
| 1950–51 | Division 3S | 46 | 9 | 11 | 26 | 54 | 88 | 29 | 23rd | R1 | — | — | — | Johnny Hartburn | 13 |
| 1951–52 | Division 3S | 46 | 13 | 10 | 23 | 57 | 81 | 36 | 21st | R2 | — | — | — | Cyril Thompson | 25 |
| 1952–53 | Division 3S | 46 | 15 | 17 | 14 | 62 | 63 | 47 | 10th | R2 | — | — | — | Johnny Meadows | 13 |
| 1953–54 | Division 3S | 46 | 21 | 10 | 15 | 85 | 69 | 52 | 4th | R1 | — | — | — | Roy Brown | 21 |
| 1954–55 | Division 3S | 46 | 18 | 14 | 14 | 71 | 62 | 50 | 7th | R3 | — | — | — | Maurice Cook | 31 |
| 1955–56 | Division 3S | 46 | 13 | 11 | 22 | 52 | 85 | 37 | 21st | R2 | — | Southern Floodlit Cup | R1 | Les Graham | 16 |
| 1956–57 | Division 3S | 46 | 18 | 10 | 18 | 72 | 75 | 46 | 11th | R2 | — | Southern Floodlit Cup | R2 | Les Graham | 17 |
| 1957–58 | Division 3S | 46 | 13 | 16 | 17 | 59 | 77 | 42 | 16th | R1 | — | Southern Floodlit Cup | SF | Tommy McMillan | 11 |
| 1958–59 | Division 4 | 46 | 16 | 10 | 20 | 81 | 79 | 42 | 15th | R2 | — | Southern Floodlit Cup | R1 | Johnny GavinPeter Gordon | 13 |
| 1959–60 | Division 4 ↑ | 46 | 24 | 9 | 13 | 92 | 67 | 57 | 4th | R5 | — | Southern Floodlit Cup | R2 | Cliff Holton | 48 ♦ |
| 1960–61 | Division 3 | 46 | 20 | 12 | 14 | 85 | 72 | 52 | 4th | R3 | R1 | — | — | Cliff Holton | 34 |
| 1961–62 | Division 3 | 46 | 14 | 13 | 19 | 63 | 74 | 41 | 17th | R3 | R3 | — | — | Ron Crisp | 13 |
| 1962–63 | Division 3 | 46 | 17 | 8 | 21 | 82 | 85 | 42 | 17th | R4 | R1 | — | — | Dai Ward | 30 |
| 1963–64 | Division 3 | 46 | 23 | 12 | 11 | 79 | 59 | 58 | 3rd | R2 | R1 | — | — | Charlie Livesey | 25 |
| 1964–65 | Division 3 | 46 | 17 | 16 | 13 | 71 | 64 | 50 | 9th | R1 | R2 | — | — | George Harris | 21 |
| 1965–66 | Division 3 | 46 | 17 | 13 | 16 | 55 | 51 | 47 | 12th | R2 | R2 | — | — | Cliff Holton | 12 |
| 1966–67 | Division 3 | 46 | 20 | 14 | 12 | 61 | 46 | 54 | 3rd | R3 | R1 | — | — | Terry Garbett | 18 |
| 1967–68 | Division 3 | 46 | 21 | 8 | 17 | 74 | 50 | 50 | 6th | R3 | R2 | — | — | Barry Dyson | 15 |
| 1968–69 | Division 3 ↑ | 46 | 27 | 10 | 9 | 74 | 34 | 64 | 1st | R4 | R1 | — | — | Barry Endean | 20 |
| 1969–70 | CDivision 2 | 42 | 9 | 13 | 20 | 44 | 57 | 31 | 19th | SF | R2 | — | — | Barry Endean | 14 |
| 1970–71 | CDivision 2 | 42 | 10 | 13 | 19 | 38 | 60 | 33 | 18th | R4 | R2 | — | — | Ron Wigg | 17 |
| 1971–72 | CDivision 2 ↓ | 42 | 5 | 9 | 28 | 24 | 75 | 19 | 22nd | R3 | R3 | — | — | Keith Eddy | 7 |
| 1972–73 | Division 3 | 46 | 12 | 17 | 17 | 43 | 48 | 41 | 19th | R3 | R1 | — | — | Pat Morrissey | 10 |
| 1973–74 | Division 3 | 46 | 19 | 12 | 15 | 64 | 56 | 50 | 7th | R2 | R1 | — | — | Billy Jennings | 29 ♦ |
| 1974–75 | Division 3 ↓ | 46 | 10 | 17 | 19 | 52 | 75 | 37 | 23rd | R1 | R1 | — | — | Ross Jenkins | 11 |
| 1975–76 | Division 4 | 46 | 22 | 6 | 18 | 62 | 62 | 50 | 8th | R1 | R2 | — | — | Ross Jenkins | 19 |
| 1976–77 | Division 4 | 46 | 18 | 15 | 13 | 67 | 50 | 51 | 7th | R3 | R3 | — | — | Keith Mercer | 25 |
| 1977–78 | Division 4 ↑ | 46 | 30 | 11 | 5 | 85 | 38 | 71 | 1st | R3 | R3 | — | — | Ross Jenkins | 18 |
| 1978–79 | Division 3 ↑ | 46 | 24 | 12 | 10 | 83 | 52 | 60 | 2nd | R2 | SF | — | — | Ross Jenkins | 37 ♦ |
| 1979–80 | CDivision 2 | 42 | 12 | 13 | 17 | 39 | 46 | 37 | 18th | QF | R1 | — | — | Luther Blissett | 11 |
| 1980–81 | CDivision 2 | 42 | 16 | 11 | 15 | 50 | 45 | 43 | 9th | R4 | QF | — | — | Malcolm Poskett | 21 |
| 1981–82 | CDivision 2 ↑ | 42 | 23 | 11 | 8 | 76 | 42 | 80 | 2nd | R5 | QF | Football League Group Cup | QF | Luther Blissett | 25 |
| 1982–83 | Division 1 | 42 | 22 | 5 | 15 | 74 | 57 | 71 | 2nd | R5 | R3 | Football League Trophy | QF | Luther Blissett | 33 ♦ |
| 1983–84 | Division 1 | 42 | 16 | 9 | 17 | 68 | 77 | 57 | 11th | F | R2 | UEFA Cup | R3 | Mo Johnston | 24 |
| 1984–85 | Division 1 | 42 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 81 | 71 | 55 | 11th | R5 | QF | — | — | Luther Blissett | 28 |
| 1985–86 | Division 1 | 42 | 16 | 11 | 15 | 69 | 62 | 59 | 12th | QF | R3 | — | — | Colin West | 16 |
| 1986–87 | Division 1 | 42 | 18 | 9 | 15 | 67 | 54 | 63 | 9th | SF | R3 | Full Members Cup | R3 | Mark Falco | 16 |
| 1987–88 | Division 1 ↓ | 40 | 7 | 11 | 22 | 27 | 51 | 32 | 20th | QF | R4 | Full Members Cup | R3 | Malcolm Allen | 9 |
| 1988–89 | CDivision 2 | 46 | 22 | 12 | 12 | 74 | 48 | 78 | 4th* | R5 | R2 | Full Members Cup | QF | Paul Wilkinson | 21 |
| 1989–90 | CDivision 2 | 46 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 58 | 60 | 57 | 15th | R4 | R2 | Full Members Cup | R2 | Paul Wilkinson | 16 |
| 1990–91 | CDivision 2 | 46 | 12 | 15 | 19 | 45 | 59 | 51 | 20th | R3 | R2 | Full Members Cup | R1 | Paul Wilkinson | 18 |
| 1991–92 | CDivision 2 | 46 | 18 | 11 | 17 | 51 | 48 | 65 | 10th | R3 | R2 | Full Members Cup | R1 | Luther Blissett | 12 |
| 1992–93 | CDivision 1 | 46 | 14 | 13 | 19 | 57 | 71 | 55 | 16th | R3 | R4 | Anglo-Italian Cup | PR | Paul Furlong | 22 |
| 1993–94 | CDivision 1 | 46 | 15 | 9 | 22 | 66 | 80 | 54 | 19th | R3 | R2 | Anglo-Italian Cup | PR | Paul Furlong | 19 |
| 1994–95 | CDivision 1 | 46 | 19 | 13 | 14 | 52 | 46 | 70 | 7th | R5 | R2 | — | — | Craig Ramage | 11 |
| 1995–96 | CDivision 1 ↓ | 46 | 10 | 18 | 18 | 62 | 70 | 48 | 23rd | R3 | R3 | — | — | Craig Ramage | 15 |
| 1996–97 | Division 2 | 46 | 16 | 19 | 11 | 45 | 38 | 67 | 13th | R4 | R2 | Associate Members Cup | SF | Tommy Mooney | 12 |
| 1997–98 | Division 2 ↑ | 46 | 24 | 16 | 6 | 67 | 41 | 88 | 1st | R3 | R2 | Associate Members Cup | R1 | Peter Kennedy | 13 |
| 1998–99 | CDivision 1 ↑ | 46 | 21 | 14 | 11 | 65 | 56 | 77 | 5th* | R3 | R1 | — | — | Gifton Noel-Williams | 10 |
| 1999–2000 | Premier League ↓ | 38 | 6 | 6 | 26 | 35 | 77 | 24 | 20th | R3 | R3 | — | — | Heiðar Helguson | 6 |
| 2000–01 | CDivision 1 | 46 | 20 | 9 | 17 | 76 | 67 | 69 | 9th | R3 | R3 | — | — | Tommy Mooney | 19 |
| 2001–02 | CDivision 1 | 46 | 16 | 11 | 19 | 62 | 56 | 59 | 14th | R3 | QF | — | — | Tommy Smith | 11 |
| 2002–03 | CDivision 1 | 46 | 17 | 9 | 20 | 54 | 70 | 60 | 13th | SF | R1 | — | — | Heiðar Helguson | 11 |
| 2003–04 | CDivision 1 | 46 | 15 | 12 | 19 | 54 | 68 | 57 | 16th | R3 | R2 | — | — | Scott Fitzgerald | 10 |
| 2004–05 | CChampionship | 46 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 52 | 59 | 52 | 18th | R3 | SF | — | — | Heiðar Helguson | 20 |
| 2005–06 | CChampionship ↑ | 46 | 22 | 15 | 9 | 77 | 53 | 81 | 3rd* | R3 | R3 | — | — | Marlon King | 22 ♦ |
| 2006–07 | Premier League ↓ | 38 | 5 | 13 | 20 | 29 | 59 | 28 | 20th | SF | R4 | — | — | Hamer Bouazza | 7 |
| 2007–08 | CChampionship | 46 | 18 | 16 | 12 | 62 | 56 | 70 | 6th* | R4 | R2 | — | — | Darius Henderson | 12 |
| 2008–09 | CChampionship | 46 | 16 | 10 | 20 | 68 | 72 | 58 | 13th | R5 | R5 | — | — | Tommy Smith | 17 |
| 2009–10 | CChampionship | 46 | 14 | 12 | 20 | 61 | 68 | 54 | 16th | R3 | R2 | — | — | Danny Graham | 14 |
| 2010–11 | CChampionship | 46 | 16 | 13 | 17 | 77 | 71 | 61 | 14th | R4 | R2 | — | — | Danny Graham | 27 ♦ |
| 2011–12 | CChampionship | 46 | 16 | 16 | 14 | 56 | 64 | 64 | 11th | R4 | R1 | — | — | Troy Deeney | 12 |
| 2012–13 | CChampionship | 46 | 23 | 8 | 15 | 85 | 58 | 77 | 3rd* | R3 | R2 | — | — | Matěj Vydra | 22 |
| 2013–14 | CChampionship | 46 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 74 | 64 | 60 | 13th | R4 | R3 | — | — | Troy Deeney | 25 |
| 2014–15 | CChampionship ↑ | 46 | 27 | 8 | 11 | 91 | 50 | 89 | 2nd | R3 | R2 | — | — | Troy Deeney | 21 |
| 2015–16 | BPremier League | 38 | 12 | 9 | 17 | 40 | 50 | 45 | 13th | SF | R2 | — | — | Troy DeeneyOdion Ighalo | 17 |
| 2016–17 | BPremier League | 38 | 11 | 7 | 20 | 40 | 68 | 40 | 17th | R4 | R2 | — | — | Troy Deeney | 10 |
| 2017–18 | BPremier League | 38 | 11 | 8 | 19 | 44 | 64 | 41 | 14th | R4 | R2 | — | — | Abdoulaye Doucoure | 7 |
| 2018–19 | BPremier League | 38 | 14 | 8 | 16 | 52 | 59 | 50 | 11th | F | R3 | — | — | Troy DeeneyGerard Deulofeu | 11 |
| 2019–20 | Premier League ↓ | 38 | 8 | 10 | 20 | 36 | 64 | 34 | 19th | R3 | R4 | — | — | Troy Deeney | 10 |
| 2020–21 | CChampionship ↑ | 46 | 27 | 10 | 9 | 63 | 30 | 91 | 2nd | R3 | R3 | — | — | Ismaïla Sarr | 13 |
| 2021–22 | Premier League ↓ | 38 | 6 | 5 | 27 | 34 | 77 | 23 | 19th | R3 | R3 | — | — | Emmanuel Dennis | 10 |
| 2022–23 | CChampionship | 46 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 56 | 53 | 63 | 11th | R3 | R2 | — | — | João Pedro | 11 |
| 2023–24 | CChampionship | 46 | 13 | 17 | 16 | 61 | 61 | 56 | 15th | R4 | R1 | — | — | Mileta Rajović | 11 |

## Footnotes

* ↑ The Bucks & Contiguous Counties League was, as the name suggests, open to clubs in the vicinity of the county of Buckinghamshire. Other participants in the league included Wycombe Wanderers, Chesham Generals, Aylesbury United and Hitchin Town.
* ↑ The United League was contested by clubs from southern and eastern England, including Brighton and Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, Luton Town, Norwich City and Southampton.
* ↑ The semi-final of the Senior Cup was abandoned at 2–2, owing to crowd trouble after a St Albans goal was disallowed. Watford Rovers declined to contest the replay, in order "to prevent further ill-feeling."
* 1 2 Seasons up to 1997–98 sourced to Watford Season by Season. Seasons from 1998–99 onwards sourced to Statto.com.
* ↑ Divisions are sorted according to their level within the English football league system at the time.
* 1 2 From 1896–97 until 1980–81, two points were awarded for a win, and one for a draw. From the 1981–82 season onwards, three points have been awarded for a win.
* ↑ Beginning with the 1925–26 season, the FA Cup was structured so that the third round proper contained 64 teams. Prior to that date, the structure had varied, so rounds are not directly comparable to the round of the same name after 1925.
* ↑ In seasons when the club played in more than one league competition, league columns are sorted by the Southern League totals.
* ↑ Goal tallies are for the competitions listed only; friendly matches are not included. Seasons up to 1997–98 are sourced to Watford Season by Season. Subsequent seasons are sourced by inline citations.
* 1 2 3 4 5 6 The Southern Charity Cup was competed for by many professional clubs in London and the South-East of England from 1901 until 1915. From 1909–10 until the suspension of football for the First World War, the majority of Southern League clubs participated.
* ↑ Pagnam scored 30 goals in the Football League.
* ↑ As a result of finishing 21st out of 22 clubs, Watford had to apply for re-election to the Football League. They were unanimously re-elected by the 44 clubs in the First and Second Divisions.
* 1 2 3 Due to fixture congestion, the 1936–37 Third Division South Cup did not finish until October 1937. As it was officially part of 1936–37, Barnett's two goals in the 8–3 semi-final win against Notts County on 13 September 1937 are included in his 1936–37 goal tally; Jones' goal in the same fixture is not included in his 1937–38 tally. If this convention were reversed, both players would have remained Watford's top scorer in the respective seasons; Barnett in 1936–37 with 20 goals, Jones in 1937–38 with 16 goals.
* ↑ All Football League results were annulled upon the outbreak of war.
* ↑ Ralph Evans, George Lewis, Taffy Davies and William Law scored one Football League goal each. These were annulled upon the outbreak of war, and do not count towards the player's career totals. Watford's top scorer in 1939–40 wartime competitions—that is, excluding the Football League—was George Lewis with 29 goals.
* ↑ The goal tally given is for the FA Cup only. Including wartime matches, Watford's top scorer was George Lewis, with 27 goals.
* ↑ As a result of finishing 23rd out of 24 clubs, Watford had to apply for re-election to the Football League. They were unanimously re-elected by the 48 clubs in the First and Second Divisions.
* 1 2 3 4 5 The Southern Floodlit Cup was a midweek competition for professional clubs. Despite its name, clubs in the East Midlands also participated. The competition ceased in 1960, coinciding with the formation of the Football League Cup.
* ↑ Holton scored 42 goals in the Football League.
* ↑ Watford played Manchester United in a match to decide third place, losing 2–0.
* ↑ Jennings scored 26 goals in the Football League.
* ↑ Jenkins scored 29 goals in the Football League.
* ↑ The Group Cup was rebranded as the Football League Trophy for 1982–83 season, before being abolished completely. It should not be confused with the present day Football League Trophy.
* ↑ Blissett scored 27 goals in the Football League.
* ↑ Watford faced Blackburn Rovers in the play-off semi-finals. The teams drew 1–1 on aggregate; Watford were eliminated on the away goals rule.
* ↑ Watford defeated Bolton Wanderers 2–0 in the 1999 Football League First Division play-off final, thereby earning promotion to the Premier League.
* ↑ Watford defeated Leeds United 3–0 in the 2006 Football League Championship play-off final, thereby earning promotion to the Premier League.
* ↑ King scored 21 goals during the regular season of the Football League. This tally – and King's status as the division's top scorer – does not include goals scored during the play-offs.
* ↑ Watford were defeated in the play-off semi-finals by Hull City, 6–1 on aggregate.
* ↑ Graham scored 24 goals in the Football League.
* ↑ Watford were defeated 1–0 in the play-off final by Crystal Palace.