Watford F.C. Women

Watford F.C. Women are an English women's football club affiliated to Watford FC, that play in the FA Women's Championship. They played in the FA Women's Super League (FA WSL) 2nd Division since the league's inception in 2014, after finishing runners-up in the FA Women's Premier League in 2013, until 2018–19. The club played in the third tier of the pyramid from 2018–19 to 2020–21, following a league restructure. They currently play their home games at Gaywood Park, the home of Kings Langley F.C. in the FA Women's National League.

History

Back in 2013 the Hornets finished second in the FA Women's Premier League. On the pitch success was matched off the pitch as the club's application for a license to compete in the newly formed Women's Super League 2 was accepted.

The inaugural season got underway in April 2014, and the first game for Watford resulted in a 2–2 draw against Millwall Lionesses, with 330 in attendance. Impressive form away from home meant that Watford were in third place as the season approached the half-way point; however, some misfortune with injuries meant this form couldn't be maintained, and the club finished seventh.

The follow-up season ultimately proved to be a difficult one in terms of results, but there was success in other avenues. Watford's opening home league game against Aston Villa was held at Vicarage Road and attracted a fantastic crowd of 1,102. It wasn't the only impressive attendance of the season, as respective crowds of 465 (v Yeovil) and 514 (v Durham) saw the team play at Berkhamsted FC.

Having taken over the managerial position in the 2011–12 season and the general manager role for the start of the WSL, John Salomon had plenty to do with the upward trajectory at the Hornets. He stepped down from both roles at the end of the season to begin a new role with the FA. It meant there were two positions to fill. Ellie Kemp came on board as general manager, while Katie Rowson took on the position of head coach.