Memories of ex-Birmingham and Man City man Tony Coton’s Watford career

Having moved from Birmingham City for £300,000 in September 1984, Tony Coton’s Vicarage Road career got off to a less than auspicious start as he conceded five times on his debut against Everton behind a far from secure defence.

The goalkeeper also arrived at the Hornets with a court case hanging over his head, but Graham Taylor appeared as a character witness and succeeded in keeping his new signing out of prison.

All eyes are on Coton as he tips the ball over the bar. (Image: Watford Observer)

Coton was to repay Taylor – and Watford – with a superb six years of service in which he made 291 appearances and was named Player of the Season three times, an achievement that remains without equal.

Coton receiving one of his three Player of the Season awards from Ian Bolton. (Image: Watford Observer)

Coton went on to enjoy five seasons with Manchester City and remains widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers never to win an England cap.

Safely gathering the ball. (Image: Watford Observer)

Here are ten pictures from our archive that you may not have seen for some time to enjoy Coton’s time at Vicarage Road once again.

Training in the snow. (Image: Watford Observer)

Liverpool’s Ronnie Whelan looks on as Coton drops on the ball. (Image: Watford Observer)

Beneath the Wembley scoreboard. (Image: Watford Observer)

Coton moves to get back to his feet as the Hornets clear the ball. (Image: Watford Observer)

Coton is already changed as he gets off the team bus. (Image: Watford Observer)

A shot through the goal as Coton arcs his back to save. (Image: Watford Observer)

Coton and his teammates meet some fans. (Image: Watford Observer)