Watford FC drop exciting Elton John reveal that fans are absolutely loving - but the price has got people talking | OneFootball

The Hornets will be celebrating a landmark anniversary involving the popstar and life president

Watford FC have unveiled a 'special edition' Elton John-themed kit ahead of Saturday's encounter with Blackburn Rovers at Vicarage Road, and it has certainly got Hornets supporters talking.

On the pitch this season, it has been a mixed start for the Hertfordshire outfit under the newly-appointed Paulo Pezzolano, who has overseen one win, two draws and one defeat in his opening four Championship matches.

The Uruguayan is facing up to a four-month period of largely uninterrupted action at the helm after a busy transfer window, during which Watford were able to retain the services of Imran Louza whilst adding the likes of Nestory Irankunda, Nampalys Mendy, Hector Kyprianou and Luca Kjerrumgaard on top of renewed loans for James Abankwah and Caleb Wiley.

Watford will also see Saturday's encounter against their former boss, Valerien Ismael, as a prime opportunity to record their second league success of the campaign, having previously defeated QPR on home turf last month, with Rovers yet to fully kickstart their campaign - losing three of their four encounters thus far.

There is now an extra incentive for Hornets players to perform to their maximum as the club begins to honour the contributions made over the past 50 years by John, who initially became owner of his boyhood club in 1976.

Watford FC release Elton-John inspired special edition kit to mark 50-year celebrations

It is hard to think of Watford as a club without the synonymous link of the worldwide music icon, who was born and raised in nearby Pinner, and has supported the Hornets since the age of six in 1953.

Ironically, the one-off kit which will be in action against the East Lancashire side this weekend reflects the time of his Watford-supporting life, when the club still played in blue for home games, only moving to the now-associated colours of yellow and black six years later, when the nickname 'Hornets' was adopted by supporters in a vote.

Intimate details and links within the new strip include a tribute to John's 'Diamonds' album, which features a collection of his greatest numbers between 1970 and 2016, the inclusion of the 'Happy Hornet' badge which was in use at the time of his takeover 49 years ago, as well as lyrics from 'Your Song' on the back.

With football kit collectors and lovers now rife across social media, it is no surprise that many Watford and opposition supporters are loving the dedication towards the club's 'Honorary Life President', although some are questioning the money they would have to part with.

One Hornets fan used a simple GIF response of the aforementioned John from his time as owner as a reaction to the release:

Another was in complete agreement with all the facets of the one-off strip.

One supporter also loved the overall design, but has been left frustrated by the club still opting to use their 'MR Q' sponsor on the front.

However, some were more concerned with the fact it would cost them even more than the regular 2025/26 home strip, which is a trend developing across plenty of English clubs, with it being released at a price of £76.

Another supporter failed to see the justification of said cost for a one-off match.

One 'Hornet' gave a rather tongue-in-cheek verdict on the cost as a result, questioning whether John was in charge of the pricing structure.

Someone else was of the viewpoint that the cost and sponsor slightly dampened their excitement regarding the reveal.

Elton John will hope Watford FC mark 50-year anniversary campaign in style

Of course, Watford are a completely different club to the one which John took over many moons ago, but he will still hope the anniversary ends in style at Vicarage Road.

During his initial 11-year spell as owner between then and 1987, the club rose from the depths of the fourth-tier to a second-place finish in the top-flight back in 1982/83, as well as a first-ever FA Cup Final in 1984, during which the musician was famously reduced to tears when 'Abide With Me' was sang pre kick-off.

He played two shows at Vicarage Road back in 2022, where he once again reiterated his passion for the Hornets, stating: "I can't tell you how much I love this club and you, the supporters... It's been so much part of my life, I can't tell you, I get very emotional thinking about it."

At present, Watford are looking to end a short exile from the Premier League having last been relegated back to the EFL in 2022. They haven't come close to a return since, although supporters will be hoping that can be achieved against all odds this season as they hope for long-term stability after a well-documented revolving door of managers and head coaches.