Watford FC tight-lipped on whether there will be a promotion parade

In normal times, promotion or cup success usually leads to a parade or tour allowing fans to line the streets and catch a glimpse of their footballing heroes.

In 2015, Watford players boarded two red buses before thousands of fans gathered in Cassiobury Park.

But due to the pandemic, large gatherings remain prohibited and a parade to mark Watford’s success seems incredibly unlikely as it would almost certainly breach coronavirus regulations.

Organising a parade of this nature can be a logistical nightmare, even in a non-Covid world, with arrangements needed to be made by Watford Borough Council with the support of the police and the football club.

Watford promotion celebrations in 2015. Credit: Anthony Matthews

When asked by the Observer whether there were any plans being drawn up for a parade or similar type event in Watford to mark the promotion winning season, Watford Football Club refused to provide a definitive answer.

The club, police, and local council will be keen to avoid any further scenes involving fans like we saw last week when huge crowds gathered tightly around the pond in The Parade.

Although police were present, officers chose not to intervene.

Scenes in The Parade in Watford town centre last weekend after Watford secured promotion back to the Premier League

Watford chief inspector Ian Grout defended the passive approach, saying his officers have a responsibility to make sure their actions do not “exacerbate or provoke a situation that could cause injury to members of the public, or our colleagues”.

Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed no arrests were made during the celebrations last Saturday which began shortly before 5pm and ran until around 8.30pm.

Supporters who did attend the town centre celebrations were urged by Hertfordshire’s director of public health to take a coronavirus test.