WATFORD'S goalkeeping hero Ben Foster joined an illustrious list of Hornets' greats last night (Monday) when he scooped the 'Player of the Season' award for 2006/07.
Foster has been in inspired form this season for Aidy Boothroyd's side, making save after save, as well as sparking many a Watford attack with his accurate distribution.
His progression from a young raw 'keeping talent when he first joined the Hornets on loan from Manchester United two season's ago, to a Premiership star, hasn't gone unnoticed and earlier this season the stopper was awarded his first full England cap when he represented the three lions against Spain at Old Trafford.
Foster will soon be back in Manchester as Sir Alex Ferguson will exercise his right to recall the former Stoke and Wrexham player following this weekend's emotional game against Newcastle United at Vicarage Road.
Foster now joins some highly acclaimed former winners, including his United goalkeeping coach Tony Coton, a three-time holder of the Watford award.
The winner of the 1981/82 season award, Les Taylor (pictured above), was also honoured with being the latest inductee into the Watford 'Hall of Fame' for his outstanding contribution to the Hornets throughout the early 1980's - including the famous 1984 FA Cup Final, when Taylor joined his managerial namesake Graham, in leading Watford out at Wembley.
Last night's event, held at The Grove, also saw Marlon King take the 'Goal of the Season' award for his stunning distance strike against West Ham United in August.
November's 2-0 win against Middlesbrough at Vicarage Road was named as 'Team Performance of the Season', edging out wins against Blackburn and Portsmouth.
Hameur Bouazza, 21 when the season began, won the 'Young Player of the Season' award, which was collected on his behalf by Academy Manager David Dodds whilst Hameur remains at his ill father's bedside in Paris.
Clarke Carlisle collected a well-deserved 'Community Ambassador' award for the second year running as Watford chose to recognise his ongoing commitment to the local community.
Meanwhile, Richard 'Shorty' Short received the 'Supporter of the Season' accolade for his ongoing and outstanding work behind the scenes as match day compere at Vicarage Road.
2006/07 End of Season Awards:
Player of the Season sponsored by Diadora: Ben Foster
Young Player of the Season sponsored by The Clarkson Hill Group PLC: Hameur Bouazza
Goal of the Season sponsored by NBM Distribution: Marlon King v West Ham United (h)
Team Performance of the Season sponsored by Redrose: Middlesbrough (h)
Community Ambassador Award sponsored by Total: Clarke Carlisle
Support of the Season sponsored by Community Building Services (CBS): Richard Short
Hall of Fame sponsored by VRC: Les Taylor
Watford Football Club Player of the Season roll of honour:
2006/07 Ben Foster
2005/06 Marlon King
2004/05 Heidar Helguson
2003/04 Gavin Mahon
2002/03 Marcus Gayle
2001/02 Alec Chamberlain
2000/01 Tommy Mooney
1999/00 Robert Page
1998/99 Steve Palmer
1997/98 Alec Chamberlain
1996/97 Kevin Miller
1995/96 Tommy Mooney
1994/95 Kevin Miller
1993/94 Gary Porter
1992/93 Paul Furlong
1991/92 Nigel Gibbs
1990/91 David James
1989/90 Tony Coton
1988/89 Glyn Hodges
1987/88 John McClelland
1986/87 Tony Coton
1985/86 Tony Coton
1984/85 John McClelland
1983/84 Wilf Rostron
1982/83 Wilf Rostron
1981/82 Les Taylor
1980/81 Steve Sims
1979/80 Ian Bolton
1978/79 Ross Jenkins
1977/78 Alan Garner
1976/77 Keith Mercer
1975/76 Ross Jenkins
1974/75 Andy Rankin
1973/74 Billy Jennings
1972/73 Andy Rankin
