ORGANISERS and senior Hornets officials were delighted with the success of Watford's Testimonial Day on Saturday, May 24.

More than 5,000 fans, including corporate hospitality customers, flocked to Vicarage Road to enjoy a host of fundraising events, the highlight being a match between an Ex-Watford and Ex-International XI and a Hertfordshire Select XI, and the proceeds from the day have boosted the Let's Buy Back The Vic fund by more than £40,000, taking the total raised to date past the £100,000 mark.

The sole objective of the fund is to buy back the freehold of the ground, and the Testimonial Day was the brainchild of Hornets legend Luther Blissett.

"We were very pleased with it," said Watford's record scorer. "On the whole, the day went very well. We have had no adverse comments come back so far which were are pleased about.

"The turnout was excellent and I think everyone that came along had a very good day out."

Chairman Graham Simpson said: "I thought it was a great day and a great occasion, and it showed what a great little community we have at Watford.

"I spoke to loads of fans and, generally, I got a lot of positive feedback. The feeling was that Watford are becoming what they want to it be again and it is going in the right direction."

A host of former Watford stars and other well-known players returned to Vicarage Road to play in the main event, and all appeared to relish catching up with former team-mates, as well as helping the fundraising push.

"It was great to be playing with some of the boys again," said Hornets legend John Barnes. "Luther phoned me up about six months ago about the game but we didn't know if it was going to go ahead, but it did which is all thanks and testament to Luther.

"He was the driving force behind this and it was a good turnout. We saw some goals, some old faces, so it was enjoyable all round."

For all the reaction to the Testimonial Day, see this week's The Watford Observer.