Watford will enjoy a break from league action following a thrilling late victory over Norwich City on Bank Holiday Monday, as they next kickstart their Emirates FA Cup duties.

Entering at the third-round stage, the Hornets have a short journey to Reading to look ahead to. As the countdown to kick-off continues (Saturday January 7, 12.30pm KO), we pick out five Hornets from the past and present who have also represented the Berkshire-based outfit during their careers…

Dynamic midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru made his move from Manchester City to Watford in the summer of 2019, and would later go on to make his debut against Tranmere Rovers, scoring in a 3-3 draw in the FA Cup. After an unfortunate absence due to injury, Dele-Bashiru made the temporary move to Reading for the 2021/22 campaign.

The 23-year-old helped the Royals avoid relegation, notching four goals and two assists, while featuring 38 times in the Sky Bet Championship.

Following his return to Vicarage Road, Dele-Bashiru has recently broken into the side, featuring in five of the last seven matches, earning plaudits and an impressive assist for João Pedro’s opener against Huddersfield Town. Despite suffering an injury against Swansea City during the final match of 2022, Dele-Bashiru will be looking to regain his place upon his hotly-anticipated return.

Welshman Lee Nogan was a hard-working, reliable frontman who began his football in Oxford before a career-defining move to Watford in 1991 where he would feature for the next four years, making over a century of appearances. Some of his highlights included a memorable header against his future employers Southend United in 1994, before making the short trip to Reading where he signed a permanent deal.

At the Royals, Nogan notably opened the scoring with a spectacular effort in the 1995 First Division play-off final, however, it wouldn’t be enough to secure victory over Bolton Wanderers.

It was particularly frustrating with Reading having finished runners-up in the second-tier that season, with the club only denied an automatic promotion place due to a restructuring in the Premier League. Nogan would make more than 70 appearances in blue and white hoops before departing for pastures new.

A lethal and clinical finisher in front of goal, Darius Henderson enjoyed three productive seasons at Vicarage Road, securing a promotion to the Premier League in 2006. But before the striker made his way to Hertfordshire, Henderson began his footballing journey at Reading.

Having risen through the ranks at the Royals, Henderson made his first start for the club against Wycombe Wanderers and would eventually become a regular in 2002, scoring seven times as Reading were promoted to the second-tier.

After a loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion, and a permanent move to Gillingham, Henderson eventually decided on making The Vic his home. During his time in yellow, he contributed 31 goals, including a play-off final penalty against Leeds United that earned his club ascendancy to the Premier League, before departing for Sheffield United in 2008.

An influential Watford stalwart, Adrian Mariappa began his career with the Hornets at the age of eight. As a captain of the Academy sides, the full-back turned centre-half was highly thought of at the club and earned his first appearance in 2005 during a League Cup fixture against Notts County.

He would go on to make the centre-back position his own before eventually being courted in 2012 by top-flight side Reading. Although he would only spend a season with the Royals, and the club got relegated, Mariappa made 29 league appearances and would make a move to South London to join Crystal Palace the campaign after.

After three years at Selhurst Park, the defensive general returned home in 2016 to take his total appearances in yellow to 340.

Born into a footballing family in St. Albans, dreams of playing for Watford were never too far away for one-club man Nigel Gibbs. Featuring under the great Graham Taylor during his two reigns, the vibrant full-back sits in third on the list for all-time appearances at Watford having made nearly 500 appearances in yellow.

Having won the FA Youth Cup in 1982, the Player of the Season gong in 1992, the Second Division in 1998 and promotion to the top-flight in 1999, Gibbs is certainly one of the most decorated Watford players ever.

Following his retirement from the game in the early 2000s, Gibbs turned to coaching, ultimately earning himself a job at Reading within the youth teams in 2006. He would work his way up the ladder at the Royals, becoming assistant manager in 2009.

In his role in the dugout at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, Gibbs presided over promotion to the Premier League in 2012 and would depart the club in 2013.

For more information on the Hornets Ambassador’s story, click HERE.