With Rocketman now in theaters and earning solid reviews, we're reflecting on the long and historic career of Sir Elton John, one of contemporary pop music's greatest singers and songwriters. But did you know that Sir Elton has a storied history in the football world, also?
These days, Watford FC is a Premier League side. But it wasn't always that way. Back in 1976, Sir Elton, a lifelong Watford supporter, became the team's club chairman, stating that he would help the club reach the First Division—at the time, they were in the Fourth. Thanks to John's stewardship—and his money—the club earned three promotions over the next five years, arriving in the First Division for the first time for the 1982-83 season.
In 1987, John sold the club, only to buy it back in 1997. By then, being chairman of an English football club was becoming a full-time proposition, so he resigned from that role in 2002, choosing to remain in a more passive role as the team's president. His connection to Watford is in his blood; his son, Elijah, is currently in Watford's youth academy.
