Legendary Watford goalkeeper Andy Rankin dies
The stopper made 299 appearances for the hornets, including in one famous night against Manchester United
Last updated 22nd Aug 2023
Watfod say they're saddened to hear about the passing of Legendary goalkeepr Andy Rankin.
Tributes have been flooding in from across social media, with the club saying they'll be giving him a proper send off in their next game.
Rankin joined Watford in 1971 and became the first-choice goalkeeper for the team. Later, in 1973 he became the inaugural Watford Player of the Season, an accolade he would reclaim in the 1974–75 season.
Rankin played a significant role in Watford's rise under manager Graham Taylor during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Rankin's performances were instrumental in Watford's success during that period. He was known for his agile shot-stopping abilities and his command of the penalty area. His contributions played a key role in helping Watford establish themselves as a competitive team in the top tiers of English football.
He's widely remembered as the man who made the greatest save in Watford history, as they beat Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford.
Speaking to Watford Legends in 2013, he said: "when we went up to Manchester United in the Milk Cup expecting to get tonked and came away with a 2-1 win thanks to a couple of goals from Luther.
"Really vividly, I can remember a last minute bullet header from Gordon McQueen that was heading to the top corner. Somehow I managed to get a hand to it and clawed it away for a corner; I was delighted with the save"
"...we lived on Meadow Road in Garston and really enjoyed our time living there – we were made to feel very welcome".
After leaving Watford in 1981, Rankin went on to play for other clubs, including Norwich City and Doncaster Rovers. He retired from professional football in the mid-1980s.