Wilf Rostron

Who is Wilf Rostron?

John Wilfred Rostron, often known as Wilf Rostron, is an English former footballer who spent ten years at Watford as well as playing for Arsenal, Sunderland, Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United and Brentford. He started his career as a left-winger but spent most of his career as a left-back.

Rostron started his career at Arsenal, signing professional terms in October 1973 after a season as an amateur playing in Arsenal's youth team. He made his first-team debut against Newcastle United on 18 March 1975 and played a total of six league matches that season. However, he could not fully break into the Arsenal first team, making only 19 appearances for the club in three seasons, scoring two goals. He moved to home town club Sunderland in July 1977 for £40,000.

After two seasons at Sunderland, Rostron signed for Watford in October 1979 for £150,000. Playing as a left-winger he had sporadic success. During the 1980–81 Watford manager Graham Taylor played Rostron as a left-back to combat Chelsea winger Clive Walker. Rostron played well and went on to make that position his own. He was part of the Watford side that achieved promotion to Division One in the 1981–82 season and won Player of the Season as Watford reached their highest ever finish of 2nd in 1982–83 season.