Watford FC will be seeking a Lloyd Doyley 2.0 | OneFootball

What the Yellow Army would give for a character like Lloyd Doyley, but is there potential that his successor could already be emerging?

Such is the nature and positioning of the division, it is becoming increasingly rare for Championship clubs to retain their most beloved assets for any significant period of time.

This is particularly prevalent for Watford FC. Just four of their sizable squad have been playing at Vicaridge Road since the turn of the decade, having lost the likes of João Pedro, Abdoulaye Doucouré and Ismaïla Sarr in recent years.

The outgoings of this constant conveyor belt of talent will hurt the Hertfordshire club more than most, as thanks to one man, they know exactly how important loyalty is.

Jamaican international Lloyd Doyley spent almost 25 years with the Hornets in a playing capacity, and is still working within the club to this day.

This unwavering allegiance, combined with being a genuine asset on the pitch, has made him one of the most iconic figures in the club's history.

What the Yellow Army would give for a character like him to exist today, but is there potential that his successor could already be emerging?

Lloyd Doyley's legacy at Watford

Joining Watford's youth set up at the age of nine, Tower Hamlets-Born Doyley rose patiently through every iteration of the club's academy.

Making his debut ten years later, in 2001, the defender quickly became a fan favourite at the club. Despite not being the most technically gifted, he possessed a combination of athletic excellence and fearless dedication that is always heralded in home terraces.

Similar to that of Jamie Carragher or Gary Neville, he was relatively unconcerned with the attacking side of the game, but rather 100% focused on the basic defensive tasks at hand.

Having made the centre-back position his own, a 25-year-old Doyley played 47 times as Watford secured promotion to the Premier League in 2006. The successful play-off campaign saw three clean sheets in as many games, including a 3-0 victory over Leeds at Wembley.

While Watford would be relegated at the first time of asking, he would help the club remain a consistent high-performer in the Championship for many years.

He was outstanding across the 2012-13 campaign, as Watford once again reached the playoff final thanks to the world famous 'Deeney moment'. Despite failing to concede from open play in over 120 minutes, they were defeated by Crystal Palace in extra-time.

After 443 appearances for the club, he left in romantic circumstances as the club were promoted back to the Premier League in 2015. Having only played six games across the season, a 33-year-old Doyley bid his farewell on a high.

Seemingly unable to keep away from the club, the cult-hero joined the Hornets' coaching staff this summer, assistant manager to the under-18s. He is, understandably, a wildly popular figure arround the town of Watford to this day.

The next Lloyd Doyley could already be at the club

While the majority of Tom Cleverley's side are still in their first few years of life in yellow, there is one first-team player at the club who shares a similarly deep-routed connection, Ryan Andrews.

Making his league debut in April 2023, having been with the club for eleven years, the Watford-born right-back has become an ever-present in the side since, making 40 league appearances in 2023-24.

The son of former Watford striker Wayne Andrews, Ryan is undoubtedly a fan of the club, and could well be the man to enact the position of club custodian for years to come.

However, with impressive performances and over a half-century of Championship appearances at just 20-years-old, Watford will have to prevent his head from turning if they are to develop a new club legend.