Turn back the clock

A fly on the wall in Luther Blissett's office lately might form the impression that Elton John's desire to recreate his Watford glory days is getting just a little out of hand.

Blissett, installed as Graham Taylor's number two in the pop star's attempt to find their way back to the Yellow Brick Road, has been working through some interesting telephone numbers, checking the availability of Mo Johnston, Nigel Callaghan, Lee Sinnott, Steve Sherwood, David Bardsley and John Barnes among others.

Actually, there is an explanation - and it is not that the former England manager is completely out of his vegetable patch. The names are from the team sheet of Watford's 1984 FA Cup final against Everton, which is to be re-enacted at Vicarage Road on 9 May in aid of the British Olympic Appeal. In fact, Blissett - a member of the line-up himself, of course - was busily recruiting long before taking up his new job.

"We came up with the idea because it was such an occasion for Watford and was seen at the time as the `friendly final'," Blissett said. "I've had no negative replies yet and hopefully we'll get everyone here."