Over the summer many of the Vialli's signings left the club. Lewington had few funds to strengthen the side. The extent of Watford's financial difficulties was exposed in the autumn, along with many League clubs, following the collapse of
ITV Digital.[1] The club was facing administration when the players and staff agreed a 12% wage deferral.[2] Exacerbating the club's difficulties were the large payoffs they had had to make to Vialli and several players on terminating their contracts, and Vialli's decision to sue the club early in
2003.[3] The club started the season well, however, despite the players having to agree to a pay-cut during October, and finished in mid-table. An unexpected run to the
FA Cup semi-final, where Watford lost to Premiership
Southampton,[4] also generated vital cash.[5]
^Hyde was born in
Newham,
England, but also qualified to represent
Jamaica internationally and made his international debut for
Jamaica in 2001.
^Doyley was born in
Tower Hamlets,
England, but also qualified to represent
Jamaica internationally and would make his international debut for
Jamaica in March 2013.
^Gayle was born in
Hammersmith,
London, and represented them at
U-18 level, but also qualified to represent
Jamaica internationally through his father and made his international debut for
Jamaica in 1998.
^Baardsen was born in
San Rafael,
California,
United States, and represented them at U-18 level, but also qualified to represent
Norway internationally through his parents and made his international debut for
Norway in September 1998.
^Forde was born in
Harrow,
England, but also qualified to represent
Barbados internationally and made his international debut for
Barbados in November 2002.