Watford FC legend Luther Blissett has gone above and beyond for the town’s community throughout the pandemic, by supporting different organisations including One Vision and Watford Chamber of Commerce.
Luther Blissett enjoyed a stellar career which saw him play more than 500 times for the Golden Boys and star for European giants AC Milan, but he’s now impressing just as much off the pitch with his will to help the community.
Speaking to WatfordNews, Luther said: “When the pandemic kicked in, I received many messages on Facebook where people were finding things extremely tough, despite it being very difficult for people to come to terms with asking for the help. Even if it was something as little as making a phone call to someone, it’s important to reach out to people who need support.
“We developed the Big Bold Community Quiz, which was done with the Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, who really has done a lot of special things during lockdown, and has created something quite incredible, I’ve got nothing but praise for him.”
Something Luther has developed is the Former Players Club, where former Hornets players come together alongside One Vision and the Mayor.
More than 50 former players such as Adrian Mariappa, John Barnes and Heidar Helguson have joined Luther in supporting the community by making phone calls and providing emotional and practical support during lockdown.
Luther added: “I think the Former Players Club is really important and can be a very useful tool. Graham Taylor really wanted to do something similar some years ago now and felt it was extremely important, but it never really went anywhere.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to do that now, in his name, and when it really is truly needed. Many players from his era have joined in like John Barnes and it shows how much of an impact the manager had on us. I never had any doubt that people would join in and more importantly that they would want to. It’s been a big benefit to many people.”
One Vision have been a shining light in the community throughout the pandemic, and Luther, who has recently been named as a trustee for the charity, had big praise for the people behind it, as well as the many people who have supported them.
Their project is to make Watford, and the surrounding areas, a community where people come together to support the vulnerable, promote equality and address injustice.
“Being part of One Vision is the most inclusive and the most get-things-done group I’ve ever been involved with. Everyone who has joined has brought something that has added value and they are a fantastic example of what Watford as a community is and strides even more so to be.
“Many people are still in need of help and support and it’s still very important to continue what we’ve started in order to smoothly transition back to whatever the ‘normal’ life will be.”
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