INSPIRATIONAL: Iconic Garston residents included on list of town’s most influential people

A football superstar who grew up in Garston has been recognised on a list of 100 people who made Watford.

Assistant Arsenal manager Kelly Smith MBE was part of the winning England team at the UEFA Women’s Cup in 2007.

She was named on the list, which has been created by Watford Borough Council to celebrate the centenary of the borough, on Thursday, July 20.

As a youngster, Kelly was kicked out of Garston Boys Football Club despite being the top goal scorer, but this didn’t stop her from continuing her sporting career.

Since then, she has continued to inspire young female footballers from Garston and beyond. She went on to win 15 competitions with Arsenal, and made it into the Women’s Super League Hall of Fame in 2021.

Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “We are proud to have Kelly Smith MBE as one of the 100 people who made Watford. She is an outstanding role model for young girls, especially those passionate about football.

“Through her tireless efforts, Kelly has championed campaigns to empower and encourage more girls to participate in sports. Her invaluable contributions have truly enriched our community, making Watford the vibrant town it is today.”

Also included on the list is ex-Parmiter’s School pupil Corporal Christopher Harrison, who joined the Royal Marines in 2003. He served with the Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines before qualifying as a heavy weapons specialist in 2005. Sadly, he was fatally wounded in an explosion in Afghanistan in 2010, aged just 26.

Iconic journalist and historian Oliver ‘Oli’ Phillips has also been included on the list. A previous My Local News freelancer, Oli reported on more than 2,000 Watford FC matches and wrote a definitive book on the club’s history. The media suite at Vicarage Road Stadium was recently renamed after him. Oli passed away earlier this year, aged 81.