When legendary goalkeeper Pat Jennings swapped Watford for Spurs

One of the greatest goalkeepers of all-time is celebrating his 79th birthday today.

Born on June 12, 1945, Pat Jennings swapped his native Northern Ireland for Hertfordshire in May 1963 when he was signed by Watford for an initial fee of £3,000.

He made his debut later that month in a 2-2 draw at Queens Park Rangers and was an ever-present in the 1963/64 season as Bill McGarry’s side finished third in Division Three.

• Rare snaps of Watford completing a quick-fire double over Luton

• When Elton and Rod were snapped watching the Hornets together

• Jubilant celebrations when Watford were promoted to top flight for first time

(Image: Watford Observer)

After making 52 consecutive appearances in all competitions, Jennings’ short stay at Vicarage Road came to an end on June 3, 1964 when he moved to Tottenham Hotspur for £27,000.

(Image: Watford Observer)

These wonderful pictures from our archive show Jennings signing his contract in the company of McGarry and legendary Spurs boss Bill Nicholson.

(Image: Watford Observer)

Capped 119 times during a 22-year international career with Northern Ireland, Jennings won the FA Cup, the League Cup twice and the UEFA Cup during 13 years at White Hart Lane where he also became the first goalkeeper to be named PFA Player of the Year.

Jennings made the short move across North London to Tottenham’s arch rivals Arsenal in August 1977 where he played for another eight years, helping the Gunners to four cup finals in three years running at home and in Europe, although their only win came in the 1979 FA Cup Final.