It’s always sad when a great dynasty falls, but it’s an inescapable truth that all things in this life must pass.
Gareth Evans, the man who has dutifully embodied Harry the Hornet, Watford’s beloved club mascot, for the past decade, has announced that he is stepping aside.
Broaching the subject on Twitter, Evans said that he is hanging up his large foamy stinger with a “heavy heart” before this weekend’s home match against Manchester United:
I have officially stepped away from being the Match Day Mascot at #watfordfc my decision, proud of what I have achieved, the memories made and the experiences I’ve had – I was privileged and now heavy hearted also. Love you Harry! 🐝💛⚽
— Gareth Evans (@1HHornet) 13 September 2018
You may recall that Harry/Gareth found himself the centre of attention recently when he was branded a “disgrace” by Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson over an incident that happened over two years previous when the Watford mascot mocked Wilfried Zaha for diving during a game at Vicarage Road.
Did he jump or was he pushed? Whether this subsequent decision to leave the role is related, we’ll perhaps never know… though the timing is definitely just a little bit conspicuous.
Anyway, Evans has ensured that Harry has more than enough credit in the bank to assure him a place in the great Football Mascot’s Rogues Gallery, alongside Cyril the rucking Swan, Wolfie the scrapping Wolf and Bertie Bee, who even did jail time for his crimes (offering a linesman the use of his spectacles).