development of the station was funded jointly by the football trust, which contributed £50,000, watford borough council (£80,000), watford f.c. (£50,000), with the remaining £200,000 paid by british rail. it was officially opened on 4 december 1982 by the rock musician and chairman of watford football club, elton john, and chairman of the football trust, lord aberdare. the inaugural train rolled into the station five minutes late. the station was only open on match days, with the first crowds passing through the station being manchester united fans on the opening day.