Having read the various reviews of yesterdays game I'm feeling quite negative about the new style of play.
Why do we, Watford, famous for our great direct style, want to suddenly become one of the teams that seems to think we should get points for artistic impression?
I've been going through my old programmes recently and came across an article Bobby Robson wrote in an England programme defending his employment of Graham Taylor as England youth manager. The criticism's were two fold. One, Taylor was a club manager already and hadn't got the time. Two, Watford's direct style.
Robson's response was brilliant. He'd counted the efforts on goal Watford had achieved in our last league game. We managed 33. 'Nuff said really.
I suspect a critic of this style is now sitting in the very office where Taylor used to plan the downfall of teams like Sunderland by 8 stonking goals. Those plans would never have included back passing a free kick in the oppositions half.
As in the Vialli days, I fear my faith is going to be tested again.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Different- Watford 1 Doncaster Rovers 1
Different. This was very very different.
Not tinkering with things a bit different, but lets forget everything we've ever learnt or done and start completely from scratch different.
Given that Brendan only met the players on Wednesday it was a very brave move to implement such a scheme in an important league match just 78 hours later.
That's probably the context in which this afternoon should be seen.
Loads of things didn't work at all. Lots of things went wrong. But for a first attempt this was just about okay.
Possession is the main mantra. Keep possession of the ball no matter what.
Even if this means constantly passing it between Loach and the back four. Or even if it means back passing a promising looking free kick as new man Bridcutt did a couple of times.
But it also meant occasionally, very occasionally when there was an opening, quite breathtaking play between Smith, Williamson, Jenkins, Harley, Hoskins, McAnuff and Priskin.
One such move lead to our goal although Priskin was trying to shoot when he crossed the ball and Tommy Smith slid it home.
Unfortunately another mantra seemed to be sit on a lead. Now I understand if you're at Chelsea this probably works well. The other team are unlikely to get back into the game if you're world class and you'll probably get one or two more despite being in defensive mode.
When you are Watford, especially a Watford that has recently leaked goals, its very risky. So it proved. For the 40 minutes between the goals we passed it around with an awkwardness that Doncaster did surprisingly little to challenge.
Brendan then made the mistake that probably cost us 3 points. He took off the attacking Bridcutt who clearly has been bought in to show the rest of them how its supposed to be done and put on the one player who is going to struggle the most with the new way of doing things, Lloyd Doyley. Presumably this was done to ensure it remained 1-0.
Well it remained that way for less than 60 seconds after Lloyd had run on. Not that he cost us the goal. In a move almost identical to ours, Brooker (who else) scored, the only difference was that the cross he met was a genuine cross rather than a misguided shot.
Having gone all defensive unfortunately we appeared to have no plan B. None at all. We continued to pass the ball around but the players looked like they were waiting for one another to suddenly ditch the new style and go back to Route 1 Boothroyd style.
The passing became sloppy and we kept giving the ball away, especially poor Lloyd, but he was by no means the only culprit. For a while Donnie were all over us and it looked nastily like we were facing another Blackpool situation.
The referee didn't help. He was a stickler for the rules sometimes restricting the follow of the play so much that you would've thought you were watching American Football. The man behind me suggested he was on commission for the amount of cards he dished out. The only surprise was that none of them were red.
At any point after Doncaster's goal Brendan could have and should have stepped in. He'd only made two substitutions and we needed to go back to an attacking formation. Even if it had meant Doyley only appearing for two minutes Liam Henderson was desperately required but, alas, never appeared.
Even in added on time the players still didn't look like they knew whether they were allowed to go for it or not. Loach particularly wasn't sure if he still had to pass it or could just boot it and so did neither whilst the crowd were urging him to get rid of it as the seconds ticked away. As we did look to launch one last attack the final whsitle blew and boos echoed around the stadium. This was rather harsh but I think its because we felt we shouldn't have been leaving the ground feeling relieved to have got a point.
I don't feel Spurs is really the next match Brendan needed. I fear if we play in a similar style, and I'm sure we will, we could be on the receiving end of 4 or 5.
Not tinkering with things a bit different, but lets forget everything we've ever learnt or done and start completely from scratch different.
Given that Brendan only met the players on Wednesday it was a very brave move to implement such a scheme in an important league match just 78 hours later.
That's probably the context in which this afternoon should be seen.
Loads of things didn't work at all. Lots of things went wrong. But for a first attempt this was just about okay.
Possession is the main mantra. Keep possession of the ball no matter what.
Even if this means constantly passing it between Loach and the back four. Or even if it means back passing a promising looking free kick as new man Bridcutt did a couple of times.
But it also meant occasionally, very occasionally when there was an opening, quite breathtaking play between Smith, Williamson, Jenkins, Harley, Hoskins, McAnuff and Priskin.
One such move lead to our goal although Priskin was trying to shoot when he crossed the ball and Tommy Smith slid it home.
Unfortunately another mantra seemed to be sit on a lead. Now I understand if you're at Chelsea this probably works well. The other team are unlikely to get back into the game if you're world class and you'll probably get one or two more despite being in defensive mode.
When you are Watford, especially a Watford that has recently leaked goals, its very risky. So it proved. For the 40 minutes between the goals we passed it around with an awkwardness that Doncaster did surprisingly little to challenge.
Brendan then made the mistake that probably cost us 3 points. He took off the attacking Bridcutt who clearly has been bought in to show the rest of them how its supposed to be done and put on the one player who is going to struggle the most with the new way of doing things, Lloyd Doyley. Presumably this was done to ensure it remained 1-0.
Well it remained that way for less than 60 seconds after Lloyd had run on. Not that he cost us the goal. In a move almost identical to ours, Brooker (who else) scored, the only difference was that the cross he met was a genuine cross rather than a misguided shot.
Having gone all defensive unfortunately we appeared to have no plan B. None at all. We continued to pass the ball around but the players looked like they were waiting for one another to suddenly ditch the new style and go back to Route 1 Boothroyd style.
The passing became sloppy and we kept giving the ball away, especially poor Lloyd, but he was by no means the only culprit. For a while Donnie were all over us and it looked nastily like we were facing another Blackpool situation.
The referee didn't help. He was a stickler for the rules sometimes restricting the follow of the play so much that you would've thought you were watching American Football. The man behind me suggested he was on commission for the amount of cards he dished out. The only surprise was that none of them were red.
At any point after Doncaster's goal Brendan could have and should have stepped in. He'd only made two substitutions and we needed to go back to an attacking formation. Even if it had meant Doyley only appearing for two minutes Liam Henderson was desperately required but, alas, never appeared.
Even in added on time the players still didn't look like they knew whether they were allowed to go for it or not. Loach particularly wasn't sure if he still had to pass it or could just boot it and so did neither whilst the crowd were urging him to get rid of it as the seconds ticked away. As we did look to launch one last attack the final whsitle blew and boos echoed around the stadium. This was rather harsh but I think its because we felt we shouldn't have been leaving the ground feeling relieved to have got a point.
I don't feel Spurs is really the next match Brendan needed. I fear if we play in a similar style, and I'm sure we will, we could be on the receiving end of 4 or 5.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
A Point- Bristol City 1 Watford 1
Only a point but a good one. No Eustace or Raziak. Be interesting to see how the team lines up on Saturday. Other than Tommy I don't think anyone is assured of a place.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Kenny?
Not quite as good as Buck is it?
Well he's wasted no time in getting his team together and happily it does include Malky, Dyche and Alec.
I can't say I'm particularly bothered by the departure of Martin Hunter. Hailed as a great coup when we poached him from Norwich before the 2007/8 season his arrival really marked the beginning of the end of the Boothroyd era.
I've not read anywhere what's happened to Keith Burkinshaw but I hope we'd keep him on in some capacity as he's been very good to us which I really didn't expect. To me he was Spurs through and through so having hired and then released him I thought he was a top bloke to still come to our games, and it was very good of him to come back and help Malky out. Frank Lampard Snr is identical (whilst in Claret rather than White) and it would be nice if we could end up saying the same about him.
As for Brendan, a mate of mine at work commented if he was good enough for Mourinho then he must be quality. I tend to agree but am trying not to get my hopes up too high.
Well he's wasted no time in getting his team together and happily it does include Malky, Dyche and Alec.
I can't say I'm particularly bothered by the departure of Martin Hunter. Hailed as a great coup when we poached him from Norwich before the 2007/8 season his arrival really marked the beginning of the end of the Boothroyd era.
I've not read anywhere what's happened to Keith Burkinshaw but I hope we'd keep him on in some capacity as he's been very good to us which I really didn't expect. To me he was Spurs through and through so having hired and then released him I thought he was a top bloke to still come to our games, and it was very good of him to come back and help Malky out. Frank Lampard Snr is identical (whilst in Claret rather than White) and it would be nice if we could end up saying the same about him.
As for Brendan, a mate of mine at work commented if he was good enough for Mourinho then he must be quality. I tend to agree but am trying not to get my hopes up too high.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Buck
If the BBC and WO are to be believed its Brendan Rodgers in the hot seat sometime tomorrow.
Bit of an Aidy type appointment but thats no bad thing. I think I'd rather have someone new and unknown than either an ex-Watford man trying to relive old glories (unless it was GT himself) or a Championship chugger like Ian Holloway who would tread water at best for a couple of seasons before moving on.
Frank Lampard Snr is apparently coming in to the Keith Burkinshaw role. Hope there is still room for Alec, Dyche and Malky somewhere in the new set up.
Keep us up and we'll be happy. Get us to the League Cup Final and you'll go straight in at No.3 in the all time Watford managers chart. But I'm probably getting a bit ahead of myself now.
Bit of an Aidy type appointment but thats no bad thing. I think I'd rather have someone new and unknown than either an ex-Watford man trying to relive old glories (unless it was GT himself) or a Championship chugger like Ian Holloway who would tread water at best for a couple of seasons before moving on.
Frank Lampard Snr is apparently coming in to the Keith Burkinshaw role. Hope there is still room for Alec, Dyche and Malky somewhere in the new set up.
Keep us up and we'll be happy. Get us to the League Cup Final and you'll go straight in at No.3 in the all time Watford managers chart. But I'm probably getting a bit ahead of myself now.
Surgical?
http://www.watfordfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/MackaysVerdict/0,,10400~1463635,00.html
Don't you mean clinical Malky?
Don't you mean clinical Malky?
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Panto- Watford 3 Queens Park Rangers 0
The season is nearly upon us and this looked like two teams auditioning to join Peter Duncan at Watersmeet.
We played the part of the gallant good guys, having endured managerial set backs, ghost goals, horrendous injuries and an incompetent board we were still battling away. QPR were the rich bad guys who had no scruples when it came to getting what they wanted.
Free gifts had been given out to the audience in the shape of empty carrier bags, which must have done no end of good to the environment. These only seemed to be for the Rous and Vicarage Road end. Maybe there were some for the Rookery end but someone who arrived early nabbed them all.
Alas the audiences opportunity to boo loudly was restricted in that Lee Cook wasn't lining up for QPR. Gavin Mahon was given warm applause but there was no sign of the promised Helgusson who probably would've received a standing ovation.
For the home team Scott Loach was thankfully back, a defensive line up of Doyley, Ward, DeMerit and Mariappa showed what Malky thought of Aidys January transfer dealing. We played the typical Boothroyd kind of fluid midfield/forward line up with only Jenkins as a recognisable midfielder and Priskin the only obvious striker. Smith, Williamson, Harley and McAnuff switched effortlessly between the two.
The game was very evenly matched until we got a bit of luck in getting a penalty for a push on Priskin. This is just the sort of decision that would usually go against us and had it done, the result could so easily have been the other way given our fragile state. Luckily the visitors were in the same state of mind despite being financially so much better off. Once Smith converted QPR wilted and suddenly we were all over them. Every nice move we attempt seemed to come off, none more so than the one which resulted in Darren Ward putting us 2 up.
Gavin Mahon showed why Aidy was right to axe him as he really couldn't handle Tommy Smith at all and towards the latter part of the first half appeared to give up completely. I can't imagine he is going to remain at QPR for to much longer.
Lee Williamson made it three before half time, but given recent events I didn't really feel the usual relaxed bliss a half time 3 goal cushion usually brings. I heard one bloke in the loo say another two and we'll be safe and I couldn't disagree.
Unsurprinsgly Mahon was replaced but the R's were still no better and rather than score goals they played a game of how bad a foul can we commit before one of us gets sent off. The answer was rather a lot. Quite a few yellows were shown including one to an injured Ranger who refused to leave the pitch for treatment before our old friend Fitz Hall (the one who had a fight with Aidy over the ball during the Palace playoff) went too far and scythed down Hoskins to earn a straight red. The panto theme was brought to a close in injury time when Priskin got in a muddle and tackled Tommy Smith for the ball.
It was a shame we couldn't have gone on to score a couple more, but the best thing to come out of the game by far was that our defence looked better than it has done for ages. DeMerit and Ward both had solid games, Doyley was strong in the tackle and only committed one howler whilst Mariappa looked good and made meaningful contributions when going forward.
Scott Loach deserves special mention for just being better at kicking than Richard Lee. Shot stopping wise he is just as good, but his confidence at delivering the ball back to a yellow shirt rather than a ball boy makes a world of difference.
But going back to a point I made earlier had a penalty gone against us rather than for us I do feel you could be reading exactly the same report only with the team names the other way round. For once today, we got some luck and built on it. Will it be enough to get Malky the job? I reckon by the visit of Doncaster we'll know.
We played the part of the gallant good guys, having endured managerial set backs, ghost goals, horrendous injuries and an incompetent board we were still battling away. QPR were the rich bad guys who had no scruples when it came to getting what they wanted.
Free gifts had been given out to the audience in the shape of empty carrier bags, which must have done no end of good to the environment. These only seemed to be for the Rous and Vicarage Road end. Maybe there were some for the Rookery end but someone who arrived early nabbed them all.
Alas the audiences opportunity to boo loudly was restricted in that Lee Cook wasn't lining up for QPR. Gavin Mahon was given warm applause but there was no sign of the promised Helgusson who probably would've received a standing ovation.
For the home team Scott Loach was thankfully back, a defensive line up of Doyley, Ward, DeMerit and Mariappa showed what Malky thought of Aidys January transfer dealing. We played the typical Boothroyd kind of fluid midfield/forward line up with only Jenkins as a recognisable midfielder and Priskin the only obvious striker. Smith, Williamson, Harley and McAnuff switched effortlessly between the two.
The game was very evenly matched until we got a bit of luck in getting a penalty for a push on Priskin. This is just the sort of decision that would usually go against us and had it done, the result could so easily have been the other way given our fragile state. Luckily the visitors were in the same state of mind despite being financially so much better off. Once Smith converted QPR wilted and suddenly we were all over them. Every nice move we attempt seemed to come off, none more so than the one which resulted in Darren Ward putting us 2 up.
Gavin Mahon showed why Aidy was right to axe him as he really couldn't handle Tommy Smith at all and towards the latter part of the first half appeared to give up completely. I can't imagine he is going to remain at QPR for to much longer.
Lee Williamson made it three before half time, but given recent events I didn't really feel the usual relaxed bliss a half time 3 goal cushion usually brings. I heard one bloke in the loo say another two and we'll be safe and I couldn't disagree.
Unsurprinsgly Mahon was replaced but the R's were still no better and rather than score goals they played a game of how bad a foul can we commit before one of us gets sent off. The answer was rather a lot. Quite a few yellows were shown including one to an injured Ranger who refused to leave the pitch for treatment before our old friend Fitz Hall (the one who had a fight with Aidy over the ball during the Palace playoff) went too far and scythed down Hoskins to earn a straight red. The panto theme was brought to a close in injury time when Priskin got in a muddle and tackled Tommy Smith for the ball.
It was a shame we couldn't have gone on to score a couple more, but the best thing to come out of the game by far was that our defence looked better than it has done for ages. DeMerit and Ward both had solid games, Doyley was strong in the tackle and only committed one howler whilst Mariappa looked good and made meaningful contributions when going forward.
Scott Loach deserves special mention for just being better at kicking than Richard Lee. Shot stopping wise he is just as good, but his confidence at delivering the ball back to a yellow shirt rather than a ball boy makes a world of difference.
But going back to a point I made earlier had a penalty gone against us rather than for us I do feel you could be reading exactly the same report only with the team names the other way round. For once today, we got some luck and built on it. Will it be enough to get Malky the job? I reckon by the visit of Doncaster we'll know.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Another fine defensive mess- Barnsley 2 Watford 1
Having read the Watford Observer report on todays game I hope more than ever Malky doesn't get it. Is it any surprise we are still committing defensive howlers when he was in charge of defensive training under Aidy. You can't sack Aidy and expect things are going to magically change.
Also it would be so ridiculous to stick with the status quo having got rid of a manager because of a poor run of form. The only time I can remember us doing it before was when Colin Lee got the job after we sacked Steve Harrison and he didn't last 12 months. We didn't even put a member of the coaching staff in either time that GT left. Both times he created a 'Boot Room' structure which would've probably continued quite nicely in his absence. But the boards of time decided to destroy these carefully built structures in favour of big names.
It would be an irony now if we went for more of the same when maybe we could do with a name or at least someone from outside the current structure.
Also it would be so ridiculous to stick with the status quo having got rid of a manager because of a poor run of form. The only time I can remember us doing it before was when Colin Lee got the job after we sacked Steve Harrison and he didn't last 12 months. We didn't even put a member of the coaching staff in either time that GT left. Both times he created a 'Boot Room' structure which would've probably continued quite nicely in his absence. But the boards of time decided to destroy these carefully built structures in favour of big names.
It would be an irony now if we went for more of the same when maybe we could do with a name or at least someone from outside the current structure.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Stelling for Countdown?
Bad move Jeff. It didn't work for Des (Lynam, not O'Connor who I thought was perfect for it) and I can't see it working for you.
There is a big difference between the fast paced nature of sports presenting and the sedate relaxed feeling of Countdown.
What's Jeff going to get excited about? The letters as the new Carol pulls them out?
You are a God Jeff just as Des was. Don't ruin it by making similarly poor career decisions. Just stick to what you do best.
There is a big difference between the fast paced nature of sports presenting and the sedate relaxed feeling of Countdown.
What's Jeff going to get excited about? The letters as the new Carol pulls them out?
You are a God Jeff just as Des was. Don't ruin it by making similarly poor career decisions. Just stick to what you do best.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Lehmann may quit in ref protest
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7719592.stm
Oh please do Jens. It would make a lot of people very happy.
Oh please do Jens. It would make a lot of people very happy.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The Replay- Swansea City 0 Watford 1
I went to the wrong game!
Oh well its brilliant that we won and are in the last eight. Can we have Derby at home in the next round please?
Wonder what this will do for Malky's managerial chances??
Oh well its brilliant that we won and are in the last eight. Can we have Derby at home in the next round please?
Wonder what this will do for Malky's managerial chances??
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Welsh Wales Cymraeg Cymru- Swansea City 3 Watford 1
The first match against Swansea in 25 years and suddenly two come along at once. The good news for those going twice (alas not me) is that its one of the more entertaining journeys down a motorway. Sure the English bit of the M4 is dull but after that you've got the Severn Bridge, various mountainous valleys which the road wraps itself round, flames protunding from communist looking power stations, Port Talbot sliced either side of the road where the motorway must act like a kind of Berlin Wall and a tunnel under the Celtic Manor resort (home of the 2010 Ryder Cup as the signs insist on telling you).
Talking of signs pretty much everything once you are in Welsh Wales is in two languages. Even though you know you can't read the Welsh it doesn't stop your brain trying each and every time. This is especially annoying when you have to make last second decisions about which way to go. For example, your brain thinks is it down there, your eyes look at the sign and its says Abertawe, brain thinks where the hell is that, eyes carry on reading Swansea, oh great brain thinks, before your eyes return to the road and inform your brain you've just missed the turning.
Despite the encouragement for the locals to use their own language I didn't hear anyone speak Welsh all afternoon, other than the stadium announcer for a short while (and then I might not have been listening probably). Even so Swansea still feels a bit like Newcastle in that even if you don't wear colours as soon as you open your mouth everyone will know which team you support.
The Liberty Stadium or Stadiwm Liberty (if you're Welsh) is another identikit nice ground. Just as you never go into a McDonalds and think oh this is a bit of a manky rubbish one (the interior I mean, now I'm older I always think that about the food) it's the same with these new stadiums. The Liberty looked impressive both outside and in, gave you a brilliant view even though we were behind the goal, had loads of leg room (better than Wembley) and it was easy to go to the loo and get food at half time. The food was worth getting not from a cusine point of view but because the girls that worked behind the counter were amongst the finest looking catering assistants I've ever seen. It was as the stadium had accidentally advertised for lap dancers.
For this reason I probably enjoyed the couple of minutes of queueing more than the actual game. We started okay and it was very competitive in the first half despite the extremely blustery conditions. When it rains in Swansea its like being in the middle of a car wash. The wetness just envelopes everything around it. There is no escape. Swansea who were obviously used to this played some really nice football. But we coped with it well and made some chances of our own. Eventually after half an hour Lee Williamson slotted the ball home to make it 1-0.
For 60 seconds joy reigned and then Swansea did an obvious thing that I'm surprised didn't happen more often during the game. They hit a long shot at Richard Lee which looked gettable until the wind blew it off course and into the back of the net. That was pretty much it. We then seemed to give up. Swansea's second half goal was always going to come but the amazing thing was that although it stayed 2-1 until practically the last kick of the game we made no attempt to try and get back into it all.
Malky made a couple of odd substitutions. Hoskins was taken off midway through the second half for Eustace?? Why? It wasn't as if we needed to hang on to the result. Raizak came off for Priskin and when it was too late Bromby, who was dreadful thoroughout, finally came off for Theo Robinson. How McAnuff managed to escape not being taken off heaven only knows.
The away contigent got behind Malky for the most part chanting "Malky McKay, he's having a beer and eating a pie". I wondered how long it would be before this turned into "Malky McKay he ain't got a clue, Malky McKay". But this is an unfair comment to make when nothing that happened was in any way different from anything that would've happened under Aidy. The good points from the day were the same as they've ever been (Smith, Hoskins both looked great and Raziak not bad) and similarly the bad points were no different either (the defence).
Other than the Malky chants there wasn't really a great deal of reaction to recent events at the club. A small group of supporters in the corner held up a "Sack the Board" banner at various points during the game. There was some occasional chanting of Aidy's name and a few Simpson's out but that was it.
The trouble with all these is who we aim them at. "Simpson out" and "Sack the Board" seem fairly pointless when they both want to go anyway. "Where's the money gone" might be more appropriate.
If you didn't go to the game but are going on Tuesday then ignore the whole no parking at the ground advice. Its not true, in fact I've never seen so much parking around a football ground. Admittedly most of it is for the retail park which you are encouraged not to park at but there didn't appear to be anyone checking and there were plenty of industrial estates nearby anyway.
Talking of signs pretty much everything once you are in Welsh Wales is in two languages. Even though you know you can't read the Welsh it doesn't stop your brain trying each and every time. This is especially annoying when you have to make last second decisions about which way to go. For example, your brain thinks is it down there, your eyes look at the sign and its says Abertawe, brain thinks where the hell is that, eyes carry on reading Swansea, oh great brain thinks, before your eyes return to the road and inform your brain you've just missed the turning.
Despite the encouragement for the locals to use their own language I didn't hear anyone speak Welsh all afternoon, other than the stadium announcer for a short while (and then I might not have been listening probably). Even so Swansea still feels a bit like Newcastle in that even if you don't wear colours as soon as you open your mouth everyone will know which team you support.
The Liberty Stadium or Stadiwm Liberty (if you're Welsh) is another identikit nice ground. Just as you never go into a McDonalds and think oh this is a bit of a manky rubbish one (the interior I mean, now I'm older I always think that about the food) it's the same with these new stadiums. The Liberty looked impressive both outside and in, gave you a brilliant view even though we were behind the goal, had loads of leg room (better than Wembley) and it was easy to go to the loo and get food at half time. The food was worth getting not from a cusine point of view but because the girls that worked behind the counter were amongst the finest looking catering assistants I've ever seen. It was as the stadium had accidentally advertised for lap dancers. For this reason I probably enjoyed the couple of minutes of queueing more than the actual game. We started okay and it was very competitive in the first half despite the extremely blustery conditions. When it rains in Swansea its like being in the middle of a car wash. The wetness just envelopes everything around it. There is no escape. Swansea who were obviously used to this played some really nice football. But we coped with it well and made some chances of our own. Eventually after half an hour Lee Williamson slotted the ball home to make it 1-0.
For 60 seconds joy reigned and then Swansea did an obvious thing that I'm surprised didn't happen more often during the game. They hit a long shot at Richard Lee which looked gettable until the wind blew it off course and into the back of the net. That was pretty much it. We then seemed to give up. Swansea's second half goal was always going to come but the amazing thing was that although it stayed 2-1 until practically the last kick of the game we made no attempt to try and get back into it all.
Malky made a couple of odd substitutions. Hoskins was taken off midway through the second half for Eustace?? Why? It wasn't as if we needed to hang on to the result. Raizak came off for Priskin and when it was too late Bromby, who was dreadful thoroughout, finally came off for Theo Robinson. How McAnuff managed to escape not being taken off heaven only knows.
The away contigent got behind Malky for the most part chanting "Malky McKay, he's having a beer and eating a pie". I wondered how long it would be before this turned into "Malky McKay he ain't got a clue, Malky McKay". But this is an unfair comment to make when nothing that happened was in any way different from anything that would've happened under Aidy. The good points from the day were the same as they've ever been (Smith, Hoskins both looked great and Raziak not bad) and similarly the bad points were no different either (the defence).
Other than the Malky chants there wasn't really a great deal of reaction to recent events at the club. A small group of supporters in the corner held up a "Sack the Board" banner at various points during the game. There was some occasional chanting of Aidy's name and a few Simpson's out but that was it.
The trouble with all these is who we aim them at. "Simpson out" and "Sack the Board" seem fairly pointless when they both want to go anyway. "Where's the money gone" might be more appropriate.
If you didn't go to the game but are going on Tuesday then ignore the whole no parking at the ground advice. Its not true, in fact I've never seen so much parking around a football ground. Admittedly most of it is for the retail park which you are encouraged not to park at but there didn't appear to be anyone checking and there were plenty of industrial estates nearby anyway.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Proud and Honoured?
I don't like the way the Watford Observer and the OS seem to be treating Malky as if he's actually got the job. 'Proud and Honoured' and 'New Watford Boss can't wait to get going'. Hmmm.
I really hope he doesn't get it.
I really hope he doesn't get it.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Hissy
Elton's thrown another hissy.
Doesn't really do anyone any good at all.
All it proves is that yet again Elton is prepared to walk away. This time its not like he's even got his money in the club.
Also I think it indicates that Elt isn't the man likely to rescue us whatever happens.
He's still a legend. He always will be. He is, of course, part of the Watford family. But families can argue and have opinions on what each other does. Just 'cos of all that he's done in the past doesn't mean we can't criticise his actions at the present time, despite what certain fans seem to think on the messageboards.
Doesn't really do anyone any good at all.
All it proves is that yet again Elton is prepared to walk away. This time its not like he's even got his money in the club.
Also I think it indicates that Elt isn't the man likely to rescue us whatever happens.
He's still a legend. He always will be. He is, of course, part of the Watford family. But families can argue and have opinions on what each other does. Just 'cos of all that he's done in the past doesn't mean we can't criticise his actions at the present time, despite what certain fans seem to think on the messageboards.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Mutual Consent
Having read some of the message boards and had time to consider it I do think the whole mutual consent thing might have been more Aidy saying he'd had enough than the board sacking him.
Its obvious we need to buy in January rather than sell. Aidy might have gone with buying and selling but if he was told the only option was to sell without bringing anyone in he might have decided he'd had enough.
Maybe as part of the settlement mutual consent was agreed on rather than resignation to protect the board from venom that would come their way. After all whenever mutual consent is mentioned everyone assumes that it really means the sack.
In a perverse way the board would probably get less flack for sacking Aidy than if he'd gone of his own accord 'cos about a third of the message boards seem to say it was time for a change.
Its obvious we need to buy in January rather than sell. Aidy might have gone with buying and selling but if he was told the only option was to sell without bringing anyone in he might have decided he'd had enough.
Maybe as part of the settlement mutual consent was agreed on rather than resignation to protect the board from venom that would come their way. After all whenever mutual consent is mentioned everyone assumes that it really means the sack.
In a perverse way the board would probably get less flack for sacking Aidy than if he'd gone of his own accord 'cos about a third of the message boards seem to say it was time for a change.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Contenders
I still think John Ward is the most likely candidate given that he''s done okay at most places and has the all important Graham Taylor era link which would probably mean most supporters would welcome him. But if its not Ward who might the other contenders be?
Let start with former 'Orns. Kenny Jackett is the most obvious although I think he’d be mad as Millwall are going so well in a difficult division. Also he was rubbish when he was in charge for a season. Gary Johnson at Bristol City is unlikely given how well he has done there. Luther is forever knocking around not really doing anything. I think he’d be a disaster. Nigel Gibbs is now coaching at Reading, but he didn’t get the job when Graham Simspon interviewed he last time so is unlikely. Andy Hessenthaler I think might be a worth a bet and would be a safe pair of hands. Did quite well at Gillingham. Currently player/manager at Dover Athletic. I think he’d get us out of trouble, without necessarily ever getting us into the playoffs. The fans seem to have a love/hate relationship with him but I think he'd be welcomed. GT himself could come back for a third time, although I think he’s happy on Radio 5 and it could be one time too many, a bit like Howard Kendall at Everton. Lets pray its not John Barnes who is just picking up managerial reins with Jamaica for the first time since leaving Celtic but will be forever haunted by Inverness Caly Thistle.
If its not a Horn then I’ve heard some scary names mentioned. Dowie is available and is probably looking to inflict himself on one more club before all chairman realise he is rubbish. Worse is the Kinnear- Wise combination. Kinnear was born and brought up in Watford and will obviously soon be out of work. Alan Curbishley is a man whose star is fading. Sam Allardyce is unlikely as I think we're too small for what he's got in mind. Ian Holloway is an option and I think he'd fall into the Hessenthaler category of being okay but not great.
Billy Davies might be an option having not managed since being disgracefully sacked by Derby. I’d probably go for him on the basis that he’s the only one I can see having a long term impact that might get us up again. Not that I really want another season in the Prem, but we clearly are desperate for the money. Unless we have another decent punt at promotion we could end up in points deducted administration situation which wouldn’t be fun.
Like last time it doesn't seem like Simpson is in any rush at all. Therefore maybe the money should be on an unknown like Aidy was.
Let start with former 'Orns. Kenny Jackett is the most obvious although I think he’d be mad as Millwall are going so well in a difficult division. Also he was rubbish when he was in charge for a season. Gary Johnson at Bristol City is unlikely given how well he has done there. Luther is forever knocking around not really doing anything. I think he’d be a disaster. Nigel Gibbs is now coaching at Reading, but he didn’t get the job when Graham Simspon interviewed he last time so is unlikely. Andy Hessenthaler I think might be a worth a bet and would be a safe pair of hands. Did quite well at Gillingham. Currently player/manager at Dover Athletic. I think he’d get us out of trouble, without necessarily ever getting us into the playoffs. The fans seem to have a love/hate relationship with him but I think he'd be welcomed. GT himself could come back for a third time, although I think he’s happy on Radio 5 and it could be one time too many, a bit like Howard Kendall at Everton. Lets pray its not John Barnes who is just picking up managerial reins with Jamaica for the first time since leaving Celtic but will be forever haunted by Inverness Caly Thistle.
If its not a Horn then I’ve heard some scary names mentioned. Dowie is available and is probably looking to inflict himself on one more club before all chairman realise he is rubbish. Worse is the Kinnear- Wise combination. Kinnear was born and brought up in Watford and will obviously soon be out of work. Alan Curbishley is a man whose star is fading. Sam Allardyce is unlikely as I think we're too small for what he's got in mind. Ian Holloway is an option and I think he'd fall into the Hessenthaler category of being okay but not great.
Billy Davies might be an option having not managed since being disgracefully sacked by Derby. I’d probably go for him on the basis that he’s the only one I can see having a long term impact that might get us up again. Not that I really want another season in the Prem, but we clearly are desperate for the money. Unless we have another decent punt at promotion we could end up in points deducted administration situation which wouldn’t be fun.
Like last time it doesn't seem like Simpson is in any rush at all. Therefore maybe the money should be on an unknown like Aidy was.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Simpson's Comments
Simspon reckons it wasn't spur of the moment and that Aidy needed a rest. He also thinks he's got great potential.
Would it have happened if we'd beaten Blackpool 3-2. I can't imagine for a moment it would've done. I agree 12 wins in 48 doesn't sound great but throw in being made to sell some of our best players and the injury situation and it doesn't look so bad. Aidy promised a new style of play this season and has delivered this in spades. Granted we didn't expect one aspect of it to be a complete lack of competence in defence, but neither did we expect to be scoring goals for fun, especially after losing Darius.
Sometimes young managers need a rest? Surely if they are young they have more energy, drive and determination to succeed than old managers. I'd rather have Aidy than Stan Ternant.
Great potential. Isn't that the kind of thing you should say just after appointing a manager? In fact I reckon thats just what Simpson said. But hey Graham, great idea, lets give one of our rivals a manager with great potential.
Crazy.
Would it have happened if we'd beaten Blackpool 3-2. I can't imagine for a moment it would've done. I agree 12 wins in 48 doesn't sound great but throw in being made to sell some of our best players and the injury situation and it doesn't look so bad. Aidy promised a new style of play this season and has delivered this in spades. Granted we didn't expect one aspect of it to be a complete lack of competence in defence, but neither did we expect to be scoring goals for fun, especially after losing Darius.
Sometimes young managers need a rest? Surely if they are young they have more energy, drive and determination to succeed than old managers. I'd rather have Aidy than Stan Ternant.
Great potential. Isn't that the kind of thing you should say just after appointing a manager? In fact I reckon thats just what Simpson said. But hey Graham, great idea, lets give one of our rivals a manager with great potential.
Crazy.
Malky
The main problem at the moment is obviously in defence.
So a good way to ensure the chaos now spreads to the rest of the team is put the guy in charge of defensive coaching in charge of the whole team.
Good one.
So a good way to ensure the chaos now spreads to the rest of the team is put the guy in charge of defensive coaching in charge of the whole team.
Good one.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Four Hours Later...
Still can't believe the news. One of the troubles with being a football fan is that when something like this happens the emotions are kind of the same as a monarch dying. However this only affects you and not necessarily those around you. The result can be quite irritating for both parties.
As I did when Lewington left I feel this has happened much much too early. I only hope the resulting effect is at least half as good.
Thanks for the ride Aidy. I really appreciate everything you tried to do. We had some great times and you'll be missed.
As I did when Lewington left I feel this has happened much much too early. I only hope the resulting effect is at least half as good.
Thanks for the ride Aidy. I really appreciate everything you tried to do. We had some great times and you'll be missed.
Aidy Leaves
Can't quite believe it. I know I always predicted that Simpson would be ruthless if we didn't start well, but I never saw this coming. I guess 'cos we've not started badly we just haven't had any luck. Three defeats on the bounce when we've scored 5 goals isn't exactly a crisis. A couple of wins and we would've been comfortably mid table. Defensively we've certainly got problems but I can't remember a better attacking line up since 2006.
Its weird because I was only saying to my Dad today that I thought Simpson would stick with Aidy even if we got in serious trouble because it would deflect criticism from him and the board.
By acting as he has I think the Simpson out protests will now start in earnest. However this will partly depend on who he brings in.
If its someone we like and respect the fans might sit back and see what happens. I can't help feeling that John Ward leaving Carlisle today isn't just a coincidence.
With the club up for sale I just hope we don't end up with some stupid Newcastle type situation.
Its weird because I was only saying to my Dad today that I thought Simpson would stick with Aidy even if we got in serious trouble because it would deflect criticism from him and the board.
By acting as he has I think the Simpson out protests will now start in earnest. However this will partly depend on who he brings in.
If its someone we like and respect the fans might sit back and see what happens. I can't help feeling that John Ward leaving Carlisle today isn't just a coincidence.
With the club up for sale I just hope we don't end up with some stupid Newcastle type situation.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Citrus Punched- Watford 3 Blackpool 4
Last week we only started playing when we were behind. This week's new style of play was to stop playing once we were ahead, and as an extra special treat we agreed to give the visitors the winning goal. It was as if someone's cooking all this up, American wrestling style, just to get the crowds in. Four goals a week last Tuesday, five last Saturday and seven today.
The reason is that our defensive players are as bad as our attacking players are good. The list of players I'd say who had a poor game today were Lee, Doyley, DeMerit, Ward, Sadler, Williamson and unusually O'Toole. Those who played well were Eustace, Harley, Smith, Raziak and Hoskins. There doesn't really have to be any other explanation.
We started in that vain of looking like we were going to thrash them but whenever we do this it never turns out that way. A lovely back pass from Raziak after 4 minutes set up Hoskins who scored the sort of chance that last season we would've missed. Blackpool equalised with a well drilled shot after we'd cleared a dangerous looking free kick. We looked like we'd scored from a bizarre own goal which actually went just over, but shortly after Raziak headed in from a Harley cross. Just at the end of the first half Ward appeared to bring the Blackpool forward down and if the ref had thought so he might have been lucky to stay on the pitch being the last defender. However inexplicably we got given a free kick which caused much chuckling in the Upper Rous.
The second half was all about Blackpool. We were outplayed and other than winning a deserved penalty when Eustace was bundled over which thankfully Tommy Smith hit low and into the net, there wasn't much good to say. They equalised, conceded the pen, and then scored twice late on to send their small contingent mental. They deserved it and yet again we booed our players off whilst giving the Seasiders the kind of polite applause more often heard at village cricket grounds.
Aidy has got a lot of defensive questions to ponder, and it must be said that although he looked the ticket in his first couple of games, Darren Ward no longer seems like the answer.
The reason is that our defensive players are as bad as our attacking players are good. The list of players I'd say who had a poor game today were Lee, Doyley, DeMerit, Ward, Sadler, Williamson and unusually O'Toole. Those who played well were Eustace, Harley, Smith, Raziak and Hoskins. There doesn't really have to be any other explanation.
We started in that vain of looking like we were going to thrash them but whenever we do this it never turns out that way. A lovely back pass from Raziak after 4 minutes set up Hoskins who scored the sort of chance that last season we would've missed. Blackpool equalised with a well drilled shot after we'd cleared a dangerous looking free kick. We looked like we'd scored from a bizarre own goal which actually went just over, but shortly after Raziak headed in from a Harley cross. Just at the end of the first half Ward appeared to bring the Blackpool forward down and if the ref had thought so he might have been lucky to stay on the pitch being the last defender. However inexplicably we got given a free kick which caused much chuckling in the Upper Rous.
The second half was all about Blackpool. We were outplayed and other than winning a deserved penalty when Eustace was bundled over which thankfully Tommy Smith hit low and into the net, there wasn't much good to say. They equalised, conceded the pen, and then scored twice late on to send their small contingent mental. They deserved it and yet again we booed our players off whilst giving the Seasiders the kind of polite applause more often heard at village cricket grounds.
Aidy has got a lot of defensive questions to ponder, and it must be said that although he looked the ticket in his first couple of games, Darren Ward no longer seems like the answer.
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