So many superlatives are used in the world of football that any used to describe Bobby Robson don't seem to do him justice.
I have two moments in football that I often look back on and think I would give almost anything just to change that outcome. One is our FA Cup Final defeat. The other is the World Cup Semi Final defeat by Germany in Italia' 90. By the time of the tournament Bobby was already going, treated horrendously by the FA and the press yet acting with respect and dignity in any interview he gave. Had we got through that penalty shoot-out I have no doubt we would've gone on to beat the dour negative Argentina side who'd already qualified for the final. As the man himself said 'we came so close' and no-one in football would've deserved that winners medal more.
Its ironic looking at his career that he was valued far more abroad than at home. Let go by Fulham, England and Newcastle, only Ipswich identified his true genius. Yet the Dutch, Portuguese, Irish and to a lesser extent the Spanish realised they'd got something special.
Add in the fact that he was obviously such a nice bloke. The kind of person you think you'd quite like to be related to, or work with or just chat to in the pub. He will be very much missed. RIP Sir Bobby.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Kenny- St.Albans City 1 Watford XI 4
Something that still brings out the kid in me is the excitement of getting close to one of the players. The opportunity of speaking to them or just seeing them somewhere unexpected is enough to put me in a good mood for the rest of the week.
So I was more than delighted, upon my arrival at Clarence Park, to spot Kenny Jackett queuing up to get in. As ever, when you spot someone that you know but don't actually know, you have that slight doubt, what if its not them? You don't want to look a complete idiot by saying "Hello Kenny", and the person says "Actually I'm Terry". I looked around for other signs of recognition from my fellow queuers but they were all teenagers and none seem to be interested to be sharing the same line as a Watford legend, or even the Millwall manager.
He walked in and stood on the terrace opposite the main stand. I followed a short distance behind, still being unsure, but also rehearsing what to say if I got the great man's attention. Do I tell him that I used to have a keyring with his picture on it when I was small? No, that sounds too stalker-ish. Do I ask who he is watching? No, he might think I'm a journo. Do I say I met him once at an open day underneath the scoreboard? No, he's unlikely to remember.
So I go with "Alright Kenny", to which he replies "Alright Mate". And that's it. But it made my night, possibly my whole week. I've told everyone who it will mean something to and quite a few who it won't, and now I'm telling you. Kenny Jackett. Cool name, top bloke, Watford legend.
I decided it wasn't good form to then stand near him and hover like some groupie so I made my way round to the main stand. The stand is a gem of old football architecture. It looks like the kind of pavilion you find in immaculate gardens in seaside towns. It dates from 1922 (I'm no expert, I looked that up) and whilst most of the old seating has been replaced with plastic tip ups, at the back the old wooden benches remain, which is where I sat now. It has to be said that the view it gives you is complete rubbish. There were about 8 pillars and posts in my view but I'd had a long day, it was the only place to sit and the leg room was very generous.
The 'developmental' team was partly familiar. Jure Travner was included along with JJOT and Lewis Young in midfield, Liam Henderson and Will Hoskins in attack.
For the first time this season the game went as you would expect it to against a non league side. The first half we dominated but they lived with us and just about deserved the 0-0 scoreline. In fact they nearly went in 1-0 up after Eddie Oshodi almost scored a spectacular own goal as he tackled the St.Albans centre forward but facing the goal. The ball flew over North and looked like it was going in but just went the wrong side of the crossbar. We had several chances ourselves but our shooting was fairly wayward.
In the second half we exerted our authority and got what we deserved with Will Hoskins scoring two almost identical goals beating the keeper at close range within ten minutes of the restart.
There was then some lengthy dispute as the ref didn't allow one of the St.Albans subs on for a long while for reasons that weren't clear. For a good ten minutes we were yet again playing against ten men. Eventually it got sorted out, but all seemed very petty and it looked as if even David Kerslake got involved protesting that he'd rather be facing 11 than 10.
Then the rain fell as if someone had put a power shower on maximum soak. To their credit it had little effect on the players who still treated us to a decent display as if they were trying to outdo the elements for entertainment. Jordan Parkes got on the score sheet twice in the last 20 minutes with two low well drilled shots before a St.Albans player scored the most impressive goal of the night catching North off his line and lobbing the ball over him.
In the stand the old drains couldn't cope with the conditions at all and several waterfalls appeared obscuring the view even more. However the pitch still looked like the carpet it had been at the beginning. There were no obvious puddles. The ball didn't get stuck. I doubt ours would've coped as well.
At the final whistle the players dashed in rather than warming down. Alas, the fans couldn't do the same and after hanging about as long as the stewards would put up with us, we had to venture out into the rivers that had formed around the ground. I have never got so wet leaving a football ground. I felt like I'd been swimming. But it was worth it all to see Kenny Jackett
So I was more than delighted, upon my arrival at Clarence Park, to spot Kenny Jackett queuing up to get in. As ever, when you spot someone that you know but don't actually know, you have that slight doubt, what if its not them? You don't want to look a complete idiot by saying "Hello Kenny", and the person says "Actually I'm Terry". I looked around for other signs of recognition from my fellow queuers but they were all teenagers and none seem to be interested to be sharing the same line as a Watford legend, or even the Millwall manager.
He walked in and stood on the terrace opposite the main stand. I followed a short distance behind, still being unsure, but also rehearsing what to say if I got the great man's attention. Do I tell him that I used to have a keyring with his picture on it when I was small? No, that sounds too stalker-ish. Do I ask who he is watching? No, he might think I'm a journo. Do I say I met him once at an open day underneath the scoreboard? No, he's unlikely to remember.
So I go with "Alright Kenny", to which he replies "Alright Mate". And that's it. But it made my night, possibly my whole week. I've told everyone who it will mean something to and quite a few who it won't, and now I'm telling you. Kenny Jackett. Cool name, top bloke, Watford legend.
I decided it wasn't good form to then stand near him and hover like some groupie so I made my way round to the main stand. The stand is a gem of old football architecture. It looks like the kind of pavilion you find in immaculate gardens in seaside towns. It dates from 1922 (I'm no expert, I looked that up) and whilst most of the old seating has been replaced with plastic tip ups, at the back the old wooden benches remain, which is where I sat now. It has to be said that the view it gives you is complete rubbish. There were about 8 pillars and posts in my view but I'd had a long day, it was the only place to sit and the leg room was very generous.
The 'developmental' team was partly familiar. Jure Travner was included along with JJOT and Lewis Young in midfield, Liam Henderson and Will Hoskins in attack.
For the first time this season the game went as you would expect it to against a non league side. The first half we dominated but they lived with us and just about deserved the 0-0 scoreline. In fact they nearly went in 1-0 up after Eddie Oshodi almost scored a spectacular own goal as he tackled the St.Albans centre forward but facing the goal. The ball flew over North and looked like it was going in but just went the wrong side of the crossbar. We had several chances ourselves but our shooting was fairly wayward.
In the second half we exerted our authority and got what we deserved with Will Hoskins scoring two almost identical goals beating the keeper at close range within ten minutes of the restart.
There was then some lengthy dispute as the ref didn't allow one of the St.Albans subs on for a long while for reasons that weren't clear. For a good ten minutes we were yet again playing against ten men. Eventually it got sorted out, but all seemed very petty and it looked as if even David Kerslake got involved protesting that he'd rather be facing 11 than 10.
Then the rain fell as if someone had put a power shower on maximum soak. To their credit it had little effect on the players who still treated us to a decent display as if they were trying to outdo the elements for entertainment. Jordan Parkes got on the score sheet twice in the last 20 minutes with two low well drilled shots before a St.Albans player scored the most impressive goal of the night catching North off his line and lobbing the ball over him.
In the stand the old drains couldn't cope with the conditions at all and several waterfalls appeared obscuring the view even more. However the pitch still looked like the carpet it had been at the beginning. There were no obvious puddles. The ball didn't get stuck. I doubt ours would've coped as well.
At the final whistle the players dashed in rather than warming down. Alas, the fans couldn't do the same and after hanging about as long as the stewards would put up with us, we had to venture out into the rivers that had formed around the ground. I have never got so wet leaving a football ground. I felt like I'd been swimming. But it was worth it all to see Kenny Jackett
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Bientot Beauvue
Although we won neither of them, it sounds like we did okay in the two Spanish matches. Particularly good to see Danny Graham on the scoresheet again. Rather hilarious that Priskin got sent off but at least the ref had the sense not to report him.
I'm disappointed we've dropped our interest in Beauvue. He really lit up the game against Wealdstone, although I appreciate that Malky and Dychy can probably see the more relevant detail such as whether he could do it in the Championship. I guess the danger of signing him is he might turn out to be another Wooter, Ainsworth or worse, Danny Rose.
I shall be at St.Albans tomorrow to watch the developmental Horns and then, of course, at the Vic on Saturday for the Parma game. This pre-season seems to have gone by very quick and we don't really seem to have had that many games. Parma are obviously a serious step up from what we've faced so far. Maybe facing them is a clever bit of psychology so that by the time we meet Donnie a week on Saturday it will seem like a walk in the park.
I'm disappointed we've dropped our interest in Beauvue. He really lit up the game against Wealdstone, although I appreciate that Malky and Dychy can probably see the more relevant detail such as whether he could do it in the Championship. I guess the danger of signing him is he might turn out to be another Wooter, Ainsworth or worse, Danny Rose.
I shall be at St.Albans tomorrow to watch the developmental Horns and then, of course, at the Vic on Saturday for the Parma game. This pre-season seems to have gone by very quick and we don't really seem to have had that many games. Parma are obviously a serious step up from what we've faced so far. Maybe facing them is a clever bit of psychology so that by the time we meet Donnie a week on Saturday it will seem like a walk in the park.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Bye Bye Bang Bang
The one outcome I didn't really expect when news came through that Al could stay, was that less than two years later he would have gone by mutual consent.
Al was a great midfield weapon. He didn't look especially challenging or fierce in comparision to say Gavin Mahon, but that was what made him special. The surprised look on an opponents face when he was floored by a biting Bangura challenge.
The campaign launched to ensure he didn't have to go back to Sierra Leone seemed to cement the special place Watford fans had in their hearts for him. It seemed, if the right decision was made, he'd become one of those few and far between one club wonders, retiring some years later with a deserved testimonial season.
Ironically it was when the Home Office allowed Al to remain that everything went wrong. Nothing positive has really happened for him whilst wearing a yellow shirt since. Unfortunately its now being sent home from the previous pre-season tour of Austria and various other mutterings of indiscipline that come to mind when one thinks of his Watford career. Add to that the strange decision to play for a country he had sought asylum from and doing it against the manager's wishes too.
I hope he finds another club and settles down to have the decent career that his early Watford performances hinted at. All the best Al. You'll certainly be guaranteed one of the more unusual entries in a Who's Who list of Watford players.
Al was a great midfield weapon. He didn't look especially challenging or fierce in comparision to say Gavin Mahon, but that was what made him special. The surprised look on an opponents face when he was floored by a biting Bangura challenge.
The campaign launched to ensure he didn't have to go back to Sierra Leone seemed to cement the special place Watford fans had in their hearts for him. It seemed, if the right decision was made, he'd become one of those few and far between one club wonders, retiring some years later with a deserved testimonial season.
Ironically it was when the Home Office allowed Al to remain that everything went wrong. Nothing positive has really happened for him whilst wearing a yellow shirt since. Unfortunately its now being sent home from the previous pre-season tour of Austria and various other mutterings of indiscipline that come to mind when one thinks of his Watford career. Add to that the strange decision to play for a country he had sought asylum from and doing it against the manager's wishes too.
I hope he finds another club and settles down to have the decent career that his early Watford performances hinted at. All the best Al. You'll certainly be guaranteed one of the more unusual entries in a Who's Who list of Watford players.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Fiver a Kid?
Not quite sure why tickets for Parma are priced at £5 for under 16's but for the league game against Donnie they are only £1. Although Parma are a team people have heard of I don't imagine they'll require the ticket office to be taking in any extra staff, whilst the Donnie game should be reasonably well attended just because its the first proper one. In truth though I'm only really complaining about this because I'm taking my 6 year old to the friendly!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
The Owl in the Corner- Wealdstone 0 Watford 3
I like Grosvenor Vale. It used to belong to Ruislip Manor but was taken over last year by the 'Stones. Geographically it clearly isn't where they want to be playing, and structure wise they probably wish for more. But they've very much made it home by bringing in various bits and pieces that look like they've been purchased from a football stadium charity shop, if such a thing existed. In doing so they've turned what was once barely more than a pitch in a park into a ground that has most of the facilities that you might find at a League 2 ground albeit on a much smaller scale.
There are various portacabins dotted around the place with names on them such as 'boardroom' and 'supporters club shop'. There is a small grandstand, which probably used to be a terrace but now has seats that look like they used to seat people watching a sea life show at the zoo rather than football supporters. There is an odd concrete structure in one corner which is used as a gantry for cameramen. Mostly oddly of all, down by one corner flag is a small statue of an owl. You couldn't get further away from an identikit new stadium and it had far more charm than all the ones I've ever been to put together.
The 'Stones were keen to make us welcome not only today but also in the future. Should you be a season ticket holder of any football league club you can go and see a home Wealdstone Premier League match for half price just by showing your season ticket. Our ticket also entitled us to see another of their pre season games for half price although, alas, not their friendly with 'Dirty Leeds' on Tuesday night, the PA's words not mine!
As predicted in the WO the Horns lined up without Tommy Smith, although one wonders whether the reason is really an injury. Lets hope so. Also missing was Ross Jenkins again with a knock and Jobi and Don Cowie with an unspecified 'illness'. Is it THE 'illness' do you think?
In came our new signing Jure Travner who played down the left flank, and trialist Claudio Beauvue who played as an attacking right winger. For most of the match no-one knew who they were and I overheard various conversations with people guessing wrongly. Travner being mainly mistaken for Billy Gibson and Beauvue for Lewis Young, Matty Whichelow and Albert Jarret who we actually got rid of a long time ago.
Beauvue certainly couldn't have wished for a better afternoon. He was probably the best player on the pitch causing the Stones defence no end of trouble weaving in and out of tackles to cross the ball for Priskin and Graham. He got the biggest appalause of the day when he was eventually subbed in the second half and one would hope MM is quick to draw up a contract.
Travner also did well linking up to good effect with Jon Harley. The man marking Harley in particular had a hard time and resorted to hacking Jon down on more than one occassion which led to the only bit of aggro in the game as Harley eventually had enough and squared up to his inferior opponent.
Like last week Priskin caused a lot of problems and should've had a penalty after about ten minutes when he was clearly hacked down but the ref ignored the challenge not even waving way the appeals. Priskin was then denied a rare headed goal when his effort was saved but fumbled by the Stones keeper and Danny Graham was on hand to bundle the ball home for his third pre-season goal. Yet again he looked like a really good find to the degree that on the way home I was already pondering how long we'll be able to hang on to him for.
We did get a penalty later in the half when Jon Harley was alleged to have been man handled in the box. A chant went up for Lloyd to take it but Priskin stepped forward to blast the ball home. Unfortuantely Doyley didn't once transform into his alter-ego of Lloydinho but had a solid game nevertheless.
The second half brought with it many breaks for substitutions which had been so blessedly missing last week. Priskin and Graham were replaced by Duke and Liam Henderson. Ellington again frustrated until very late on when he volleyed home following a poor clearance. From his performances so far, if we keep him, I don't see him doing anything more than warming the bench like he used to do under Aidy. He'll come on with a few minutes to go more in hope than expectation.
As at Borehamwood, Wealdstone improved in the second half and gave the few who played the full 90 (Lee, Mariappa and Harley) plus the lesser experienced members of the squad who appeared as subs a more challenging examination. However we were more than up to it and apart from winning a few corners Richard Lee's goal was never really threatened.
Lloyd Doyley wins this week's Mr.Nice Guy award for stopping to chat, sign autographs and have pics taken with any Watford supporters who called his name as he walked back towards the portacabin that had a dressing room sign attached to it at the end.
Just over a week into the pre-season matches and its a surprise to find we are already half way through them. The first team are off to Spain now and I think its probably a good thing that Real Zaragoza, who we were meant to play, have been replaced by opponents from further down the La Liga structure who probably won't be quite such a challenge.
There are various portacabins dotted around the place with names on them such as 'boardroom' and 'supporters club shop'. There is a small grandstand, which probably used to be a terrace but now has seats that look like they used to seat people watching a sea life show at the zoo rather than football supporters. There is an odd concrete structure in one corner which is used as a gantry for cameramen. Mostly oddly of all, down by one corner flag is a small statue of an owl. You couldn't get further away from an identikit new stadium and it had far more charm than all the ones I've ever been to put together.
The 'Stones were keen to make us welcome not only today but also in the future. Should you be a season ticket holder of any football league club you can go and see a home Wealdstone Premier League match for half price just by showing your season ticket. Our ticket also entitled us to see another of their pre season games for half price although, alas, not their friendly with 'Dirty Leeds' on Tuesday night, the PA's words not mine!
As predicted in the WO the Horns lined up without Tommy Smith, although one wonders whether the reason is really an injury. Lets hope so. Also missing was Ross Jenkins again with a knock and Jobi and Don Cowie with an unspecified 'illness'. Is it THE 'illness' do you think?
In came our new signing Jure Travner who played down the left flank, and trialist Claudio Beauvue who played as an attacking right winger. For most of the match no-one knew who they were and I overheard various conversations with people guessing wrongly. Travner being mainly mistaken for Billy Gibson and Beauvue for Lewis Young, Matty Whichelow and Albert Jarret who we actually got rid of a long time ago.
Beauvue certainly couldn't have wished for a better afternoon. He was probably the best player on the pitch causing the Stones defence no end of trouble weaving in and out of tackles to cross the ball for Priskin and Graham. He got the biggest appalause of the day when he was eventually subbed in the second half and one would hope MM is quick to draw up a contract.
Travner also did well linking up to good effect with Jon Harley. The man marking Harley in particular had a hard time and resorted to hacking Jon down on more than one occassion which led to the only bit of aggro in the game as Harley eventually had enough and squared up to his inferior opponent.
Like last week Priskin caused a lot of problems and should've had a penalty after about ten minutes when he was clearly hacked down but the ref ignored the challenge not even waving way the appeals. Priskin was then denied a rare headed goal when his effort was saved but fumbled by the Stones keeper and Danny Graham was on hand to bundle the ball home for his third pre-season goal. Yet again he looked like a really good find to the degree that on the way home I was already pondering how long we'll be able to hang on to him for.
We did get a penalty later in the half when Jon Harley was alleged to have been man handled in the box. A chant went up for Lloyd to take it but Priskin stepped forward to blast the ball home. Unfortuantely Doyley didn't once transform into his alter-ego of Lloydinho but had a solid game nevertheless.
The second half brought with it many breaks for substitutions which had been so blessedly missing last week. Priskin and Graham were replaced by Duke and Liam Henderson. Ellington again frustrated until very late on when he volleyed home following a poor clearance. From his performances so far, if we keep him, I don't see him doing anything more than warming the bench like he used to do under Aidy. He'll come on with a few minutes to go more in hope than expectation.
As at Borehamwood, Wealdstone improved in the second half and gave the few who played the full 90 (Lee, Mariappa and Harley) plus the lesser experienced members of the squad who appeared as subs a more challenging examination. However we were more than up to it and apart from winning a few corners Richard Lee's goal was never really threatened.
Lloyd Doyley wins this week's Mr.Nice Guy award for stopping to chat, sign autographs and have pics taken with any Watford supporters who called his name as he walked back towards the portacabin that had a dressing room sign attached to it at the end.
Just over a week into the pre-season matches and its a surprise to find we are already half way through them. The first team are off to Spain now and I think its probably a good thing that Real Zaragoza, who we were meant to play, have been replaced by opponents from further down the La Liga structure who probably won't be quite such a challenge.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Clearing Up Any Confusion
I'd got the impression when the pre-season friendlies were first announced that Hampton & Richmond was the first team game on Saturday, whilst Wealdstone was the game for younger members of the squad and academy.
However details on the official site that went up yesterday said that the Hampton game is for younger members and the academy.
I emailed the club asking them to clear up the confusion and which game could we expect to see Malky at. I'm always impressed that they are very quick to get back to any enquiry I've ever sent. Any-way the Wealdstone game is the first team game on Saturday, not Hampton & Richmond.
So I shall be off to Grosvenor Vale on Saturday (which to add more confusion for those who don't know is in Ruislip, nowhere near Wealdstone!)
However details on the official site that went up yesterday said that the Hampton game is for younger members and the academy.
I emailed the club asking them to clear up the confusion and which game could we expect to see Malky at. I'm always impressed that they are very quick to get back to any enquiry I've ever sent. Any-way the Wealdstone game is the first team game on Saturday, not Hampton & Richmond.
So I shall be off to Grosvenor Vale on Saturday (which to add more confusion for those who don't know is in Ruislip, nowhere near Wealdstone!)
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Borehamwood, Not Barcelona- Borehamwood 1 Watford 4
Tommy Smith, John Joe O'Toole, John Eustace, Matt Sadler and Nathan Ellington. All names that, to varying degrees, you wouldn't have imagined would be pulling on a yellow shirt again. But they did just that down at the compact but comfortable surroundings of Meadow Park. Not that it means much in a pre-season friendly. After all, Shittu scored against Barnet last season raising faint hopes of him staying before becoming a Trotter a couple of days later. However in certain cases it warmed the heart to see whilst, in others, made one feel a little foolish to have been so critical. Even where Duke is concerned, if he's playing in the colours of your team you are going to get behind him, especially at a non league crowd where you can almost see the whites of his eyes.
In truth we actually fielded two sides, making 10 substitutions at half time, with Richard Lee being the only man to play the full 90. Goodness knows who appeared in the Tring game that was going on simultaneously featuring a Watford XI of lesser first team members and the academy. Do we really have that many players?
Whilst we are on the topic of the Watford XI games, next pre-season could we maybe arrange them on different days? It would be nice to be able to go to both Borehamwood and Tring, and similarly Hampton and Wealdstone next weekend. Is it too much to ask to arrange them to be played on a Sunday? Surely it makes more sense for the host club because they'd get a much bigger crowd.
Although the score will be recorded as 4-1 and a comfortable victory, in reality, the first half team thrashed their opponents 3-0 and could've easily scored more whilst the second half team were lucky to get away with a 1-1 draw.
The first half team featured two players I'd not been aware of before. Rob Kiernan partnered Mike Williamson at the back, whilst a kid who looked no older than maybe 13 called Michael Bryan lined up on the right side of midfield. He proved he belonged on the pitch within the first couple of minutes by scoring a stunning solo goal turning a couple of Wood defenders and putting the ball perfectly in the corner of the net. Welcome to the 'Orns kid. You look like you could be a lot of fun.
Another newbie who impressed was Danny Graham who had two chances and took them both to put us three up in the opening 15 minutes. I know its very early days but he looks like a decent replacement for whoever we lose up front before the transfer window closes.
Priskin had a good few opportunities and was very involved which was good to see. He appears to still be the player he was under Judas rather than the bumbling one under Aidy. Eustace was busy alongside Jenkins and Cowie, whilst Sadler did well down the left side.
One of the more interesting aspects, as ever, at a non league ground is the opportunity to see people close up that you wouldn't normally see. Malky and Sean already look like a very close team chatting animatedly throughout the game, and even sharing jokes with the linesman and fourth official, particularly when Priskin should have had a penalty. I don't imagine this will be the case in the blood and guts of the Championship. I sat right next to the directors box and so had a good view of Jimmy and Vince Russo. I'm still not quite sure which is which but it was good to see them engrossed in the game, one often deep in conversation with Stuart Tipperley.
The vast majority of the crowd was supporting Watford but I sat next to a couple of old timer Borehamwood season tickets holders. They were quite hilarious as they grumbled and berated their team as if it was Barcelona facing Watford rather than an side five tiers below them. One of them kept yelling out the numbers of Watford players in dangerous position which made him sound like a bingo caller, albeit without the catchphrase at the end. "Eleven, Four, Eight, EIGHT... for god's sake EIGHT!" At half time, as the second half Horns warmed up, he told his mate in a conspiratorial whisper that Man United were interested in No.18. "No, Sheff" I nearly said, but then decided it was more fun to let them watch John Joe imagining him gracing Old Trafford in the coming months. And for all I know they might know something the rest of us don't.
Borehamwood were a lot more impressive in the second half despite taking the field with 10 of the same 11. In the whole game they only made four substitutions They'd also played Palace on Thursday so they must have been knackered but didn't show it and frustrated our Second Half team. We now had an inexperienced defence apart from Lloyd who was solid and had his customary attempt on goal. He unexpectedly burst through the Wood defence when he looked far more likely to pass and just hit a shot wide resulting in a lot of "oooo's" from the crowd. One day it will happen, hopefully when more people are present.
In midfield Lewis Young still looks promising without ever quite being as eye catching as his big bro. Scott Severin not only sounds but also looks like a Death Eater from Harry Potter. He seemed to run a lot without managing to create much. JJOT has kept off the Guinness in the close season and put in a lot of effort, whilst Jon Harley was fairly quiet on the left flank other than nicking a goal at the end.
Tommy Smith was Tommy Smith and I'd like to say different but Ellington was Ellington for the most part. Frustrating and not always putting in the running that was required. He made amends right at the end though when he did all the work to set up Harley's goal.
I felt most sorry for Richard Lee. He had very very little to do all afternoon other than make some routine saves. The only time he was called into any sort of action was midway through the second half following a slight misunderstanding with Severin whose back pass seemed too short. It looked like Rich would have been better off staying put but he rushed out of the area to get the ball and chested it down. However it ran away from him and was met by the chasing Wood forward who lobbed it neatly into the net. It was tricky to tell who was more at fault but it certainly wasn't something you'd have wanted to happen if you were trying to oust Loach from the No.1 jersey.
At the end, along with about 30 others, I waited for the players to finish their warm down so we could applaud them back into the dressing room. I think there was a equal split between kids getting autographs and adults trying to see if there were any gestures indicating whether certain individuals would be staying or going. Malky got a round of applause and thanked us all as he headed into the dressing room. JJOT disappeared quickly whilst the others hung about to sign. Someone yelled "you look good in yellow, Tommy" but didn't get a reply. Top marks to Ellington and Richard Lee who hung around the longest and signed everything offered to them. Alas, no-one offered any hints of who we might see next Saturday at Hampton & Richmond, let alone when Donnie coming visiting the Vic in early August.
In truth we actually fielded two sides, making 10 substitutions at half time, with Richard Lee being the only man to play the full 90. Goodness knows who appeared in the Tring game that was going on simultaneously featuring a Watford XI of lesser first team members and the academy. Do we really have that many players?
Whilst we are on the topic of the Watford XI games, next pre-season could we maybe arrange them on different days? It would be nice to be able to go to both Borehamwood and Tring, and similarly Hampton and Wealdstone next weekend. Is it too much to ask to arrange them to be played on a Sunday? Surely it makes more sense for the host club because they'd get a much bigger crowd.
Although the score will be recorded as 4-1 and a comfortable victory, in reality, the first half team thrashed their opponents 3-0 and could've easily scored more whilst the second half team were lucky to get away with a 1-1 draw.
The first half team featured two players I'd not been aware of before. Rob Kiernan partnered Mike Williamson at the back, whilst a kid who looked no older than maybe 13 called Michael Bryan lined up on the right side of midfield. He proved he belonged on the pitch within the first couple of minutes by scoring a stunning solo goal turning a couple of Wood defenders and putting the ball perfectly in the corner of the net. Welcome to the 'Orns kid. You look like you could be a lot of fun.
Another newbie who impressed was Danny Graham who had two chances and took them both to put us three up in the opening 15 minutes. I know its very early days but he looks like a decent replacement for whoever we lose up front before the transfer window closes.
Priskin had a good few opportunities and was very involved which was good to see. He appears to still be the player he was under Judas rather than the bumbling one under Aidy. Eustace was busy alongside Jenkins and Cowie, whilst Sadler did well down the left side.
One of the more interesting aspects, as ever, at a non league ground is the opportunity to see people close up that you wouldn't normally see. Malky and Sean already look like a very close team chatting animatedly throughout the game, and even sharing jokes with the linesman and fourth official, particularly when Priskin should have had a penalty. I don't imagine this will be the case in the blood and guts of the Championship. I sat right next to the directors box and so had a good view of Jimmy and Vince Russo. I'm still not quite sure which is which but it was good to see them engrossed in the game, one often deep in conversation with Stuart Tipperley.
The vast majority of the crowd was supporting Watford but I sat next to a couple of old timer Borehamwood season tickets holders. They were quite hilarious as they grumbled and berated their team as if it was Barcelona facing Watford rather than an side five tiers below them. One of them kept yelling out the numbers of Watford players in dangerous position which made him sound like a bingo caller, albeit without the catchphrase at the end. "Eleven, Four, Eight, EIGHT... for god's sake EIGHT!" At half time, as the second half Horns warmed up, he told his mate in a conspiratorial whisper that Man United were interested in No.18. "No, Sheff" I nearly said, but then decided it was more fun to let them watch John Joe imagining him gracing Old Trafford in the coming months. And for all I know they might know something the rest of us don't.
Borehamwood were a lot more impressive in the second half despite taking the field with 10 of the same 11. In the whole game they only made four substitutions They'd also played Palace on Thursday so they must have been knackered but didn't show it and frustrated our Second Half team. We now had an inexperienced defence apart from Lloyd who was solid and had his customary attempt on goal. He unexpectedly burst through the Wood defence when he looked far more likely to pass and just hit a shot wide resulting in a lot of "oooo's" from the crowd. One day it will happen, hopefully when more people are present.
In midfield Lewis Young still looks promising without ever quite being as eye catching as his big bro. Scott Severin not only sounds but also looks like a Death Eater from Harry Potter. He seemed to run a lot without managing to create much. JJOT has kept off the Guinness in the close season and put in a lot of effort, whilst Jon Harley was fairly quiet on the left flank other than nicking a goal at the end.
Tommy Smith was Tommy Smith and I'd like to say different but Ellington was Ellington for the most part. Frustrating and not always putting in the running that was required. He made amends right at the end though when he did all the work to set up Harley's goal.
I felt most sorry for Richard Lee. He had very very little to do all afternoon other than make some routine saves. The only time he was called into any sort of action was midway through the second half following a slight misunderstanding with Severin whose back pass seemed too short. It looked like Rich would have been better off staying put but he rushed out of the area to get the ball and chested it down. However it ran away from him and was met by the chasing Wood forward who lobbed it neatly into the net. It was tricky to tell who was more at fault but it certainly wasn't something you'd have wanted to happen if you were trying to oust Loach from the No.1 jersey.
At the end, along with about 30 others, I waited for the players to finish their warm down so we could applaud them back into the dressing room. I think there was a equal split between kids getting autographs and adults trying to see if there were any gestures indicating whether certain individuals would be staying or going. Malky got a round of applause and thanked us all as he headed into the dressing room. JJOT disappeared quickly whilst the others hung about to sign. Someone yelled "you look good in yellow, Tommy" but didn't get a reply. Top marks to Ellington and Richard Lee who hung around the longest and signed everything offered to them. Alas, no-one offered any hints of who we might see next Saturday at Hampton & Richmond, let alone when Donnie coming visiting the Vic in early August.
Friday, July 10, 2009
68 days later...
We're back. New manager, new signings and, blimey, even Nathan Ellington apparently. Bring it on.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Judas
http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/4481998._Tommy_Smith_wants_to_join_Reading_/
Not content with just being a Judas, he is now trying to persuade some of the other disciples to go and dance with the devil as well.
This maybe be totally naive but if I had done a Brendan (not that I ever would) or made a move in the way Steve Bruce, Harry Redknapp, Roberto Martinez and Roberto DiMatteo have done recently the last thing I'd do is go and raid my former club for its best players. You must still have some emotional attachment to them, after all, Brendan said he wished us every success. To start dismantling a club that did nothing but treat you well seems likes further mutilation, just for the hell of it, after fatally sticking the knife in.
Not content with just being a Judas, he is now trying to persuade some of the other disciples to go and dance with the devil as well.
This maybe be totally naive but if I had done a Brendan (not that I ever would) or made a move in the way Steve Bruce, Harry Redknapp, Roberto Martinez and Roberto DiMatteo have done recently the last thing I'd do is go and raid my former club for its best players. You must still have some emotional attachment to them, after all, Brendan said he wished us every success. To start dismantling a club that did nothing but treat you well seems likes further mutilation, just for the hell of it, after fatally sticking the knife in.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Manager Wanted
At my son's football practise on Saturday they announced they were looking for a new manager of the Under 6 group.
I'm just posting this here so Aidy can start getting his application together.
I'm just posting this here so Aidy can start getting his application together.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Blue Square Fixtures
I enjoyed the Blue Square fixtures coming out almost as much as our own. A start at the Wombles for the lot up the road seems quite appropriate in a old fashioned Division 1 sort of way. I bet they are looking forward to the visits of Eastbourne Borough, Hayes & Yeading, Gateshead, etc, etc. Sell outs guaranteed I'm sure. It will also be fun to see how they get on in the Trophy.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Sheffield United in for John Joe and Tommy
If these reports are true they will have to rename themselves "Watford Old Boys".
I do hope that when Tommy returns, whoever it is with, he gets a far better reception than the first time he left the Vic. As long he doesn't end up at Reading I reckon he probably will.
I do hope that when Tommy returns, whoever it is with, he gets a far better reception than the first time he left the Vic. As long he doesn't end up at Reading I reckon he probably will.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Jay and Scott
Feel sorry for the guys although I was concerned that if they played out of their skins we might be looking at even more of a revolving door during the transfer window.
Despite losing to Brazil, I'm sure Jay will enjoy what little holiday he'll have after the 'perfect game' comments following the victory over Spain.
However, I do seriously worry about Scott. Psychologically what happened on Monday must have been extremely damaging. I think he was lucky to have Andy Murray ensuring that his error with the second goal wasn't staring out of every back page in the country. Even so, the comments that were made by the papers were not exactly sympathetic to either his age or the long distance he has come in such a short time.
I hope someone at the club is in contact with him whilst he recharges his batteries to ensure he can bounce back strongly. Otherwise we could be looking at a keeper with very fragile confidence when the season kicks in again.
Despite losing to Brazil, I'm sure Jay will enjoy what little holiday he'll have after the 'perfect game' comments following the victory over Spain.
However, I do seriously worry about Scott. Psychologically what happened on Monday must have been extremely damaging. I think he was lucky to have Andy Murray ensuring that his error with the second goal wasn't staring out of every back page in the country. Even so, the comments that were made by the papers were not exactly sympathetic to either his age or the long distance he has come in such a short time.
I hope someone at the club is in contact with him whilst he recharges his batteries to ensure he can bounce back strongly. Otherwise we could be looking at a keeper with very fragile confidence when the season kicks in again.
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