The name Les Simmons seems as synonymous to me as those of John Ward, Steve Harrison, Tom Walley and Billy Hails when thinking about GT's magical mystery tour. Yet he pre-dated that by a long long way, originally being in charge of the greyhound track before becoming head groundsman in the early 60's. In his time with the club its said he only ever took five holidays whilst preparing the Vicarage Road pitch for over 1200 matches. In total he gave over fifty years service to the club and fully deserved his testimonial in 1997.
Taylor said at the time that football should honour more people like Les not highly paid players who are set up for life. Therefore I do hope we get a chance to pay respects to him with a minutes silence against Sheffield United.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Bristol City v Watford- Previously...
Our first meeting with Bristol City was in our third season as a Division 3 club back in 1923. We drew 1-1 at the Vic but lost 3-1 at Ashton Gate seven days later.
In all encounters including those in such prestigious competitions as the Division 3 (South) Cup, Anglo Italian Cup and Associate Members Cup we've met 84 times, winning 25, drawing 25, losing 34, scoring 109 and conceding 125. At Ashton Gate we've played 42 games and have won just 7, drawing 13, losing 22, scoring 43 and conceding 73.
The last encounter at Ashton Gate was Malky's last as caretaker with Judas watching in the stands. We drew 1-1 with Tommy Smith equalising a minute after we went behind. A month later we had possibly the most miserable Boxing Day since Fulham tore us apart 5-0 at Craven Cottage in 2000. We went down 4-2 at home with City scoring their first after about 30 seconds. Raziak and an own goal were our contributions, and although there were only two goals difference it was a game we were never in.
City are currently 12th, level with us on 31 points but with a better goal difference of 4. On Boxing Day they went down 2-1 to QPR. In their last home game they drew 1-1 with Reading.
Mutual friends are, of course, Gary Johnson who could've been our boss if things had worked out differently and Keith Millen who is his assistant. One other thing we have in common with them is a player on loan at Skoda Xanthi. Peter Styvar is Xanthi's 41 whilst Nathan Ellington has bizarely decided to wear the no.99 shirt.
In all encounters including those in such prestigious competitions as the Division 3 (South) Cup, Anglo Italian Cup and Associate Members Cup we've met 84 times, winning 25, drawing 25, losing 34, scoring 109 and conceding 125. At Ashton Gate we've played 42 games and have won just 7, drawing 13, losing 22, scoring 43 and conceding 73.
The last encounter at Ashton Gate was Malky's last as caretaker with Judas watching in the stands. We drew 1-1 with Tommy Smith equalising a minute after we went behind. A month later we had possibly the most miserable Boxing Day since Fulham tore us apart 5-0 at Craven Cottage in 2000. We went down 4-2 at home with City scoring their first after about 30 seconds. Raziak and an own goal were our contributions, and although there were only two goals difference it was a game we were never in.
City are currently 12th, level with us on 31 points but with a better goal difference of 4. On Boxing Day they went down 2-1 to QPR. In their last home game they drew 1-1 with Reading.
Mutual friends are, of course, Gary Johnson who could've been our boss if things had worked out differently and Keith Millen who is his assistant. One other thing we have in common with them is a player on loan at Skoda Xanthi. Peter Styvar is Xanthi's 41 whilst Nathan Ellington has bizarely decided to wear the no.99 shirt.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Dreadful D'Urso- Watford 0 Nottingham Forest 0
He has never liked us, and always manages to make at least one baffling decision whenever he is in charge of a game we're involved in. However he never seems to get the reception he deserves in a way that Styles does or Atwell would if he ever came back to the Vic (funny how we've never seen him again isn't it?) After this afternoons lack of penalty award maybe next time Andy is the man in the middle he will.
Great to hear how well we played considering Forest are getting all the plaudits at the moment. In fact of the reports I've read so far barely a mention is made of the opposition so we must have been good.
Great to hear how well we played considering Forest are getting all the plaudits at the moment. In fact of the reports I've read so far barely a mention is made of the opposition so we must have been good.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Watford v Nottingham Forest- Previously...
Apologies for a rather truncated preview but I've only got five minutes between putting various toys and games together (why can't they come ready to play straight out of the box??) and helping to get the Xmas lunch ready. For the same sort of reasons I won't be at tomorrow's game.
The first time we met Forest was in the first FA Cup after World War 2 when ties were played over two legs. We drew both games 1-1, the second of which went into unlimited extra time but eventually had to be stopped due to fading light and bad weather. A replay was held at White Hart Lane which we surprisingly won 1-0.
In all we've played 38 times, winning 10, drawing 14 and losing 14, scoring 46 goals to their 56. At home we've met 19 times and have a positive record which surprises me as I remember Forest as one of those rare teams that usually managed to beat us in the glorious 80's. We've won 6, drawn 8 and lost 5 scoring 24 and conceding 22.
Last time out we won 2-1 at the Vic back in March with Raziak and Priskin getting the goals.
I'm being called to clear the table so I better go. Merry Christmas.
The first time we met Forest was in the first FA Cup after World War 2 when ties were played over two legs. We drew both games 1-1, the second of which went into unlimited extra time but eventually had to be stopped due to fading light and bad weather. A replay was held at White Hart Lane which we surprisingly won 1-0.
In all we've played 38 times, winning 10, drawing 14 and losing 14, scoring 46 goals to their 56. At home we've met 19 times and have a positive record which surprises me as I remember Forest as one of those rare teams that usually managed to beat us in the glorious 80's. We've won 6, drawn 8 and lost 5 scoring 24 and conceding 22.
Last time out we won 2-1 at the Vic back in March with Raziak and Priskin getting the goals.
I'm being called to clear the table so I better go. Merry Christmas.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Duke
Unbelievably we've managed to offload Ellington to top Greek side Skoda Xanthi.
I wonder if its like AC Milan getting mixed up and buying Luther instead of John Barnes.
Maybe they think they're getting Lloyd after his goalscoring exploits. They will be sorely disappointed.
I wonder if its like AC Milan getting mixed up and buying Luther instead of John Barnes.
Maybe they think they're getting Lloyd after his goalscoring exploits. They will be sorely disappointed.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Predictable- Peterborough United 2 Watford 1
Disappointing result but after the week we've all been through probably not surprising. If you think how concerned we've been imagine being Malky or one of the players. Not exactly an ideal build up. A shame the snow didn't get it postponed.
A Bad Man?
So Jimmy is mad at GT. Has he not got his phone number? Can he not ring him and discuss this matter privately rather than denouncing the man most synonymous with our club through the media. He surely can't think this is going to win him back any friends?
This is the same Jimmy Russo who didn't have the courtesy to tell GT what he was going to do before the AGM and who then played out all of the subsequent fiasco in public.
I can assure Jimmy that he's been called far worse things by a great many people in the last week.
This is the same Jimmy Russo who didn't have the courtesy to tell GT what he was going to do before the AGM and who then played out all of the subsequent fiasco in public.
I can assure Jimmy that he's been called far worse things by a great many people in the last week.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Peterborough United v Watford- Previously...
Thank goodness for a chance to focus on some actual football talk for a change. In case you'd forgotten we have a match tomorrow. Well, as long as the snow doesn't get in the way. I feel very fair weather saying this but I think I'll probably account for one of the empty seats at London Road given how bad the roads have been in Bucks today.
Peterborough United were a rather late entry into the world of football. They weren't formed until 1934 and didn't get admitted to the Football League until 1960 when they were elected in the place of Gateshead.
They won the Fourth Division in their debut season and so met us for the first time the following season in the Old Division Three when they beat us 3-2 at the Vic and 4-3 at home in the space of 6 days. Another double over us followed in 1962/3 and it wasn't until we met in an FA Cup First Round replay in November 1963 that we won for the first time beating them 2-1.
Our record has never really recovered from that rocky start and so the stats read won 9, drawn 6, lost 13, scored 39 and conceded 47. At London Road in the 13 games we've played there we've won 3, drawn 4 and lost 6 scoring 17 goals to their 26.
The last meetings were over ten years ago in the short lived reign of Kenny Jackett. We drew 0-0 at home, lost 1-0 again at home in the southern area semi final of the Associate Members Cup (Football League Trophy, Auto Paint Daf Shield thing) and lost 2-1 in Cambridgeshire with Tommy Mooney scoring the Horns goal.
Peterborough are currently bottom of the Championship having only won twice in the league all season, both coming before they took the odd decision to sack Darren Ferguson. The best results the former Kettering Town manager Mark Cooper has achieved are the 2-2 draws at home to Middlesbrough and Swansea, and a 0-0 at Ipswich. Last Saturday at Coventry they came back level after being 2-0 down but conceded again a minute after getting the equaliser and so lost 3-2.
The only ex-Hornet currently on the Peterborough playing staff is Toumani Diagouraga. However the mutual friends list includes an interesting dinner party mix of Aidy Boothroyd, Ken Charley, Eric Steele and Worrell Sterling.
Peterborough United were a rather late entry into the world of football. They weren't formed until 1934 and didn't get admitted to the Football League until 1960 when they were elected in the place of Gateshead.
They won the Fourth Division in their debut season and so met us for the first time the following season in the Old Division Three when they beat us 3-2 at the Vic and 4-3 at home in the space of 6 days. Another double over us followed in 1962/3 and it wasn't until we met in an FA Cup First Round replay in November 1963 that we won for the first time beating them 2-1.
Our record has never really recovered from that rocky start and so the stats read won 9, drawn 6, lost 13, scored 39 and conceded 47. At London Road in the 13 games we've played there we've won 3, drawn 4 and lost 6 scoring 17 goals to their 26.
The last meetings were over ten years ago in the short lived reign of Kenny Jackett. We drew 0-0 at home, lost 1-0 again at home in the southern area semi final of the Associate Members Cup (Football League Trophy, Auto Paint Daf Shield thing) and lost 2-1 in Cambridgeshire with Tommy Mooney scoring the Horns goal.
Peterborough are currently bottom of the Championship having only won twice in the league all season, both coming before they took the odd decision to sack Darren Ferguson. The best results the former Kettering Town manager Mark Cooper has achieved are the 2-2 draws at home to Middlesbrough and Swansea, and a 0-0 at Ipswich. Last Saturday at Coventry they came back level after being 2-0 down but conceded again a minute after getting the equaliser and so lost 3-2.
The only ex-Hornet currently on the Peterborough playing staff is Toumani Diagouraga. However the mutual friends list includes an interesting dinner party mix of Aidy Boothroyd, Ken Charley, Eric Steele and Worrell Sterling.
Some Sort of Common Sense Prevails
But please don't think I'm going to praise anyone on here. It should never have come to this. If Jimmy reckons we're all going to kiss his feet he's wrong. Yes we are so very very grateful that he saved us so many times. But no-one who claimed to have the best interests of Watford Football Club at heart would have willingly entered into the pantomime that has been played out this week.
The irony is that all this has been about ownership, when I don't believe any person can truly own a community football club like ours. We, the supporters, own the identity, the ethos, the belief, the hopes and the dreams and will do so until we die. They, the money men, only own the skelton and like players and managers are unlikely to be with us for more than a small fraction of that time. As the fans of Wimbledon and many other less high profile clubs have proved, we have the real power. If we are disregarded too often we can take our club and leave them owning next to nothing.
The irony is that all this has been about ownership, when I don't believe any person can truly own a community football club like ours. We, the supporters, own the identity, the ethos, the belief, the hopes and the dreams and will do so until we die. They, the money men, only own the skelton and like players and managers are unlikely to be with us for more than a small fraction of that time. As the fans of Wimbledon and many other less high profile clubs have proved, we have the real power. If we are disregarded too often we can take our club and leave them owning next to nothing.
Chants For Tomorrow (if our game survives the snow)
Now Brenda's gone from Reading his one seems a bit redundant. So how about replacing his name with any one of the Russos, Graham Simpson or Lord Ashcroft, because who the hell do they think they are any-way? The Horns will always go marching on on on, whoever is in charge of us and whatever form our club takes.
Also I think 'Elton John's Taylor Made Army' should get a reprise to show Elt that he's the only one we'd trust running our club, and to thank GT for putting up with being in the middle of these tossers when he must have many other things he'd rather be doing with his time.
Also I think 'Elton John's Taylor Made Army' should get a reprise to show Elt that he's the only one we'd trust running our club, and to thank GT for putting up with being in the middle of these tossers when he must have many other things he'd rather be doing with his time.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Tosser of the Year Award
3. Mike Williamson
2. Brendan Rodgers
And a late entry at No.1 goes to... Jimmy Russo.
Amazing how quick you can go from being a good bloke to complete tosser. I won't be buying your salad again mate.
2. Brendan Rodgers
And a late entry at No.1 goes to... Jimmy Russo.
Amazing how quick you can go from being a good bloke to complete tosser. I won't be buying your salad again mate.
Still Waiting
The wait goes on to find out just how much the Russo's are fans of the club.
I'm not thrilled about the prospect of Ashcroft being the main man but it would be better than administration. Hopefully Simpson would not be back as Chairman.
Good that GT is interim chairman. At least someone involved in all of this mess is a man we can trust. Without him in there I don't think I'd trust anything that came out about either camp.
I'm not thrilled about the prospect of Ashcroft being the main man but it would be better than administration. Hopefully Simpson would not be back as Chairman.
Good that GT is interim chairman. At least someone involved in all of this mess is a man we can trust. Without him in there I don't think I'd trust anything that came out about either camp.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The Good News
Well its got to be slightly positive that an agreement was reached to put back the deadline for the repayment.
However its not exactly a huge breakthrough.
So it was nice of Reading to provide the one bit of good news of the day. They've sacked Judas.
Hahahahahahahhahahahhahahaha!
Nice one Madjeski. It was almost all worth it just for that.
However its not exactly a huge breakthrough.
So it was nice of Reading to provide the one bit of good news of the day. They've sacked Judas.
Hahahahahahahhahahahhahahaha!
Nice one Madjeski. It was almost all worth it just for that.
What's Going On?- Part 2
Its difficult to know what to say really.
My opinion of Simpson and Ashcroft has gone down even further, if that's possible. I just don't see what good can come out of threatening to remove Jimmy and Vince when they've been single handedly keeping us going.
However the Russo's actions in resigning without telling GT what they were up to doesn't put them in as good a light as if they'd waited for what seemed to be the inevitable and got voted off.
I can kind of understand the bloody minded revenge part of them instantly calling back in the loan. But if it was me, my love for the club would prevent me from doing anything that puts us in jeopardy. By their actions it doesn't seem they really get our club like we hoped maybe they did.
Those that are commenting on the WO site that this is the end and RIP and all that I think are just over-reacting. Sadly many clubs have been in this position before, and many more will after us, but, whatever happens, clubs usually manage to survive in one form or another as long as there are supporters who truly care.
I do worry about the 10 point deduction. With it we'll be just outside the relegation zone. How the players and fans react will determine whether the rest of the season will become a drawn out battle to avoid the drop, or whether we'll continue an even more unlikely challenge for the playoffs.
My opinion of Simpson and Ashcroft has gone down even further, if that's possible. I just don't see what good can come out of threatening to remove Jimmy and Vince when they've been single handedly keeping us going.
However the Russo's actions in resigning without telling GT what they were up to doesn't put them in as good a light as if they'd waited for what seemed to be the inevitable and got voted off.
I can kind of understand the bloody minded revenge part of them instantly calling back in the loan. But if it was me, my love for the club would prevent me from doing anything that puts us in jeopardy. By their actions it doesn't seem they really get our club like we hoped maybe they did.
Those that are commenting on the WO site that this is the end and RIP and all that I think are just over-reacting. Sadly many clubs have been in this position before, and many more will after us, but, whatever happens, clubs usually manage to survive in one form or another as long as there are supporters who truly care.
I do worry about the 10 point deduction. With it we'll be just outside the relegation zone. How the players and fans react will determine whether the rest of the season will become a drawn out battle to avoid the drop, or whether we'll continue an even more unlikely challenge for the playoffs.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
What's Going On?
http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/watfordfc/watfordfcnews/4795983.Russo_brothers_resign_from_Watford_board/
Its difficult to fathom exactly what's going on after tonight's AGM. I only have the BBC and the WO to go on, and more tellingly some of the comments after the WO story.
Jimmy and Vince resigning was not on the agenda at all as far as I could see. Them being removed by Simpson and Ashcroft was certainly a possibility but not them going of their own accord. The BBC claim they are now demanding the repayment of the loans which presumably will force us into administration.
I don't believe the Russo's are doing this just to be difficult. They must be doing it to try and get rid of Simpson and Ashcroft.
However, this seems to rely on everyone having the best interests of the football club at heart. There is only one man who I can truly 100% say I know has that. And that is GT whom I feel very sorry for finding himself in the middle of this mess.
Its difficult to fathom exactly what's going on after tonight's AGM. I only have the BBC and the WO to go on, and more tellingly some of the comments after the WO story.
Jimmy and Vince resigning was not on the agenda at all as far as I could see. Them being removed by Simpson and Ashcroft was certainly a possibility but not them going of their own accord. The BBC claim they are now demanding the repayment of the loans which presumably will force us into administration.
I don't believe the Russo's are doing this just to be difficult. They must be doing it to try and get rid of Simpson and Ashcroft.
However, this seems to rely on everyone having the best interests of the football club at heart. There is only one man who I can truly 100% say I know has that. And that is GT whom I feel very sorry for finding himself in the middle of this mess.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Bob Oteng
Sad to see that Bob is leaving us for the lure of the Premiership. I guess it has its attractions even if you're a kit man.
He will always be a top man in my book for ensuring a woman who got hit by a ball before the game at Charlton last season was okay whilst the stewards nearby did bugger all.
All the best Bob. I hope wherever you're going their kits are easy to clean.
He will always be a top man in my book for ensuring a woman who got hit by a ball before the game at Charlton last season was okay whilst the stewards nearby did bugger all.
All the best Bob. I hope wherever you're going their kits are easy to clean.
Forget and Move On- Watford 0 Derby County 1
Well in complete contrast to Monday night that was just pants. Pants pants pants in so many ways.
It was a game we should've won. I reckon had we scored first we probably would've won easily. But whereas on some days our lovely passing game comes off today it really didn't. We were guilty of trying to string too many passes together and not shooting enough.
Derby were obvious but effective. They came to be dirty, physical, to get in the way and to stop us doing what we do well. And they succeeded and managed to get an unlikely goal with 15 minutes left.
I don't blame them for their tactics at all. After all they have Robbie Savage as captain and Nigel Clough as manager. What was extremely frustrating was that the officials spent the afternoon being overly fussy about stupid things and never bothered to clamp down on Derby's fouls with anything more than free kicks.
How on earth the ref can think its fair that we ended the day with 5 yellow cards to their 2 only he will be able to explain. Under other officials they would've ended the day with 9 men or less.
We came close from a Cleverley shot that was well saved and Eustace blasting over from a few yards out but we never really should've been chasing the game.
On a positive note Jay DeMerit was back and our defence looked all the better for him. Ironic then that we didn't get the points but this was a game to simply forget and move on from.
It was a game we should've won. I reckon had we scored first we probably would've won easily. But whereas on some days our lovely passing game comes off today it really didn't. We were guilty of trying to string too many passes together and not shooting enough.
Derby were obvious but effective. They came to be dirty, physical, to get in the way and to stop us doing what we do well. And they succeeded and managed to get an unlikely goal with 15 minutes left.
I don't blame them for their tactics at all. After all they have Robbie Savage as captain and Nigel Clough as manager. What was extremely frustrating was that the officials spent the afternoon being overly fussy about stupid things and never bothered to clamp down on Derby's fouls with anything more than free kicks.
How on earth the ref can think its fair that we ended the day with 5 yellow cards to their 2 only he will be able to explain. Under other officials they would've ended the day with 9 men or less.
We came close from a Cleverley shot that was well saved and Eustace blasting over from a few yards out but we never really should've been chasing the game.
On a positive note Jay DeMerit was back and our defence looked all the better for him. Ironic then that we didn't get the points but this was a game to simply forget and move on from.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Watford v Derby County- Previously...
We first played Derby in the opening round of the League Cup back in 1960 when they beat us 5-2 at the Vic. Almost twenty years elapsed before our first league meetings in the Old Division 2 when both games ended in 1-1 draws.
In all we've met 30 times and have a totally equal record. We've won 9, drawn 12, lost 9, and have scored and conceded 46 goals each. At the Vic we've played 16 times, winning 6, drawing 7, losing 3 scoring 29 and conceding 22.
Last season we went to Pride Park just before Christmas and booed Nathan Ellington a lot, as he was playing for the Rams, but lost 1-0. In the final match of the season, which was Rodgers last in charge, his followers McAnuff and Raisak scored the goals in a 3-1 Horns win whilst the on loan Eustace scored against his parent club.
It was slightly before my time but I'm sure our most memorable meeting was the 6-1 home win in January 1982. Goals from Luther Blissett, John Barnes, Ian Bolton, Nigel Callaghan and two from Gerry Armstrong made it our biggest win of the season that took us to the top flight.
Derby are rather good at home this season having won 6 of their 9 games at Pride Park, but dire on their travels as they are yet to win a game in 10 attempts. They are currently 17th and are 7 points behind us. Their last 3 games saw them beat Reading 2-1 and draw with West Brom 2-2 and Preston 0-0.
Having had an abundance of Hornets recently they now have none after off-loading Jordan Stewart to Sheffield United on the last day of the transfer window.
In all we've met 30 times and have a totally equal record. We've won 9, drawn 12, lost 9, and have scored and conceded 46 goals each. At the Vic we've played 16 times, winning 6, drawing 7, losing 3 scoring 29 and conceding 22.
Last season we went to Pride Park just before Christmas and booed Nathan Ellington a lot, as he was playing for the Rams, but lost 1-0. In the final match of the season, which was Rodgers last in charge, his followers McAnuff and Raisak scored the goals in a 3-1 Horns win whilst the on loan Eustace scored against his parent club.
It was slightly before my time but I'm sure our most memorable meeting was the 6-1 home win in January 1982. Goals from Luther Blissett, John Barnes, Ian Bolton, Nigel Callaghan and two from Gerry Armstrong made it our biggest win of the season that took us to the top flight.
Derby are rather good at home this season having won 6 of their 9 games at Pride Park, but dire on their travels as they are yet to win a game in 10 attempts. They are currently 17th and are 7 points behind us. Their last 3 games saw them beat Reading 2-1 and draw with West Brom 2-2 and Preston 0-0.
Having had an abundance of Hornets recently they now have none after off-loading Jordan Stewart to Sheffield United on the last day of the transfer window.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Magilton
All was definitely not well with QPR on Monday night.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/8403668.stm
How much of it really is an incident or just an excuse to maybe get rid of a poorly performing manager isn't clear. But Paul Fletcher, probably the best blogger on the BBC website, provides an interesting eye witness report into Buzsaky's wanderings.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/paulfletcher/2009/12/watford_and_qpr_the_loan_range.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/q/qpr/8403668.stm
How much of it really is an incident or just an excuse to maybe get rid of a poorly performing manager isn't clear. But Paul Fletcher, probably the best blogger on the BBC website, provides an interesting eye witness report into Buzsaky's wanderings.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/paulfletcher/2009/12/watford_and_qpr_the_loan_range.html
Monday, December 07, 2009
Contrasts- Watford 3 Queens Park Rangers 1
Two contrasts that shone brightly under the Vicarage Road floodlights this evening.
They might be one of our near neighbours but in every other respect how far apart did Watford and QPR seem tonight? One is apparently the richest club in the world whilst the other is being kept alive solely by the publics love of bagged salad.
Yet if you didn't know, it was those in the yellow that you would assume were by far the better off.
Almost all of us played a part in a fantastic performance but, of course, it is only fair that one man takes all the plaudits.
Step forward Sir Lloyd Doyley. After last night you are up there along with Moons, Luther, Barnes, Coton, Gibbs, Porter, Chamberlain and the other legends of our great football club.
If the contrast between us and QPR was big, the difference between Lloydinho and Duke is massive. Lloyd's desire makes up for all his shortcomings. We've seen him grow and develop in his time at the Vic and he always looks like he wants to learn and improve even more every time he steps onto the pitch. Its never about him, never about how he performs but all about the team. Lloyd is the ultimate team player. Happy to help out wherever. And, finally, this time that included helping out in front of the opposition's goal.
Nathan, however, hasn't improved one little bit in his time at the Vic. His performance, as always, lacked desire instead relying on his admittedly impressive natural talent to make something happen. But that reliance means he's never grown or developed into a significant role for this or any Watford team he has played in. He reminds me of one of those beach soccer players you see on Sky in the summer. Its all about the tricks, the fancy touches but not really about the team.
In his post match comments on the OS, Malky revealed that he advises youngsters wanting to learn about being a good professional to go and talk to Lloyd Doyley. Maybe he should give that advice to Nathan too.
They might be one of our near neighbours but in every other respect how far apart did Watford and QPR seem tonight? One is apparently the richest club in the world whilst the other is being kept alive solely by the publics love of bagged salad.
Yet if you didn't know, it was those in the yellow that you would assume were by far the better off.
Almost all of us played a part in a fantastic performance but, of course, it is only fair that one man takes all the plaudits.
Step forward Sir Lloyd Doyley. After last night you are up there along with Moons, Luther, Barnes, Coton, Gibbs, Porter, Chamberlain and the other legends of our great football club.
If the contrast between us and QPR was big, the difference between Lloydinho and Duke is massive. Lloyd's desire makes up for all his shortcomings. We've seen him grow and develop in his time at the Vic and he always looks like he wants to learn and improve even more every time he steps onto the pitch. Its never about him, never about how he performs but all about the team. Lloyd is the ultimate team player. Happy to help out wherever. And, finally, this time that included helping out in front of the opposition's goal.
Nathan, however, hasn't improved one little bit in his time at the Vic. His performance, as always, lacked desire instead relying on his admittedly impressive natural talent to make something happen. But that reliance means he's never grown or developed into a significant role for this or any Watford team he has played in. He reminds me of one of those beach soccer players you see on Sky in the summer. Its all about the tricks, the fancy touches but not really about the team.
In his post match comments on the OS, Malky revealed that he advises youngsters wanting to learn about being a good professional to go and talk to Lloyd Doyley. Maybe he should give that advice to Nathan too.
LLOYDINHO
A more considered response will follow but for now it was wonderful, marvellous, unbelievable. All obvious things to say but tonight was one of those you'll remember where you were moments. Like the Moon Landings, 1966 or to give it a Watford perspective the 7-1 or 8-0.
Its a surprise to come home and find its not the main story on Sky or the BBC. It will be a surprise tomorrow to find his face not grinning out at us from numerous newspapers offering their Lloyd Doyley souvenir supplements.
Even if it won't be an official one tomorrow will feel like a Bank Holiday. And from now on every December 7th should be known as Lloyd Doyley Day.
What a great night. THIS is why we do it.
Its a surprise to come home and find its not the main story on Sky or the BBC. It will be a surprise tomorrow to find his face not grinning out at us from numerous newspapers offering their Lloyd Doyley souvenir supplements.
Even if it won't be an official one tomorrow will feel like a Bank Holiday. And from now on every December 7th should be known as Lloyd Doyley Day.
What a great night. THIS is why we do it.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Watford v Queens Park Rangers- Previously...
According to Wikipedia QPR were formed by the merger of St.Judes and Christchurch Rangers in 1882. However in Trefor Jones' excellent Watford Season by Season reference book he records that West Herts beat Christchurch Rangers 3-1 at home on 18 October 1884 which I'm guessing was the first meeting between the sides that would go on to be known as Watford and Queens Park Rangers.
Our first competitive meeting was in the 4th qualifying round of the FA Cup in the 1900/1 season when we drew 1-1 at home before going down 4-1 in West London.
In competitive games played (disregarding those in the Southern League as I've not added them to my database yet!) we've met 113 times, winning 32, drawing 34, losing 47, scoring 151 and conceding 176. 56 of those games have been played at the Vic of which we've won 20, drawn 14 and lost 22, scoring and conceding 80.
Last season Malky gained the only league win of his short caretaking career over QPR when we won 3-0 at the Vic with a penalty from Tommy Smith and goals from on loan Darren Ward and Lee Williamson. Under Judas we drew the last game of 2008 0-0 at Loftus Road.
By common media consent (I've heard it on both Sky and the BBC) the wheels are suddenly coming off the R's promotion push because they've only won one game in the last six and were unexpectedly beaten 5-1 by Middlesbrough at home yesterday. They are currently 9th and have one more point than ourselves.
With panto season nearly upon us its a shame we won't get to practise cheering or booing ex-Watford players as Gavin Mahon and Lee Cook are both out injured and obviously H is on loan with us. However Aidy's old friend Fitz Hall should line up in defence for Rangers.
Our first competitive meeting was in the 4th qualifying round of the FA Cup in the 1900/1 season when we drew 1-1 at home before going down 4-1 in West London.
In competitive games played (disregarding those in the Southern League as I've not added them to my database yet!) we've met 113 times, winning 32, drawing 34, losing 47, scoring 151 and conceding 176. 56 of those games have been played at the Vic of which we've won 20, drawn 14 and lost 22, scoring and conceding 80.
Last season Malky gained the only league win of his short caretaking career over QPR when we won 3-0 at the Vic with a penalty from Tommy Smith and goals from on loan Darren Ward and Lee Williamson. Under Judas we drew the last game of 2008 0-0 at Loftus Road.
By common media consent (I've heard it on both Sky and the BBC) the wheels are suddenly coming off the R's promotion push because they've only won one game in the last six and were unexpectedly beaten 5-1 by Middlesbrough at home yesterday. They are currently 9th and have one more point than ourselves.
With panto season nearly upon us its a shame we won't get to practise cheering or booing ex-Watford players as Gavin Mahon and Lee Cook are both out injured and obviously H is on loan with us. However Aidy's old friend Fitz Hall should line up in defence for Rangers.
Saturday, December 05, 2009
No Surprises- Newcastle United 2 Watford 0
Annoying to concede a second goal when they were already down to ten men but I really didn't expect us to bring back the points today. What is frustrating is that Donnie went to Selhurst Park and put three past Palace. Why didn't we manage to do the same last week?
At least QPR were thrashed 5-1 at home. Hopefully they will still be in shock on Monday night.
At least QPR were thrashed 5-1 at home. Hopefully they will still be in shock on Monday night.
Friday, December 04, 2009
Newcastle United v Watford- Previously...
Our first meeting with Newcastle was back in 1924 in the FA Cup 3rd Round. Having already done the giant killing thing by putting out Middlesbrough we couldn’t repeat the feat as we went down 1-0 at Vicarage Road. It wasn’t until 1979 that we met in the League when we did the double over them in the old Division Two winning both games 2-0.
In all we’ve met 35 times, winning 9, drawing 14, losing 12, scoring 40 and conceding 47. At St.James' Park we've played 16 times, winning just 2, drawing 5, losing 9, scoring 12 and conceding 26. The other game we won there was the opening game of the 1981/2 season when we beat them 1-0.
The encounter, or rather encounters, against Newcastle that stick in my mind were the five games we played against them in just over a month in the 1988/9 season when they were in the top flight and we were adjusting to life back in the old Division Two. First drawn together in the Full Members Cup we won 2-1 at the Vic. We then played four epic FA Cup Third Round ties against them drawing the first on Tyneside 0-0 and bringing them back to the Vic for an exciting 2-2 draw.
They were happy days, those of infinite FA Cup replays that happened a couple of days after the original match rather than the silly week and a half wait we get now. The excitement of knowing you’d get another match to go to if the first was a draw. If the second game was a draw, everyone would wait around after extra time to discover where the next one would be. The ref would reappear with the captains to toss a coin out in the middle of the pitch. The jubilance of one captain would usually make it obvious where the next game would be played before it was announced over the tannoy.
Alas, on this occasion we lost the toss so the third game was back up North on a Monday, so there was no question of going as it was a school night. However if it was another draw we'd play at the Vic on Wednesday. Then, as now, matches were my favourite thing in the world and the prospect of unexpected extra ones was always the cause of great excitement. I remember being in my bedroom listening to the second replay on Radio 2. Part of me wanting us to win, part of me wanting another draw so I could go to the next game, but all of me dreading the prospect of losing so much that I couldn't bear to fully concentrate so I started watching Minder at the same time. By the time Terry had got Arthur out of another scrap we were well into extra time and I hid my head in a pillow until we'd hung on for another 0-0.
The tie was settled 48 hours later at the Vic when Newcastle’s Glenn Roeder signaled his intentions of wanting to play and manage us by scoring an own goal in extra time to give the Horns a 1-0 win.
The last time we met was in Aidy’s Premiership season of 2006/7. We lost 2-1 up north with Bouazza scoring for us and drew 1-1 in the last match of the season at home, Marlon equalising with a penalty.
Despite Mike Ashley’s best efforts to destablise everything including the name of the ground at St.James', Newcastle are well on course for an immediate return to the Prem. They’ve won 12, drawn 3 and lost 3. Those losses were at Scunny, Peterborough and Blackpool which makes it appear that they are only beatable when their surroundings don’t meet up to Premiership expectations. At home they’ve won 7 and drawn 2. Throw in the 'we've not won there for 28 years' and I imagine we are not the favourites to take the 3 points come 5pm tomorrow.
In all we’ve met 35 times, winning 9, drawing 14, losing 12, scoring 40 and conceding 47. At St.James' Park we've played 16 times, winning just 2, drawing 5, losing 9, scoring 12 and conceding 26. The other game we won there was the opening game of the 1981/2 season when we beat them 1-0.
The encounter, or rather encounters, against Newcastle that stick in my mind were the five games we played against them in just over a month in the 1988/9 season when they were in the top flight and we were adjusting to life back in the old Division Two. First drawn together in the Full Members Cup we won 2-1 at the Vic. We then played four epic FA Cup Third Round ties against them drawing the first on Tyneside 0-0 and bringing them back to the Vic for an exciting 2-2 draw.
They were happy days, those of infinite FA Cup replays that happened a couple of days after the original match rather than the silly week and a half wait we get now. The excitement of knowing you’d get another match to go to if the first was a draw. If the second game was a draw, everyone would wait around after extra time to discover where the next one would be. The ref would reappear with the captains to toss a coin out in the middle of the pitch. The jubilance of one captain would usually make it obvious where the next game would be played before it was announced over the tannoy.
Alas, on this occasion we lost the toss so the third game was back up North on a Monday, so there was no question of going as it was a school night. However if it was another draw we'd play at the Vic on Wednesday. Then, as now, matches were my favourite thing in the world and the prospect of unexpected extra ones was always the cause of great excitement. I remember being in my bedroom listening to the second replay on Radio 2. Part of me wanting us to win, part of me wanting another draw so I could go to the next game, but all of me dreading the prospect of losing so much that I couldn't bear to fully concentrate so I started watching Minder at the same time. By the time Terry had got Arthur out of another scrap we were well into extra time and I hid my head in a pillow until we'd hung on for another 0-0.
The tie was settled 48 hours later at the Vic when Newcastle’s Glenn Roeder signaled his intentions of wanting to play and manage us by scoring an own goal in extra time to give the Horns a 1-0 win.
The last time we met was in Aidy’s Premiership season of 2006/7. We lost 2-1 up north with Bouazza scoring for us and drew 1-1 in the last match of the season at home, Marlon equalising with a penalty.
Despite Mike Ashley’s best efforts to destablise everything including the name of the ground at St.James', Newcastle are well on course for an immediate return to the Prem. They’ve won 12, drawn 3 and lost 3. Those losses were at Scunny, Peterborough and Blackpool which makes it appear that they are only beatable when their surroundings don’t meet up to Premiership expectations. At home they’ve won 7 and drawn 2. Throw in the 'we've not won there for 28 years' and I imagine we are not the favourites to take the 3 points come 5pm tomorrow.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Administration For Christmas?
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-23777368-watford-are-on-the-brink-of-administration-after-pound-1m-loan.do
Concerning story in tonight's Evening Standard. Usually I'd expect the club to quickly put out a denial but the fact this has been announced to the stock market must mean its true. It seems we are keeping out of administration only due to the depth of the Russo's pockets and that can't last forever.
I guess the best hope is they throw another million in to tide us over 'til the transfer window opens. Then we try to make some serious money in January by securing an unlikely money spinning replay against Chelsea and selling Loach and Jenkins. Can't believe I'm looking at that as the best hope but what are the alternatives? Unless the threat of administration might finally stir Elton into making a financial return to the club. Pleaseeeeeee.
Concerning story in tonight's Evening Standard. Usually I'd expect the club to quickly put out a denial but the fact this has been announced to the stock market must mean its true. It seems we are keeping out of administration only due to the depth of the Russo's pockets and that can't last forever.
I guess the best hope is they throw another million in to tide us over 'til the transfer window opens. Then we try to make some serious money in January by securing an unlikely money spinning replay against Chelsea and selling Loach and Jenkins. Can't believe I'm looking at that as the best hope but what are the alternatives? Unless the threat of administration might finally stir Elton into making a financial return to the club. Pleaseeeeeee.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Another Pointless Afternoon- Crystal Palace 3 Watford 0
"Why do we do it" I texted to my mate Loz as I stood cold and dejected on a Southern train coming back from a miserable afternoon at Selhurst Park.
"Because this is a moment you are unlikely to forget" he replied. "You remember the crap losses more than the humdrum wins".
I think this is probably true as I can already recall the awfulness of going up to The Hawthorns more quickly than the 2-0 win over Preston that followed it. In my mind Shrewsbury in the FA Cup 3rd Round back in 1991 was memorable because it was the most bitterly cold I've ever been at a football match. The real reason I probably remember it is because we lost 4-1 against a lower league side. Had it been a 1-0 win or 0-0 draw it would've long since been discarded into my memory's trash.
This game will go down in my mind as one that I nearly avoided completely. On Friday afternoon I suddenly realised my ticket, which I'd definitely seen delivered a couple of days ago, was nowhere to be seen. I searched for three hours with no luck at all and began to think that I'd accidentally recycled it. Although I knew tickets were still available I didn't really fancy the prospect of lining Simon Jordan's pockets by another £25. So I started to make plans that didn't involve trekking to the twilight zone of South London where all journeys take at least twice as long as they should. However my wife then came home and found the ticket within 30 seconds of being told it was lost.
Therefore I went but within six minutes of the kick off regretted it as we gave away two soft goals. This wasn't West Brom all over again as we did put some nice moves together and looked as if we felt we could get back into the game, but when Graham's penalty was saved it was clear it wasn't going to be our day.
The game was killed off for us early in the second half when, having been on the attack, we gave the ball away and Palace broke quickly. Mariappa, who was at fault for at least two of the goals, had an excellent chance to put a decisive tackle in but hesitated and seconds later the ball was in the back of the net.
We continued to play the attractive passing game that has reaped so many rewards recently but it was pointless because our shooting was so wayward. Cathcart came closest with a header that Sperroni tipped over, and Cleverley hit the post late on. To quote the Palace fans obvious chant we spent the entire afternoon looking like we couldn't score in a brothel.
On another day, some of those chances would've gone in and maybe our defending would've been tighter and we might have got something out of it. It wouldn't be so memorable but it would have meant a point or three. And then there are those diamond days, the ones that come along more rarely than these dire ones, that are magical and make you remember why you do it. We've had one at Palace fairly recently by the same scoreline and once Loz put today in context I very much enjoyed the memory of it during the two hour slog back across London.
"Because this is a moment you are unlikely to forget" he replied. "You remember the crap losses more than the humdrum wins".
I think this is probably true as I can already recall the awfulness of going up to The Hawthorns more quickly than the 2-0 win over Preston that followed it. In my mind Shrewsbury in the FA Cup 3rd Round back in 1991 was memorable because it was the most bitterly cold I've ever been at a football match. The real reason I probably remember it is because we lost 4-1 against a lower league side. Had it been a 1-0 win or 0-0 draw it would've long since been discarded into my memory's trash.
This game will go down in my mind as one that I nearly avoided completely. On Friday afternoon I suddenly realised my ticket, which I'd definitely seen delivered a couple of days ago, was nowhere to be seen. I searched for three hours with no luck at all and began to think that I'd accidentally recycled it. Although I knew tickets were still available I didn't really fancy the prospect of lining Simon Jordan's pockets by another £25. So I started to make plans that didn't involve trekking to the twilight zone of South London where all journeys take at least twice as long as they should. However my wife then came home and found the ticket within 30 seconds of being told it was lost.
Therefore I went but within six minutes of the kick off regretted it as we gave away two soft goals. This wasn't West Brom all over again as we did put some nice moves together and looked as if we felt we could get back into the game, but when Graham's penalty was saved it was clear it wasn't going to be our day.
The game was killed off for us early in the second half when, having been on the attack, we gave the ball away and Palace broke quickly. Mariappa, who was at fault for at least two of the goals, had an excellent chance to put a decisive tackle in but hesitated and seconds later the ball was in the back of the net.
We continued to play the attractive passing game that has reaped so many rewards recently but it was pointless because our shooting was so wayward. Cathcart came closest with a header that Sperroni tipped over, and Cleverley hit the post late on. To quote the Palace fans obvious chant we spent the entire afternoon looking like we couldn't score in a brothel.
On another day, some of those chances would've gone in and maybe our defending would've been tighter and we might have got something out of it. It wouldn't be so memorable but it would have meant a point or three. And then there are those diamond days, the ones that come along more rarely than these dire ones, that are magical and make you remember why you do it. We've had one at Palace fairly recently by the same scoreline and once Loz put today in context I very much enjoyed the memory of it during the two hour slog back across London.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Crystal Palace v Watford- Previously...
Our first league meetings with Palace were in 1921 in the inaugural season of Division 3. Both games were draws, 2-2 at the Nest which was their home before Selhurst and 1-1 at Cassio Road where we resided before moving to the Vic.
We've met 101 times with us winning 38 drawing 24 and losing 39, scoring 138 and conceding 156. Our biggest win was 7-1 at the Vic in Sept 1954 in Division 3 (S), with our biggest loss five years later at Selhurst when we went down 8-1 in the same division.
In South London we've played the Eagles 50 times, winning 14 drawing 11 and losing 25, scoring 51 and conceding 85. A couple of the more notable victories we've had there include the fantastic 3-0 first leg playoff win in 2006, and a win by the same score back in April 1982 that put us just four points away from promotion to the top flight for the first time.
Last season, in an opening day battle of the playoff semi finals losers, we earned a creditable 0-0 drew at Selhurst. For the second season running we put them out of the FA Cup at the Vic winning 4-3, and a month later beat them 2-0 in the League with Don Cowie and a Fonte own goal earning us the points.
Like ourselves, after failing to progress in the 2008 playoffs, Palace haven't really troubled the top six since. This season they are draw specialists having managed 8, a record beaten only by Ipswich and Donnie. Four of their last five games have ended 1-1, the only one that didn't was the most recent game played at Selhurst when they beat Boro 1-0. They are currently 13th with 23 points.
One very notable absentee from tomorrows game will be Jobi McAnnufff. He always seemed to relish the abuse given to him by the Palace fans and would raise his game a hundred fold whenever we met them. It won't be quite the same without the two sets of supporters trying to out sing each other with the different versions of his song. Oh well, maybe we could all join in with their version this time round.
We've met 101 times with us winning 38 drawing 24 and losing 39, scoring 138 and conceding 156. Our biggest win was 7-1 at the Vic in Sept 1954 in Division 3 (S), with our biggest loss five years later at Selhurst when we went down 8-1 in the same division.
In South London we've played the Eagles 50 times, winning 14 drawing 11 and losing 25, scoring 51 and conceding 85. A couple of the more notable victories we've had there include the fantastic 3-0 first leg playoff win in 2006, and a win by the same score back in April 1982 that put us just four points away from promotion to the top flight for the first time.
Last season, in an opening day battle of the playoff semi finals losers, we earned a creditable 0-0 drew at Selhurst. For the second season running we put them out of the FA Cup at the Vic winning 4-3, and a month later beat them 2-0 in the League with Don Cowie and a Fonte own goal earning us the points.
Like ourselves, after failing to progress in the 2008 playoffs, Palace haven't really troubled the top six since. This season they are draw specialists having managed 8, a record beaten only by Ipswich and Donnie. Four of their last five games have ended 1-1, the only one that didn't was the most recent game played at Selhurst when they beat Boro 1-0. They are currently 13th with 23 points.
One very notable absentee from tomorrows game will be Jobi McAnnufff. He always seemed to relish the abuse given to him by the Palace fans and would raise his game a hundred fold whenever we met them. It won't be quite the same without the two sets of supporters trying to out sing each other with the different versions of his song. Oh well, maybe we could all join in with their version this time round.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Video Refs- Watford 3 Scunthorpe United 0
Its a fairly obvious topical theme but there were several inexplicable decisions this afternoon that could've easily been corrected if only we had a video ref in football. I really can't see any good reason against it. The entire television audience of France-Ireland had seen Henry's handball several times before Ireland kicked off again on Wednesday night so the argument of 'it would disrupt the game' is nonsense. I think another great benefit is it would show every-one in the stadium what had happened as there would no longer be a reason not to show contentious decisions on a big screen, because the decision would eventually be got right. This would also be good as the man behind me wouldn't bellow in my earhole after every referring error. By the time I left the Vic my ears felt like they'd been to a particularly raucous Sex Pistols concert.
Today a video ref could have ruled that Graham was fouled when he was the last man through and, shortly afterwards, that we should've had a penalty for a handball. These were only the tips of the iceberg of decisions that the ref and his assistants got wrong. They didn't look like they knew half the rules and could've been bad contestants on Faking It. We really do always get shit refs.
Aside from the ref the game had some other things in common with the last one against Preston. Some breathtaking Watford moves involving the entire side, not just Tom and Angela, great goalscoring instincts from H and Danny Graham, super saves from Scott Loach, a near miss by Lloyd and, quietly going about his work with no fuss whatsoever, another superb performance from Lee Hodson.
Scunny were fairly awful and look like relegation candidates. It was good that we didn't let them get a goal which might have galvenised them into an unlikely comeback, but its frustrating that we can be so on top in a game and only score three. That might sound churlish but today's performance was worthy of a 5-0 tonking like the kind West Brom gave to us a few weeks ago. H was unlucky not to have a hat-trick of headers, whilst Nathan Ellington's near misses get closer every week.
On the way home it was shock to hear us included in the list of Championship leaders on 5Live, as our points total now puts us level with QPR and Cardiff in the playoffs. Malky seems to know what his doing. I just hope Scotland don't start to look too closely at how well he is doing in getting this team to punch above their weight.
Today a video ref could have ruled that Graham was fouled when he was the last man through and, shortly afterwards, that we should've had a penalty for a handball. These were only the tips of the iceberg of decisions that the ref and his assistants got wrong. They didn't look like they knew half the rules and could've been bad contestants on Faking It. We really do always get shit refs.
Aside from the ref the game had some other things in common with the last one against Preston. Some breathtaking Watford moves involving the entire side, not just Tom and Angela, great goalscoring instincts from H and Danny Graham, super saves from Scott Loach, a near miss by Lloyd and, quietly going about his work with no fuss whatsoever, another superb performance from Lee Hodson.
Scunny were fairly awful and look like relegation candidates. It was good that we didn't let them get a goal which might have galvenised them into an unlikely comeback, but its frustrating that we can be so on top in a game and only score three. That might sound churlish but today's performance was worthy of a 5-0 tonking like the kind West Brom gave to us a few weeks ago. H was unlucky not to have a hat-trick of headers, whilst Nathan Ellington's near misses get closer every week.
On the way home it was shock to hear us included in the list of Championship leaders on 5Live, as our points total now puts us level with QPR and Cardiff in the playoffs. Malky seems to know what his doing. I just hope Scotland don't start to look too closely at how well he is doing in getting this team to punch above their weight.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Watford v Scunthorpe United- Previously...
We've only played Scunny 20 times, the first time being way back in December 1938 when we won 2-1 away in the FA Cup Second Round. The first league meeting was in the Old Division 3 in 1965 when we beat them twice in four days. The first game was our biggest win, 5-0 at the Vic and then we won 2-1 at the Old Showground, where they played before moving to Glanford Park.
Our record against them is favourable with us winning 13, drawing 3 and losing 4, scoring 35 goals to their 12. At the Vic we've played 10 times, winning 8 and losing 2, scoring 24 and conceding 6. The last meeting was earlier this year in the Third Round of the FA Cup when, accompanied by the band that would perform at Barack Obama's inauguration, a Raziak goal gave us a 1-0 win. The last time we met in the League was the season before last when we won 3-1 up at Glanford, but lost 1-0 at the Vic in one of the really awful displays of Aidy's reign.
Scunthorpe have done far better at home this season than on their travels. They've only won once away, a stunning 4-0 win at Pal-arse and drawn once, 1-1 at Bristol City. The highlight of their season was the 2-1 home win over Newcastle. In their last game they lost 4-1 at Blackpool.
Henri Lansbury spent the end of last season on loan at Scunny playing 16 times and scoring 4 goals. Mutual friends include Neil Cox who started his played career there, and Graham Taylor who never played or managed the Iron, but did grow up in the town and regularly attended their home games with his Dad who worked as journalist for the Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph.
Our record against them is favourable with us winning 13, drawing 3 and losing 4, scoring 35 goals to their 12. At the Vic we've played 10 times, winning 8 and losing 2, scoring 24 and conceding 6. The last meeting was earlier this year in the Third Round of the FA Cup when, accompanied by the band that would perform at Barack Obama's inauguration, a Raziak goal gave us a 1-0 win. The last time we met in the League was the season before last when we won 3-1 up at Glanford, but lost 1-0 at the Vic in one of the really awful displays of Aidy's reign.
Scunthorpe have done far better at home this season than on their travels. They've only won once away, a stunning 4-0 win at Pal-arse and drawn once, 1-1 at Bristol City. The highlight of their season was the 2-1 home win over Newcastle. In their last game they lost 4-1 at Blackpool.
Henri Lansbury spent the end of last season on loan at Scunny playing 16 times and scoring 4 goals. Mutual friends include Neil Cox who started his played career there, and Graham Taylor who never played or managed the Iron, but did grow up in the town and regularly attended their home games with his Dad who worked as journalist for the Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Yet Another New Scoreboard
Since the wonderful scoreboard that graces the masthead of this blog was retired due to the construction of the Vicarage Road Stand we've had some fairly ropey efforts inflicted upon us.
When Sarries moved in we had one attached to the portacabin that sat on the old Family Terrace. It was a luminous green affair but did the job adequately keeping score and time in a functional sort of way.
It got replaced by the Disabled Enclosure scoreboard which must be one of the most shy and retiring scoreboards in the country. Its not really apparent that its anything at all until you realise the bit in the middle is keeping the time. I quite liked it really as it seemed such a low tech affair. I wondered if someone was actually turning a dial in the enclosure to make it change. Presumably not as if that had been the case it wouldn't have started going wrong so frequently. So we purchased two new bright clocks with a 1980's digital watch type font to compensate for its mistakes. We must have got these very cheaply as they only seemed to work for one or two games before their light was permanently extinguished.
We gave up on the disabled enclosure keeping the score around the same time although the Home and Away signs can still be seen. On Saturday we unveiled a new sponsored scoreboard with scrolling text but there were several immediate problems, the major one being you needed fantastic eyesight to read the score. But even if you could it kept getting it wrong. For a while we were 2 up when officially we'd only scored 1. When Cleverley did make it two the scoreboard seemed to optimistically think we'd scored 20. After a while it seemed to give up completely on keeping the score but managed to do the time okay.
Today, I can exclusively reveal that we have purchased another scoreboard and it should be in place for the Scunny game. Here it is just before being packaged up to be shipped off to the Vic.
Jimmy and Vince must have typed keyword 'scoreboard' into eBay without quite realising that in this particular case size really does matter. At least its unlikely to go wrong, and the only problem will be if either side manages to score 10 or more...
When Sarries moved in we had one attached to the portacabin that sat on the old Family Terrace. It was a luminous green affair but did the job adequately keeping score and time in a functional sort of way.
It got replaced by the Disabled Enclosure scoreboard which must be one of the most shy and retiring scoreboards in the country. Its not really apparent that its anything at all until you realise the bit in the middle is keeping the time. I quite liked it really as it seemed such a low tech affair. I wondered if someone was actually turning a dial in the enclosure to make it change. Presumably not as if that had been the case it wouldn't have started going wrong so frequently. So we purchased two new bright clocks with a 1980's digital watch type font to compensate for its mistakes. We must have got these very cheaply as they only seemed to work for one or two games before their light was permanently extinguished.
We gave up on the disabled enclosure keeping the score around the same time although the Home and Away signs can still be seen. On Saturday we unveiled a new sponsored scoreboard with scrolling text but there were several immediate problems, the major one being you needed fantastic eyesight to read the score. But even if you could it kept getting it wrong. For a while we were 2 up when officially we'd only scored 1. When Cleverley did make it two the scoreboard seemed to optimistically think we'd scored 20. After a while it seemed to give up completely on keeping the score but managed to do the time okay.
Today, I can exclusively reveal that we have purchased another scoreboard and it should be in place for the Scunny game. Here it is just before being packaged up to be shipped off to the Vic.Jimmy and Vince must have typed keyword 'scoreboard' into eBay without quite realising that in this particular case size really does matter. At least its unlikely to go wrong, and the only problem will be if either side manages to score 10 or more...
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Believe- Watford 2 Preston North End 0
As everything that the club does at the moment has to remind you that Elt is playing a concert next year and the tickets go on sale on Monday I hope they appreciate I managed to wangle one of his lesser known hits into the blog title.
But I make no apologies for it because today we truly did believe, in a way that, as Malky correctly pointed out, exactly a week ago at the Hawthorns we really didn't. The very obvious difference today was Heidar who just gives us that extra bit of Mooney-esque bite, and by us I don't just mean the team but all of us. His presence lifts the whole place and when he scored after 9 minutes we all believed that we could beat an average looking Preston side, and it was very satisfying that we did.
We played some lovely passing football that a year ago it would've been impossible for us to pull off. The second goal was made by a wonderful bit of skill from Lansbury and finished off by Cleverley. It was as good as anything seen during the Judas era.
What was really great about today though was the second half. Preston were much much better than they were in the first half. They'd obviously had a bit of a rollicking at half time and came out looking determined to try and nick a goal that would then give them a way back in. But our back four held very firm and didn't let Preston through, even though they had Jon 'Giant Haystacks' Parkin leading the line. Scott Loach was brilliant and made a fine save from Parkin in injury time to ensure we didn't have a nervy finale.
An often sung song last week at West Brom was 'We always get shit refs'. I'm surprised we'd didn't have a reprise this afternoon as Mr K Wright was woeful. He was overly fussy at times when he didn't need to be, but ridiculously lenient when action was required. His complete lack of authority really showed when we had a free kick just outside the Preston box in the second half. He asked the wall to move back from its position of about seven yards from the ball and when they didn't respond he just walked away. He was rubbish and should be sent back to ref kids and get their respect before being unleashed on the Championship again. If Elton wants to add some chants into his set for May I reckon this is should be top of the list because, frustratingly, its so true.
But I make no apologies for it because today we truly did believe, in a way that, as Malky correctly pointed out, exactly a week ago at the Hawthorns we really didn't. The very obvious difference today was Heidar who just gives us that extra bit of Mooney-esque bite, and by us I don't just mean the team but all of us. His presence lifts the whole place and when he scored after 9 minutes we all believed that we could beat an average looking Preston side, and it was very satisfying that we did.
We played some lovely passing football that a year ago it would've been impossible for us to pull off. The second goal was made by a wonderful bit of skill from Lansbury and finished off by Cleverley. It was as good as anything seen during the Judas era.
What was really great about today though was the second half. Preston were much much better than they were in the first half. They'd obviously had a bit of a rollicking at half time and came out looking determined to try and nick a goal that would then give them a way back in. But our back four held very firm and didn't let Preston through, even though they had Jon 'Giant Haystacks' Parkin leading the line. Scott Loach was brilliant and made a fine save from Parkin in injury time to ensure we didn't have a nervy finale.
An often sung song last week at West Brom was 'We always get shit refs'. I'm surprised we'd didn't have a reprise this afternoon as Mr K Wright was woeful. He was overly fussy at times when he didn't need to be, but ridiculously lenient when action was required. His complete lack of authority really showed when we had a free kick just outside the Preston box in the second half. He asked the wall to move back from its position of about seven yards from the ball and when they didn't respond he just walked away. He was rubbish and should be sent back to ref kids and get their respect before being unleashed on the Championship again. If Elton wants to add some chants into his set for May I reckon this is should be top of the list because, frustratingly, its so true.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Watford v Preston North End- Previously...
It was in our first season as a Football League club that we met the first ever League Champions. We went up to Deepdale in the Second Round of the 1921 FA Cup where we were beaten 4-1. Four more FA Cup meetings followed before we met them for the first time in the League in 1969 when we were both in the Old Division Two. We were beaten 3-0 in Lancashire and drew 0-0 at the Vic.
In all there have been 37 meetings between us and we’ve won 10, drawn 11 and lost 16 of those, scoring 40 goals but conceding 52. We have a much better record at home winning 8 of the 18 meetings, drawing 6 and losing 4 scoring 22 goals to their 17.
We’ve never beaten Preston by more than a couple of goals and have only managed to put three past them on two ocassions, both at home in 1974 and 1998. The two meetings in League and Cup that I’ve mentioned are Preston’s biggest victories over us. At the Vic their biggest margin of victory was 2-0 in 2005.
Because of one of the unnecessary quirks of the fixture list that the organisers love to throw in occasionally we last met Preston twice during October 2008. Goals from Jon Harley and Tommy Smith secured a 2-1 victory at Vicarage Road which was Aidy’s last home win. The 2-0 reverse later in the month at Deepdale was his last away match in charge.
Preston are currently in 9th place in the Championship with 24 points. They have won three of their eight away games with victories against Barnsley, Leicester and Sheffield Wednesday. Their last two matches were both homes draws, 1-1 with Palace and 2-2 with Middlesbrough.
No current Preston player has appeared for the 'Orns. For our most notable mutual friend we have to go back over 100 years. John Goodall was one of Preston's 'Invincibles' in the inaugural season of the Football League in 1888. He was the leagues leading scorer with 20 goals in 21 games. He then made his way to us via Derby where he not only played for County but also for the Derbyshire Cricket Team, New Brighton Tower and Glossop North End. In 1903 he became our first ever player manager having instant success as we won the Southern League Second Division. He remained in charge until 1910 when he then took on the job of our groundsman! An option for Malky maybe, if this football manager business doesn't work out.
In all there have been 37 meetings between us and we’ve won 10, drawn 11 and lost 16 of those, scoring 40 goals but conceding 52. We have a much better record at home winning 8 of the 18 meetings, drawing 6 and losing 4 scoring 22 goals to their 17.
We’ve never beaten Preston by more than a couple of goals and have only managed to put three past them on two ocassions, both at home in 1974 and 1998. The two meetings in League and Cup that I’ve mentioned are Preston’s biggest victories over us. At the Vic their biggest margin of victory was 2-0 in 2005.
Because of one of the unnecessary quirks of the fixture list that the organisers love to throw in occasionally we last met Preston twice during October 2008. Goals from Jon Harley and Tommy Smith secured a 2-1 victory at Vicarage Road which was Aidy’s last home win. The 2-0 reverse later in the month at Deepdale was his last away match in charge.
Preston are currently in 9th place in the Championship with 24 points. They have won three of their eight away games with victories against Barnsley, Leicester and Sheffield Wednesday. Their last two matches were both homes draws, 1-1 with Palace and 2-2 with Middlesbrough.
No current Preston player has appeared for the 'Orns. For our most notable mutual friend we have to go back over 100 years. John Goodall was one of Preston's 'Invincibles' in the inaugural season of the Football League in 1888. He was the leagues leading scorer with 20 goals in 21 games. He then made his way to us via Derby where he not only played for County but also for the Derbyshire Cricket Team, New Brighton Tower and Glossop North End. In 1903 he became our first ever player manager having instant success as we won the Southern League Second Division. He remained in charge until 1910 when he then took on the job of our groundsman! An option for Malky maybe, if this football manager business doesn't work out.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Cathcart
My friend Laurence texted today wondering if we've made a deal that to keep Tom Cleverley we have to play Craig Cathcart as well. CC certainly isn't the Mike 'Mr.Krabs' Williamson replacement we hoped for (nice to see him turning out so regularly for Pompey, hope he's enjoying the money). As I've said before I reckon Dale Bennett has done more to merit a place in the side than Cathcart.
He really should've dealt with the first goal yesterday afternoon. Yes, it was headed in by the tallest Albion player but Craig is no wallflower and was marking him. Unlike Tom C, he currently he looks like one of our academy kids who's struggling slightly at being made to step up so quickly, rather than a player who might one day grace the 'Theatre of Dreams'.
He really should've dealt with the first goal yesterday afternoon. Yes, it was headed in by the tallest Albion player but Craig is no wallflower and was marking him. Unlike Tom C, he currently he looks like one of our academy kids who's struggling slightly at being made to step up so quickly, rather than a player who might one day grace the 'Theatre of Dreams'.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
West Bromwich Albion v Watford- Previously...
Our first competitive meeting with West Brom didn't happen until 1977 when we lost 1-0 at The Hawthorns in the League Cup 3rd Round. In all we've met 33 times, winning 10, drawing 7 and losing 16, scoring 42 goals to their 53.
Up in the Black Country we've played 16 times, winning just 3, drawing 4 and losing 9 scoring 17 and conceding 32. The victories were a 3-1 win back in the Old Division 1 in 1983, and two 1-0 wins in the second flight in 1988 and 1995.
Our last meetings were back in the season when no-one really wanted to win the Championship but West Brom tried the least hard and ended up with the title. We were beaten 3-0 at Vicarage Road but managed a 1-1 draw away with Leigh Bromby scoring our goal after just six minutes.
Despite currently being 4th, West Brom's record since they beat Middlesbrough 5-0 away hasn't been that good. In seven games since then they have only beaten Judas' side but then I seem to say that every time I write one of these reviews. Just how long is Brendan going to survive? In their last home match they went down 1-0 to Swansea and last Saturday they drew 0-0 at Coventry.
It will be very strange to be facing a West Brom side without Robbo, although I'm sure our players won't be complaining. The one Watford player with good experience of the Baggies is Nathan Ellington but I don't expect he'll receive a very warm welcome if he gets to play tomorrow.
Up in the Black Country we've played 16 times, winning just 3, drawing 4 and losing 9 scoring 17 and conceding 32. The victories were a 3-1 win back in the Old Division 1 in 1983, and two 1-0 wins in the second flight in 1988 and 1995.
Our last meetings were back in the season when no-one really wanted to win the Championship but West Brom tried the least hard and ended up with the title. We were beaten 3-0 at Vicarage Road but managed a 1-1 draw away with Leigh Bromby scoring our goal after just six minutes.
Despite currently being 4th, West Brom's record since they beat Middlesbrough 5-0 away hasn't been that good. In seven games since then they have only beaten Judas' side but then I seem to say that every time I write one of these reviews. Just how long is Brendan going to survive? In their last home match they went down 1-0 to Swansea and last Saturday they drew 0-0 at Coventry.
It will be very strange to be facing a West Brom side without Robbo, although I'm sure our players won't be complaining. The one Watford player with good experience of the Baggies is Nathan Ellington but I don't expect he'll receive a very warm welcome if he gets to play tomorrow.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
EIEIEIO
I wonder if there's a group of prisoners somewhere in the country tonight chanting "We got Marlon, we got Marlon, we got Marlon King".
Friday, October 23, 2009
Breathtaking, Outstanding- Watford 4 Sheffield Wednesday 1
These were just some of the comments from Sky's Bill Leslie and Garry Birtles whose company I unfortunately had the pleasure of tonight as the nasty cold that has plagued me for over a week still shows no signs of abating.
I'm no fan of the artistic merit football lover and so when praise for beautiful football is being heaped on my team I find it a difficult compliment to take. But we totally deserved it tonight having put together some fantastic sweeping moves as we attacked the Wednesday goal. The only concern I'd raise is that most of the moves involved either or both of Cleverley and Lansbury and on Sky they did have to keep highlighting the fact that their loans run out at the end of the year. Lansbury, in particular, was immense tonight and thoroughly deserved the man of the match award he got at the end.
One of the reasons I hate watching Watford on telly is that your perception of events is totally different thanks to the endless replays and neutral comments. Had I been to the game I'd probably be blissfully unaware that we were bloody lucky not to have a penalty against us in the first couple of minutes when Mariappa pointlessly handled it or that Cathcart should've been sent off for elbowing.
But one of the plus points is that I was able to appreciate how brilliant Jon Harley's goal was after watching it three extra times on Sky Plus and also how very very very close Lloydy came to scoring tonight. His move into the box was timed to perfection and if only his header had been on target I would probably have heard the celebratory roar here in High Wycombe without the help of the TV.
We are now just three points off the top of the table. Yes, really. Okay so everyone else has to play catch up tomorrow but even so we'll take this Malky. It's going well, its good to watch and its good fun. Just a shame that having played three games in seven days we've now got to wait another eight until we face the Baggies. Bring it on.
I'm no fan of the artistic merit football lover and so when praise for beautiful football is being heaped on my team I find it a difficult compliment to take. But we totally deserved it tonight having put together some fantastic sweeping moves as we attacked the Wednesday goal. The only concern I'd raise is that most of the moves involved either or both of Cleverley and Lansbury and on Sky they did have to keep highlighting the fact that their loans run out at the end of the year. Lansbury, in particular, was immense tonight and thoroughly deserved the man of the match award he got at the end.
One of the reasons I hate watching Watford on telly is that your perception of events is totally different thanks to the endless replays and neutral comments. Had I been to the game I'd probably be blissfully unaware that we were bloody lucky not to have a penalty against us in the first couple of minutes when Mariappa pointlessly handled it or that Cathcart should've been sent off for elbowing.
But one of the plus points is that I was able to appreciate how brilliant Jon Harley's goal was after watching it three extra times on Sky Plus and also how very very very close Lloydy came to scoring tonight. His move into the box was timed to perfection and if only his header had been on target I would probably have heard the celebratory roar here in High Wycombe without the help of the TV.
We are now just three points off the top of the table. Yes, really. Okay so everyone else has to play catch up tomorrow but even so we'll take this Malky. It's going well, its good to watch and its good fun. Just a shame that having played three games in seven days we've now got to wait another eight until we face the Baggies. Bring it on.
Not Three Points But...
http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1834362,00.html
A win not in a footballing sense but just as important as any we've had on the pitch. Well done Jimmy and Vince and everyone else in defending us against this nasty moneygrabber.
Lets hope he never darkens our, or footballs, door again.
A win not in a footballing sense but just as important as any we've had on the pitch. Well done Jimmy and Vince and everyone else in defending us against this nasty moneygrabber.
Lets hope he never darkens our, or footballs, door again.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Watford v Sheffield Wednesday- Previously...
Sheffield Wednesday are surprisingly recent opponents in our history. We didn't meet them competitively until December 1970 in the Old Division 2 when we lost 2-1 up at Hillsborough before beating them 3-0 at home in Feb 1971. Overall we've met 39 times, winning 17, drawing 9 and losing 13, scoring 55 goals and conceding 54.
They have only beaten us three times at Vicarage Road in 18 attempts, the last of these in November 2000 when the wheels came off our brilliant start to the season as we went down 3-1 and never really recovered. We've won 11 at home and drawn 4 including the brilliant FA Cup 3rd Round tie in 1998 when as a Division 2 side we came very close to putting out Premiership Wednesday who included Paolo DiCanio in their line up. It finished 0-0 and we went out on penalties 5-3 in the replay.
Our biggest win was the 4-0 victory on the 25th March 1982 which put us in touching distance of promotion to top flight. Its a game I remember with a certain fondness as it was my very first one. Our biggest loss was by the same score up at Hillsborough in the League Cup when, having got us to the Quarter Finals, Vialli decided he didn't want to go any further in the competition and fielded a team with about a million changes. Of course he'd won the League Cup enough times with Chelsea so why bother doing it again at little old Watford?
Last season we went down 2-0 up at Hillsborough under Aidy. In March we drew 2-2 when an own goal and a McAnuff header would've been enough to win the game had the ref not allowed copious amounts of injury time and then awarded a last minute penalty just to ensure the scores were level.
Wednesday have only won once on their travels this season, a 3-1 win at Plymouth in August. Last Saturday they hosted Coventry, winning 2-0 and also welcomed Preston on Tuesday going down 2-1. They are currently two points and three places behind us in the table.
I can't find any current links between the sides but mutual friends include Leigh Bromby and Wilf Rostron, both of whom have not only turned out for Wednesday but also United as well.
They have only beaten us three times at Vicarage Road in 18 attempts, the last of these in November 2000 when the wheels came off our brilliant start to the season as we went down 3-1 and never really recovered. We've won 11 at home and drawn 4 including the brilliant FA Cup 3rd Round tie in 1998 when as a Division 2 side we came very close to putting out Premiership Wednesday who included Paolo DiCanio in their line up. It finished 0-0 and we went out on penalties 5-3 in the replay.
Our biggest win was the 4-0 victory on the 25th March 1982 which put us in touching distance of promotion to top flight. Its a game I remember with a certain fondness as it was my very first one. Our biggest loss was by the same score up at Hillsborough in the League Cup when, having got us to the Quarter Finals, Vialli decided he didn't want to go any further in the competition and fielded a team with about a million changes. Of course he'd won the League Cup enough times with Chelsea so why bother doing it again at little old Watford?
Last season we went down 2-0 up at Hillsborough under Aidy. In March we drew 2-2 when an own goal and a McAnuff header would've been enough to win the game had the ref not allowed copious amounts of injury time and then awarded a last minute penalty just to ensure the scores were level.
Wednesday have only won once on their travels this season, a 3-1 win at Plymouth in August. Last Saturday they hosted Coventry, winning 2-0 and also welcomed Preston on Tuesday going down 2-1. They are currently two points and three places behind us in the table.
I can't find any current links between the sides but mutual friends include Leigh Bromby and Wilf Rostron, both of whom have not only turned out for Wednesday but also United as well.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Duke!!!- Ipswich Town 1 Watford 1
It in no way makes up for the things he's done, or rather hasn't done, whilst he's been at Vicarage Road but that was bloody funny tonight.
Keano and Judas to be sacked before the weekend? The odds must be shortening.
Keano and Judas to be sacked before the weekend? The odds must be shortening.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Ipswich Town v Watford- Previously...
Our first meeting against Ipswich was a 2-1 FA Cup 1st Round defeat at Portman Road in November 1936 when they were still playing non-league football. They were elected to Division 3 (South) two years later and were frequent opponents until their promotion to Division 2 in 1957. There was then a gap of 26 years before we played again in the League Cup 5th Round of 1982 (another 2-1 away defeat). Since then they've been regular opposition. In all we've played 60 times including two meetings in the very prestigious Full Members Cup, winning 19, drawing 15 and losing 26. We've scored 80 goals and conceded 99. At Portman Road we've played 31 games, winning 6, drawing 8 and losing 17, scoring 36 but conceding 63.
Last season we beat them 2-1 at Vicarage Road under Aidy although it seems much much longer ago than that. The Sky cameras were there to watch us go 1-0 down after just 2 minutes but we fought back to win with second half goals from Eustace and JJOT. In March we went to Suffolk and drew an exciting and close fought game 0-0.
Nothing really has to be said about Ipswich's season so far other than its not going well. They drew 1-1 at home to Swansea on Saturday.
An ex-Horn at Ipswich is, of course, Tamas Priskin. Along with McAnuff he's the only other player I would've forgiven for going to work with Judas seeing as how he played so well under his charge, yet so badly under anyone else. Instead, bizarrely, he chose to go and join Roy Keane's Ipswich revolution. Maybe he thought he'd be okay under another Irish manager. He's yet to start a League game but has come off the bench 5 times and scored once. He did start and scored in Ipswich's 2-1 League Cup loss to Peterborough.
Finally a piece of advice for those who gave Neil Eardley a warm reception when we faced Blackpool. Ipswich do have a player on their books called Tommy Smith. I've checked a couple of websites and the nearest thing he has to a Watford connection is a loan spell at Stevenage Borough. He isn't THAT Tommy Smith.
Last season we beat them 2-1 at Vicarage Road under Aidy although it seems much much longer ago than that. The Sky cameras were there to watch us go 1-0 down after just 2 minutes but we fought back to win with second half goals from Eustace and JJOT. In March we went to Suffolk and drew an exciting and close fought game 0-0.
Nothing really has to be said about Ipswich's season so far other than its not going well. They drew 1-1 at home to Swansea on Saturday.
An ex-Horn at Ipswich is, of course, Tamas Priskin. Along with McAnuff he's the only other player I would've forgiven for going to work with Judas seeing as how he played so well under his charge, yet so badly under anyone else. Instead, bizarrely, he chose to go and join Roy Keane's Ipswich revolution. Maybe he thought he'd be okay under another Irish manager. He's yet to start a League game but has come off the bench 5 times and scored once. He did start and scored in Ipswich's 2-1 League Cup loss to Peterborough.
Finally a piece of advice for those who gave Neil Eardley a warm reception when we faced Blackpool. Ipswich do have a player on their books called Tommy Smith. I've checked a couple of websites and the nearest thing he has to a Watford connection is a loan spell at Stevenage Borough. He isn't THAT Tommy Smith.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
The Incorrect Scoreline- Middlesbrough 0 Watford 1
I can recall many times, when I've tried to keep up with a Watford match that I'm not at, where I think we've scored and start leaping around the room, only then to sickeningly discover that actually we haven't. Sometimes this might be due to my kids distracting me or to whoever I'm relying on to watch it for me getting it wrong. No matter how many times it happens the pain of the incorrect scoreline never gets any easier to bear.
Most memorably, in the days before there was such a thing as the internet I was with a couple of friends and we were watching the score on Ceefax. How sad that now sounds, yet back then it was considered quite normal behaviour. I'm sure that wasn't all we were doing but it was common practise to have the telly on Ceefax during a match so you could keep up to date. Suddenly the page changed and told us Watford were winning 1-0 although both me and the other Watford supporter present said "Who" at the name of the scorer. We discussed how it could be that there was a player we didn't know. Someone on loan, a member of the youth team maybe? The page updated again after about 30 seconds and the score was corrected with us now 1-0 down, hence why we didn't recognise the name. A crushing moment made even worse by the hysterical falling on the floor laughter of the Stoke fan who was also present.
So it was wonderful today that, for once, the boot was on the other foot. I groaned "oh no" as Middlesbrough appeared to score whilst Soccer Saturdays reporter was actually live at the game. The site of the delirious fans behind him and the knowledge that this would give Boro an added impetus to probably get a winner made me feel far iller than the cold I'm currently afflicted with has. But no. What's this? Jeff Stelling is handing back to the bloke at the Riverside and its been disallowed! The score goes back to show us with a one goal advantage and bloody hell we manage to hang on too. Brilliant. Great result. Now lets go and see if we can get Roy Keane the sack on Tuesday night.
Most memorably, in the days before there was such a thing as the internet I was with a couple of friends and we were watching the score on Ceefax. How sad that now sounds, yet back then it was considered quite normal behaviour. I'm sure that wasn't all we were doing but it was common practise to have the telly on Ceefax during a match so you could keep up to date. Suddenly the page changed and told us Watford were winning 1-0 although both me and the other Watford supporter present said "Who" at the name of the scorer. We discussed how it could be that there was a player we didn't know. Someone on loan, a member of the youth team maybe? The page updated again after about 30 seconds and the score was corrected with us now 1-0 down, hence why we didn't recognise the name. A crushing moment made even worse by the hysterical falling on the floor laughter of the Stoke fan who was also present.
So it was wonderful today that, for once, the boot was on the other foot. I groaned "oh no" as Middlesbrough appeared to score whilst Soccer Saturdays reporter was actually live at the game. The site of the delirious fans behind him and the knowledge that this would give Boro an added impetus to probably get a winner made me feel far iller than the cold I'm currently afflicted with has. But no. What's this? Jeff Stelling is handing back to the bloke at the Riverside and its been disallowed! The score goes back to show us with a one goal advantage and bloody hell we manage to hang on too. Brilliant. Great result. Now lets go and see if we can get Roy Keane the sack on Tuesday night.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Middlesbrough v Watford- Previously...
Compared to most of the other teams in the division encounters between us and 'Boro are rare. The first meeting was at Ayresome Park in the First Round of the FA Cup in 1924. Our 1-0 win was something of an upset as we were a Division 3 (South) side whilst they were in Division 1, albeit they would go down at the end of the season. It would be another 42 years before we'd meet again when they were relegated to Division 3 for the first time in their history.
Altogether we've met just 24 times, winning 9, drawing 4 and losing 11. We've scored 27 goals to their 34. Upon Teeside we've won 3, drawn 4 and lost 6 of the 13 games scoring 14 to their 22.
Our last meetings were in the Premiership in 2006/7. We secured one of only three home wins that season by beating them 2-0 thanks to Ashley Young and a Jonathan Woodgate own goal. At the Riverside we went down 4-1 with Damian Francis scoring for the 'Orns.
Although they are currently third Middlesbrough's home form has been patchy so far, winning 2, drawing 1 and losing their last 2 homes games to Leicester and West Brom. In the last game before the International break they ensured Judas' miserable time continued winnning 2-0 away.
In their current squad one name shines out due to his wonderful 12 game loan spell at Vicarage Road and that, of course, is Adam Johnson. He scored 6 goals but even that impressive stat doesn't really reflect how much he added to our team in the short time he was with us back in 07/08.
My plan had been to go up to the Riverside as its one of those I've never managed to get to yet, however family plans and a stinking cold mean that I'll enjoy Jeff Stelling's company tomorrow afternoon whilst keeping an ear on Three Counties.
Altogether we've met just 24 times, winning 9, drawing 4 and losing 11. We've scored 27 goals to their 34. Upon Teeside we've won 3, drawn 4 and lost 6 of the 13 games scoring 14 to their 22.
Our last meetings were in the Premiership in 2006/7. We secured one of only three home wins that season by beating them 2-0 thanks to Ashley Young and a Jonathan Woodgate own goal. At the Riverside we went down 4-1 with Damian Francis scoring for the 'Orns.
Although they are currently third Middlesbrough's home form has been patchy so far, winning 2, drawing 1 and losing their last 2 homes games to Leicester and West Brom. In the last game before the International break they ensured Judas' miserable time continued winnning 2-0 away.
In their current squad one name shines out due to his wonderful 12 game loan spell at Vicarage Road and that, of course, is Adam Johnson. He scored 6 goals but even that impressive stat doesn't really reflect how much he added to our team in the short time he was with us back in 07/08.
My plan had been to go up to the Riverside as its one of those I've never managed to get to yet, however family plans and a stinking cold mean that I'll enjoy Jeff Stelling's company tomorrow afternoon whilst keeping an ear on Three Counties.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Sport on 2- Ukraine 1 England 0
Only those of a certain age will get this at all but there was something very nicely nostalgic about only being able to listen to Ukraine- England on the radio.
All it needed was for the game to be played on a Wednesday night (for International Football never used to happen on a weekend) and I could've been back in the 1980's. It reminded me of listening on Radio 2 medium wave to Sport on 2 with its jaunty introductory music and Bryon Butler and Peter Jones providing the commentary. Sometimes they'd only give you the second half if the game wasn't deemed important enough to move 'Your Hundred Greatest Tunes' or whatever programme was on beforehand.
I'd be allowed to stay up and listen until the end but my Mum wouldn't be persuaded that my bedtime could extend past those providers of weekday footballing action, Sportsnight and Midweek Sports Special. So before going to bed I'd commandeer the video recorder (for I was the only one who knew how to use it to do anything other than put a tape in and press play) and record the game highlights and then get up stupidly early before school to watch the game.
Oh, the good old days before Sky. I do kind of miss them. But only when the game isn't really important and we lose.
All it needed was for the game to be played on a Wednesday night (for International Football never used to happen on a weekend) and I could've been back in the 1980's. It reminded me of listening on Radio 2 medium wave to Sport on 2 with its jaunty introductory music and Bryon Butler and Peter Jones providing the commentary. Sometimes they'd only give you the second half if the game wasn't deemed important enough to move 'Your Hundred Greatest Tunes' or whatever programme was on beforehand.
I'd be allowed to stay up and listen until the end but my Mum wouldn't be persuaded that my bedtime could extend past those providers of weekday footballing action, Sportsnight and Midweek Sports Special. So before going to bed I'd commandeer the video recorder (for I was the only one who knew how to use it to do anything other than put a tape in and press play) and record the game highlights and then get up stupidly early before school to watch the game.
Oh, the good old days before Sky. I do kind of miss them. But only when the game isn't really important and we lose.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
R.I.P Terry Challis
http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/localnews/4668552._Wonderful_bloke__fondly_remembered/
My memories of Terry Challis’ work go back almost as far as my memories of Watford FC itself. Even as an 8 year old it didn’t take me long to realise that part of being a Hornet involved browsing the back pages of the Watford Observer on a Friday.
It would be a while before I truly appreciated the brilliance of Ollie Phillips. At that age the amount of text was rather off putting. So the bit that caught my eye was the cartoon, always in the corner of the page which gave me a review of the previous Saturdays action in words and pictures I understood.
Again, it would be a while before I fully got the wit and wisdom of what I was reading but, even at that age, I could appreciate the brilliance of Terry as a cartoonist. The pictures were funny in themselves, they bore a real resemblance to the feelings on the terraces and I particularly liked the way Terry always highlighted the most noteworthy player or person of that week in the final frame.
I especially remember the ongoing theme in the run up to the 1984 Cup Final of people searching for old ticket stubs in ever more unlikely places in the hope of being able to secure their place of watching the ‘Orns at Wembley.
As the years passed I never did alter my routine of searching out Terry’s cartoon first before reading the rest of the paper. He’d always make me smile even in the wake of a heavy defeat and I look forward to him doing so again on Friday when the WO publish some of his cartoons as a tribute.
In their own way Terry’s drawings were a part of what made Watford FC and the Watford Observer what they are to me today. He and his work will be much missed.
My memories of Terry Challis’ work go back almost as far as my memories of Watford FC itself. Even as an 8 year old it didn’t take me long to realise that part of being a Hornet involved browsing the back pages of the Watford Observer on a Friday.
It would be a while before I truly appreciated the brilliance of Ollie Phillips. At that age the amount of text was rather off putting. So the bit that caught my eye was the cartoon, always in the corner of the page which gave me a review of the previous Saturdays action in words and pictures I understood.
Again, it would be a while before I fully got the wit and wisdom of what I was reading but, even at that age, I could appreciate the brilliance of Terry as a cartoonist. The pictures were funny in themselves, they bore a real resemblance to the feelings on the terraces and I particularly liked the way Terry always highlighted the most noteworthy player or person of that week in the final frame.
I especially remember the ongoing theme in the run up to the 1984 Cup Final of people searching for old ticket stubs in ever more unlikely places in the hope of being able to secure their place of watching the ‘Orns at Wembley.
As the years passed I never did alter my routine of searching out Terry’s cartoon first before reading the rest of the paper. He’d always make me smile even in the wake of a heavy defeat and I look forward to him doing so again on Friday when the WO publish some of his cartoons as a tribute.
In their own way Terry’s drawings were a part of what made Watford FC and the Watford Observer what they are to me today. He and his work will be much missed.
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Feeling Nauseous- Watford 0 Cardiff City 4
Today it was the fans turn to feel nauseous. This was our worst home defeat since Jan 2004 when we lost 5-1 to Palace, and the first time we'd lost 4-0 at home since the visit of Swindon Town in 1993.
It would be easy to be critical but having written what I did on Tuesday night I guess this is one of those games we are going to have to accept occasionally. To quote the programme again H made the remark that a team as young as this one will suffer periods of inconsistency and today our entire 14 were affected. What was most frustrating was that even the old hands who we should be able to rely on like Eustace, Lloyd and Harley were equally as ropey as the youngsters.
Cardiff were a lot better than us from the outset but we didn't help ourselves at all by gifting them two easy goals. In retrospect the ref awarding a penalty for Cathcart's tug seems very ironic considering that he never gave anything for the constant holding, pushing and jostling that we had to endure. He was easily the worst official we've had so far this season. I think the second goal just has to be put down to the continuing education of Scott Loach.
One hoped that maybe the interval would see us re-group and come out in a more determined fashion as we had done against Leicester. This time though we had no H to work his magic, although I felt we could've done with a substitution all the same. Instead we were just as turgid and it was no surprise they doubled their lead with two well taken goals. At least they weren't all soft.
Once we were 4-0 down we did actually start trying and played some nice football. Ellington looked especially hungry and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. We bombarded the Cardiff goal at times but it was clear it just wasn't going to be our day.
I am beginning to wonder about the impact of the loanees on the team. Certainly we need some help but Cathcart had a mare of a game and looks less reliable than the similarly skilled Dale Bennett at the back. Why are we persevering with Craig? I think it would make much more sense to be giving the experience to the player who is contracted to us, rather than one who'll eventually make his way back to Old Trafford. Lansbury seems to have got the skills but doesn't know how to work them into our team and hasn't grasped the concept of shooting at all. Only Cleverley seems to fit in well, and even then I might be confusing him with Hoskins as they look so similar.
This team was unlikely to beat a high flying Cardiff team anyway. But it was the manner of the defeat that was so depressing. Unlike Tuesday night this wasn't 100% effort. We could do without having two weeks now to mull over this game or the fact that the next one is away at Middlesbrough.
It would be easy to be critical but having written what I did on Tuesday night I guess this is one of those games we are going to have to accept occasionally. To quote the programme again H made the remark that a team as young as this one will suffer periods of inconsistency and today our entire 14 were affected. What was most frustrating was that even the old hands who we should be able to rely on like Eustace, Lloyd and Harley were equally as ropey as the youngsters.
Cardiff were a lot better than us from the outset but we didn't help ourselves at all by gifting them two easy goals. In retrospect the ref awarding a penalty for Cathcart's tug seems very ironic considering that he never gave anything for the constant holding, pushing and jostling that we had to endure. He was easily the worst official we've had so far this season. I think the second goal just has to be put down to the continuing education of Scott Loach.
One hoped that maybe the interval would see us re-group and come out in a more determined fashion as we had done against Leicester. This time though we had no H to work his magic, although I felt we could've done with a substitution all the same. Instead we were just as turgid and it was no surprise they doubled their lead with two well taken goals. At least they weren't all soft.
Once we were 4-0 down we did actually start trying and played some nice football. Ellington looked especially hungry and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. We bombarded the Cardiff goal at times but it was clear it just wasn't going to be our day.
I am beginning to wonder about the impact of the loanees on the team. Certainly we need some help but Cathcart had a mare of a game and looks less reliable than the similarly skilled Dale Bennett at the back. Why are we persevering with Craig? I think it would make much more sense to be giving the experience to the player who is contracted to us, rather than one who'll eventually make his way back to Old Trafford. Lansbury seems to have got the skills but doesn't know how to work them into our team and hasn't grasped the concept of shooting at all. Only Cleverley seems to fit in well, and even then I might be confusing him with Hoskins as they look so similar.
This team was unlikely to beat a high flying Cardiff team anyway. But it was the manner of the defeat that was so depressing. Unlike Tuesday night this wasn't 100% effort. We could do without having two weeks now to mull over this game or the fact that the next one is away at Middlesbrough.
Friday, October 02, 2009
Watford v Cardiff City- Previously...
Our first meeting with Cardiff was back in 1923 when we took them to a second replay, which in those days was played at a neutral venue (in this case Villa Park), in the FA Cup First Round before going down 2-1. During the 30's we were regular Division 3 (South) opponents but it wasn't until 2003 that they started to become very regular opposition once more.
We've played 45 times, winning 17, drawing 11 and losing 17 scoring 67 goals to their 60. In the 22 meetings at the Vic we've won 12, drawn 7 and lost just 3 times scoring 42 goals to their 22. Our biggest win was a 4-0 home victory back in 1936. Twice we've gone down by 3 goals away which represents our worst results against the Bluebirds, 4-1 in 1933 and 3-0 seventy years later.
Our last meeting at home was rather eventful as we scored twice in the opening 25 minutes before Priskin got sent off. Richard Lee saved a penalty but Cardiff still managed to force a draw with two goals in the last twenty. In March we lost 2-1 in the Welsh capital after giving away a penalty in injury time.
Cardiff hilariously missed out on the playoffs on the very last day of the season having been in the top six for the majority of the season. This year they have started solidily and are currently 5th after their 6-1 hammering of Derby on Tuesday night. However before that, they'd lost three in a row against QPR, Villa and Sheffield Wednesday and on the road they've been beaten by Doncaster and drew at Blackpool.
City's Michael Chopra had a memorable loan spell at Vicarage Road becoming the first player since Luther to score four goals in a game during the 7-4 massacre at Turf Moor. He also played for us in the FA Cup Semi Final defeat to Southampton. Their assistant manager Terry Burton did the same job for two and a half seasons alongside Ray Lewington before Sam Hammam tempted him down to Wales. Mutual friends include Neal Ardley, Jermaine Darlington and Mel Rees.
We've played 45 times, winning 17, drawing 11 and losing 17 scoring 67 goals to their 60. In the 22 meetings at the Vic we've won 12, drawn 7 and lost just 3 times scoring 42 goals to their 22. Our biggest win was a 4-0 home victory back in 1936. Twice we've gone down by 3 goals away which represents our worst results against the Bluebirds, 4-1 in 1933 and 3-0 seventy years later.
Our last meeting at home was rather eventful as we scored twice in the opening 25 minutes before Priskin got sent off. Richard Lee saved a penalty but Cardiff still managed to force a draw with two goals in the last twenty. In March we lost 2-1 in the Welsh capital after giving away a penalty in injury time.
Cardiff hilariously missed out on the playoffs on the very last day of the season having been in the top six for the majority of the season. This year they have started solidily and are currently 5th after their 6-1 hammering of Derby on Tuesday night. However before that, they'd lost three in a row against QPR, Villa and Sheffield Wednesday and on the road they've been beaten by Doncaster and drew at Blackpool.
City's Michael Chopra had a memorable loan spell at Vicarage Road becoming the first player since Luther to score four goals in a game during the 7-4 massacre at Turf Moor. He also played for us in the FA Cup Semi Final defeat to Southampton. Their assistant manager Terry Burton did the same job for two and a half seasons alongside Ray Lewington before Sam Hammam tempted him down to Wales. Mutual friends include Neal Ardley, Jermaine Darlington and Mel Rees.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Youngsters, Oldies, Sickees and Loanees- Watford 2 Coventry City 3
The notes by Graham Taylor in the programme perfectly prefaced the action that was to come on the pitch. He talked about making Malky aware of the financial concerns of the club when he took over whilst also saying that he hoped we supporters appreciated that we were not in a position to just “go out and buy people”
When the team line up was announced both were brought sharply into focus. Long gone are the days of having a ready made reserve team waiting to step up in the case of eye infections and sickness bugs. Therefore Dale Bennett got a third start, Eddie Oshodi was on the bench, Will Hoskins partnered Graham up front and Liam Henderson made a re-appearance that seemed most unlikely the last time we were all here when both H and Duke were on the bench. However, one does wonder what Matt Sadler has to do to even get a glimpse of being in the 18.
The game was extremely open and both sides looked vulnerable when under attack and so the number of goals in the game was not a surprise. On another day (like that glorious one 7 years ago where we beat them 5-2) we would’ve scored several more times. Hoskins blazed over in the first minute, we went close again in the second minute and Graham could’ve scored just after half time. How the ball didn’t go in the net during added on time was unfathomable from the Rookery end of the Rous Stand but it wasn’t through want of trying.
However Coventry also had numerous chances and Loach needed to make some great saves to keep them at bay.
Even so, we lost. Even worse, some people seemed to think we played badly. Some didn’t bother to stay and applaud the team off. I heard more than one person say we were terrible on the way back to the car. All of these reactions are completely missing the point of what GT was saying about our football club in 2009.
Because this was a fantastic effort from several different points of view. In no-ones imagination could this ever be anything like our best XI yet we had a bloody good go at beating a strong Coventry team that included Jack Cork.
Cowie and Lansbury were playing with the sick bug that kept Cathcart and Jenkins out. I find this incredible. Cowie tore around the pitch, particularly in the first half. Can you imagine playing football when your body is telling you it wants to be sick?
Our defence is tiny but still contains far more bite than that which plagued our back four this time last year. Lee Hodson has come from nowhere to be very comfortable at right back. Bennett looks more worthy than Cathcart of his place in the middle, Doyley is the bleed yellow, red and black player he always was and Mariappa grows into the captains role with each game. It was so unfortunate Hodson had to go off injured because the confusion for the third goal seemed to come from the re-organisation needed when centre-back Oshodi came on.
Looking at the 14 who played it must have been one of our least experienced groups of players ever to line up for a first team league game, but they never gave up the chase. From the first second they attacked, rallied from the blow of going a goal down, and nearly did the impossible at the end.
We should be very very proud of each and every one of them. We can’t expect fairytales this season, those days have gone for the moment. But what all football fans hope for is that their team gives 100% effort in every match. And we got that and more from this unlikely bunch of youngsters, oldies, sickees and loanees tonight.
When the team line up was announced both were brought sharply into focus. Long gone are the days of having a ready made reserve team waiting to step up in the case of eye infections and sickness bugs. Therefore Dale Bennett got a third start, Eddie Oshodi was on the bench, Will Hoskins partnered Graham up front and Liam Henderson made a re-appearance that seemed most unlikely the last time we were all here when both H and Duke were on the bench. However, one does wonder what Matt Sadler has to do to even get a glimpse of being in the 18.
The game was extremely open and both sides looked vulnerable when under attack and so the number of goals in the game was not a surprise. On another day (like that glorious one 7 years ago where we beat them 5-2) we would’ve scored several more times. Hoskins blazed over in the first minute, we went close again in the second minute and Graham could’ve scored just after half time. How the ball didn’t go in the net during added on time was unfathomable from the Rookery end of the Rous Stand but it wasn’t through want of trying.
However Coventry also had numerous chances and Loach needed to make some great saves to keep them at bay.
Even so, we lost. Even worse, some people seemed to think we played badly. Some didn’t bother to stay and applaud the team off. I heard more than one person say we were terrible on the way back to the car. All of these reactions are completely missing the point of what GT was saying about our football club in 2009.
Because this was a fantastic effort from several different points of view. In no-ones imagination could this ever be anything like our best XI yet we had a bloody good go at beating a strong Coventry team that included Jack Cork.
Cowie and Lansbury were playing with the sick bug that kept Cathcart and Jenkins out. I find this incredible. Cowie tore around the pitch, particularly in the first half. Can you imagine playing football when your body is telling you it wants to be sick?
Our defence is tiny but still contains far more bite than that which plagued our back four this time last year. Lee Hodson has come from nowhere to be very comfortable at right back. Bennett looks more worthy than Cathcart of his place in the middle, Doyley is the bleed yellow, red and black player he always was and Mariappa grows into the captains role with each game. It was so unfortunate Hodson had to go off injured because the confusion for the third goal seemed to come from the re-organisation needed when centre-back Oshodi came on.
Looking at the 14 who played it must have been one of our least experienced groups of players ever to line up for a first team league game, but they never gave up the chase. From the first second they attacked, rallied from the blow of going a goal down, and nearly did the impossible at the end.
We should be very very proud of each and every one of them. We can’t expect fairytales this season, those days have gone for the moment. But what all football fans hope for is that their team gives 100% effort in every match. And we got that and more from this unlikely bunch of youngsters, oldies, sickees and loanees tonight.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Watford v Coventry City- Previously...
Coventry have provided us with regular opposition since 1926 and the only decades since then that we haven't met them are the 40's and 70's.
We've played 76 times, winning 37, drawing 13 and losing 26, scoring 124 goals whilst conceding 103. At Vicarage Road we've played 37 times, winning 23, drawing 6 and losing 8. On three occasions we've beaten them by 5 goals which is our highest win, the latest being a 6-1 victory in 1962. Twice they've put 5 past us which is our heaviest defeat, the last time being in a 1980 League Cup 5th Round Replay at Highfield Road.
When we last met at home it was on an extremely wet December afternoon and it was surprise that the game got finished. Goals from Tommy Smith and JJOT saw us win 2-1. Our last meeting was the penultimate game of last season at the Ricoh when Coventry wore brown to commentary the anniversary of their terrible away kit (or something). After going 2 down, goals from Smith, Rasiak and Priskin gave us a highly enjoyable win. In fact we've won our last 5 meetings against them scoring 14 and letting in just 4.
In the league this season Cov have won 3, drawn 3 and lost 3 and they are currently 13th. Their away record is poor, the only victory coming against Barnsley. On Saturday they drew 2-2 at home to Middlesbrough.
Worryingly for us one of those likely to be in the opposition line up is young Jack Cork and we all know how good he is. I'm surprised Judas didn't try to get him at Reading. John Eustace is the only Horn with experience of the Sky Blues.
We've played 76 times, winning 37, drawing 13 and losing 26, scoring 124 goals whilst conceding 103. At Vicarage Road we've played 37 times, winning 23, drawing 6 and losing 8. On three occasions we've beaten them by 5 goals which is our highest win, the latest being a 6-1 victory in 1962. Twice they've put 5 past us which is our heaviest defeat, the last time being in a 1980 League Cup 5th Round Replay at Highfield Road.
When we last met at home it was on an extremely wet December afternoon and it was surprise that the game got finished. Goals from Tommy Smith and JJOT saw us win 2-1. Our last meeting was the penultimate game of last season at the Ricoh when Coventry wore brown to commentary the anniversary of their terrible away kit (or something). After going 2 down, goals from Smith, Rasiak and Priskin gave us a highly enjoyable win. In fact we've won our last 5 meetings against them scoring 14 and letting in just 4.
In the league this season Cov have won 3, drawn 3 and lost 3 and they are currently 13th. Their away record is poor, the only victory coming against Barnsley. On Saturday they drew 2-2 at home to Middlesbrough.
Worryingly for us one of those likely to be in the opposition line up is young Jack Cork and we all know how good he is. I'm surprised Judas didn't try to get him at Reading. John Eustace is the only Horn with experience of the Sky Blues.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Job Done- Reading 1 Watford 1
This was one of those games where the action off the pitch felt as important as the action on it. Therefore I can't say I remember loads from the game. But from the stands its safe to say we more than made our point. There were some fantastic chants and the volume we made could probably be heard all the way back in Hertfordshire. It was just a shame we couldn't sing "Rodgers, what's the score" but there is always April 24 if he survives until then which I think he will unless Reading look in serious danger of relegation. Madjeski doesn't seem like the sort of chairman to chop and change too frequently.
As with last week against Leicester we seemed to need a half time team talk to get us going. The first half action on the pitch didn't really live up to the hype. Frustratingly it was McAnuff and Raziak who combined to put Reading 1-0 up. However, it was pleasing to see that Jobi was as inconsistent as ever for them and we jeered him as he was taken off with 20 minutes to go.
The only one of their players we gave a warm reception to was Gunnarsson who came on in the second half. He was solid and workmanlike as ever and one wonders why on earth Aidy thought he should've been got rid of. He could have been the rock in our midfield for the last four seasons and would've spared us the frustration of Mahon, Eustace and Severin.
Up front we partnered Graham and Lansbury and, yet again, the Arsenal man was guilty of trying to play perfect football. This often resulted in promising positions being foiled because he tried to beat his man once too often. When he was replaced by Ellington we suddenly looked a lot more threatening and it was no coincidence that our goal came just 4 minutes after Duke had come on, Danny Graham heading in to send the away end mental.
Nathan only lasted 20 minutes before getting his second yellow card. This galvanised a Reading side who had been as quiet in the second half as they had been busy in the first. We went from looking like we might get a winner to hanging on, especially as the remaining ten men didn't know whether they should be playing keepball or going for the winning goal. As a result, we kept giving the ball away and there were some very nervous moments in the overly generous added on time.
Judas hugged the Watford players he knew as they came off the pitch after the final whistle and Malky did the same with Raziak and Jobi. We sang Malky's song and booed Rodgers. Overall, it was a satisfying afternoon with a job done by both the players and supporters. We can now look forward to the clash at the end of the season when, hopefully, we'll avenge both Judas' betrayal and Stuart Atwell's ghost goal.
As with last week against Leicester we seemed to need a half time team talk to get us going. The first half action on the pitch didn't really live up to the hype. Frustratingly it was McAnuff and Raziak who combined to put Reading 1-0 up. However, it was pleasing to see that Jobi was as inconsistent as ever for them and we jeered him as he was taken off with 20 minutes to go.
The only one of their players we gave a warm reception to was Gunnarsson who came on in the second half. He was solid and workmanlike as ever and one wonders why on earth Aidy thought he should've been got rid of. He could have been the rock in our midfield for the last four seasons and would've spared us the frustration of Mahon, Eustace and Severin.
Up front we partnered Graham and Lansbury and, yet again, the Arsenal man was guilty of trying to play perfect football. This often resulted in promising positions being foiled because he tried to beat his man once too often. When he was replaced by Ellington we suddenly looked a lot more threatening and it was no coincidence that our goal came just 4 minutes after Duke had come on, Danny Graham heading in to send the away end mental.
Nathan only lasted 20 minutes before getting his second yellow card. This galvanised a Reading side who had been as quiet in the second half as they had been busy in the first. We went from looking like we might get a winner to hanging on, especially as the remaining ten men didn't know whether they should be playing keepball or going for the winning goal. As a result, we kept giving the ball away and there were some very nervous moments in the overly generous added on time.
Judas hugged the Watford players he knew as they came off the pitch after the final whistle and Malky did the same with Raziak and Jobi. We sang Malky's song and booed Rodgers. Overall, it was a satisfying afternoon with a job done by both the players and supporters. We can now look forward to the clash at the end of the season when, hopefully, we'll avenge both Judas' betrayal and Stuart Atwell's ghost goal.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Reading v Watford- Previously...
We’ve played Reading a rather incredible 110 times including encounters in such prestigious competitions as the Division 3 South Cup and the Football League Trophy. Our first meeting was in the inaugural season of the Third Division when we lost 2-1 at Cassio Road before drawing seven days later 0-0 at Elm Park.
In all competitions we’ve won 43 games, drawn 22 and lost 45, scoring 160 goals and conceding 171, although, thanks to Nigel Bannister, officially this stat is recorded as 172. Down in Berkshire we’ve won just 9 times, drawing 10 and losing 36. Their record is equally as bad when they come to Hertfordshire.
Because we’ve met them so many times there are some truly impressive high scoring encounters. We’ve beaten them by a margin of 5 goals twice, most recently a 5-0 League Cup win in 1977. They have put 6 goals past us on three previous occasions, the last time being at Elm Park in 1964.
Back in January at the Madjeski Stadium (easily my least favourite name for a ground in the entire league, even sponsored stadiums are preferable) we went down 4-0 in temperatures of -4 on a Friday night. It was one of Judas’ real low points, probably only beaten by the Sheffield United home display. To amuse ourselves in the away end we celebrated Reading’s goals as if they were our own though this was possibly just to keep warm.
Reading’s form has been shocking, not just since Judas took over, but for the majority of the year. They rather emulated us from the previous season in their capitulation towards the end of the 08/09 campaign. Since Mr.Integrity took over things have only got worse, with last weekend’s loss to Peterborough a new low. At home they haven't won since beating Wolves 1-0 on Jan 27, the game after they put 4 past us, unless you count the League Cup victory over Burton Albion. Therefore, we really should approach this game with some hope.
I don’t think I really need to bother telling you about the connections between the clubs. Instead, could I make a couple of suggestions for chants tomorrow? “Where’s your integrity” , “You’re getting sacked in the morning”, “Loyalty, you’re having a laugh” and a loud rendition of Tommy Smith’s song would be good along with other more predictable ones. Bring it on!
In all competitions we’ve won 43 games, drawn 22 and lost 45, scoring 160 goals and conceding 171, although, thanks to Nigel Bannister, officially this stat is recorded as 172. Down in Berkshire we’ve won just 9 times, drawing 10 and losing 36. Their record is equally as bad when they come to Hertfordshire.
Because we’ve met them so many times there are some truly impressive high scoring encounters. We’ve beaten them by a margin of 5 goals twice, most recently a 5-0 League Cup win in 1977. They have put 6 goals past us on three previous occasions, the last time being at Elm Park in 1964.
Back in January at the Madjeski Stadium (easily my least favourite name for a ground in the entire league, even sponsored stadiums are preferable) we went down 4-0 in temperatures of -4 on a Friday night. It was one of Judas’ real low points, probably only beaten by the Sheffield United home display. To amuse ourselves in the away end we celebrated Reading’s goals as if they were our own though this was possibly just to keep warm.
Reading’s form has been shocking, not just since Judas took over, but for the majority of the year. They rather emulated us from the previous season in their capitulation towards the end of the 08/09 campaign. Since Mr.Integrity took over things have only got worse, with last weekend’s loss to Peterborough a new low. At home they haven't won since beating Wolves 1-0 on Jan 27, the game after they put 4 past us, unless you count the League Cup victory over Burton Albion. Therefore, we really should approach this game with some hope.
I don’t think I really need to bother telling you about the connections between the clubs. Instead, could I make a couple of suggestions for chants tomorrow? “Where’s your integrity” , “You’re getting sacked in the morning”, “Loyalty, you’re having a laugh” and a loud rendition of Tommy Smith’s song would be good along with other more predictable ones. Bring it on!
Judas 22.5.09
Remember this quote tomorrow whilst at the MadStad.
"When I am asked about other clubs, people are questioning my integrity and one thing I have mentioned is I always have integrity, am loyal and find it disloyal when I am asked about other clubs when I am the Watford manager."
Just 14 days elapsed between him saying these words and accepting the job as manager of Reading.
"When I am asked about other clubs, people are questioning my integrity and one thing I have mentioned is I always have integrity, am loyal and find it disloyal when I am asked about other clubs when I am the Watford manager."
Just 14 days elapsed between him saying these words and accepting the job as manager of Reading.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Next Saturday
I say this only partly in jest, but one wonders whether Rodgers will still be there on Saturday when we make the short trip down the M4.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Text Commentary- Watford 3 Leicester City 3
A mate who supports Leicester was at the game today. We met up beforehand game to size up our respective teams chances before splitting up as he was sitting inauspiciously in the Rookery with another Watford supporting friend whilst I took my usual position in the Upper Rous.
We agreed to text each other during the game and these give a pretty good idea of how the afternoon went.
Nothing was said in the opening 45 minutes and, from a Hornets point of view, this was not surprising. The first contact was made at 3.51pm.
Me: "I imagine you're quite enjoying yourself, but quietly as I haven't seen anyone thrown out yet! Stupid handball and a great bit of skill has undone us."
Stephen: "What's up with the Hornets? You ain't had a shot on target yet!"
4.01pm
Me: "Helguson will hopefully make a difference in the 2nd half. Scored 60+ goals in first spell, now back on loan from QPR."
Stephen: "Thanks. I've just texted Nigel Pearson to tell our defence to keep tabs on Helguson."
4.20pm
Stephen: "Yikes! The game is back on."
Stephen: "You're a completely different team in the second half!"
Me: "Helguson was always going to give a massive lift to both players and fans."
4.33pm
Stephen: "What was Helguson doing on the subs bench in the first place?"
Me: "Maybe it was a cunning plan!"
4.43pm
Stephen: "Helguson's coming off now thank God!! Now Foxes back into the match??"
Me: "I think you've just got a way back into the game."
4.53pm
Stephen: "You fell asleep at the back."
Me: "Amazing game."
5pm
Stephen: "Great value for money."
Me: "I feel exhausted just having watched it."
My main thought coming away other than what a great game it had been was please let Helguson be alright. Malky hasn't put my mind at rest by not commenting about his injury on the official site. Let's hope today wasn't more than just a cameo appearance.
We agreed to text each other during the game and these give a pretty good idea of how the afternoon went.
Nothing was said in the opening 45 minutes and, from a Hornets point of view, this was not surprising. The first contact was made at 3.51pm.
Me: "I imagine you're quite enjoying yourself, but quietly as I haven't seen anyone thrown out yet! Stupid handball and a great bit of skill has undone us."
Stephen: "What's up with the Hornets? You ain't had a shot on target yet!"
4.01pm
Me: "Helguson will hopefully make a difference in the 2nd half. Scored 60+ goals in first spell, now back on loan from QPR."
Stephen: "Thanks. I've just texted Nigel Pearson to tell our defence to keep tabs on Helguson."
4.20pm
Stephen: "Yikes! The game is back on."
Stephen: "You're a completely different team in the second half!"
Me: "Helguson was always going to give a massive lift to both players and fans."
4.33pm
Stephen: "What was Helguson doing on the subs bench in the first place?"
Me: "Maybe it was a cunning plan!"
4.43pm
Stephen: "Helguson's coming off now thank God!! Now Foxes back into the match??"
Me: "I think you've just got a way back into the game."
4.53pm
Stephen: "You fell asleep at the back."
Me: "Amazing game."
5pm
Stephen: "Great value for money."
Me: "I feel exhausted just having watched it."
My main thought coming away other than what a great game it had been was please let Helguson be alright. Malky hasn't put my mind at rest by not commenting about his injury on the official site. Let's hope today wasn't more than just a cameo appearance.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Watford v Leicester City- Previously...
Our meetings with Leicester go all the way back to 1909 when they were the Fosse. We played them in the 1st Round of the FA Cup at Cassio Road where we drew 1-1, but then lost the replay 3-1 at Filbert Street. In 1936 we met again in the FA Cup losing 6-3 away. It wasn't until 1969/70 that we met them for the first time in the League, when in our first ever season in the old Division Two we lost 3-1 away but won 2-1 at the Vic. In total we've played 47 times, winning 13, drawing 15 and losing 19, scoring 67 goals to their 83.
At home, including that Cassio Road game, we've met them 23 times, winning 10, drawing 6 and losing 7. This time the goal count is in our favour 38 to their 30. However in our last ten meetings at the Vic we've only won twice.
Last time we met was in the 2007/8 season when they just failed to stay up. They beat us 4-1 at the Walkers, before Milan acted as unpredictably as always and sacked Martin Allen. They then had Gary Megson for a bit before he was tempted by Bolton's better offer and so it was under Ian Holloway that they came to Vicarage Road in Feb 2008 when we beat them 1-0. Darius Henderson scoring on the stroke of half time, 5 minutes after JJOT had been sent off. We managed to survive the second half onslaught.
So far this season Leicester have a great home record being unbeaten at the Walkers. However on their travels their only win was against Macclesfield in the Carling Cup. They've drawn twice but lost their last two away games against Newcastle and Preston.
Wayne Brown is the only Leicester player with experience of us. He came to them after impressing in a loan spell from Hull City and they offered him a two year contract. Sounds familiar, Wayne. Tom Cleverley was with the Foxes on loan last season scoring twice in their run in to the League One Championship.
At home, including that Cassio Road game, we've met them 23 times, winning 10, drawing 6 and losing 7. This time the goal count is in our favour 38 to their 30. However in our last ten meetings at the Vic we've only won twice.
Last time we met was in the 2007/8 season when they just failed to stay up. They beat us 4-1 at the Walkers, before Milan acted as unpredictably as always and sacked Martin Allen. They then had Gary Megson for a bit before he was tempted by Bolton's better offer and so it was under Ian Holloway that they came to Vicarage Road in Feb 2008 when we beat them 1-0. Darius Henderson scoring on the stroke of half time, 5 minutes after JJOT had been sent off. We managed to survive the second half onslaught.
So far this season Leicester have a great home record being unbeaten at the Walkers. However on their travels their only win was against Macclesfield in the Carling Cup. They've drawn twice but lost their last two away games against Newcastle and Preston.
Wayne Brown is the only Leicester player with experience of us. He came to them after impressing in a loan spell from Hull City and they offered him a two year contract. Sounds familiar, Wayne. Tom Cleverley was with the Foxes on loan last season scoring twice in their run in to the League One Championship.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Sixth!- Plymouth Argyle 0 Watford 1
I followed the game tonight using the Sky website's Championship Manager-esque text commentary. It was just as nerve-wracking as actually playing the game although a lot slower.
Their live league table is very useful and, blimey, we're 6th. Okay, this might not last very long when Cardiff go to Judas tomorrow but even so, sixth! Fantastic, especially as we stuck with the same young 11 who played on Saturday.
How brilliant that we can achieve this sort of result without DeMerit, Helguson or Cathcart. Strength in depth? Well, not quite but great that we can rely on players like Bennett and Hodson to step up and make their mark when needed.
Their live league table is very useful and, blimey, we're 6th. Okay, this might not last very long when Cardiff go to Judas tomorrow but even so, sixth! Fantastic, especially as we stuck with the same young 11 who played on Saturday.
How brilliant that we can achieve this sort of result without DeMerit, Helguson or Cathcart. Strength in depth? Well, not quite but great that we can rely on players like Bennett and Hodson to step up and make their mark when needed.
H
Players who want to play for us. That is H all over. A great signing. Our forward line will look toweringly formidable with Graham and Helgusson. It will be great to welcome him back on Saturday against Leicester.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Plymouth Argyle v Watford- Previously...
We've met the Pilgrims an impressive sounding 65 times and, as it seems against most teams in the division, we have a rather poor record against them, winning 18 times, drawing 15 but losing 32, scoring 65 goals to their 94. Our biggest victory over them was a 6-3 home success back in 1929, our heaviest defeat an FA Cup 6-2 loss away in 1957.
At Home Park we've played 32 times and have won on just 6 occasions. If you're looking for some positive stats then our record from the last three decades is the one to focus on. We've played 24 times, winning 10, drawing 7 and losing 7. This, of course, includes that famous win at Villa Park.
Last season they did the double over us. They won 2-1 at the Vic in September with JJOT scoring our consolation goal late on. In the return match Judas did some Vialli-esque tinkering with a side that had won its last three, and we went down 2-1. Tommy Smith scored our goal.
Paul Sturrock doesn't seem to be conjuring the magic he managed during his first spell in South West Devon as last season Plymouth finished 21st. So far this season they drew their opening two league games away at Palace and home to QPR. They went out of the Carling Cup at Gillingham and have lost their last four league games. However they have managed to score one goal in every game they've played.
Plymouth captain Carl Fletcher is the only player who will line up with experience of both sides, having been with us for an unmemorable loan period in 05/06. Our new loanee Craig Cathcart would have plenty to say about Plymouth having appeared for them 33 times last term but, alas, he doesn't join us until Wednesday.
At Home Park we've played 32 times and have won on just 6 occasions. If you're looking for some positive stats then our record from the last three decades is the one to focus on. We've played 24 times, winning 10, drawing 7 and losing 7. This, of course, includes that famous win at Villa Park.
Last season they did the double over us. They won 2-1 at the Vic in September with JJOT scoring our consolation goal late on. In the return match Judas did some Vialli-esque tinkering with a side that had won its last three, and we went down 2-1. Tommy Smith scored our goal.
Paul Sturrock doesn't seem to be conjuring the magic he managed during his first spell in South West Devon as last season Plymouth finished 21st. So far this season they drew their opening two league games away at Palace and home to QPR. They went out of the Carling Cup at Gillingham and have lost their last four league games. However they have managed to score one goal in every game they've played.
Plymouth captain Carl Fletcher is the only player who will line up with experience of both sides, having been with us for an unmemorable loan period in 05/06. Our new loanee Craig Cathcart would have plenty to say about Plymouth having appeared for them 33 times last term but, alas, he doesn't join us until Wednesday.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Players Who Want To Play For Us- Watford 1 Barnsley 0
Its been a long time since a Watford team has taken to the pitch and I wasn't immediately able to identify who our captain was. But this afternoon as Z Cars struck up I tried to make the man walking towards us in the Rous Stand into Doyley and Ellington before realising with a shock that it was the youthful features of Adrian Mariappa who had the honour of being the first one out of the tunnel.
I used to feel old when I realised that various former Watford captains were a bit younger than me. This decision made me feel ancient. Mariappa probably wasn't even at primary school when I left the sixth form at Clement Danes.
This spoke volumes for how much our team has changed since we were all last here. Maybe it was just the lack of the new Judas Williamson's height but our back four looked tiny, as if we'd entered a team in the Vertically Challenged World Cup. It comprised of Doyley, Dale Bennett who I'd last seen putting in a no nonsense performance at Marlow on Tuesday night, Mariappa and Hodson. A midfield of Jenkins, Eustace and Cowie with Cleverley and Lansworth flitting between being midfielders and the forward line to accompany Graham when necessary. Hooray, no Scott Severin.
It wasn't a line up that gave a whole deal of confidence but, at the same time, we were playing bottom of the table Barnsley, albeit playing with a desire to impress their new manager. I'd gone for a draw.
Well, how wrong was I. This was a performance to warm the heart. A team that desperately wanted to do well, that gave 100% and as an added bonus played some lovely football too.
There were so many positives to take from it. Dale Bennett, outstanding in his first start, so confident and solid that you wondered whether DeMerit might have trouble getting back in the side. Mariappa jumping like a kangaroo to make up for the lack of height at the back. Lee Hodson, suddenly being relied upon in a way that is far less forgiving than just making a token appearance in the Carling Cup and being more than equal to it. John Eustace, immense all afternoon, providing the Robbo like bite that is often lacking. Danny Graham coming out from Tommy's shadow to shine on his own up front and deservedly getting a goal, even though he possibly didn't know too much about it.
The loanees added that bit of Premiership sparkle, and it was heartening to see how much they cared. Cleverley at one point failed to keep the ball from going out for a throw and screamed in frustration. If I had one slight criticism of our new boys its that they are saddled with that top flight habit of wanting to score the perfect goal when at times it would have been far more productive just to wellie it. No points for artistic merit in the Championship guys.
To even things up slightly, it has to be said Barnsley weren't brilliant. When one of the opponents subs is subbed without an apparent injury you know you are playing a troubled side. They looked like they might be contenders for being one of the three sides worse than us and only really tried in the last few minutes when it looked worryingly like we might just cock it up. However some desperate defending and then sensible play by subs Ellington and Harley ensured we hung on.
For me, this is what its about. This is what I want. Players who want to play for us and are willing to give their all. I enjoyed that first season under Ray Lewington for exactly that reason. I'm not expecting any miracles from Malky's Watford. But if every performance could be like that, even if we struggle as I expect, I'll still be a happy man.
I used to feel old when I realised that various former Watford captains were a bit younger than me. This decision made me feel ancient. Mariappa probably wasn't even at primary school when I left the sixth form at Clement Danes.
This spoke volumes for how much our team has changed since we were all last here. Maybe it was just the lack of the new Judas Williamson's height but our back four looked tiny, as if we'd entered a team in the Vertically Challenged World Cup. It comprised of Doyley, Dale Bennett who I'd last seen putting in a no nonsense performance at Marlow on Tuesday night, Mariappa and Hodson. A midfield of Jenkins, Eustace and Cowie with Cleverley and Lansworth flitting between being midfielders and the forward line to accompany Graham when necessary. Hooray, no Scott Severin.
It wasn't a line up that gave a whole deal of confidence but, at the same time, we were playing bottom of the table Barnsley, albeit playing with a desire to impress their new manager. I'd gone for a draw.
Well, how wrong was I. This was a performance to warm the heart. A team that desperately wanted to do well, that gave 100% and as an added bonus played some lovely football too.
There were so many positives to take from it. Dale Bennett, outstanding in his first start, so confident and solid that you wondered whether DeMerit might have trouble getting back in the side. Mariappa jumping like a kangaroo to make up for the lack of height at the back. Lee Hodson, suddenly being relied upon in a way that is far less forgiving than just making a token appearance in the Carling Cup and being more than equal to it. John Eustace, immense all afternoon, providing the Robbo like bite that is often lacking. Danny Graham coming out from Tommy's shadow to shine on his own up front and deservedly getting a goal, even though he possibly didn't know too much about it.
The loanees added that bit of Premiership sparkle, and it was heartening to see how much they cared. Cleverley at one point failed to keep the ball from going out for a throw and screamed in frustration. If I had one slight criticism of our new boys its that they are saddled with that top flight habit of wanting to score the perfect goal when at times it would have been far more productive just to wellie it. No points for artistic merit in the Championship guys.
To even things up slightly, it has to be said Barnsley weren't brilliant. When one of the opponents subs is subbed without an apparent injury you know you are playing a troubled side. They looked like they might be contenders for being one of the three sides worse than us and only really tried in the last few minutes when it looked worryingly like we might just cock it up. However some desperate defending and then sensible play by subs Ellington and Harley ensured we hung on.
For me, this is what its about. This is what I want. Players who want to play for us and are willing to give their all. I enjoyed that first season under Ray Lewington for exactly that reason. I'm not expecting any miracles from Malky's Watford. But if every performance could be like that, even if we struggle as I expect, I'll still be a happy man.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Fans Forum
From these comments it sounds like we should be thankful to Jimmy and Vince that we still have a Championship club given the number of times we've come close to administration.
However any hopes of signing players of the quality of Tommy Smith look to be gone, as does the prospect of stadium redevelopment, especially with the news that work in the south west corner has stopped. We now seem to be trying to get Saracens to fund the East Stand.
You wonder what the hell went on in the season where we came back down from the Prem. How could Simpson let Aidy throw money at trying to get back up when he'd previously had to save the club from Vialli doing exactly the same thing?
As a fan I don't want stupid gambles on promotion which leaves the very existance of the club at stake. These have never worked anyway. Our success has always come with groups of affordable players who have fought for the team rather than the pay packet. Malky seems to be moulding the next generation to do just that. If only we could offload some of the high earning non-achievers.
However any hopes of signing players of the quality of Tommy Smith look to be gone, as does the prospect of stadium redevelopment, especially with the news that work in the south west corner has stopped. We now seem to be trying to get Saracens to fund the East Stand.
You wonder what the hell went on in the season where we came back down from the Prem. How could Simpson let Aidy throw money at trying to get back up when he'd previously had to save the club from Vialli doing exactly the same thing?
As a fan I don't want stupid gambles on promotion which leaves the very existance of the club at stake. These have never worked anyway. Our success has always come with groups of affordable players who have fought for the team rather than the pay packet. Malky seems to be moulding the next generation to do just that. If only we could offload some of the high earning non-achievers.
Watford v Barnsley- Previously...
We've met the Tykes 47 times, 46 in the league and just once in the FA Cup which was our very first meeting back in 1911. Our record against them isn't favourable having won 15 times, drawn 14 and lost 18. We've scored 52 goals to their 58. The biggest wins for both of us were by 4-0 , ours at the Vic in 1988, theirs at Oakwell in 1964.
At home we've played 24 times, winning 9, drawing 8 and losing 7. Our biggest loss to them at Vicarage Road was the 3-0 humiliation in Aidy's final full season in charge when we booed our own side off and applauded them.
Last season we lost 2-1 away in one of Malky's caretaking matches and scraped a 1-1 draw at the Vic equalising with two minutes left. Tommy Smith scored our goal in both games.
Barnsley drew on the opening day of this season at Sheffield Wednesday but have lost their last four League matches leading to manager Simon Davey getting the boot. New man Mark Robins led his previous charges Rotherham to the top of League 2 before agreeing to move the short distance across Yorkshire.
The only player who has experience of both sides is Barnsley's Martin Devaney but even that's limited because he, rather infamously, was bought and sold by Aidy before he even got to start a game for us back in the summer of 2005.
At home we've played 24 times, winning 9, drawing 8 and losing 7. Our biggest loss to them at Vicarage Road was the 3-0 humiliation in Aidy's final full season in charge when we booed our own side off and applauded them.
Last season we lost 2-1 away in one of Malky's caretaking matches and scraped a 1-1 draw at the Vic equalising with two minutes left. Tommy Smith scored our goal in both games.
Barnsley drew on the opening day of this season at Sheffield Wednesday but have lost their last four League matches leading to manager Simon Davey getting the boot. New man Mark Robins led his previous charges Rotherham to the top of League 2 before agreeing to move the short distance across Yorkshire.
The only player who has experience of both sides is Barnsley's Martin Devaney but even that's limited because he, rather infamously, was bought and sold by Aidy before he even got to start a game for us back in the summer of 2005.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Girls- England Ladies 2 Germany Ladies 6
The moment the BBC decided to show this on 'normal' telly you just knew it wasn't going to go our way. A bit like with the U-21's in the summer the moment mainstream interest comes along is the moment we seem to blow it. And why does it always seem to happen against the Germans???
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
We've Not Won It Yet- England 5 Croatia 1
Brilliant result tonight. Excellent that we'll have more than just miserable Andy Murray to support next June and July. But please please please lets not get ahead of ourselves yet, or even at any time during the build up. There should be NO comment from players, pundits or the press about how THIS TIME we're going to win the World Cup. We've heard it all before and only once have we ever gone on to do it.
Lets wait until we've at least got to the final before we start even thinking about the remote possibility of lifting that little gold trophy. Yes, we've done great in qualifying but that will have no bearing on what happens in 9 months time in South Africa. I'm sure Capello will be telling the players that. Could the media please take heed of it as well.
Lets wait until we've at least got to the final before we start even thinking about the remote possibility of lifting that little gold trophy. Yes, we've done great in qualifying but that will have no bearing on what happens in 9 months time in South Africa. I'm sure Capello will be telling the players that. Could the media please take heed of it as well.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Ballboy- Wycombe Wanderers Reserves 1 Watford Reserves 1
I achieved one of my long standing ambitions this evening by acting as a ball boy during the second half at Oak Tree Road. To be honest anyone who pays £3 to get into Marlow FC and doesn't sit in the stand volunteers for this job as the other vantage points are all directly around the pitch. Mostly though the crowd assembles underneath the Main Stand meaning that three sides of the ground are unmanned.
In the first half I had planned to go and stand behind the Wycombe goal to enjoy Liam Henderson and Marvin Sordell's attacking prowess against lower league opposition. However they were all over us in the first half and so eventually I went behind Jonathan 'Justin Lee Collins' North's goal where most of the action took place. Wycombe scored early, a fierce shot from the edge of the area following a cross easily beating our hairy keeper.
Even after this it was mostly one way traffic despite our side containing sweary Jordan Parkes, unseen new boy Jure Travner, the scary looking Eddie Oshodi and Matt Sadler who today was trying out a role in midfield.
Words must have been had in the dressing room as we came out in the second half looking much more determined and the game was more even. I moved to the opposite side from the Main Stand and managed to act as ball boy twice, although on both occasions it was for a Wycombe throw. I remember GT giving advice to a friend who was a ball boy at the Vic in the 80's that you always give the ball back slower if its an opposition throw so I made a bit of a meal of picking the ball up.
We equalised mid-way through the half. A shot that might have been a cross rattled the Wycombe bar and in the confusion it caused Henderson was able to head the ball home. We should have had a second when a free kick similarly hit the crossbar.
A draw was just about a fair result. Wycombe will probably feel more aggrieved than we will. I was just pleased to have fulfilled another of my footballing ambitions.
In the first half I had planned to go and stand behind the Wycombe goal to enjoy Liam Henderson and Marvin Sordell's attacking prowess against lower league opposition. However they were all over us in the first half and so eventually I went behind Jonathan 'Justin Lee Collins' North's goal where most of the action took place. Wycombe scored early, a fierce shot from the edge of the area following a cross easily beating our hairy keeper.
Even after this it was mostly one way traffic despite our side containing sweary Jordan Parkes, unseen new boy Jure Travner, the scary looking Eddie Oshodi and Matt Sadler who today was trying out a role in midfield.
Words must have been had in the dressing room as we came out in the second half looking much more determined and the game was more even. I moved to the opposite side from the Main Stand and managed to act as ball boy twice, although on both occasions it was for a Wycombe throw. I remember GT giving advice to a friend who was a ball boy at the Vic in the 80's that you always give the ball back slower if its an opposition throw so I made a bit of a meal of picking the ball up.
We equalised mid-way through the half. A shot that might have been a cross rattled the Wycombe bar and in the confusion it caused Henderson was able to head the ball home. We should have had a second when a free kick similarly hit the crossbar.
A draw was just about a fair result. Wycombe will probably feel more aggrieved than we will. I was just pleased to have fulfilled another of my footballing ambitions.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Diplomacy
Aidy's comments do suggest he's learnt very little in the way of diplomacy since leaving. I particularly find the insinuation that we are a small club in comparison to West Brom and Norwich a rather unnecessary dig. We are a small club compared to Liverpool and Man Utd. Dagenham & Redbridge are a small club compared to Norwich and West Brom. I would agree we are smaller than either of the "footballing institutions" he mentions but not by much.
As for not changing a single second, really?? Either he doesn't mean it or he truly hasn't learnt a thing from the adversity he talks of.
Compare his comments to those of Tommy Smith. Humble, courteous, considered, acknowledging past mistakes and wishing us well.
It doesn't take much to be nice or to say the right thing. We don't know footballers or managers personally so can only go on comments released in the press. Tommy has always seemed like a top bloke and since he's been back I've never waived in that opinion. He's only reaffirmed it with his comments now.
I've always had reservations about Aidy but have tried to ignore these to concentrate on what he achieved on the pitch. However I think he's finally shown his true colours. What point was there in belittling us? Sorry Aidy, but that applause I offered last night has just been silenced by your thoughtless arrogance.
As for not changing a single second, really?? Either he doesn't mean it or he truly hasn't learnt a thing from the adversity he talks of.
Compare his comments to those of Tommy Smith. Humble, courteous, considered, acknowledging past mistakes and wishing us well.
It doesn't take much to be nice or to say the right thing. We don't know footballers or managers personally so can only go on comments released in the press. Tommy has always seemed like a top bloke and since he's been back I've never waived in that opinion. He's only reaffirmed it with his comments now.
I've always had reservations about Aidy but have tried to ignore these to concentrate on what he achieved on the pitch. However I think he's finally shown his true colours. What point was there in belittling us? Sorry Aidy, but that applause I offered last night has just been silenced by your thoughtless arrogance.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Aidy One More Time
Like Mike Williamson many seem to wish Aidy much ill will, but I don't fall into that category at all.
People seem to have very short memories and forget the wonderful time when Aidy was new. It was the fact he was a bit wet under the ears that seemed to make him a good manager and we all got an enormous amount of enjoyment out of finishing third in the Championship and going on to thrash Palace and Leeds. It was only when he started getting comfortable and believing the hype that things started to go badly wrong. He'll be looked back on as the Britney Spears of Watford managers.
I hope he's learnt from the experience of what happened in the second half of his reign and does well at Colchester. It'll be tough I reckon as, following their good start, he's on a bit of a hiding to nothing unless they keep winning. In fact it's probably harder than taking over a struggling team and comes with shorter career prospects if it goes wrong.
But whatever happens we should all remember he's no Judas or MW. I bet all those who are critical remember Cardiff and so should think twice before painting him as a Watford bad guy. Good luck Aidy. If you are in the opposing dug out at the Vic I, for one, will stand and applaud you.
People seem to have very short memories and forget the wonderful time when Aidy was new. It was the fact he was a bit wet under the ears that seemed to make him a good manager and we all got an enormous amount of enjoyment out of finishing third in the Championship and going on to thrash Palace and Leeds. It was only when he started getting comfortable and believing the hype that things started to go badly wrong. He'll be looked back on as the Britney Spears of Watford managers.
I hope he's learnt from the experience of what happened in the second half of his reign and does well at Colchester. It'll be tough I reckon as, following their good start, he's on a bit of a hiding to nothing unless they keep winning. In fact it's probably harder than taking over a struggling team and comes with shorter career prospects if it goes wrong.
But whatever happens we should all remember he's no Judas or MW. I bet all those who are critical remember Cardiff and so should think twice before painting him as a Watford bad guy. Good luck Aidy. If you are in the opposing dug out at the Vic I, for one, will stand and applaud you.
"He's a big lad, but uncompromising"
I do like the above quote from Paul Hart about Mike Williamson. Absolutely right mate. You'll find it especially true when a bigger club than yourselves comes calling. Not that I imagine they will.
Its very galling to see MW get exactly what he wanted all along. In the same way that Tommy evaded Judas, I'd hoped we'd manage to transfer him to somewhere undesirable like Blackpool rather than him having the satisfaction of getting just want he was looking for after refusing to play on Saturday. I don't wish him physical harm as some on the WO forum have wished for, but do hope he returns to the Vic soon in an opposition shirt so he can fully appreciate what his actions meant to those who'd previously lauded him.
It's hard to know what to want for Portsmouth now. On Sunday I was really willing them on against Man City with Tommy Smith playing. I suppose if Tommy could score loads whilst the defence leaks goals, Pompey go down but Smudger gets snapped up by an even bigger club and we get a decent sell on fee. That'll do nicely.
Its very galling to see MW get exactly what he wanted all along. In the same way that Tommy evaded Judas, I'd hoped we'd manage to transfer him to somewhere undesirable like Blackpool rather than him having the satisfaction of getting just want he was looking for after refusing to play on Saturday. I don't wish him physical harm as some on the WO forum have wished for, but do hope he returns to the Vic soon in an opposition shirt so he can fully appreciate what his actions meant to those who'd previously lauded him.
It's hard to know what to want for Portsmouth now. On Sunday I was really willing them on against Man City with Tommy Smith playing. I suppose if Tommy could score loads whilst the defence leaks goals, Pompey go down but Smudger gets snapped up by an even bigger club and we get a decent sell on fee. That'll do nicely.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Common Goals- Swansea City 1 Watford 1
We are now, of course, desperately short of players. Well, experienced players. The inclusion today of Marvin Sordell and Lee Hodson rather proves that point.
But football has never been just about having the best players. That's why its so much better than rugby. The sheer unpredictability is what makes it so much more entertaining. The types of teams that often do well, who don't have the best players, usually find a common reason or goal that makes them that much stronger as a group.
The goals to bring this team of journeymen, youngsters and loanees together seem to get more numerous by the day. Judas, first of all going, followed by his vile attempts to get Tommy on the cheap, everyone writing the team off because Tommy and to a far far lesser extent Jobi have gone, and now Mike Williamson going home saying he doesn't want to play with his teammates anymore 'cos he is too good for them.
I think their reaction today was fantastic. We could so easily have got heavily beaten in this fixture and no-one would've been at all surprised. But instead we almost won the game. And we'd have taken a draw before kick off so lets not get downhearted to come away with a point. We're doing okay. 5 games in, six points, mid table. That'll do. Lets re-group over the international break and come out fighting even stronger and prove just how strong this group of players can be together as a team.
But football has never been just about having the best players. That's why its so much better than rugby. The sheer unpredictability is what makes it so much more entertaining. The types of teams that often do well, who don't have the best players, usually find a common reason or goal that makes them that much stronger as a group.
The goals to bring this team of journeymen, youngsters and loanees together seem to get more numerous by the day. Judas, first of all going, followed by his vile attempts to get Tommy on the cheap, everyone writing the team off because Tommy and to a far far lesser extent Jobi have gone, and now Mike Williamson going home saying he doesn't want to play with his teammates anymore 'cos he is too good for them.
I think their reaction today was fantastic. We could so easily have got heavily beaten in this fixture and no-one would've been at all surprised. But instead we almost won the game. And we'd have taken a draw before kick off so lets not get downhearted to come away with a point. We're doing okay. 5 games in, six points, mid table. That'll do. Lets re-group over the international break and come out fighting even stronger and prove just how strong this group of players can be together as a team.
Unfit to Play?
Its amazing how your opinion of someone can plummet in the space of a couple of days.
Okay, Williamson so you don't want to play for us anymore. Do you think Portsmouth or any other future employer will be impressed by this sort of behaviour? What if it goes brilliantly for you at Portsmouth for the next few months and then Man City come calling in January? Are you going to do the same then?
I guess its fine doing it on the way up but what then happens on your way back down the leagues?
Part of me hopes we keep you just to prove a point, but at the same time, I don't really think its financially viable for us to do that sort of thing. So lets cash him in and get rid of him. And he better not moan if he ever plays for a team against us at the abuse he is going to get. You've brought it all on yourself mate.
Okay, Williamson so you don't want to play for us anymore. Do you think Portsmouth or any other future employer will be impressed by this sort of behaviour? What if it goes brilliantly for you at Portsmouth for the next few months and then Man City come calling in January? Are you going to do the same then?
I guess its fine doing it on the way up but what then happens on your way back down the leagues?
Part of me hopes we keep you just to prove a point, but at the same time, I don't really think its financially viable for us to do that sort of thing. So lets cash him in and get rid of him. And he better not moan if he ever plays for a team against us at the abuse he is going to get. You've brought it all on yourself mate.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
End of Summer Sales
I didn't expect to feel exhilarated when Tommy left the Vic but the way he has rubbed Judas' nose in it by stringing him along has made me quite euphoric this afternoon with the news he has joined Portsmouth.
Many many thanks Tommy for all you did for us. You were brilliant and will be welcomed back to the Vic warmly whatever shirt you happen to be wearing.
Judas has obviously gone into panic mode with the news he's managed to get McAnuff instead. To be honest, good riddance. I don't really have much time for a player who clearly has the ability but can only be bothered to turn it on when it suits him. He's been rubbish for us this season and I think we're well rid of him, not least of all 'cos I never could remember to spell his name properly in this blog (is it two n's and one f, two of each, one of each, I'm buggered if I know). I just hope Jobes can't be arsed at the MadStad either, even if he is now with his best mate.
With all of this (sort of) good news, there had to be a catch. Portsmouth have been a bit too enthusiastic and have gone for Mike Williamson as well. This afternoon the situation has quickly moved from a bid being made, to us turning it down, to the player wanting to leave, to him putting in a transfer request to us turning that down as well.
Good work Jimmy and Vince. We need MW for a start. He has been the difference in our defence between the shambles it was under Aidy and now. If we sell him then Jay really will be in charge again and it will be chaos unless MM is thinking of becoming Player Manager. Even if we are offered crazy money lets wait until January so we'll have time to think. Over the next five days lets just concentrate on trying to get in someone to replace Tommy.
As for Mike suddenly wanting to go, I find it rather ironic that he played happily for four years at a club in Division 4. Now suddenly after less than a year with us he's looking to move on again. I'm sure he'll get over having to stay put for another five months or a year and doesn't seem one to do a McAnnuuff and stop performing just 'cos he's in a strop. So lets just say no for now. Please, no matter what Portsmouth happen to come back with.
Many many thanks Tommy for all you did for us. You were brilliant and will be welcomed back to the Vic warmly whatever shirt you happen to be wearing.
Judas has obviously gone into panic mode with the news he's managed to get McAnuff instead. To be honest, good riddance. I don't really have much time for a player who clearly has the ability but can only be bothered to turn it on when it suits him. He's been rubbish for us this season and I think we're well rid of him, not least of all 'cos I never could remember to spell his name properly in this blog (is it two n's and one f, two of each, one of each, I'm buggered if I know). I just hope Jobes can't be arsed at the MadStad either, even if he is now with his best mate.
With all of this (sort of) good news, there had to be a catch. Portsmouth have been a bit too enthusiastic and have gone for Mike Williamson as well. This afternoon the situation has quickly moved from a bid being made, to us turning it down, to the player wanting to leave, to him putting in a transfer request to us turning that down as well.
Good work Jimmy and Vince. We need MW for a start. He has been the difference in our defence between the shambles it was under Aidy and now. If we sell him then Jay really will be in charge again and it will be chaos unless MM is thinking of becoming Player Manager. Even if we are offered crazy money lets wait until January so we'll have time to think. Over the next five days lets just concentrate on trying to get in someone to replace Tommy.
As for Mike suddenly wanting to go, I find it rather ironic that he played happily for four years at a club in Division 4. Now suddenly after less than a year with us he's looking to move on again. I'm sure he'll get over having to stay put for another five months or a year and doesn't seem one to do a McAnnuuff and stop performing just 'cos he's in a strop. So lets just say no for now. Please, no matter what Portsmouth happen to come back with.
Swansea City v Watford- Previously...
As last season much was made of the fact we hadn't played Swansea for 25 years I imagined fixtures between us were rare. But actually we met the Swans several times in the 20's, 40's, 60's and 70's. In all we've played them 38 times, winning 13, drawing 7 and losing 18. We've scored 54 goals to their 60, and both our biggest wins and losses were by 3 goals on several occassions.
Our record away at the Liberty Stadium and before it the Vetch Field is pretty poor. We've played 20 times, winning 3, drawing 3 and losing 14. Travelling down to Swansea Town, as they were then, when we met them in the old Division 3 days must have been an extremely depressing experience as we never managed to beat them in over 50 years of trying. It wasn't until May 1977 that we managed an away win, a 4-1 victory slightly making up for the years of hurt. Six years later we won 3-1 there in our first season in Division One.
After not playing for a quarter of a century, last season we were away to Swansea twice in three days under the temporary stewardship of one Malky Mackay. We went down 3-1 on a foul wet Sunday after Lee Williamson had put us ahead. Just re-reading my comments about the game it was interesting to note that I'd queried MM's substitution choices back then. Little more than 48 hours later we made amends by winning a Carling Cup 4th Round tie 1-0, Williamson again was the scorer.
The last time we met was in February as we recorded a mightly impressive 2-0 victory at Vicarage Road over a Swansea side who'd just received several plaudits for dumping Fulham out of the FA Cup. It was probably Judas' finest hour as our manager.
Swansea's start to the season hasn't exactly changed my opinion that Paolo Sousa probably wasn't the man to replace Roberto Matinez. They lost on the opening day to Leicester, went down 3-0 at Middlesborough, drew 0-0 with Judas before winning 1-0 at Coventry on Saturday. In the Carling Cup they beat Brighton in the first round, before being involved in what would've been the most talked about tie of Tuesday night, if it hadn't been for some idiots at Upton Park.
Having made all three subs they equalised against Scunthorpe with ten minutes to go before having a player sent off and their goalscorer going off injured. In extra time they then had a further two players red carded before another player got injured but had no choice but to carry on. During all of this Scunthorpe scored a penalty and so they'll be in the next round draw on Saturday.
As far as I can see there are no links at all between the current players on either side. Even mutual friends are hard to find. The best I can come up with from recent times is my mate Kenny Jackett and then the motley crew of Des Lyttle, Paul Miller, Paul Atkinson and Gary Chivers.
Our record away at the Liberty Stadium and before it the Vetch Field is pretty poor. We've played 20 times, winning 3, drawing 3 and losing 14. Travelling down to Swansea Town, as they were then, when we met them in the old Division 3 days must have been an extremely depressing experience as we never managed to beat them in over 50 years of trying. It wasn't until May 1977 that we managed an away win, a 4-1 victory slightly making up for the years of hurt. Six years later we won 3-1 there in our first season in Division One.
After not playing for a quarter of a century, last season we were away to Swansea twice in three days under the temporary stewardship of one Malky Mackay. We went down 3-1 on a foul wet Sunday after Lee Williamson had put us ahead. Just re-reading my comments about the game it was interesting to note that I'd queried MM's substitution choices back then. Little more than 48 hours later we made amends by winning a Carling Cup 4th Round tie 1-0, Williamson again was the scorer.
The last time we met was in February as we recorded a mightly impressive 2-0 victory at Vicarage Road over a Swansea side who'd just received several plaudits for dumping Fulham out of the FA Cup. It was probably Judas' finest hour as our manager.
Swansea's start to the season hasn't exactly changed my opinion that Paolo Sousa probably wasn't the man to replace Roberto Matinez. They lost on the opening day to Leicester, went down 3-0 at Middlesborough, drew 0-0 with Judas before winning 1-0 at Coventry on Saturday. In the Carling Cup they beat Brighton in the first round, before being involved in what would've been the most talked about tie of Tuesday night, if it hadn't been for some idiots at Upton Park.
Having made all three subs they equalised against Scunthorpe with ten minutes to go before having a player sent off and their goalscorer going off injured. In extra time they then had a further two players red carded before another player got injured but had no choice but to carry on. During all of this Scunthorpe scored a penalty and so they'll be in the next round draw on Saturday.
As far as I can see there are no links at all between the current players on either side. Even mutual friends are hard to find. The best I can come up with from recent times is my mate Kenny Jackett and then the motley crew of Des Lyttle, Paul Miller, Paul Atkinson and Gary Chivers.
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