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.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
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.
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