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Watford agree in principle for Sarries to stage matches

Watford have agreed in principle for Saracens to play five matches at Vicarage Road next season.

The Premiership rugby club are moving to Copthall Stadium in February but want to stage games at Watford between November and January.

The Hornets released a statement which revealed the agreement has yet to be approved by the club's executive management team.

Confirmation of the tenancy extension agreement is likely to be announced within the next week.


Comments (44)

14/07/12

stevyweavy says...

A bit of a disappointment but hardly surprising based on prevous comments regarding sustainable business model and the new pitch should be able to sustain an additional 5 - matches.

14/07/12

andyhooked says...

5 matches Okay with me. At least the stadium is being used and the pitch should not be badly affected, if it ever stops bliking well raining. Never seen the Saries at Watford as I prefer the other insects (Wasps)

14/07/12

Bringe says...

Whatever next, a greyhound track?!?! ;)

I say send em all packing!

14/07/12

ralear49 says...

Hey! I remember the greyhound track days! And I remember how drab and dreary the place used to be in those days. Oh, wait, hasn't changed much.

14/07/12

SAHornet says...

How much do we receive from Saracens for these 5 matches? Anyone know?

14/07/12

jasonwatford says...

thats it pozzos out !!!!!

14/07/12

Ronny oh Ronny Ronny says...

andyhooked wrote:
5 matches Okay with me. At least the stadium is being used and the pitch should not be badly affected, if it ever stops bliking well raining. Never seen the Saries at Watford as I prefer the other insects (Wasps)
Ahhhh the wasps, do you think they have a good B team??!!!

As long as we get paid very well, 5 games on a brand new pitch I can deal with. Then get rid!

14/07/12

jasonwatford says...

Funny thou really....when bassini said yes to this request everyone went mad....money talks......

14/07/12

Dino1982 says...

Lets take the 5 games, take the money and good riddance to them.

They ruin the pitch and cause extra traffic into the town!!

15/07/12

WFC4ever says...

Knowing our luck the weather will be as it is now when they play at the Vic!

15/07/12

corbindallas says...

Yes if Bassini had confirmed this he would have been hung and quartered especially on the new pitch, as said money speaks. Hope because it is a new pitch the premium charged is higher!

15/07/12

saracenman says...

What a typically blinkered and nasty reaction from the Watford supporters!

At least Sarries have been Premier Champions recently- pray tell me what Watford have ever done?

The sooner we are out of that place the better- it's a depressing morgue!

15/07/12

SAHornet says...

saracenman wrote:
What a typically blinkered and nasty reaction from the Watford supporters!

At least Sarries have been Premier Champions recently- pray tell me what Watford have ever done?

The sooner we are out of that place the better- it's a depressing morgue!
To be fair saracenman, I don't think the way your owner/chairman carried out the initial negotiation with our board regarding your possible leaving of Vicarage Road has done anything to endear Saracens to the Watford faithful. Anyway, good luck at your new home next year.

15/07/12

not a regular says...

I think it's a shame that the two clubs couldn't find a deal to suit both.

Two premiership clubs in our little town would have been great.

15/07/12

buckler says...

Heard Pozzo has stated they must play in Italian Lofas ! No Boots!

15/07/12

mrbankrupt says...

Be glad when there gone fed up with Watford supplying South African rugby teams with facilities

15/07/12

corbindallas says...

SAHornet wrote:
saracenman wrote:
What a typically blinkered and nasty reaction from the Watford supporters!

At least Sarries have been Premier Champions recently- pray tell me what Watford have ever done?

The sooner we are out of that place the better- it's a depressing morgue!
To be fair saracenman, I don't think the way your owner/chairman carried out the initial negotiation with our board regarding your possible leaving of Vicarage Road has done anything to endear Saracens to the Watford faithful. Anyway, good luck at your new home next year.
As SAHornet states, Saracens refusal to talk with Watford and abide by deadlines set twice by the landlord means you have used up most of you respect and welcome here at Vicarage Road. I need to remind you that without us you would have been in a difficult situation so should not be knocking us, at the end of the day it is Watford Football Clubs ground and you are just a temporary resident, who we don't need anymore, now!

15/07/12

Johnny Ryden says...

Let's hope that the management team have more sense than to sanction yet more rugby after investing in a new pitch. This so-called partnership continues to be a classic 'PartnerSHAFT'. I am surprised that Scott Duxbury is even contemplating another Saracens extension and we all know it won't be the last. Make no mistake, 2 rugby matches close together on a sodden pitch which hasn't had the chance to bed in, will cut up badly. Why take the risk?

15/07/12

saracenman says...

the money Sarries have paid Watford over the years has kept Watford afloat- without Sarries help you could have gone out of business and nearly always flirting with relegation and playing in a ground with dreadful facilities- our Opposition fans constantly refer to it as the toilet

15/07/12

Johnny Ryden says...

saracenman wrote:
the money Sarries have paid Watford over the years has kept Watford afloat- without Sarries help you could have gone out of business and nearly always flirting with relegation and playing in a ground with dreadful facilities- our Opposition fans constantly refer to it as the toilet
Watford were screwed by Saracens and actually lost money over the 10 year deal!

15/07/12

saracenman says...

Johnny Ryden wrote:
saracenman wrote:
the money Sarries have paid Watford over the years has kept Watford afloat- without Sarries help you could have gone out of business and nearly always flirting with relegation and playing in a ground with dreadful facilities- our Opposition fans constantly refer to it as the toilet
Watford were screwed by Saracens and actually lost money over the 10 year deal!
absolute rubbish - the ones who were screwed were Sarries - get your fact straight and if you want to make remarks like that back it up with facts and the truth not your myopic assumptions

15/07/12

Paul Gadd says...

Calm down dears......I never really had any interest in rugger til the Sarries turned up in our town......and it was special when we had 2 victory parades in 2006!

16/07/12

akureyri says...

I thought the original plan was for Saracens to have gone for 2012-3, then there was talk of three games. Now hat is possibly five. Why not have then wrecking the pitch for the entire season?

16/07/12

Lady Phillippa Of Staines says...

Sarries remind me of unwanted Reminds me of Uncle Humbert who wouldnt leave my fathers Great House in Denham in the 50s.
He turned my Fathers croquet lawn into a battle field with Lady Margaret from next door so regularly my Pa burnt Unc's clothes in a bin our maze - he didnt come back

16/07/12

Smilingburkinshaw says...

saracenman wrote:
the money Sarries have paid Watford over the years has kept Watford afloat- without Sarries help you could have gone out of business and nearly always flirting with relegation and playing in a ground with dreadful facilities- our Opposition fans constantly refer to it as the toilet
Yeah because all the rugby clubs have wonderful stadiums! From what I understand you had a pretty good deal that didnt change for about 10 years! Trust me we are absolutely delighted your leaving and by the sounds of it so are you, so everyones a winner! Cheerio.

16/07/12

bushey tales says...

If you loathe the place so much, why not just clear off? Then everybody wins. This never was, and never will be, a rugby town.

16/07/12

AngelHornet says...

saracenman wrote:
What a typically blinkered and nasty reaction from the Watford supporters!

At least Sarries have been Premier Champions recently- pray tell me what Watford have ever done?

The sooner we are out of that place the better- it's a depressing morgue!
You've obviously needed us for however long it's been.
You may have been Premiership Champions, but realistically how many of those clubs are capable of winning the league. Rather like the Rugby World Cup!

16/07/12

DannyMan says...

As it happens, AngelHornet, the rugby premiership has been won by 6 different clubs since it went fully professional in 1997/98. Three different clubs have won in the last three seasons, two of them first-time winners (one of which was relegated not so long ago). Not bad for a 12-club league, and a lot more open than the football premiership which has been won by just four different clubs in the same period.
.
Fact is, whatever Watford supporters may think of Sarries' contributions to WFC's coffers, no-one forced WFC to sign the contract all those years ago. And now it's run its course, soon we'll be off, and we will not be sorry to go. As someone said above, everyone wins.

16/07/12

CroxleyTandoori says...

Im glad Sarecens are going from Vicarage Rd but not Watford. The town is big enough to have a Premier League Rugby side but they cant play at the Vic or have anything to do with it. Oil and water dont mix.

16/07/12

AngelHornet says...

DannyMan wrote:
As it happens, AngelHornet, the rugby premiership has been won by 6 different clubs since it went fully professional in 1997/98. Three different clubs have won in the last three seasons, two of them first-time winners (one of which was relegated not so long ago). Not bad for a 12-club league, and a lot more open than the football premiership which has been won by just four different clubs in the same period.
.
Fact is, whatever Watford supporters may think of Sarries' contributions to WFC's coffers, no-one forced WFC to sign the contract all those years ago. And now it's run its course, soon we'll be off, and we will not be sorry to go. As someone said above, everyone wins.
Fair point, but I'm looking at the Championship in football terms.

We may not have the best of grounds, but there aren't too many rugby grounds that hold our capacity at club level, which not so long ago you nearly filled regularly.

16/07/12

SAHornet says...

Lady Phillippa Of Staines wrote:
Sarries remind me of unwanted Reminds me of Uncle Humbert who wouldnt leave my fathers Great House in Denham in the 50s.
He turned my Fathers croquet lawn into a battle field with Lady Margaret from next door so regularly my Pa burnt Unc's clothes in a bin our maze - he didnt come back
You wa !?

16/07/12

DannyMan says...

We nearly filled it occasionally, regularly is putting it a bit strong! One of the main reasons for moving is that it's just too darn big for us, which has the effect of suppressing demand because people think (correctly) that they can just turn up on the day, and then they don't because something came up or it's raining or whatever. But season tickets for next season, including Copthall, went on sale last week and there's been a huge rush for them, precisely because it's smaller and people fear not getting in. I predict that Sarries will average 10,000 per game at Copthall (i.e. sell out every premiership match), which we've never got near (on average) at VR.

16/07/12

Dr,Oftaw says...

see we are linked with chaloba from chelsea and cudicini spurs

16/07/12

buckler says...

DannyMan wrote:
We nearly filled it occasionally, regularly is putting it a bit strong! One of the main reasons for moving is that it's just too darn big for us, which has the effect of suppressing demand because people think (correctly) that they can just turn up on the day, and then they don't because something came up or it's raining or whatever. But season tickets for next season, including Copthall, went on sale last week and there's been a huge rush for them, precisely because it's smaller and people fear not getting in. I predict that Sarries will average 10,000 per game at Copthall (i.e. sell out every premiership match), which we've never got near (on average) at VR.
Huge rush! what all 500 public schoolboys. Average more like 2,000 and will end up begging anyone to come along for free! Big things happening at WFC so Ciao egg chasers.

16/07/12

AngelHornet says...

DannyMan wrote:
We nearly filled it occasionally, regularly is putting it a bit strong! One of the main reasons for moving is that it's just too darn big for us, which has the effect of suppressing demand because people think (correctly) that they can just turn up on the day, and then they don't because something came up or it's raining or whatever. But season tickets for next season, including Copthall, went on sale last week and there's been a huge rush for them, precisely because it's smaller and people fear not getting in. I predict that Sarries will average 10,000 per game at Copthall (i.e. sell out every premiership match), which we've never got near (on average) at VR.
Good luck with Copthall. I'm hoping Watford will be looking at around 17-20,000 in the next 3-5 years

16/07/12

Mickey Quinn, not so thin says...

Dr,Oftaw wrote:
see we are linked with chaloba from chelsea and cudicini spurs
where ??

16/07/12

Mickey Quinn, not so thin says...

Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:
Dr,Oftaw wrote:
see we are linked with chaloba from chelsea and cudicini spurs
where ??
ah just seen - transfer rumours site....not the most reliable !

16/07/12

jasonwatford says...

Both are also in daily mail.....cudicini is a defo i hear.....spurs want french keeper and have brad friedel as number 2 and a good young lad as number 3 so carlo has been told to find a new club

16/07/12

Dr,Oftaw says...

Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:
Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:
Dr,Oftaw wrote: see we are linked with chaloba from chelsea and cudicini spurs
where ??
ah just seen - transfer rumours site....not the most reliable !
daily mirror

16/07/12

Johnny Ryden says...

saracenman wrote:
Johnny Ryden wrote:
saracenman wrote: the money Sarries have paid Watford over the years has kept Watford afloat- without Sarries help you could have gone out of business and nearly always flirting with relegation and playing in a ground with dreadful facilities- our Opposition fans constantly refer to it as the toilet
Watford were screwed by Saracens and actually lost money over the 10 year deal!
absolute rubbish - the ones who were screwed were Sarries - get your fact straight and if you want to make remarks like that back it up with facts and the truth not your myopic assumptions
My understanding is that the contract was fixed over a ten year period and did not allow sufficiently for inflation, stadium and match day costs, contract management and accounting for pitch re-newal. In the spirit of Partnership, Watford asked for the opportunity to re-negotiate but they were refused.

16/07/12

DannyMan says...

buckler wrote:
DannyMan wrote:
We nearly filled it occasionally, regularly is putting it a bit strong! One of the main reasons for moving is that it's just too darn big for us, which has the effect of suppressing demand because people think (correctly) that they can just turn up on the day, and then they don't because something came up or it's raining or whatever. But season tickets for next season, including Copthall, went on sale last week and there's been a huge rush for them, precisely because it's smaller and people fear not getting in. I predict that Sarries will average 10,000 per game at Copthall (i.e. sell out every premiership match), which we've never got near (on average) at VR.
Huge rush! what all 500 public schoolboys. Average more like 2,000 and will end up begging anyone to come along for free! Big things happening at WFC so Ciao egg chasers.
Oh well done buckler, what an hilarious fellow you are! Exactly the kind of knuckle-scraping moron we'll be delighted to leave behind. Good luck with the next 10 financial crises and 15 new owners over the next 5 years. I shall be happily raising a glass of Pimms in the shiny new east stand, already being constructed at Copthall. When's your new east stand due to be finished?

16/07/12

jimbuctu says...

DannyMan wrote:
buckler wrote:
DannyMan wrote:
We nearly filled it occasionally, regularly is putting it a bit strong! One of the main reasons for moving is that it's just too darn big for us, which has the effect of suppressing demand because people think (correctly) that they can just turn up on the day, and then they don't because something came up or it's raining or whatever. But season tickets for next season, including Copthall, went on sale last week and there's been a huge rush for them, precisely because it's smaller and people fear not getting in. I predict that Sarries will average 10,000 per game at Copthall (i.e. sell out every premiership match), which we've never got near (on average) at VR.
Huge rush! what all 500 public schoolboys. Average more like 2,000 and will end up begging anyone to come along for free! Big things happening at WFC so Ciao egg chasers.
Oh well done buckler, what an hilarious fellow you are! Exactly the kind of knuckle-scraping moron we'll be delighted to leave behind. Good luck with the next 10 financial crises and 15 new owners over the next 5 years. I shall be happily raising a glass of Pimms in the shiny new east stand, already being constructed at Copthall. When's your new east stand due to be finished?
In terms of sensible opinions without petty insults and usual immature dross from Buckler, I think both clubs will be happier living apart!

Glad to see Sarries have sorted themselves out, and doubly glad to see we've done the same so we don't need to have tennants.

The future looks bright for both clubs, long may that continue.

16/07/12

SAHornet says...

jimbuctu wrote:
DannyMan wrote:
buckler wrote:
DannyMan wrote:
We nearly filled it occasionally, regularly is putting it a bit strong! One of the main reasons for moving is that it's just too darn big for us, which has the effect of suppressing demand because people think (correctly) that they can just turn up on the day, and then they don't because something came up or it's raining or whatever. But season tickets for next season, including Copthall, went on sale last week and there's been a huge rush for them, precisely because it's smaller and people fear not getting in. I predict that Sarries will average 10,000 per game at Copthall (i.e. sell out every premiership match), which we've never got near (on average) at VR.
Huge rush! what all 500 public schoolboys. Average more like 2,000 and will end up begging anyone to come along for free! Big things happening at WFC so Ciao egg chasers.
Oh well done buckler, what an hilarious fellow you are! Exactly the kind of knuckle-scraping moron we'll be delighted to leave behind. Good luck with the next 10 financial crises and 15 new owners over the next 5 years. I shall be happily raising a glass of Pimms in the shiny new east stand, already being constructed at Copthall. When's your new east stand due to be finished?
In terms of sensible opinions without petty insults and usual immature dross from Buckler, I think both clubs will be happier living apart!

Glad to see Sarries have sorted themselves out, and doubly glad to see we've done the same so we don't need to have tennants.

The future looks bright for both clubs, long may that continue.
Good, sensible post Jim but spoilt by petty insult about buckler. Probably best for all to stop posting about this now.

The future for both Clubs is rosy so let's bury the hatchet and move on....apart.

17/07/12

JohnnyHornet says...

And there was me thinking the "Happy Egg" deal was a joyful union between both clubs.

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