Watford chairman Graham Taylor is 'happy to be used for the right reasons'

The six-man top table consisted of directors Stuart Timperley and David Fransen, non-executive chairman Graham Taylor, company secretary Peter Wastall, solicitor Michael Harris, from Howard Kennedy, and Mickey Akenson, from auditors Charterhouse.

The AGM lasted just ten minutes and the panel were required to answer only three questions during the formal events. But this was followed by those on the top table answering questions for three-quarters of an hour.

The first question related to why owner Laurence Bassini was not at Vicarage Road to address the supporters when many had seen, and even spoken, to him outside the Corporate Lounge.

Taylor explained that Bassini had “no obligation” to be at the AGM and added that he would also be missing a meeting with manager Sean Dyche later that night as his step father had died recently and he was taking part in Shiva, where the Jewish faith requires the immediate family to take part in a week-long mourning period.

Taylor said: “He has every justification to not be here tonight.”

The last supporters-related event ended with Taylor and Bassini having a huge bust-up following the Watford owner’s failure to attend the fans’ forum.

However, last night Taylor said: “If you had sat in today’s board meeting, you would be happier with how he looks at things and how he takes things on board.

“There are ups and downs with him but if you were there today you would be more settled.”

The top table addressed a few of the issues shareholders have but one concerning aspect to come out of the question-and-answer session was that the likes of Taylor, Timperley and Fransen were still unsure what Bassini’s long-term strategy is.

One of the points raised by those in attendance was why someone would decide to invest in Watford as it continues to be a loss-making business year-on-year?

Timperley, who is a former chairman of the Hornets, highlighted that you could ask the same question about any Championship football club, as the majority run at a loss.

Yesterday there were meetings between the executive board and then the full board during the day and the directors also met with manager Sean Dyche after last night’s AGM to discuss plans moving forward.

Timperley explained they decided to restructure the 'Watford Way' and “come up with priorities for the next two years” instead of the previous five-year period.

The Watford director said: “Laurence has been part of that process and it is hugely important that he is. We are directionally all on the same track.”

Timperley revealed that progress had been made on the South-West corner development, without explaining what had happened, and added that talks regarding the East Stand had also taken place.

He admitted being frustrated that progress has“taken time” but insisted progress was being made.

One question which remains unanswered among many supporters is why Bassini decided to buy the club and Taylor said he still waiting for an answer, having asked the Stanmore businessman during the takeover.

Fransen has been on the board of directors for a couple of years but this was one of the first times he addressed supporters as he is based in Geneva.

The Watford fan, who has loaned the club millions of pounds in recent years, said he “thinks” Bassini will be able to pay back the money he, and Lord Ashcroft, are owed.

The likeable Fransen sat next the Bassini at Saturday's game with Leeds United and had kind words to say about the club's owner.

He said: “Laurence Bassini has changed since he took over and he is as much of a fan as any of us now.

“I think he would accept that he was primarily an Arsenal fan but he is now more of a Watford fan than our former shareholders - the Russos, who were always Chelsea fans and continued to go to Chelsea games.

“Laurence goes to a lot of our games and he loves it.”

Fransen did add that Bassini listens to the board and they help keep him “on the straight and narrow.”

He confirmed Bassini did pay the small amount of money which was owed in September, albeit a couple of days late.

The director also stated that he believes the club is now in a stronger position than it was two years ago When one shareholder highlighted comments made by Bassini to the Watford Observer regarding him receiving offers for the club, Fransen replied: “There are always people that want to buy the club but the question is always who are they?”

He also stated that supporters should accept Watford will be a “selling club.”

Fransen said: “I think players will be sold but any Championship club should realise they are a selling club.”

One of the shareholders in attendance was former director Muir Stratford, who was part of the board during Elton John’s initial spell in charge.

Taylor joked about Stratford not being welcome when he initially arrived and the former director was keen to pay tribute to Watford’s greatest ever manager.

Stratford said: “I think we owe Graham an enormous amount for stepping into the breach.”

“We should be eternally grateful for the job he has done,” he added.

“Three of the four directors are fans of the club, in a way, and it takes me back to the board we had under Elton John who, with the exception of Bertie Mee, were all Watford fans.”

Taylor thanked Stratford for his kind words and admitted: “I know I am being used at times but I am happy to be used as long as it is for the right reasons.”

Taylor then shifted the emphasis on to Timperley as the former England manager praised his fellow director for helping to stabalise the club and said he has been “fantastic.”

Taylor added: “If I stopped (being on the board), then I feel as though I would be letting down David and Stuart.”

The Watford chairman reiterated that he does not attend the training ground but he does speak to Dyche and offer him advice when asked – as he did with, now Cardiff City manager, Malky Mackay.

One of the last issues raised at last night’s event was the Watford squad and the top table highlighted that Watford’s squad is now larger than it was last year and Timperley questioned whether “they are the right players?”