Taylor: Hornets face 'deeply unpleasant situation'

1:49pm Friday 18th December 2009

By Michael Pickard

Hornets legend Graham Taylor has urged fans to get behind the team as it returns to Championship action after a week of off-the-pitch turmoil.

Former manager Taylor, who has been appointed interim chairman following Jimmy Russo's resignation on Tuesday, said the Vicarage Road club is facing a “deeply unpleasant situation”.

And he has again urged Russo to accept the deal from Lord Michael Ashcroft that would save the Hornets from administration and a ten point deduction.

Taylor told the Watford FC website: “Things have come to a head and this is an incredibly serious situation for this great football club.

“My love for the club is clear and as an independent board we're doing everything we can to avoid the worst case scenario.

“Jimmy Russo doesn't have to call in his loan of £4.88m immediately, on the table is an offer from Fordwat where he will see his cash in three to four weeks' time.

“This will save the club from administration, which is what everyone who cares about the club ultimately wants.

“The threat of administration is very real and we are approaching the fact that if that money is not paid to Jimmy then he can put the club into administration.”

Taylor, who has spoken to Honorary Life President Sir Elton John about the club's financial crisis, also reserved praise for boss Malky Mackay, who will be looking to take three points with a win at Championship strugglers Peterborough United tomorrow.

He said: “I know all the fans are deeply concerned with the latest developments and understandably so.

“There are so many who I know personally and I know what they're going through. Everyone is kept hanging and in limbo – it's a deeply unpleasant situation.

“Amongst everything else that has been taking place off the pitch, it is easy to forget that weather permitting, we have a fixture tomorrow.

“Malky Mackay has conducted himself superbly through all of this and has shown all of his strengths in this difficult time.

“Everyone must believe there is a future, that currently is in the hands on someone else accepting an offer, we can only hope they do what is right for Watford Football Club.”