Watford FC chairman speaks out
10:09am Thursday 2nd October 2008
Comments (47)Watford FC chairman Graham Simpson has responded to a statement issued by Elton John, insisting the club is in a good position for the future.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Mr Simpson said: “"I'm really sorry that Elton felt he couldn't pick up the phone and have a chat with me because I've got no idea where he's got this information from. He certainly hasn't got it from anybody in our club.
"The only person I know he speaks to sometimes is our manager Aidy [Boothroyd] and I'll have to ask if he's had a chat with him. As far as we're concerned it's not the case."
"We had a punt to get back to the Premiership last year and we weren't successful.
"Like all clubs, parachute money isn't going to last forever, we've only got one more year left and we have to cut our costs accordingly and that's what we'll do.
"I've been here six years and when I joined we were on the point of administration. The club is in a great position now and the future's rosy. I want to make sure our club is in a good, safe position, even if we have to be prudent.
"If I could find somebody with more money in their pockets than I have I would be more than a delighted to stand down as chairman and make way for them."
Your Say YourWatford Observer
Lee_S, Watford says...
11:02am Thu 2 Oct 08
How Simpson can say everything is 'rosy' is a joke. and in the latest spin he still avoided the main question...WHERE HAS ALL THE MONEY GONE?
Of course there has to be cuts, but the figures dont add up at all. Young, King, Bouazza, Henderson, Shittu, Premiership money....where is it all?
The biggest waste of money is Ashton...get him out, and quick. Our club is in a freefall and you look up the M1 and fear to what could happen to our club
derry pigweed, northampton says...
11:06am Thu 2 Oct 08
Has Elton spoke the truth?
Can't you buy his silence with hush money?
Will you ban him from vicarage road?
Who is the mole that spoke to Elton?
Will the mole be removed from his position?
Will the mole's silence be bought?
Questions,questions Mr Simpson but no answers as usual..!
JamesA, KL says...
11:07am Thu 2 Oct 08
ab11uk, watford says...
11:32am Thu 2 Oct 08
Vicar Rage, Watford says...
11:37am Thu 2 Oct 08
The future's rosy?
That's a bit like hearing the Titanic captain saying 'We'll steer round that'.
JamesA, KL says...
11:38am Thu 2 Oct 08
Let's not start to panic just yet...
Vicar Rage, Watford says...
11:48am Thu 2 Oct 08
We were all told not to panic, we'll turn it round. Even when the untrained eye could see that Watford were heading in only one direction, the message kept coming back not to panic.
How much more of this downward trend do you want to witness before someone actually does panic, and does something?
Watford have won 6 of their last 28 games - and two of those were against Bristol Rovers and Darlington in the cup.
What we're seeing now isn't a bad start to a season - it's a continuation of a pattern that started almost a year ago.
HOOF, England says...
11:49am Thu 2 Oct 08
Im fed up of listening to your constant lies!!
Elton save us.
I think i need to see a doctor about my blood pressure.
JamesA, KL says...
12:08pm Thu 2 Oct 08
Lee_S, Watford says...
12:40pm Thu 2 Oct 08
If you think our current squad (Take into account that Tommy and anyone who performs will be sold in January) can stay up or certainly not be in a relagation scrap in this tight league then i admire your optimisim.
I seem to remember Aidy saying a couple of weeks ago that 'were in for a long hard winter'. And i think its terrible that him and the players must have no idea whats going on either. But this is all besides the point, the point is WHERE HAS THE MONEY GONE? Simpson and Ashton has mis managed this club and its the black hole that makes no sense. It cant have been spent on the ground...because its a mess, its certainly not been given to Aidy, so what? Graham and Marks wallets?
Agree with Hoof my blood pressure is rising, and i think its about time all Watford fans get together on this one to save our club
The Plinth of Darkneth, Watford says...
12:49pm Thu 2 Oct 08
A'la Newcastle United style the other week?
Lee_S, Watford says...
12:59pm Thu 2 Oct 08
The Plinth of Darkneth wrote:Agreed. I think we have all just sat to quiet on this. The spin out the club is terrible! and any other club would be banging the doors down now
Perhaps the fans should show the board what they think at the Vic on Saturday? A'la Newcastle United style the other week?
Could we even muster a half hearted 'sack the board' though? Surely the protest starts now
Vicar Rage, Watford says...
1:20pm Thu 2 Oct 08
We're one place above the relegation zone, we've won six out of 28 games, the manager has admitted we're in for a long hard winter and we've barely enough money to get by.
But no, as you say, if we say too much as fans, we'll be contributing to getting the club relegated.
You're probably right - the people running the club are doing a mighty fine job of managing that on their own without us panicking about it.
rogeruk, Weybridge says...
1:34pm Thu 2 Oct 08
The pygmy Simpson is upset Elton never called him! Now I wonder why?
I will only be happy when I see an independent audit of Watford’s finances for the last two seasons.
I have asked Simpson to give answers his five statements he made last season (posted in my earlier article). He has chosen not to do so!
All fans want to know since taking over Watford fc exactly how much money has Simpson paid himself and fellow directors, secondly how much money has been taken out of the club in repayment loans (plus interest payments) and {DIVIDENDS PAID TO SHARE HOLDERS). We want itemization and t global figures. We want these numbers certified by an independent auditor possibly appointed by the football league and or premier league.
Reading between the lines Aidy knows if we sell our last two or three good players in January we are 100% certs for relegation. He woke up and smelt the coffee.
My guess Aidy is the mole that spilt the beans to Elton; he will be off at the first possibility if one comes his way. I have ambivalent feelings for Aidy, (unlike Keegan) Aidy stood by while quality players were sold, basically Aidy did not have the balls to stand up to Simpson (or feels grateful Simpson never fired him for last season) I know this is speculation but apart from Simpson, Ashley, Ashcroft and Boothroyd know the truth, it appears Elton has no idea of these Machiavellian dealings!
It’s fair to say that Watford fans are split about 50/50 on Aidy. Certainly ex players make several accusations against him! Its Adie’s fault he doesn’t have more than 50% of the fans with him. He has not supported the fans in his dealings with Simpson to my mind that is part of his job!
This has all the makings of a Shakespearian tragedy, not only is Elton sad, anybody who has Watford in their heart is crestfallen; I ask all of you (including the happy clappers) now is the time to save Watford fc from Mr Graham Simpson.
Lee_S, Watford says...
1:49pm Thu 2 Oct 08
Can we write to the FA to actually get them to investigate the money side of things?
I would suggest we get Graham Taylor to speak out on this also, but sadly i would imagine the board would sue him!
WMH, London says...
2:13pm Thu 2 Oct 08
And for this constant 'happy clappers' phraseology please stop it....it is patronising to fellow supporters, demeaning and simply takes from your points.
Other than that agree with you that there are a raft of questions about the mechanics of the club that need urgent clarification.
The Plinth of Darkneth, Watford says...
2:15pm Thu 2 Oct 08
Is it really necessary?
This thread started with a post from dolly33 from Poole, who quotes being a fan for 70 years.
With that in mind, can you please show some due respect with your language and comments in general?
You wouldn't talk like that in person if Dolly were here now, would you.
Thank you.
The Plinth of Darkneth, Watford says...
2:17pm Thu 2 Oct 08
The Plinth of Darkneth wrote:This post was directed to the ever eloquent barbelybob.
Nice to see that you are as vulgar and offensive as ever. Is it really necessary? This thread started with a post from dolly33 from Poole, who quotes being a fan for 70 years. With that in mind, can you please show some due respect with your language and comments in general? You wouldn't talk like that in person if Dolly were here now, would you. Thank you.
djwatford, Hatch End says...
2:34pm Thu 2 Oct 08
I guess he's hoping we all get so giddy we will eventually believe him!
VoR, Watford says...
2:40pm Thu 2 Oct 08
Vicar Rage wrote:Do I detect a slight bit of sarcasm there? although it does make sense!
James - no, you're right. Let's sit back and see what happens for a few more weeks and months.
We're one place above the relegation zone, we've won six out of 28 games, the manager has admitted we're in for a long hard winter and we've barely enough money to get by.
But no, as you say, if we say too much as fans, we'll be contributing to getting the club relegated.
You're probably right - the people running the club are doing a mighty fine job of managing that on their own without us panicking about it.
WFC4ever, Watford says...
3:20pm Thu 2 Oct 08
Even the usually positive Aidy Boothroyd sounds really downbeat and hacked off at the moment!
Chris the Vic, The Vic says...
4:49pm Thu 2 Oct 08
I have to admire homer...brilliant spin...if we go bottom of the table Homer will claim we are strongest club because we are holding the rest up.
Is there a medic in the house?
I think I finally understand the problem ... did he play with Sugs?
ab11uk, watford says...
4:53pm Thu 2 Oct 08
he has to go. leave accept you cant make anymore money and go now.
Sack the board
Chris the Vic, The Vic says...
4:59pm Thu 2 Oct 08
We have been prudent for last few years Homer said so...or is he now saying we werent but now need to be?
Are these people really the board or just a series of short planks?
henry, oxhey says...
5:31pm Thu 2 Oct 08
The stadium redevelopment has stopped, the value of the playing staff massively reduced, we are already playing catch up in the Championship. I can only suppose that GS bases his apparent optimism on the quality youngsters coming through but we need them to stay with the club and not get flogged off as realisable assets in a post relegation sale.
The style of play has improved at home but we look short of quality, numbers and even stature in the squad. The loanees are welcome but look like journeymen. Last year we had AJ;Hull had Campbell; Miller went to WBA and Lita has now joined Norwich.These guys can make an impact but we don't even have the money for a bit of short term quality.
The future might be rosy - who knows. There are clubs like Pompey and Latics who achieve with a similar fanbase. However, my crystal ball looks more foggy than rosy.
WFC4ever, Watford says...
5:32pm Thu 2 Oct 08
Becuase if there is great...the board will go but if not then nothing will happen.
VoR, Watford says...
5:47pm Thu 2 Oct 08
ab11uk wrote:What?
lets face it
he has to go. leave accept you cant make anymore money and go now.
Sack the board
Sack the board?
Are you asking for the board to sack the board?
Got any other no brainers?
How about replacing the word "board" with "plank" I think it suits you better!
mkhorn, milton keynes says...
5:55pm Thu 2 Oct 08
Flyonthewall, Watford says...
6:05pm Thu 2 Oct 08
VoR, Watford says...
6:46pm Thu 2 Oct 08
VoR, Watford says...
8:20pm Thu 2 Oct 08
Back to the serious matter in hand...
I'm rather worried on 2 points.
I would hate to see the exploits that us fans went through with Petchy, although that worked after the Grimsby game, there is no need on this occasion, GS is actively searching for buyers, so no need!
Also worried that all this will greatly affect my business, so it is not helpful reading a lot of throw away comments on this site, if you guys have constructive comments and also back them up with viable alternatives that's great!
It seems to me that a lot are taking more notice of SEJ on this than the WO, in essence this is just the same as.
Please stop with the rants, it's not helpful!
Vicar Rage, Watford says...
8:32pm Thu 2 Oct 08
But when you next go to Vicarage Road, have a think back. Thirty years ago it was a ramshackle collection of sheds playing host to basement division football.
Have a look at three decent stands, think of the many great games of football you've seen there, and the players you've loved in the yellow shirt.
Would any of the last 30 years of Watford FC have happened without the intervention of Elton John?
He's earned the right to voice his opinion because without him, Watford would not be as it is today.
The current mob may talk about being fans, may say they've put their money in and may claim the club has progressed while they've been there.
But they can't hold a candle to the energy, enthusiasm, vision, sense and sheer love Elton gave to Watford.
Your insults are quite sad - so Elton sanctioned the wages of Vega? Maybe so - but can I just mention Ellington? Or Jackson?
As you so rightly say, people in glass houses.
If you truly think the way the club is being run now holds any comparison to the years of Elton John, you sit back and enjoy what's coming during the rest of their reign. You'll deserve it.
Billie, Kings Langley says...
8:41pm Thu 2 Oct 08
Fact. This model was abandoned when Ashton comes on the Board.
Fact. The Directors remuneration goes sky high.
Fact. As VoR points out, Ashton buys a very nice pad in the Midlands, although the 2 issues may not be linked of course.
Fact. The WO and others got sued for pointing this out.
How can we let this continue? We are Watford and have always been honourable. This is a betrayal of what many older supporters hold dear.
By the time the truth emerges they will be gone.
This spin disgusts me.
Ian R, Surbiton says...
9:11pm Thu 2 Oct 08
WATFORD Chairman Graham Simpson has today (Thursday) issued the following response to Sir Elton John's personal statement of yesterday.
"We were all very disappointed at Watford to read Sir Elton's John's comments about the club at this time, and I would have hoped that he would have spoken to me first to voice his concerns, and I could then have put his mind at rest.
"Had Sir Elton asked me about the finances of the club, and the money received from our recent player sales, I would have explained that the maths is quite simple.
"Since we gained promotion the Club will have committed over £48m on players' wages and football costs, plus £18m on transfers making a total of £66m.
"We will have received nearly £44m from the Premier League plus £20m income from the total sales of Young, Bouazza, King, Henderson, Shittu and Ellington. This totals £64m.
"We have broken the club's record transfer fee, whilst keeping the playing squad's wage bill at somewhere near three times that of the original squad Aidy inherited in March 2005.
"During the autumn of 2007, the Board backed Aidy's judgement and threw its support behind his team building plans.This was always on the understanding, and minuted with everyone present, that if we were not successful we would cut our cloth accordingly.This is exactly what we are doing now. We will continue to manage the Club in a responsible manner whilst exploring new avenues for fresh investment. We have made no secret of our desire to sell Watford Football Club.
"In the meantime, we would like to reassure all our supporters yet again that the club remains financially stable and there is absolutely no danger of a 'catastrophe'."
VoR, Watford says...
9:18pm Thu 2 Oct 08
I suppose we'll have some dissectors within our ranks but would it be necessary?
I think you'll find most if not all is accountable!
Vicar Rage, Watford says...
9:20pm Thu 2 Oct 08
In other words, move along folks, ignore the mad pop star, nothing to see here.
However, I love the use of the word 'stable' to describe the finances. Isn't that common hospital parlance to describe the condition of someone on a life-support machine?
T Smith, Watford says...
11:48pm Thu 2 Oct 08
JonBoy, Watford says...
8:14am Fri 3 Oct 08
What exactly are football costs and why didn't he separate them out from the wages?
I would like to see a breakdown of all the wages and costs. perhaps we could also see what the average Championship chairman is remunerated and compare this to £500 p.a.
Billie, Kings Langley says...
9:31am Fri 3 Oct 08
This all needs exposing!
mkhorn, milton keynes says...
10:13am Fri 3 Oct 08
ab11uk, watford says...
11:11am Fri 3 Oct 08
Have they really admitted that the books were wrong Billie?
JamesA, KL says...
12:00pm Fri 3 Oct 08
rogeruk, Weybridge says...
1:05pm Fri 3 Oct 08
£48million not itemised, no mention of 3 seasons esason ticket income, gate receipts, sposnorship etc etc. Simpson's hole is getting ever bigger, he just keeps digging!
The Plinth of Darkneth, Watford says...
7:04pm Fri 3 Oct 08
Show the club how you really feel at the game against Preston tomorrow.
Real fans
Real loyalty
Real concerns
They wont be able to ignore the voices of thousands in the terraces tomorrow.
Perhaps then there might be answers - who knows?
But without some real unity, it wont work - and what better an environment to take action?
hystericool, garston says...
7:21pm Fri 3 Oct 08
Billie, Kings Langley says...
1:25pm Sun 5 Oct 08
It was acknowledged that some costs should be 'reclassified' at the AGM. Not sure how you do that after the results have been declared! It was reported that the Russo's had received compensation for loss of office when they had not. Not surprisingly they objected.
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dolly33, Poole says...
10:38am Thu 2 Oct 08
all supporters agree with elton
I have supported watford for 70 years and am disgusted, relegation looms, how can simpson say everything is rosy.