UPDATE: Briggs won't be available for Watford's televised clash with Wolves (From Watford Observer)
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UPDATE: Watford set to sign Fulham defender Matthew Briggs but new arrival won't be available for televised clash with Wolves
1:37pm Thursday 28th February 2013 in Sport
By Frank Smith, Deputy Group Sports Editor
Matthew Briggs in action against Manchester City last month. Picture: Action Images
Watford are on the verge of signing Fulham defender Matthew Briggs on loan but we understand he won't be available for tomorrow night's televised game with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Briggs is due at the Hornets' London Colney training base later today ahead of his loan move but we understand he will not be available for the game with Wolves.
The 21-year-old can play as a left-sided wide player but he has been signed due to the Hornets' injury problems at centre half.
Briggs has made eight appearances for Fulham this season and also appeared for Championship side Bristol City three times in November.
The Fulham website describes Briggs as primarily a left back but adds he has "desirable attributes at both ends of the pitch. He can defend but he’s also extremely comfortable on the ball; he has pace, can pass, is athletic and can get up and down the pitch."
Briggs became the youngest player to feature in a Premier League game when he came on as a substitute against Middlesbrough in 2007.
Fulham boss Martin Jol seems to rate the player, who can also fill in at centre half, as the 21-year-old has made six starts and two substitute appearances for the Cottagers this season, either side of his stint with Bristol City.
Briggs has made 27 appearances for Fulham since his debut and also had brief spells on loan at Leyton Orient in 2010 and Peterborough United last year.
He has represented England at Under-16, Under-17, Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level.
Briggs was part of the England Under-19 squad which reached the final of the European Championship in 2009 and he also travelled to the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Egypt that year.
Comments(50)
ChunkeyMonkey
says...
1:41pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Harry's Bar
says...
1:43pm Thu 28 Feb 13
AngelHornet
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1:43pm Thu 28 Feb 13
WFCinexile
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1:47pm Thu 28 Feb 13
1982WFC
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1:48pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Harry's Bar
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1:50pm Thu 28 Feb 13
mooneysmagic
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1:50pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Ronny oh Ronny Ronny
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1:55pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Will be interesting to see if Pudil is back against wolves having played for the reserves, if he sticks with Anya or chucks Briggs straight in
hornet88
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1:57pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Harry's Bar
says...
1:57pm Thu 28 Feb 13
mooneysmagic wrote:No, but Steve Claridge has given it the nod apparently.
Has Mr Holloway authorised this further loan!
miked2006
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2:02pm Thu 28 Feb 13
willia6692
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2:14pm Thu 28 Feb 13
aussihornet
says...
2:14pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Fulham fans on twitter seem to be glad he's gone. Hopefully he's back up, but does show the hierarchy believe left back is a little suspect. This is after interest in Redmond at B'ham & just losing out to Brady at Hull (who's been their best player by far for them).
Some funny tweets appearing saying its not fair, wasn't expecting them to appear a day earlier (hence a hopeful Wolves win).
Mickey Quinn, not so thin
says...
2:15pm Thu 28 Feb 13
miked2006 wrote:Not a guy who is coming to sit on a championship bench for a month ! I guess either Pudil is carrying an injury or he's not managed to convince GZ yet.
A quick bit of research online says that Briggs has perfomed well against Premiership opposition and is desperate for game time. Pudil is good but is prone to getting a caution or two...
Eastsussexhornet
says...
2:20pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:To wind up Holloway?
why ??
Mickey Quinn, not so thin
says...
2:25pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Eastsussexhornet wrote:If only we could have got Sir Alex to loan Zaha back to us rather than Palace....never a possibility but just imagine !!
Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:To wind up Holloway?
why ??
Denzil D
says...
2:25pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Although i wonder if this "illness" could be the issue...he played only 55mins in the friendly, perhaps he was struggling?
Mickey Quinn, not so thin
says...
2:30pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Denzil D wrote:Good point - can take weeks and weeks to fully recover from some of these winter viruses
I think Pudil would benefit from more competition for his place. The rampaging form of early season has dropped off a bit and he has been prone to occassional carelessness.
Although i wonder if this "illness" could be the issue...he played only 55mins in the friendly, perhaps he was struggling?
AngelHornet
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2:30pm Thu 28 Feb 13
JohnnyHornet
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2:31pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Gusthehorn
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2:31pm Thu 28 Feb 13
hornet88
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2:31pm Thu 28 Feb 13
HornetDan1979
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2:38pm Thu 28 Feb 13
laddie hornets
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3:00pm Thu 28 Feb 13
D.unstable
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3:06pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Bringe
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3:10pm Thu 28 Feb 13
bonserout
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3:11pm Thu 28 Feb 13
lutondown
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3:17pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Bringe wrote:Don't say rotate on here, people will start talking Bristol City again, rather than the four games it worked well!
Nice ... it allows us to rotate the left for what is likely to be a very hectic run in. Fulham's fringe players are always decent footballers.
But your reasoning is spot on Brian.
DuffmanWFC
says...
3:34pm Thu 28 Feb 13
I thought that we have Ekstrand, Cassetti, Nosworthy and Doyley deffo fit for Friday and Hall & Hoban are on the mend?
If we need a loan then I thought it could of been a goalie depending on Almunia's injury/time out and on the showing of Bond in his next two
games? Anyway in Zola I trust
jasonwatford
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3:41pm Thu 28 Feb 13
AngelHornet
says...
3:51pm Thu 28 Feb 13
The 21-year-old can play as a left-sided wide player but he has been signed due to the Hornets' injury problems at centre half.
Boosey
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3:56pm Thu 28 Feb 13
It's beginning to feel rushed now and if I am feeling this, could it affect the players in an adverse way? Or maybe it's just me.
lutondown
says...
4:04pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Boosey wrote:It's all the beer!
I thought the plan was to get into the Premier league next year. I know it's great to be ahead of schedule but it seems that the target has been moved and it's imperative we go up this year.
It's beginning to feel rushed now and if I am feeling this, could it affect the players in an adverse way? Or maybe it's just me.
No it's just sensible cover for the run in. Pudil not fully fit and nigh ready for suspension.
And also a ploy to upset OILY OLLY.
Maybe mate, they've also seen how good we are becoming and think nows the time?
They actually gave a timeframe of five years or perm status!
You'll hear Cassetti song and yellow song tomorrow!
Boosey
says...
4:09pm Thu 28 Feb 13
lutondown wrote:Are you going up there tomorrow? If so, I'm jealous.
Boosey wrote: I thought the plan was to get into the Premier league next year. I know it's great to be ahead of schedule but it seems that the target has been moved and it's imperative we go up this year. It's beginning to feel rushed now and if I am feeling this, could it affect the players in an adverse way? Or maybe it's just me.It's all the beer! No it's just sensible cover for the run in. Pudil not fully fit and nigh ready for suspension. And also a ploy to upset OILY OLLY. Maybe mate, they've also seen how good we are becoming and think nows the time? They actually gave a timeframe of five years or perm status! You'll hear Cassetti song and yellow song tomorrow!
I'll be watching it in the club and I'll be there from about 5 Tuesday.
Just one Cassetti. . ..
rookeryroy
says...
4:12pm Thu 28 Feb 13
petsoundsnick
says...
4:13pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Boosey wrote:Honestly....what are you talking about...
I thought the plan was to get into the Premier league next year. I know it's great to be ahead of schedule but it seems that the target has been moved and it's imperative we go up this year.
It's beginning to feel rushed now and if I am feeling this, could it affect the players in an adverse way? Or maybe it's just me.
Why is it feeling rushed?
Why will it affect the players in an adverse way?
What planet are you on....
Briggs has been signed as COVER in case Pudil / CBs are injured / below par / suspended. What football managers are paid to do is assess any weaknessess or anticipate weaknesses in their squad and make amendments for that. Hence signing a loan player from a Premier League club to cover for a situation that might impact the club.
Watford are in 2nd place, playing the best football in the league and probably on the best run in terms of points from recent games so yes I suspect that promotion is now the target as it is 100% realistic. Any business would do this, sport or something else. Personally, I suspect that promotion was the target at the beginning of the season even though Zola went public about a transition year.
So yes, it might just be you.
Honestly the dribble written on this site is immense.
Boosey
says...
4:33pm Thu 28 Feb 13
petsoundsnick wrote:There was a plan set out and promotion was definately not thought of this season.
Boosey wrote: I thought the plan was to get into the Premier league next year. I know it's great to be ahead of schedule but it seems that the target has been moved and it's imperative we go up this year. It's beginning to feel rushed now and if I am feeling this, could it affect the players in an adverse way? Or maybe it's just me.Honestly....what are you talking about... Why is it feeling rushed? Why will it affect the players in an adverse way? What planet are you on.... Briggs has been signed as COVER in case Pudil / CBs are injured / below par / suspended. What football managers are paid to do is assess any weaknessess or anticipate weaknesses in their squad and make amendments for that. Hence signing a loan player from a Premier League club to cover for a situation that might impact the club. Watford are in 2nd place, playing the best football in the league and probably on the best run in terms of points from recent games so yes I suspect that promotion is now the target as it is 100% realistic. Any business would do this, sport or something else. Personally, I suspect that promotion was the target at the beginning of the season even though Zola went public about a transition year. So yes, it might just be you. Honestly the dribble written on this site is immense.
But as it stands now, we are on the brink of promotion. To me it feels like the be all and end all, we must get promotion this season, so in that sense it feels rushed, the pressure is building and you don't think the players are feeling it? What happens if we do get promotion this year and we are not ready for it on and off the pitch? My point is, can a good thing come too soon?
What is wrong with an opinion? It's people like you and the so called Gramma police that keep people off these forums. So keep your smug, snide comments to yourself and I'm from planet earth what planet are you on?
lutondown
says...
4:51pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Boosey wrote:Give him to me...
lutondown wrote:Are you going up there tomorrow? If so, I'm jealous.
Boosey wrote: I thought the plan was to get into the Premier league next year. I know it's great to be ahead of schedule but it seems that the target has been moved and it's imperative we go up this year. It's beginning to feel rushed now and if I am feeling this, could it affect the players in an adverse way? Or maybe it's just me.It's all the beer! No it's just sensible cover for the run in. Pudil not fully fit and nigh ready for suspension. And also a ploy to upset OILY OLLY. Maybe mate, they've also seen how good we are becoming and think nows the time? They actually gave a timeframe of five years or perm status! You'll hear Cassetti song and yellow song tomorrow!
I'll be watching it in the club and I'll be there from about 5 Tuesday.
Just one Cassetti. . ..
Yep I'm going bud and see you Tuesday early doors!
lutondown
says...
4:54pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Boosey wrote:Strange row this one...no ones shouting at me! I feel left out!!!
petsoundsnick wrote:There was a plan set out and promotion was definately not thought of this season.
Boosey wrote: I thought the plan was to get into the Premier league next year. I know it's great to be ahead of schedule but it seems that the target has been moved and it's imperative we go up this year. It's beginning to feel rushed now and if I am feeling this, could it affect the players in an adverse way? Or maybe it's just me.Honestly....what are you talking about... Why is it feeling rushed? Why will it affect the players in an adverse way? What planet are you on.... Briggs has been signed as COVER in case Pudil / CBs are injured / below par / suspended. What football managers are paid to do is assess any weaknessess or anticipate weaknesses in their squad and make amendments for that. Hence signing a loan player from a Premier League club to cover for a situation that might impact the club. Watford are in 2nd place, playing the best football in the league and probably on the best run in terms of points from recent games so yes I suspect that promotion is now the target as it is 100% realistic. Any business would do this, sport or something else. Personally, I suspect that promotion was the target at the beginning of the season even though Zola went public about a transition year. So yes, it might just be you. Honestly the dribble written on this site is immense.
But as it stands now, we are on the brink of promotion. To me it feels like the be all and end all, we must get promotion this season, so in that sense it feels rushed, the pressure is building and you don't think the players are feeling it? What happens if we do get promotion this year and we are not ready for it on and off the pitch? My point is, can a good thing come too soon?
What is wrong with an opinion? It's people like you and the so called Gramma police that keep people off these forums. So keep your smug, snide comments to yourself and I'm from planet earth what planet are you on?
Now Boosey if you want to come tomorrow there's a spare seat and ticket!
Mickey Quinn, not so thin
says...
5:06pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Boosey wrote:I hear what you say Mr Boosey old chap but think we have to take promotion when we can. If we are in the frame this year we have to go for it. No guarantees they won't muck around with the loan rules, we may lose vydra etc if we don't go up, so theres no guarantee we would go up next year, or ever. Think they are genuinely surprised how quickly the transition has gone and that this year would have been too soon. Not now !!
petsoundsnick wrote:There was a plan set out and promotion was definately not thought of this season.
Boosey wrote: I thought the plan was to get into the Premier league next year. I know it's great to be ahead of schedule but it seems that the target has been moved and it's imperative we go up this year. It's beginning to feel rushed now and if I am feeling this, could it affect the players in an adverse way? Or maybe it's just me.Honestly....what are you talking about... Why is it feeling rushed? Why will it affect the players in an adverse way? What planet are you on.... Briggs has been signed as COVER in case Pudil / CBs are injured / below par / suspended. What football managers are paid to do is assess any weaknessess or anticipate weaknesses in their squad and make amendments for that. Hence signing a loan player from a Premier League club to cover for a situation that might impact the club. Watford are in 2nd place, playing the best football in the league and probably on the best run in terms of points from recent games so yes I suspect that promotion is now the target as it is 100% realistic. Any business would do this, sport or something else. Personally, I suspect that promotion was the target at the beginning of the season even though Zola went public about a transition year. So yes, it might just be you. Honestly the dribble written on this site is immense.
But as it stands now, we are on the brink of promotion. To me it feels like the be all and end all, we must get promotion this season, so in that sense it feels rushed, the pressure is building and you don't think the players are feeling it? What happens if we do get promotion this year and we are not ready for it on and off the pitch? My point is, can a good thing come too soon?
What is wrong with an opinion? It's people like you and the so called Gramma police that keep people off these forums. So keep your smug, snide comments to yourself and I'm from planet earth what planet are you on?
D.unstable
says...
5:12pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Boosey wrote:Very well put Boosey, although don't agree that 90M could come too early in any way shape or form. If it happens then we take it and run, if it doesn't then I think we could seriously romp this division next season.
petsoundsnick wrote:There was a plan set out and promotion was definately not thought of this season. But as it stands now, we are on the brink of promotion. To me it feels like the be all and end all, we must get promotion this season, so in that sense it feels rushed, the pressure is building and you don't think the players are feeling it? What happens if we do get promotion this year and we are not ready for it on and off the pitch? My point is, can a good thing come too soon? What is wrong with an opinion? It's people like you and the so called Gramma police that keep people off these forums. So keep your smug, snide comments to yourself and I'm from planet earth what planet are you on?Boosey wrote: I thought the plan was to get into the Premier league next year. I know it's great to be ahead of schedule but it seems that the target has been moved and it's imperative we go up this year. It's beginning to feel rushed now and if I am feeling this, could it affect the players in an adverse way? Or maybe it's just me.Honestly....what are you talking about... Why is it feeling rushed? Why will it affect the players in an adverse way? What planet are you on.... Briggs has been signed as COVER in case Pudil / CBs are injured / below par / suspended. What football managers are paid to do is assess any weaknessess or anticipate weaknesses in their squad and make amendments for that. Hence signing a loan player from a Premier League club to cover for a situation that might impact the club. Watford are in 2nd place, playing the best football in the league and probably on the best run in terms of points from recent games so yes I suspect that promotion is now the target as it is 100% realistic. Any business would do this, sport or something else. Personally, I suspect that promotion was the target at the beginning of the season even though Zola went public about a transition year. So yes, it might just be you. Honestly the dribble written on this site is immense.
Watford are on the most remarkable transition as a team, as a club since the day when EJ stepped out of his Roller in Occupation Road (soon to be re-named Yellow Brick Road).
The diffence between this journey and the last two brief visits to the top flight is that now we can actually play a little. With additional funds from promotion and the possible additional influx of even greater talent from the Pozzo Mother Ship (DiNetale for example) we will certainly not be the whipping boys as previous.
So if you are not already on the bus, get on before you are left behind, because the orns are going up.....
I love the Pozzo family, every single one of them x
miked2006
says...
5:21pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Boosey wrote:I think it usually is bad for teams to go up too early. I think however, that we might be able to resist this due to the Pozzo's. Once in the Premiership, we would have access to players that most newly promoted teams wouldn't. So hopefully even if we went up this season, we would survive.
petsoundsnick wrote:There was a plan set out and promotion was definately not thought of this season.
Boosey wrote: I thought the plan was to get into the Premier league next year. I know it's great to be ahead of schedule but it seems that the target has been moved and it's imperative we go up this year. It's beginning to feel rushed now and if I am feeling this, could it affect the players in an adverse way? Or maybe it's just me.Honestly....what are you talking about... Why is it feeling rushed? Why will it affect the players in an adverse way? What planet are you on.... Briggs has been signed as COVER in case Pudil / CBs are injured / below par / suspended. What football managers are paid to do is assess any weaknessess or anticipate weaknesses in their squad and make amendments for that. Hence signing a loan player from a Premier League club to cover for a situation that might impact the club. Watford are in 2nd place, playing the best football in the league and probably on the best run in terms of points from recent games so yes I suspect that promotion is now the target as it is 100% realistic. Any business would do this, sport or something else. Personally, I suspect that promotion was the target at the beginning of the season even though Zola went public about a transition year. So yes, it might just be you. Honestly the dribble written on this site is immense.
But as it stands now, we are on the brink of promotion. To me it feels like the be all and end all, we must get promotion this season, so in that sense it feels rushed, the pressure is building and you don't think the players are feeling it? What happens if we do get promotion this year and we are not ready for it on and off the pitch? My point is, can a good thing come too soon?
What is wrong with an opinion? It's people like you and the so called Gramma police that keep people off these forums. So keep your smug, snide comments to yourself and I'm from planet earth what planet are you on?
lutondown
says...
5:36pm Thu 28 Feb 13
lutondown wrote:Booseys comic genius is doing twitter at the moment..they include...
Boosey wrote:Give him to me...
lutondown wrote:Are you going up there tomorrow? If so, I'm jealous.
Boosey wrote: I thought the plan was to get into the Premier league next year. I know it's great to be ahead of schedule but it seems that the target has been moved and it's imperative we go up this year. It's beginning to feel rushed now and if I am feeling this, could it affect the players in an adverse way? Or maybe it's just me.It's all the beer! No it's just sensible cover for the run in. Pudil not fully fit and nigh ready for suspension. And also a ploy to upset OILY OLLY. Maybe mate, they've also seen how good we are becoming and think nows the time? They actually gave a timeframe of five years or perm status! You'll hear Cassetti song and yellow song tomorrow!
I'll be watching it in the club and I'll be there from about 5 Tuesday.
Just one Cassetti. . ..
Yep I'm going bud and see you Tuesday early doors!
Ribena man!
If he didn't have a head like a rock he'd of scored!
Worth the entrance fee alone, and the obligatory hangover!
Boosey
says...
5:51pm Thu 28 Feb 13
weeblehorn
says...
6:19pm Thu 28 Feb 13
miked2006 wrote:My wife comes from Swansea and she just said to me try telling the Swansea fans that they went up to soon. I think you should grab hold of opportunities like this and just go for it, it might not happen again.
Boosey wrote:I think it usually is bad for teams to go up too early. I think however, that we might be able to resist this due to the Pozzo's. Once in the Premiership, we would have access to players that most newly promoted teams wouldn't. So hopefully even if we went up this season, we would survive.petsoundsnick wrote:There was a plan set out and promotion was definately not thought of this season. But as it stands now, we are on the brink of promotion. To me it feels like the be all and end all, we must get promotion this season, so in that sense it feels rushed, the pressure is building and you don't think the players are feeling it? What happens if we do get promotion this year and we are not ready for it on and off the pitch? My point is, can a good thing come too soon? What is wrong with an opinion? It's people like you and the so called Gramma police that keep people off these forums. So keep your smug, snide comments to yourself and I'm from planet earth what planet are you on?Boosey wrote: I thought the plan was to get into the Premier league next year. I know it's great to be ahead of schedule but it seems that the target has been moved and it's imperative we go up this year. It's beginning to feel rushed now and if I am feeling this, could it affect the players in an adverse way? Or maybe it's just me.Honestly....what are you talking about... Why is it feeling rushed? Why will it affect the players in an adverse way? What planet are you on.... Briggs has been signed as COVER in case Pudil / CBs are injured / below par / suspended. What football managers are paid to do is assess any weaknessess or anticipate weaknesses in their squad and make amendments for that. Hence signing a loan player from a Premier League club to cover for a situation that might impact the club. Watford are in 2nd place, playing the best football in the league and probably on the best run in terms of points from recent games so yes I suspect that promotion is now the target as it is 100% realistic. Any business would do this, sport or something else. Personally, I suspect that promotion was the target at the beginning of the season even though Zola went public about a transition year. So yes, it might just be you. Honestly the dribble written on this site is immense.
Boosey
says...
7:15pm Thu 28 Feb 13
miked2006 wrote:Yeah good logic as is D.unstables
Boosey wrote:I think it usually is bad for teams to go up too early. I think however, that we might be able to resist this due to the Pozzo's. Once in the Premiership, we would have access to players that most newly promoted teams wouldn't. So hopefully even if we went up this season, we would survive.petsoundsnick wrote:There was a plan set out and promotion was definately not thought of this season. But as it stands now, we are on the brink of promotion. To me it feels like the be all and end all, we must get promotion this season, so in that sense it feels rushed, the pressure is building and you don't think the players are feeling it? What happens if we do get promotion this year and we are not ready for it on and off the pitch? My point is, can a good thing come too soon? What is wrong with an opinion? It's people like you and the so called Gramma police that keep people off these forums. So keep your smug, snide comments to yourself and I'm from planet earth what planet are you on?Boosey wrote: I thought the plan was to get into the Premier league next year. I know it's great to be ahead of schedule but it seems that the target has been moved and it's imperative we go up this year. It's beginning to feel rushed now and if I am feeling this, could it affect the players in an adverse way? Or maybe it's just me.Honestly....what are you talking about... Why is it feeling rushed? Why will it affect the players in an adverse way? What planet are you on.... Briggs has been signed as COVER in case Pudil / CBs are injured / below par / suspended. What football managers are paid to do is assess any weaknessess or anticipate weaknesses in their squad and make amendments for that. Hence signing a loan player from a Premier League club to cover for a situation that might impact the club. Watford are in 2nd place, playing the best football in the league and probably on the best run in terms of points from recent games so yes I suspect that promotion is now the target as it is 100% realistic. Any business would do this, sport or something else. Personally, I suspect that promotion was the target at the beginning of the season even though Zola went public about a transition year. So yes, it might just be you. Honestly the dribble written on this site is immense.
reasoning that it's never too early for 90 mill.
However, if we go up this year which I believe we will, then being too soon and we go straight down and struggled for a few years, would the Pozzos stick with it after the parachute money ran out? After all they are business men. I'm not normally a negative thinking person but it is like a fairy tale at the moment and long may it last.
On a final note, if they finish the stadium then i will believe it's for real.
Hopemole
says...
7:25pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Sydneyhornet
says...
8:24pm Thu 28 Feb 13
I have a spare ticket for Wolves (£28) tomorrow and a spare seat in my car. Someone has dropped out because of illness. There are 3 in the car at the moment. Leaving North Watford at 3 pm to allow for traffic and time for a few pints. If interested, phoneTop man Roy! Great spirit.
Would love it, but a bit too far.
miked2006
says...
10:33am Fri 1 Mar 13
Mickey Quinn, not so thin says...
1:39pm Thu 28 Feb 13