Jobi gets Hornets out of jail
2:15pm Wednesday 26th December 2007
Comments (94)A DRAMATIC strike in the fourth of what were supposed to be three minutes of injury-time from Jobi McAnuff ensured Christmas didn't end on a depressing note for Watford as they salvaged to a 2-2 draw at home to Cardiff City this Boxing Day (Wednesday) lunchtime.
Goals from Roger Johnson and Peter Whittingham, either side of Jay DeMerit's first of the season, looked to have given the visitors the spoils, particularly after Kasper Schmeichel had produced a stunning injury-time save to thwart Tommy Smith.
But with time already up in Dave Jones' eyes, McAnuff reacted quickest to the loose ball from a corner and curled home a superb last-gasp equaliser to send an ecstatic Aidy Boothoryd sprinting 20 yards down the touchline to join his celebrating players.
Those uncharacteristic celebrations may also have been borne out of relief, but, the fact remains, this was the sixth successive home game Watford have failed to win and that is not good enough for a team leading a division.
Following the 1-0 victory at Sheffield Wednesday Boothroyd, not surprisingly, kept faith with the same starting line-up as the Hornets sought to get their home form back on track.
Cardiff boss Jones, meanwhile, made just the one change from the team that secured a 1-0 home victory over Sheffield United on Saturday, and that saw Steven MacLean replace Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink up front.
Watford made their customary positive start and forced a corner on four minutes after Smith had tried to lift a pass from the left to the right side of the penalty area into the path of Marlon King. Nathan Ellington then clipped a header wide of Schmeichel's near post from a deep McAnuff cross.
However, it was the visitors who almost made the breakthrough after six minutes when a ball in from the left wasn't properly cleared and Stephen McPhail fizzed a well-struck 25-yard effort narrowly wide of Richard Lee's right-hand post. Some nice inter-play from the visitors then ended with Gavin Rae shooting high and wide from the edge of the area.
Watford, who were looking increasingly edgy in possession, were almost undone by another precise move after 14 minutes. Tony Capaldi slid the ball into the path of Paul Parry, who got in behind from the Hornets defence from the left, but Lee advanced to the edge of his area and stood his ground well before blocking with his legs.
This prompted Boothroyd to vacate his seat in the stands and he arrived in time to see the first substitution of the game - referee Grant Hegley forced off by injury and replaced by fourth official I Bentley after 18 minutes.
Cardiff continued to look the more purposeful side going forward and they won their first corner on 28 minutes after Whittingham's shot had been blocked. Lee then got ahead of an opponent to claim on the edge of his six-yard box after Rae had clipped the ball back into the heart of the area following the set-piece.
The half-hour mark passed with Watford still having failed to register a meaningful attempt on goal, and Lee came to his side's rescue again soon after, diving smartly to his left to keep out Ledley's low drive after some more lovely inter-play with McPhail.
That prompted Boothroyd to start readying Lee Williamson for an early introduction, but the Watford boss wasn't able to make the change before his side fell behind. Ledley played in a corner from the left and Johnson was not picked up as he headed powerfully past the helpless Hornets keeper to give the visitors a deserved 1-0 lead.
Williamson immediately entered the fray at the expense of the hapless John-Joe O'Toole, who had spent most of the first period chasing shadows, but after 36 minutes Cardiff really should have gone two up.
Ledley was again heavily involved, breaking away down the left before playing the ball across the face of the area to Whittingham, whose run had not been picked up at all. He cut inside before unleashing a drive, but, fortunately for the home side, Jordan Stewart was in the right place to block.
The left-back's next involvement was to booked for a foul on Kevin McNaughton, but as the opening 45 minutes there were an increasing number of ironic chants when the Hornets managed to keep the ball and that spoke volumes.
But the half did finish on a more upbeat note for the home side after McAnuff launched an impressive raid down the left before finding Ellington inside. His well-struck effort was blocked, but Watford managed to keep the ball alive and Smith found King, who turned and fired wide of the near post.
However, that still wasn't enough to prevent the predictable chorus of boos at the interval as the Hornets left the pitch second best in every department, with the possible exception of in goal.
Both Smith and Williamson played dangerous crosses into the Bluebirds' box as Watford started the second-half on the front foot, and that paid off after 48 minutes. Ellington headed the ball back into the area, Smith in turn flicked it on and DeMerit, who had stayed up from a set-piece, turned the ball past Schmeichel to register his first of the season and make it 1-1.
McPhail was then cautioned for a foul on Lloyd Doyley, but on 54 minutes Cardiff had another opportunity when a free-kick from the left was headed goalwards by Johnson and, after Lee had decided to stay on his line, Whittingham lifted the ball narrowly over the target.
But having got themselves back in the game, Watford gifted their opponents the opportunity to go back in front - and they took it with aplomb on 57 minutes. Damien Francis attempted to play a short pass to Williamson, but had to watch as the ball cannoned loose off his team-mate. Whittingham duly latched onto the loose ball and worked himself some space before hitting a precise low, left-footed drive from around 20 yards that beat the dive of Lee to give the visitors the advantage for a second time.
Watford responded with McAnuff forcing Schmeichel into a smart save at his near post with an angled right-footed half-volley, before Smith was lucky to escape punishment after clattering into McNaughton.
After some deliberating, Boothroyd made a second change after 64 minutes and, although it was a bold call, the decision to replace the subdued King with Darius Henderson was generally greeted with a positive response by the faithful.
And the substitute had a chance to level things up six minutes when he beat Schmeichel's clipped ball into the box from the right, but he was unable to direct his header beneath the target.
However, Cardiff then had another period in the ascendancy which ended with Lee producing another smart save to deny Paul Parry. But then the home side had a decent opening of their own when Henderson worked the ball inside to Ellington, but he appeared to slip when attempting to strike an effort on the turn.
The Watford boss played his final hand with six minutes remaining, bringing on Dan Shittu for Matt Jackson, and he almost made the perfect introduction, getting on the end of a McAnuff cross but heading it straight at Schmeichel.
Cardiff manager Jones immediately responded by sacrificing MacLean for vastly experienced defender Darren Purse, and then the visitors could have made sure of the points when Parry broke on the counter downfield, but placed his shot too close to Lee.
Watford predictably piled forward as the final whistle beckoned and after the visitors had done very well to withstand an intense aerial bombardment, Schmeichel made a smart reflex stop to push over a McAnuff piledriver from the edge of the area.
Still the Hornets kept pushing and Smith couldn't believe it when he was denied by an even better Schmichel save in the second of three minutes of injury-time. The height of Shittu was again the source, heading down a cross from the left into the path of the winger who was totally unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box. A goal seemed the only outcome when Smith struck the ball back across the face of the keeper, but, incredibly, he managed to keep it out.
That looked to be game over but nobody had told McAnuff. From the resultant corner, the ball cannoned out to the left side of the area where the former Crystal Palace man latched onto the loose ball and drove inside before unleashing a right-footed curler that flew past the helpless Schmeichel to send Vicarage Road into dilerium and a relieved manager sprinting 20 yards down the touchline to join in the celebrations.
Watford: Lee; Doyley, DeMerit, Jackson (Shittu, 86), Stewart; Smith, O'Toole (Williamson, 33), Francis, McAnuff; King (D Henderson, 64), Ellington. Not used: Ainsworth and Poom.
Cardiff City: Schmeichel; McNaughton, Loovens, Johnson, Capaldi; Whittingham, McPhail, Rae, Ledley; Parry, MacLean (Purse, 85). Not used: Blake, Ramsey, Hasselbaink and Oakes.
Bookings: Stewart for a foul on McNaughton after 38 mins; McPhail for a foul on Doyley after 51 mins.
Attendance: 17,014.
Referee: Grant Hegley (replaced by I Bentley after 18 mins).
Your Say YourWatford Observer
The Insider, Watford says...
2:53pm Wed 26 Dec 07
Mark, Watford says...
3:16pm Wed 26 Dec 07
Santa Claus needs to get us a new left back....and a few midfielders who will pass!
Not good again but point at least.
Henderson did well after coming on though.
Richard, Come On you Golden Boys! says...
3:35pm Wed 26 Dec 07
And looking at the bigger picture, that's 4 points we've taken from Cardiff - a good return - and we'll still be level at the top tonight whatever happens at the Hawthorns this pm.
Let's hope they can get it right on Saturday and then trust Aidy to make the right moves in the January Sales.
Keep the faith!
chris, hemel says...
4:28pm Wed 26 Dec 07
Marlon King had a poor game and seems to me to be planning his exit to Villa in the january sales.
Our midfield was attrocious, without any creativity or passing skills, continually by-passed by a 'hoof it out' back four.
Even though JJ was substituted, Francis could easily have been subbed, and his give away pass for their second goal was a nightmare. Always seemed to be behind play.
However, we scrapped a point, but the home fans have gone home yet again totally frustrated and cheated by an over paid, over hyped squad who seemed to be legends in their own minds.
AB's response to McAnuffs goal says it all. Behaved like a four year old. We got out of jail by the skin of our teeth.
What now for the january sales???
King must be on his way, he's not interested and the other members know it, so are giving him scraps.
A new left back.....PLEASE. Two central midfielders who can pass and shoot, and who can creat movement from the front two.
I just want to watch some better football, and feel I'm getting some value for my season ticket. Just give me Ipswich's home form, some good, passing, fluent football and I'll be happy, as will most of the supporters. Promotion with this lot would be an even bigger nightmare next season.
From a totally frustrated fan of 34 years, a season ticket holder, and share holder.
Entertain us and stop frustrating us poor supporters.
Marv, says...
4:33pm Wed 26 Dec 07
We'd better hope we keep getting points away from home as in the second half of the season we've got to play nearly every other top team away.
I really believe January is going to be as key as any month since Boothroyd became manager.
For whatever reason, the squad is struggling to win games - we know we need to strengthen, and I'd like to think we'll do more than bring in some loan players, which was what was hinted at during the AGM.
And if anyone goes, which has to be a possibility, what will that do to us?
Like I said, the next four or five weeks, could make or break us.
ben, watford says...
4:52pm Wed 26 Dec 07
colin, disgusted!!!!! says...
4:55pm Wed 26 Dec 07
What a total cretin...was he celebrating keeping his job for another week?
I predicted a 2-1 cradiff victory...were it not for the ref, then I would have been right again.
Boothroyd is totally out of his depth. Any manager worth his money would have been able to put his finger on the problem by now, but not this ignorant fool who persists with the same tactics week in week out because he doesnt know any better. He really is a hopeless waste of space.
Surely he knows how teams are going to come here and play now? Obviously the lesson is not being learnt.
I'll say it again clappers: if this vein of form continues, then we'll be nowhere near the play offs come May. We are an embarassing joke and its a testament to the rubbish in this division that we've remained in the top two for this long...but not for much longer.
Don't hold your breath in January either....expect more lower division crap and the exodus of more "genuine" talent i.e. King.
I'll be there come Saturday with my "Boothroyd / Simpson out" banner. And whilst on that subject, expect more of the same, with QPR running out 3-1 winners.
Boothroyd you are a pathetic joke of a football manager, and you have created a pathetic joke of a football team. I have never known such appaling home form in all my time following the club...p.s are you still paying that other equally useless tosser Bassett you moron? Of course you are.
BOOTHROYD OUT! BOOTHROYD OUT! BOOTHROYD OUT! BOOTHROYD!
Happy new year to the rest of you sad little clappers!!!!!
Voice of reason, Watford says...
5:01pm Wed 26 Dec 07
This guy is no Watford supporter. His postings have now become a joke after some earlier valid points, I urge everyone to ignore him now, let him talk to himself!
Mark, Watford says...
5:15pm Wed 26 Dec 07
Actually I wonder what Colin would have left to do in his life if Hoofers went?
BTW I must be a happy clapper for saying "we got out of jail" and asking for a number of new players.
Difference is I don't need to be rude and agressive or act like a little child going "ner ner I told you so" etc.
Observer, says...
6:34pm Wed 26 Dec 07
Mark wrote:With reference to the last paragraph, you have called the poster a "deluded fool". It is in the archives, is that not being rude or aggresive?
I personally hope Boothroyd goes so then he can find Colin before abusing him personally (which the rest of us don't do..) at his job....
Actually I wonder what Colin would have left to do in his life if Hoofers went?
BTW I must be a happy clapper for saying "we got out of jail" and asking for a number of new players.
Difference is I don't need to be rude and agressive or act like a little child going "ner ner I told you so" etc.
colin inconsistency watcher, says...
6:35pm Wed 26 Dec 07
If the ref hadn't given us extra extra time his prediction would have been right, I wouldn't have predicted the correct score.
Also Marlon does seem to be planning his exit strategy instead of playing football.
He also points out that a half decent manager would have identified our home problem and sorted it out by now which is a fair point.
Wonder what price betfair will give me for a QPR win?
Mark, Watford says...
6:41pm Wed 26 Dec 07
mark, says...
7:35pm Wed 26 Dec 07
67 horn, surrey says...
7:49pm Wed 26 Dec 07
Mark, Watford says...
7:58pm Wed 26 Dec 07
They keep on saying we are aiming to be a top 10 Premiership side by 2010 and have a wonderful redeveloped ground!
Both seem rather overambitions and unrealistice to me...
Lets just get some footbaallers for now!
ozzy, kings cros says...
8:10pm Wed 26 Dec 07
LIARS & RUMOURMONGERS wrote:mk is gona go in jan, hopfuly natan illington will replac hium good
No chance of Mk going in jan-posters who will be shown to be wrong will not come on here & admit it.
We are joint top-our home form will be easier to solve than albions away.
Stoke & B city will NOT match us for points-charlton are a threat but also struggle @ home & are 5 pts behind.
I give up as most posters have "half empty" view that is commonly found amongst lifes "also-rans".
nick, middlesex says...
8:23pm Wed 26 Dec 07
Voice of reason, says...
8:34pm Wed 26 Dec 07
dave, sandridge says...
8:38pm Wed 26 Dec 07
DMS, London says...
8:41pm Wed 26 Dec 07
chris, hemel says...
8:56pm Wed 26 Dec 07
Just read AB's comments on the WFC site and it says it all.
There's no argument, we're dreadful at home.
However, the managers job, for which he is payed a fortune, (Over £3/4m?) is to sort it out. We've been waiting for over two months to see something close to worthwhile, no home win since middle of October. AB it's your responsibility to get it sorted. So, get on with it. Sort this rubbish out. Less than 10 home wins in 2 years is just not good enough. I'm fed up with hearing the team are not playing to your orders. They either are too thick to follow orders or don't believe in them. Get rid of those not playing to the script. King, Stewart, Francis, Kabba, Macca, Priskin, Rinaldi, Mahon, and get players in who can and want to play for the club.
Whatever, its your job to get this rubbish sorted so get on with it......NOW.
We're all waiting for some positive action in the january window......over to you.
We want Football not Hoofball.
Voice of reason, Watford says...
9:39pm Wed 26 Dec 07
Voice of reason wrote:Oi, I'm voice of reason, not you, but you have a point.
Get fed up with crowd having a go at Jordan Not been the worst player in recent home games that has been MK yet not heard the crowd have a go at him. I know a couple of our former full backs who are legends and they have said our crowd hates full backs. Perhaps some of these people need to get behind the team. I agree things are not right but to say it is some of the worst performances after 30 odd years is ridiculous.
Darren, Canada says...
9:51pm Wed 26 Dec 07
ozzy, king s cross says...
10:01pm Wed 26 Dec 07
Voice of reason wrote:whi post too time?
Voice of reason wrote:Oi, I'm voice of reason, not you, but you have a point.
Get fed up with crowd having a go at Jordan Not been the worst player in recent home games that has been MK yet not heard the crowd have a go at him. I know a couple of our former full backs who are legends and they have said our crowd hates full backs. Perhaps some of these people need to get behind the team. I agree things are not right but to say it is some of the worst performances after 30 odd years is ridiculous.
mike, oxhey says...
10:16pm Wed 26 Dec 07
perry digweed, towcester racecourse says...
10:17pm Wed 26 Dec 07
Voice of reason, Watford says...
10:28pm Wed 26 Dec 07
You do you want to replace him with?
You're all fools!
dave, sandridge says...
10:34pm Wed 26 Dec 07
Voice of reason wrote:Check out the second line..... "You do you want to replace him with?"..............
To all you lot that want Aidy out......
You do you want to replace him with?
You're all fools!
.. You do you want to get spelcheck you do you do you do you do
Voice of reason, Watford says...
10:42pm Wed 26 Dec 07
I think i've caught Ozzy's bug.
Why do I need spell checker when I've got you? TOSA Have I spelled that right?
dave, sandridge says...
10:51pm Wed 26 Dec 07
Voice of reason wrote:In answer to your question i would have to say.... you do you do you do you do you do not have spelled that right. hehehehe
Granted Dave..well done!
I think i've caught Ozzy's bug.
Why do I need spell checker when I've got you? TOSA Have I spelled that right?
Ex Player, Watford says...
11:00pm Wed 26 Dec 07
Voice of reason wrote:Personally I would like him replaced with Lawrie Sanchez, he knows a good player when he see one.
To all you lot that want Aidy out......
You do you want to replace him with?
You're all fools!
No you spelt Tosa wrongly but I know what you are on about with that Sandridge bloke.
dave, sandridge says...
11:11pm Wed 26 Dec 07
Ex Player wrote:Top of the table at xmas. I am well happy, but you do you do you do you do want to replace the manager? WHY? For what reason? For being in an automatic promotion place? Give us the reason why mr ex player..............
Voice of reason wrote:Personally I would like him replaced with Lawrie Sanchez, he knows a good player when he see one.
To all you lot that want Aidy out......
You do you want to replace him with?
You're all fools!
No you spelt Tosa wrongly but I know what you are on about with that Sandridge bloke.
....
Ex Player, Watford says...
11:21pm Wed 26 Dec 07
I too am happy that we're top of the league, I'm not gonna answer you coz.
1/ Read Colin's posting, I don't want to repeat all he's said.
2/ I find you a little patronising
3/ Bedtime.
Darren, Canada says...
11:24pm Wed 26 Dec 07
Some comments on here are so poor that they really are beyond a joke. Sad.
dave, sandridge says...
11:37pm Wed 26 Dec 07
Moses, on the mountain says...
12:27am Thu 27 Dec 07
The Good Doctor, Carthage says...
12:38am Thu 27 Dec 07
Voice of reason wrote:Good evening,
To all you lot that want Aidy out......
You do you want to replace him with?
You're all fools!
I'd like to express sincere appreciation to Mr Ex-Player for his exemplary punctuating of the conjunction of 'you' and 'are' (viz. 'you're').
Accurate syntax is a priceless value when swimming among such brutalised proletarian sewage. It lifts the spirits to witness the contribution of a fellow who knows how to deploy an apostrophe in such a deft manner.
With all good wishes for the festive season!
Dave, Bushey says...
1:34am Thu 27 Dec 07
n,gibbs to name a few that will live for a long time. stewart he can fcuk right off on the other hand
Voice of reason, Watford says...
2:32am Thu 27 Dec 07
doogle4, bovy says...
9:01am Thu 27 Dec 07
A poor home record is countered by one of the best away records in all 4 leagues, now that doesnt come from us playing bad, It is quite obvious that our weak home performances come from the fact that we lack any quality when we have to create the attacking impetus, and when away from home we hit teams on the break, and get results....
So quality is deffinetly needed in the transfer window, and we should have all the chance of getting some half decent players as we have managed to be in the top 2 for most of the season, If you were a player would you go to Derby or Watford ? , Derby will have the same problems we had in the transfer window last year....
We need to keep the faith as much as we all can and support the manager that got us to the position we are in..
A great goal by Mcanuff who has now given us our last 4 points, not bad for a player who was so publicly abused by the colin brigade !!!!.
Lets get behind the team against QPR and give the team the confidence to get the result we need ....
doogle4, bovy says...
9:03am Thu 27 Dec 07
A poor home record is countered by one of the best away records in all 4 leagues, now that doesnt come from us playing bad, It is quite obvious that our weak home performances come from the fact that we lack any quality when we have to create the attacking impetus, and when away from home we hit teams on the break, and get results....
So quality is deffinetly needed in the transfer window, and we should have all the chance of getting some half decent players as we have managed to be in the top 2 for most of the season, If you were a player would you go to Derby or Watford ? , Derby will have the same problems we had in the transfer window last year....
We need to keep the faith as much as we all can and support the manager that got us to the position we are in..
A great goal by Mcanuff who has now given us our last 4 points, not bad for a player who was so publicly abused by the colin brigade !!!!.
Lets get behind the team against QPR and give the team the confidence to get the result we need ....
Mark, Watford says...
9:15am Thu 27 Dec 07
Hit and hope for the best...
yellowperil, mars says...
9:21am Thu 27 Dec 07
WFC & Proud, Watford says...
9:28am Thu 27 Dec 07
You don't need to be a clapper to be optimistic, colin, whatever your self-promoting, bigoted & supercilious opinions may be.
roscoe, watford says...
9:41am Thu 27 Dec 07
cheesed off!, brighton says...
10:02am Thu 27 Dec 07
Watching saturday was painful, the players are not coached to take a touch, look up and retain posession, they are told to boot the ball to the channels without thinking. AB has done nothing in the last 6 home games to suggest to me he is a football genius. He is a motivator, thats it. He clearly doesnt have a clue how to arrange his side so they can overcome a defensive side. The last 10 minutes were a joke, it was like we were at the circus watching a bunch of clowns. My sunday league manager resorts to chucking the biggest lads up front and lumping the ball in the air and he is an alcholic with not a coaching badge to his name!
The equaliser is glossing over the fact that our most expensive team ever plays as badly as any team I have ever seen at the vic. I wont even start on individual players because its the manager that is responsable for that team and if we continue to play as we have for the last 18 months then I wont wait for may to put my season ticket in the bin. I just hope he doesnt waste too much more of the clubs money in january.
67 horn, surrey says...
10:05am Thu 27 Dec 07
Fruit & Nut, Fruitshire says...
10:05am Thu 27 Dec 07
Ray Lewington!!!
chris, the vic says...
10:46am Thu 27 Dec 07
Look at the moment Aidy is at his worst level of performance since arriving and yet w have picked up 4 points from the last two games.
And yes throughout this season we have generally been either bad or ugly to watch.
What annoys me most is the rubbish we are fed by the club who I have followed and will continue to follow.
My only hope is that Aidy sees the light..my understanding is that a team survives by its backbone
ie.. Poom/Shittu/Mahon and Henderson but there again its only an ideaa floated by the likes of wenger fergie mourinho etc and what do they know.....and after all happy clappers we are joint top
Mark, Watford says...
10:51am Thu 27 Dec 07
Ben Thornhill, Watford says...
10:53am Thu 27 Dec 07
colin wrote:Never have I felt such abhorrence for a fellow Watford supporter. Your polemical nonsense is a weekly fixture on this site and most people, I would hope, are sick of it. You seem to make everything into a major catastrophe and as for your relentless abuse and unfounded personal vendetta's against Graham Simpson and Aidy Boothroyd are frankly quite ridiculous. I really hope they don't let you in on saturday if you are to bring such a destestable, distasteful banner to our ground.
Marv, it will make or break this total idiot of a manager at least. What a total cretin...was he celebrating keeping his job for another week? I predicted a 2-1 cradiff victory...were it not for the ref, then I would have been right again. Boothroyd is totally out of his depth. Any manager worth his money would have been able to put his finger on the problem by now, but not this ignorant fool who persists with the same tactics week in week out because he doesnt know any better. He really is a hopeless waste of space. Surely he knows how teams are going to come here and play now? Obviously the lesson is not being learnt. I\'ll say it again clappers: if this vein of form continues, then we\'ll be nowhere near the play offs come May. We are an embarassing joke and its a testament to the rubbish in this division that we\'ve remained in the top two for this long...but not for much longer. Don\'t hold your breath in January either....expect more lower division crap and the exodus of more \"genuine\" talent i.e. King. I\'ll be there come Saturday with my \"Boothroyd / Simpson out\" banner. And whilst on that subject, expect more of the same, with QPR running out 3-1 winners. Boothroyd you are a pathetic joke of a football manager, and you have created a pathetic joke of a football team. I have never known such appaling home form in all my time following the club...p.s are you still paying that other equally useless tosser Bassett you moron? Of course you are. BOOTHROYD OUT! BOOTHROYD OUT! BOOTHROYD OUT! BOOTHROYD! Happy new year to the rest of you sad little clappers!!!!!
The performance was another shocker admittedly. Our inability to retain possession when going forward had my head sinking into my lap on a number of occasions throughout the match. For whatever reason we cannot seem to deal effectively with teams who come to Vicarage Road and play the pressing game. I don't remember an occasion during the match when anyone seemed to have time on the ball. Sloppy passing and an inability to make space seemed to characterise the whole display. The one exception I felt was again Tommy Smith who seems to be the only real bright spark capable of creating a few chances per game. His delivery from corners and his general crossing ability has improved a lot since his return to the club I've noticed.
McAnuff seems to be getting better by the game gradually finding his feet but not quick enough for my liking.
Francis looked cumbersome at the best of times.
I don't think I even noticed O'Toole when he was substituted let alone when he was on the pitch and Williamson was only a marginal improvement.
The back four wasn't bad. I didn't have a very good view of Cardiff's first goal and the second was a nicely tucked up finish coming as a result of some blunderrous midfield play from the afore mentioned! Even Gavin Mahon might have been an improvement on this central midfield.
Even more worrying than the hapless middle of the park is King. I don't whether there is genuine credence to the rumours of his departure but we can only hope that if he does leave we get a good £5million+ for him and it miraculously has the same effect that Thierry Henry's exit to Spain seems to have had on Arsenal. We do still have very capable replacements who have yet to show us what they can do.
One thing that annoyed me even more than the performance was the atmosphere of the crowd. For the first time in a long time I had to sit in the Vicarage Road end because I couldn't get a seat in the Rookery. There were 17,000 people in that stadium on boxing day, a time when we should all be merry and vocal but no. The ground sounded like a church on monday bar the Cardiff fans! No wonder the team looks like a team bereft of confidence. Where's the back up? I half expected Delia Smith to walk on half cut at half time. Obviously we were all too hungover or something. It was a disgrace. Chants of "top of the league your having a laugh" went completely unanswered by our dumbstruck faithful. I know its much easier to get behind a team when they're playing well but in times like this there should be a cacophony of sound coming from the terraces. We have to let teams know that they are not going to have it their way. Show them that we are top of the league and are having a laugh! If we do our job and set the example then hopefully the players will follow. Getting on the backs of the players, chairman and manager will only turn this bad run into a crisis and end up derailing our promotion hopes. So to all the Colin's out there I say pull yourself together. When these guys took over we were facing financial ruin and League One football so come on "lets be having you"!
Anyway I shall cease my rambling. Poor support, poor performance, poor result. Uncertain times at the Vic. I feel the glory times of the early season won't fully return. Lets prey for some positive movement in the transfer market and a return to home form this saturday.
Steve, Tooting says...
10:57am Thu 27 Dec 07
Yesterday there were attempts to play a passing game in the first half, but as soon as a pass was misplaced the crowd was immediately on the players' backs. This, I'm sure, eventually caused the players to resort to hoofing the ball. I know we all pay a lot of money to follow Watford, and I'm sure that we would all love to see us play a passing game and win week in, week out, but if we want to see a passing game then we've got to be more patient and not jump on a players back every time he makes a mistake.
Anyhow, I'd still rather watch what is on offer today than when we had a certain Italian as manager.
And if "ex-player" thinks that Boothroyd needs to go, maybe he should get his coaching badges and apply for the job himself!
Ben Thornhill, Watford says...
10:57am Thu 27 Dec 07
Ben, Watford says...
11:02am Thu 27 Dec 07
on banner can we lynch him?
henry, oxhey says...
11:07am Thu 27 Dec 07
Also - who is in charge at the back ?
Our Captain or 'sweeper' Jackson? Good stuff from RL - some great stops.
Snorebens, 'aCKNEY says...
11:23am Thu 27 Dec 07
The Appreciator, London says...
11:38am Thu 27 Dec 07
We might go up, we might not. But I'd far rather we didn't, but played more attractive football. Sadly, it would appear money is killing the game in more ways than once. How ironic the Rous quote that adorns the eponymous stand now appears...
Ian, London says...
11:57am Thu 27 Dec 07
Home: Booing / complaining / no support = team with no confidence = poor results.
Away: Fantastic support through think and thin to lift the team and help them fulfil their potential hence the best away record in the country.
We can all make a difference as to how our team play but people don't seem to realise that.
Wake up, sing up and try and help us stay at or near the top!
Ian, London says...
11:59am Thu 27 Dec 07
colin, I'm behind you!!!! says...
12:37pm Thu 27 Dec 07
With regards to the imminent departure of King, £5 million seems to be the rumoured price but...hang on didn't the manager say £60 million earlier in the season?
Yet another example of an idiot who doesn't think before he speaks.(yes, I fall into that catergory as well!!!!)
Boothroyd's problem, as I see it, is inability to fully comprehend why the team was successful first time round i.e. two years ago.
Two seasons ago we were the surprise package, albeit with some really good individual players who could score goals, Young, Spring, King, Henderson etc.
Last season Fosters brilliance gave the score lines a respectability they hardly deserved...lulling the manager into a false sense of confidence.
Now with the departures of Spring, Young, Foster, Bouazza et al we have no real back bone or creativity or even end product. All opposition teams have done is simply to press as ut home and we are unable to respond. Boothroyd often says "we need to focus on our own game". Thats just lazy.
Any decent manager in this position would study the opposition game plan in depth and figure out a way to respond to it.
Boofers seems to think, "oh well this approach worked two years ago so i'm sure sooner or later it will work again". Not so mate.
He often says "lesson learnt" but clearly these lessons are not being learnt. HE needs to change the way he approaches games; he needs to rise to the next level of his game because that little bit of luck newcomers enjoy is over.
Good managers rise to that challenge and heed the lessons; if he continues to ignore those lessons and fails to prepare properly for games by weighing up the approach of the opposition then our away form will start to follow our home form.
Don't let one good season blind you're judgement clappers; he isn't the next GT and you have to let go of that idea. If things stay as they are, then next season will be a relegation battle. You'll see.
Oh yes it will!!!!!
johnny b, bushey says...
12:50pm Thu 27 Dec 07
Ben wrote:Trust me Ben,
Can I please stump up some support for de-bannering Colin!? If anyone sees an idiot in a Luton shirt and a big anti-Boothroyd/Simps
on banner can we lynch him?
This luton love child,will get no nearer the vic than waving his banner at the radio,listening to 3cr on one radio,his hero nick owen,on midlands today on another,and george galloway on his third radio,whilst sharing a cup bull***t with his nephew,12 fingered DAVE from sandridge..
NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO
,NO,parking in the upper field...
Mark, Watford says...
1:19pm Thu 27 Dec 07
"Yet another example of an idiot who doesn't think before he speaks.(yes, I fall into that catergory as well!!!!)"
Well I saw that as a joky comment..do you think he really expect to get 60 million for King!?
Did you believe that comment as well?
steve, hemel hempstead says...
2:02pm Thu 27 Dec 07
Once again that was a disgusting performance from a team that has the 3rd highest wage bill in the division.
Boothroyd is totally clueless, we are again losing at home , and what does do he replaces our leading goalscorer, with a center back (remember where Shittu eventually played ) this is so we could hoof the ball higher and further.
Now break down his signings,
jackson- poor at best, beaten over the top a least 3 times during the 1st half, maybe able to read a game but he clearly cant run.
Stewart- won't even bother, just put him down ,
McAnuff- poor again but saved our blushes.
Francis- a dsigrace , Hoofroyd should look at the local parks , there are better players in the sunday league.
Williamsom- avearge , lost his way a little, but so would Gerrard playing with those tactics.
Ellington- rubbish, I think he had one shot all game.
King- poor but who wouldnt be in that system, he does not want to play for Hoofers, but I dont blame him.
Hoofers said on 3 counties he is looking at bringing more players in, please dont give him anymore money, I would not trust him with my piggy bank,
Get him out.
His ego is to big for little old Watford.
WFC & Proud, Watford says...
2:21pm Thu 27 Dec 07
Just to humour you, who would you bring in that could (A) make a difference and
(B) be prepared to come to a club where the previous manager has raised expectations so high in just under three seasons fans were calling for his head when we were 2nd in the CCC on goal diff?
steve, hemel hempstead says...
2:31pm Thu 27 Dec 07
What a pointless question Im not on the board, don't have the skills, experience or budget to know who we could get .
But mark my words when we fail this year and financially we are in the mire, you may still be proud but you wont be so loud.
WFC & Proud, Watford says...
2:45pm Thu 27 Dec 07
I didn't ask if you were on the Board; I asked you to suggest a possible replacement as you seemed so sure Aidy is not the right man.
I hoped you may have something positive to contribute in terms of a replacement but, sadly, I fear you're a mate of colin and thus prefer to criticise & opine destructively rather than offer anything positive as an alternative.
I suspect your glass will be half-empty whilst mine will be half-full.
steve, hemel hempstead says...
2:51pm Thu 27 Dec 07
Secondly I have followed WFC home amd away from 28 years and will continue to do so.
I would love to suggest a big name manager but both you and I know that it is not a realisitic request.
So i would look at two old boot room guys.
Gary Johnson or John Ward, even Peter Taylor may be a suggestion
HB84, ricky says...
2:56pm Thu 27 Dec 07
Defending "Proud" - his point is simple. We have a good manager - we are struggling at the moment- but you need to have faith.
If you dont think you have the "know-how" of the board to nominate a new manager - then shut up and let the board get on with it.
They bought in AB , they got us to the Premiership and now to #2 in this division.
No-ONE here who has said they want AB out has come up with a decent alternative. Why? Because - we are lucky to have him and we are only in a position where we can moan and get frustrated because of him and the expectations he has set.
Its not good at the moment at home and the football is awful - but we need to support the team to get through this period. We need promotion however we do it.
And for those of you who wish King gone... grow up! He is being marked tightly and its the otehr players who need to come to the party as he is creating space / room for them.
And for all you REAL WFC fans - stop letting L*ton fans posting on here wind you up. Cos they are and they are delivberately starting the King/ Boothroyd out talk .... why - cos they know wothout those two we will be joinging them in Divvy 2 very shortly.
HB84, ricky says...
3:07pm Thu 27 Dec 07
gary johnson and John Ward? reasonable suggestions.... Peter Taylor --- errrrr - let that one go I think .... I'd prefer Neil Warnock!
BUT ...
1) neither GJ or JW are better than AB.
2) In the case of GJ ... why would he leave a major city club like Bristol where he is loved to come to a cynical small town club whos will whinge when we are 2nd on goal difference. And I guess you would want him out straight away when his team loses 6-0 away to Ipswich?
The point is ... there are some okay maangers in this league ... but ones good enough for the next level? Aidy is. Have faith.
WFC & Proud, Watford says...
3:13pm Thu 27 Dec 07
JW has a good record at lower level; could he cut it at CCC/Prem?
PT has fantastic experience.
I rate all three as coaches not managers - which is also the same "label" I think suits Aidy best.
I'm not an advocate of it as a role but perhaps we may need a "director of football" for the personnel & business side of things to let AB get back to coaching the side? I'd hoped Keith Burkinshaw might go on to fulfil that role to let Aidy concentrate on his best attibutes: coaching, motivating and developing players.
As an alternative to KB, how about bringing GT back as DoF?
Not sure who else we could entice into the role; Dario Gradi at Crewe might be a possibility (currently their Technical Director).
I have a dream, Real sociedad says...
3:34pm Thu 27 Dec 07
Darren, Canada says...
3:39pm Thu 27 Dec 07
steve, hemel hempstead says...
3:44pm Thu 27 Dec 07
I do not want King out, no way, he is the best forward we have had a WFC since MO JO, but his mind seems eleswhere.
I think he has had his head turnned by all this speculation, if he does go , I would be like all Watford fans disapointed but like youngy, he wants to test himself and you cant blame a guy for that.
WatfordKev, Watford says...
3:46pm Thu 27 Dec 07
Season 1; club saved from relegation
Season 2; promoted to Prem on a shoestring, and of course subsequently relegated
Season 3; top of table for most of the season so far.
Not bad really is it?
What the record books won't readily show is the turgid stuff we've had to watch, especially at home, which has frustrated me every bit as much as the next person. I think AB is a massive asset to the club, but it's time to modify the style. A bit more wit and imagination are needed to keep us top, and definitely to keep us from being no-brainer relegation candidates should we be promoted.
WBA showed us that good football can be played in this Division. With one or two exceptions I think we've got the personnel to achieve it.
Getting rid of AB would be complete madness. But if we are to get automatic promotion, he must surely change things.
Soon.
colin, says...
4:05pm Thu 27 Dec 07
First full season promotion via play offs....shoestring? We had some bloody good players.
Second season: comprehensive relegation, only five wins all season.
Third season: 2nd by xmas but awful home performances all season; unable to dominate teams; haven't won at home since October.
End of third season?
This is the crucial point: if our current form continues, then we'll be nowhere near the top six YOU PLONKERS SO STOP TALKING ABOUT BEING 2ND IN THE LEAGUE!
Another thing: our poor home form started last season remember....these players are still suffering from the losing habit of last season which was why a robust transfer policy was required in the summer.
And another way of looking at things: perhaps Boothroyds lasting legacy will be simply as a business agent for Simpson:
Helgulson sold
Gunarsson sold
Young Sold
Spring Sold
Carlisle sold
Chambers sold
King...only a matter of days folks.
colin, says...
4:10pm Thu 27 Dec 07
Mark, Watford says...
4:11pm Thu 27 Dec 07
To be honest I was glad we did not waste millions in the Prem to risk ruin but then again we have wasted money this season!
ian, watford says...
4:53pm Thu 27 Dec 07
The fact that you were spouting rubbish 10 minutes before kick off yesterday only confirms that you can't be bothered to even go and watch the team you apparently "support".
Can I please suggest that anyone who does genuinely support the club, completely ignore any comments made by this fool and his groupies. From the postings above, this man has far too much free time on his hand and is getting off on winding you all up. Yes things aren't perfect, but you can see that for yourselves you don't need the diatribe of an idiot to tell you that.
If you have a problem with Watford's home form, either make the effort and see them away (where they have the best record in the country) or better still support someone else!
There have been much darker days in the clubs history than being 2nd in the league...
Eagle Eye, soaring above says...
6:21pm Thu 27 Dec 07
colin, says...
6:55pm Thu 27 Dec 07
HUGH JARSE wrote:Duh
promo contenders returns from xmas so far, WBA-3 pts Bris City-3pts-Chrltn-2 pts-Plymth 3 pts-Wolves-1 pt-stoke & US-4pts! So wot was that Colin? "if present form continues......? Tossa!
Do you think if we continue to not pick up any points from home we'll finish anywhere near the top two?
I'm all for taking some flak but please the "you're a luton fan on an extened wind up" is getting tiresome.
Where is that thicko ozzy when you need him?
doogle4, bovy says...
8:46pm Thu 27 Dec 07
Observer, says...
9:04pm Thu 27 Dec 07
Mark wrote:Still remember calling the poster a "deluded fool" It is still in the archives. I ask you again, is that not being rude or aggressive?
I personally hope Boothroyd goes so then he can find Colin before abusing him personally (which the rest of us don't do..) at his job....
Actually I wonder what Colin would have left to do in his life if Hoofers went?
BTW I must be a happy clapper for saying "we got out of jail" and asking for a number of new players.
Difference is I don't need to be rude and agressive or act like a little child going "ner ner I told you so" etc.
dave, sandridge says...
9:16pm Thu 27 Dec 07
johnny b wrote:Just exactly what is the problem you have with me posting?
Ben wrote:Trust me Ben,
Can I please stump up some support for de-bannering Colin!? If anyone sees an idiot in a Luton shirt and a big anti-Boothroyd/Simps
on banner can we lynch him?
This luton love child,will get no nearer the vic than waving his banner at the radio,listening to 3cr on one radio,his hero nick owen,on midlands today on another,and george galloway on his third radio,whilst sharing a cup bull***t with his nephew,12 fingered DAVE from sandridge..
NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO
,NO,parking in the upper field...
andy, st. albans says...
10:31pm Thu 27 Dec 07
john h, sutton says...
5:42am Fri 28 Dec 07
h rumbled that, thet put there hand in pockets and got quality players in, not the cast offs like Viali got here and almost ruined the club.....A.B call me mate and i could help, give DS a go up front for a start, let MK go, get what you can for him, even swap him for a wide left player..... And remember AB get 2 men wide mate at all times, thats not hard is it, jesus whats going on at these clubs....Football is simple game, only got to put ball in net, hate some of this lot have to do real job...... been a watford follower for over 50 years now, I am fed up of being laughed at, get it sorted before.... i pop my clogs....Its been a while since the likes of John Barnes etc put fear and respect into other sides when he showed up our heads held high.....Funny how the years change, i can remember JB ripping Chelsea apart at the Bridge, how has it gone so wrong....he was given away to Liverpool, how Arsenal must have kicked themselves... and under a million quid.... yet again LEFT WIDE how many more times AB..... LEFT WIDE
johnny b, bushey says...
8:38am Fri 28 Dec 07
I personally don,t think he,s done anything to catch the eye of any manager on the look out for a striker in the last few months..
I think all his silly shooting from every angle,has been to try to catch the eye of prospective buyers,and i don,t think he,s been coping very well with tight marking..
Iv,e put my money where my mouth is with my mates,and don,t reckon he will go,and then turn his game around after this..
A real scary player in the window would be nice..
We don,t have one since johnno went back ,and is a must cos it get,s everyone one going..
I hope its a happy new year.....
KEEP THE FAITH
johnny b, bushey says...
9:25am Fri 28 Dec 07
67 horn, surrey says...
9:44am Fri 28 Dec 07
Greg, Ricky says...
10:55am Fri 28 Dec 07
Perhaps the talented footballers don't get picked, whereas those who follow instructions well, do - Doyley and Stewart seem almost programmed as to what to do when they receive the ball - I could do what they do as it's that simple!
I'm convinced the problem is the manager, not the players, so lets get off the players backs - they are better than this. I just don't understand why the manager refuses to adopt a different style of play. Still, on the plus side, it's 3 days until January, when we'll be hitting top form.....
Now that's something to look forward to!!!
Steve, Tooting says...
11:19am Fri 28 Dec 07
Wake up and smell the coffee before you drive away the second most succesful manager in this club's history!
Voice of reason, Watford says...
1:17pm Fri 28 Dec 07
dave wrote:Dave...I could mention a couple of things!
johnny b wrote:Just exactly what is the problem you have with me posting?
Ben wrote:Trust me Ben,
Can I please stump up some support for de-bannering Colin!? If anyone sees an idiot in a Luton shirt and a big anti-Boothroyd/Simps
on banner can we lynch him?
This luton love child,will get no nearer the vic than waving his banner at the radio,listening to 3cr on one radio,his hero nick owen,on midlands today on another,and george galloway on his third radio,whilst sharing a cup bull***t with his nephew,12 fingered DAVE from sandridge..
NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO,NO
,NO,parking in the upper field...
People are beginning to get the measure of you, Do you realise?
JohnBoy, Watford says...
6:59pm Fri 28 Dec 07
67 horn wrote:Song/Traore would be nice but highly unlikely with the African Nations coming up.
We're not going to buy any decent premiership players cheap and foreign players get snapped up elsewhere, so I'd try for Prutton - leeds need the money and he controls midfield - paul anderson, the liverpool boy at swansea and see if Arsenal will loan us Song and/or Traore
voice of reason, watford says...
8:56pm Fri 28 Dec 07
Steve wrote:And youre point is?
When Boothroyd took over, we were on the verge of relegation to Div 3 (old currency). We are now 2nd in Div 2 (OC) having had a season in Div 1 (OC)and looking at a possible return there. Remeber, only one manager has ever got us to the top division previously!
Wake up and smell the coffee before you drive away the second most succesful manager in this club's history!
Nathan Ellington in action on Boxing Day.
In this section
- New striker aims for 20 this season
- Robinson: 'I never got a chance at Watford'
- Williamson targeting promotion with United
- Priskin not ruled out Reading switch
- Chamberlain praises Searle for asking to leave
- Watford add another pre-season game
- Radlett rewrite record books again
- Scott Severin hopes Watford move can earn Scotland recall
- O'Toole has medical with Blades
- Watford midfielder latest player set for Sheffield United
Sponsored Links
Local Advertisers
Local Information
Enter your postcode, town or place name
Peter, watford says...
2:23pm Wed 26 Dec 07
Duke was good again...