Hornets' derby debacle
5:11pm Saturday 29th December 2007
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WATFORD's crisis of results at Vicarage Road plunged to new depths this afternoon (Saturday) after they crashed to a 4-2 defeat against Queens Park Rangers.
The game was effectively over by half-time after the counter-attacking visitors had capitalised on some alarming defensive failings in the Hornets rearguard to race into a 3-0 lead courtesy of two Martin Rowlands goals, including a penalty, and a Damion Stewart header.
A Damien Francis header at the start of the second-half, which had suspicions of an own goal about it, gave the Hornets hope, but Akos Buzsaky ensured it would be seven games without a win at Vicarage Road for the home side before Dan Shittu netted a late consolation.
In truth, the margin of victory flattered the visitors - they had eight goal attempts to Watford's 23 - but the nature of this setback raised serious questions about the home side's organisation, as well as their already very brittle confidence.
Boothroyd made two changes from the side that snatched a last-gasp draw with Cardiff City on Saturday, one of which was particularly significant with Darius Henderson replacing Marlon King. The other saw Lee Williamson replace John-Joe O'Toole in the centre of the park.
Rangers boss Luigi De Canio was always going to have make one adjustment following Mikele Leigertwood's dismissal in the 2-1 defeat at Plymouth Argyle, but the boss decided on four in total. Buzsaky, Simon Walton and Rowan Vine all dropped to the bench and in came Damion Stewart, back after suspension, Angelo Balanta, Marc Nygaard and Dexter Blackstock.
After making a hash of the kick-off, Watford looked to push on from the first whistle and Williamson had the first shot of the afternoon blocked in the third minute. Soon after, a stooping Nathan Ellington headed a Jobi McAnuff cross from the right back across goal and wide of Lee Camp's left-hand post.
However, the Hornets suffered a couple of minor concerns in the opening minutes with both Ellington and McAnuff picking up knocks, but, more worryingly, the pair were soon joined by Richard Lee after he went to gather a ball under pressure from Nygaard. After receiving treatment though, the keeper was fine to continue.
The game continued to be played in the Rangers half and after ten minutes McAnuff swung in a dangerous cross from a short corner which only needed a touch. Next, Williamson threaded a ball through to Francis inside the Rangers box, but he could only prod a shot straight at Camp.
But the Hornets' promising start came to a grinding halt after 12 minutes when Jordan Stewart was adjudged to have bundled over Blackstock in the penalty area and referee Chris Foy had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Amazingly, this was the first free-kick of the game, but Rowlands made no mistake, sending Lee the wrong way to his left to make it 1-0.
The Hornets sought an instant response, with Henderson sending a downward header from the home side's third corner of the match wide. Then in the 19th minute, Ellington sent an angled snap-shot from the left side of the area over the top after Tommy Smith had knocked the ball down into his path.
The home side continued to pile on the pressure, with Henderson and Francis both seeing shots blocked in a melee, before the latter managed to open up a clear sight of goal, but, again, could only help it through to Camp.
However, the visitors then had a decent spell of their own, forcing a string of three corners, the third of which saw Lee claw the ball behind after Blackstock had hooked the ball goalwards. But from the fourth set-piece, the visitors, incredibly in the context of the game, doubled their lead, with Damion Stewart getting free at the near post to thump a header in off the underside of bar after 29 minutes.
The bizarre nature of the exchanges continued five minutes later when Lloyd Doyley picked up the game's first yellow card after catching the ball, presumably after hearing what he thought was the referee's whistle.
The first audible mutterings of discontent came from the home faithful two minutes later when Jordan Stewart scuffed a free-kick routine wide of Camp's near post from 22 yards, before Francis half-volleyed over the top after Henderson had knocked down another set-piece.
But Watford's first-half nightmare assumed horror proportions after 40 minutes when, from a cross-field move started by Rowlands on the right, Blackstock's flick-on bisected the Hornets defence and the Rangers midfielder continued his run to finish superbly with a left-footed volley on the turn to make it 3-0.
Soon after though, the Hornets nearly gave themselves a lifeline when Williamson struck a fine curling shot from the edge of the area that beat Camp, rebounded off the keeper's right-hand post, struck the keeper on the back, but cannoned wide. Then McAnuff unleashed a cross-cum-shot from the right side of the area that struck Henderson in the six-yard box and rebounded behind although, admittedly, the striker didn't know a lot about it.
Nygaard picked up the vistors' first yellow card as the game entered the first of four minutes of first-half stoppage-time for a foul on Williamson, but as the interval whistle blew there was the loudest chorus of sustained boos directed at the Hornets so far after 45 minutes this season.
The Watford boss was always likely to make a change at the interval and so it proved, with Shittu replacing Matt Jackson.
The Hornets, predictably, started the second period on the front foot and following several dangerous crosses they gave themselves hope after 51 minutes. After a corner from the right, Francis' goalbound header was blocked on the line by Zesh Rehman, but he only succeeded in hitting the ball against Camp and it rebounded back into his own net to make it 3-1.
Chris Barker picked up a needless yellow card for dissent after 56 minutes before the visitors made their first change seven minutes later, with Vine replacing Gareth Ainsworth. Boothroyd followed suit soon after by bringing on King for Ellington.
And within 90 seconds of entering the fray, the substitute could have had a goal, but he fired wide off the target from the left side of the area after Henderson had laid the ball back to him following an over-hit Smith cross.
Buzsaky came on for Balanta with 17 minutes remaining before the Hornets had a half-hearted penalty appeal turned down when King was sent tumbling in the box. Smith was then booked for a foul on Rowlands.
It almost got interesting with 12 minutes left when Smith's ball in from the right broke for McAnuff on the left side of the area. He connected well with a first-time shot which looked to have surprised Camp, but the keeper still managed to beat the ball to safety.
Boothroyd played his final card moments later, bringing on O'Toole for Doyley, but soon after it was game over. Smith was totally asleep when Buzsaky ran off him to receive a pass from the right, and the Hungarian replacement rounded Lee and kept his calm to make it 4-1.
That was the signal for a mass exodus from the home faithful, while the ecstatic away fans burst into a chorus of "Can we play you every week."
However, the Hornets weren't quite finished and following a game of head tennis in the Rangers area, King nodded the ball sideways to Shittu, who rammed the ball between Camp and the near post to make it 4-2.
Straight from the kick-off through, Rangers' worked the ball through to Blackstock, who homed in on the target and would have at least tested Lee had not it been for a fine intervention from Jay DeMerit.
And Blackstock should have made it five with two minutes when he left Williamson for dead and broke in from the left side of the area, rolled the ball wide of Lee but also the far post.
And, apart from an O'Toole shot, that was the last meaningful action of Watford's fifth defeat in seven at home, and one suspects the only reason the boos for the home side were not louder at the end was because around half of the Hornets' contingent had already decided enough was enough.
Watford: Lee; Doyley (O'Toole, 79), DeMerit, Jackson (Shittu, 46), J Stewart; Smith, Williamson, Francis, McAnuff, Henderson, Ellington (King, 68). Not used: Mariappa and Ainsworth.
Queens Park Rangers: Camp; Malcolm, D Stewart, Rehman, Camp; Ainsworth (Vine, 63), Bolder, Rowlands, Balanta (Buzsaky, 73); Nygaard (Walton, 90), Balckstock. Not used: Moore and Cole.
Bookings: Doyley for handball after 34 mins; Nygaard for a foul on Williamson after 44 mins; Barker for dissent after 56 mins; Smith for a foul on Rowlands after 74 mins.
Attendance: 18,698.
Referee: Chris Foy.
Your Say YourWatford Observer
Oh dear, says...
5:24pm Sat 29 Dec 07
What would the score have been if he wasn't?
Does anyone still think we're going up?
Does anyone think this is "just a blip", and that the lads will turn it round?
Newsflash folks - we are absolute s**t. Look where QPR are in the table. Look what West Brom did today. Nothing will change on the pitch unless there are major changes behind the scenes. This is a pale imitation of the side 2 years ago. And the next time we scrap a win from somewhere, I don't want to hear any of this "we're back on track" c**p. All the money from player sales, all the money from the premier league, and look what is produced on the pitch. FOOTBALLERS urgently required in Jan, although how we will tempt them with our current form and the style of our play is beyond me
colin, says...
5:25pm Sat 29 Dec 07
When a manager goes so far into denial - is so divorced from reality - then it is time for the board to act.
This humiliation cannot be allowed to continue; we have become the laughing stock of the division. Based on the last ten games, we'd be in the bottom four: this is relegation form.
Clearly the manager is unable to turn this around. We are in meltdown. We are in crisis make no mistake.
At the very least an experienced replacement to Burkinshaw must be brought it; a director of football; a thorough review of the contribution to our bloated backroom staff; a sports physchologist to work with the players.
All of the above is necessary because the manager is too far gone. He is unable to arrest this slump on his own: too inexperienced, too paly with the players; conversely he has lost the respect of the dressing room; tactically he is now without a clue.
It is now time for Ashton and Simpson to show what they're made of. Do they really care about the team or are they just rubbing their hands at the prospect of another £6 million for King?
Folks, please, enough is enough. Something has to change. Come May we'll be nowhere in the league. Come next year we'll have a relegation battle on our hands.
But it doesn't have to be like this.
steve, hemel hempstead says...
5:29pm Sat 29 Dec 07
I do not always share your views, but you are a better man than me, because I cant bear to listen to his spin or bull!*!* anymore.
Give him a big red nose direct him to Billy Circus and let him do what he does best!!!!!
TRUE FAN, HEMEL says...
5:40pm Sat 29 Dec 07
JACKSON OUT
STEWART OUT
LEAVE NOW BOOTHROYD
Hornet, Watford says...
5:48pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Peter, San Francisco says...
6:01pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Michael Ashcroft, says...
6:05pm Sat 29 Dec 07
TRUE FAN, HEMEL says...
6:11pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Are you having a laugh?, says...
6:16pm Sat 29 Dec 07
"Graham bailed out this club from his own money" This quote doesn't need me to say anything.
Best pour yourself one extra large coffee
john, watford says...
6:21pm Sat 29 Dec 07
John, Watford says...
6:23pm Sat 29 Dec 07
We don't however owe him a job - get him out while there is still a chance of someone keeping up at the top end of the table.
Boothroyd's star isn't just shinning dimly - its actually gone out.
RICH, Watford says...
6:24pm Sat 29 Dec 07
ikodi ,NONE regular ist team players and we sold Ashley Young! , so stop dreaming everyone it has already been said we will at best only bring in loan players THERE IS NO MONEY !!! I wonder why Mr Chairman ?
So Marlon to go then ? Boothroyd seems to have lost the plot judging by todays after match interview WE CONCEEDED FOUR GOALS AT HOME TO TEAM SECOND FROM BOTTOM ,we play the rubbish Jackson in preference to Danny and Marlon on the bench staggering ,BUT with a board of three and in pocket of AB there is no chance of change until perhaps the Chairman starts getting some very strong questions asked of him ,it will happen very soon i am sure .
Peter, Watford says...
6:31pm Sat 29 Dec 07
In addition those people calling for Aidy's head are being short minded.
Aidy and his team need support and the board may have to appoint a wise old head as a director of football to guide Aidy. Remember he has only been in management for nearly three years. We don't have the devine right to be at or near the top of the league. Yes expectations are high as we did not spend huge amounts of money.
We all have valued opinion, but before we open our gobs we should look at what history tells us. Sacking a manager only has a short term benefit.
We will also become a laughing stock as we did when we sacked Ray Lewington. No manager or player will want to come. The decent players we have will want to leave.
I would however though question whether it is right giving JD the captaincy. In his own words he says he is not a shouter, but I think that is what the defence needs.
One thing I do agree with Aidy is that a season is one or lost over 46 games not 7 home games.
But would criticise some of his tactics and the tactics of his coaching staff.
Lets hope it does improve quickly before more fans jump on the band wagon for calling is head.
colin, says...
6:32pm Sat 29 Dec 07
I'm sick of that tired old line, and idiots like you.
Responding to the earlier point, yes I do think Adam Johnson made all the difference; were it not for his contributions the league table could look very unhealthy by now.
Lets face it folks has there really been one decent performance all season?
Look at the players who have been sold in the last twelve months; look at the players who have come in. Its hardly surprising is it?
We have hardly any competition for places.
To compound matters, for a club who made such vast sums from trandfer sales and PL Money to now be in debt is very strange. It has already been suggested that any signings in Jan will be loan signings so dont hold you're breath.
In the final analysis Boofers is and has always been a puppet for the board. As long as we dont get relegated this season nothing will change. After all who is there to challenge SDimpson and Ashton? Exactly.
Everything from the top down is rotten at WFC at the moment.
And please, no more of this "well we'd have taken second place at the start if the season".
Yes we would...if we knew it would have been deserved and sustainable. As it is, we will be out of the top six within a matter of weeks.
This is no blip...its a full scale crisis that needs to be arrested NOW!
Come home Elton and Kenny....we need you right now.
Paul Davies, Welwyn says...
6:37pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Paul Davies, Welwyn says...
6:38pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Worried fan, Watford says...
6:40pm Sat 29 Dec 07
The support continued through the half, but at 3 down, it's difficult to sustain. It cannot be claimed that the fans' high expectations were a reason for a poor home result this time. I am not a fan of booing, but let's be honest, it was always going to happen once we went 3 down. Every club throughout the land would be booed off at half time if they were 3 down at home.
The stats back up that we played better today, based on chances etc, and QPR were nowhere as good as the score suggests. Unfortunately, I do feel that Adie is really struggling to turn round the form and the club desperately need a new assistant manager of proven quality and experience to help sort this out. The guy from Norwich appears to have contributed nothing so far, and Malky has no experience.
Mark, Watford says...
6:44pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Kind of puts things into prespective.
js, watford says...
6:52pm Sat 29 Dec 07
But dont hold your breath!
tony, tring says...
6:54pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Redbooth, Watford says...
6:54pm Sat 29 Dec 07
colin, says...
7:04pm Sat 29 Dec 07
as some of the more intelligent ones of you will have figured out, I do not actually support watford. (big shock I know!!)
It is true in fact that I support the hatters and have done all my life.
I find it hilarious how all of you dim-witted watford fans react to my negative comments regarding your beloved "football" team.
Every so often I put in a "positive" comment to confuse you, which isn't hard.
However, what started as a joke has recently had me in stitches. Are you really that thick to criticise a man who saved you from relegation, got you promoted and has you looking for promotion again?! that really is laughable.
So yes, sack boofers, and bring him to Luton!!!
COME ON THE HATTERS
sam, Watford says...
7:05pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Full respect Colin, you have said it as it is and withstood severe criticism but in the end you are being proved right.
As for Michael Ashcroft, if that really is him, well he can go fcuk himself. I have supported this team through thick and thin and it is people like me who have kept this club going not priveleged d1ld0s like himself. Does anyone here think the game could have gone either way? He's on another planet not another country.
We all have a right to express ourselves and up until half time when we were three down the supporters got behind the team. Booing them off at half time was the right thing to do.
Snorebens, 'Ackney says...
7:07pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Next:
true fan, hemel says...
7:08pm Sat 29 Dec 07
doogle4, bovy says...
7:09pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Peter Riley, Watford says...
7:17pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Michael Ashcroft wrote:Thanks for chiming in again mate.
OK, guys - I understand your frustration. I was out of the country today on business, but my representatives were there, & they told me that the game could\'ve gone either way. Stay with it. Freak results happen. But the negativity handed out to the team was probably what swung it in the opponent\'s direction. We\'re a team & we stick together through, ok? Just because you pay a small sum of money for a seat at the ground does not give you the right to undermine the guys in the team. And I don\'t want to hear any more of this politics of envy towards Mark Ashton & Graham Simpson. Graham bailed out this club from his own money, & he deserves every penny of his business dividend from team sales. If it wasn\'t for him & Aidy this small town wouldn\'t have a club anymore. Get it? This is a question of market survival so wake up and smell the coffee! And get behind the lads!
I was really down after watching the game (not 'out of the country on business') but your comments have made me laugh. You really are complete tossa, aintcha?
When are you gonna come out as a L-t-n fan? Are you Roy Cockdill in disguise? I think we should be told!
Peter Riley, Watford says...
7:19pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Mark wrote:What the hell has that got to do with us losing 2-4????
Just to put a bit of perspective on what was an awful performance/reault to say sad news in Scotland - the Motherwell captain passed away after collapsing on the pitch.
Kind of puts things into prespective.
Tory Boy, Herts says...
7:19pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Mark, Watford says...
7:23pm Sat 29 Dec 07
BTW I have said it was an awful result/performance..
.pparticulary defensive wise.
Mark, Watford says...
7:25pm Sat 29 Dec 07
I agree we need to make team changes and his transfers have not been that great in recent times.
Elton, On the road says...
7:27pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Do you believe I am Elton.
Listen to yourselves and grow up, I will remind you of all that you've posted in May, when we're promoted.
Keep the faith.
Soto 1 Watford 3.
Sam, watford says...
7:28pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Tory Boy wrote:What kind of person are you Tory Boy? Do you kiss peoples arses because they are wealthy?
Colin, Sam & your negativity pals - GROW UP! And be very careful what you say about Mr Ashcroft. He effectively owns this club & your remarks are slanderous. It would be comparatively easy to trace your names & e-mail addresses, & evict you from the ground. You don't have a right to attend matches. The Vic is private property & you will lose your priviliges if not careful.
I have been a season ticket holder for many years and I am entitled to hold an opinion on my club and not be told by some over priveleged Lord that I don't pay much for my seat so I should shut up. If you want to live as his subordinate then do so but don't expect me to be a lap dog.
Also please tell me where I was slanderous? I told him to go fcuk himself, that is not slander.
Further tell me just how it is a privelege to pay good money and watch sh1t like that? As a fee paying customer I am entitled to be angry about the performances I am seeing.
Tory Boy is one naive person if he thinks that any of the posters here can be traced.
Mutley, watford says...
7:47pm Sat 29 Dec 07
???, liverpool says...
8:07pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Mark, Watford says...
8:14pm Sat 29 Dec 07
No-one is a happy clapper TONIGHT for sure!
Why?, Watford says...
8:32pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Tory Boy wrote:Not really that easy Tory Boy. Data Protection Act and all that...plus using an internet cafe..
Colin, Sam & your negativity pals - GROW UP! And be very careful what you say about Mr Ashcroft. He effectively owns this club & your remarks are slanderous. It would be comparatively easy to trace your names & e-mail addresses, & evict you from the ground. You don\'t have a right to attend matches. The Vic is private property & you will lose your priviliges if not careful.
Sam, Watford says...
8:37pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Why? wrote:even simpler than that. you can post whatever email address you like and even if you post from home do you seriously think that your isp is going to wade through their logs to find a poster on the watford observer site? even if they did how can you prove who was on your pc at the time? it could be your wife, son, friend etc some people really need to wake up and get real.
Tory Boy wrote:Not really that easy Tory Boy. Data Protection Act and all that...plus using an internet cafe..
Colin, Sam & your negativity pals - GROW UP! And be very careful what you say about Mr Ashcroft. He effectively owns this club & your remarks are slanderous. It would be comparatively easy to trace your names & e-mail addresses, & evict you from the ground. You don\'t have a right to attend matches. The Vic is private property & you will lose your priviliges if not careful.
Voice of reason, Watford says...
8:44pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Please talk about football, that's why I've logged on.
Sam, Watford says...
8:45pm Sat 29 Dec 07
chris, the vic says...
9:02pm Sat 29 Dec 07
The team lack confidence and a worthwhile strategy.
Shittu as most of us know should have started...Poom was fit and should have been on the bench...Doyley being subbed was wrong...the cover employed non existent and with Shittu up front we had two defenders.
The conclusion try and see if Gavin can plug the defence in meantime GOOD BYE Aidy if you saw the game today you would know it was the worst league performance under your control.
Sadly Aidy you are not fit for purpose if you believe what you said. To me you are inept, inexperienced and totally out of your depth and sadly you havent a clue as to which members of the team can cope with the hoofing...unfortunat
ely most of the opposition can..travel well and thanks for the memories...NOW GO
henry, oxhey says...
9:03pm Sat 29 Dec 07
The first half was abysmal - we made a very ordinary Rangers look adequate, some players blundered and drifted about and no-one earned their pay.
The lack of team spirit is the biggest worry - MJ and JD are not a suitable pairing at home, and there is no real sign of the togetherness and shared purpose that helped sustain us last year.
Cheesed Off!, 976-225 says...
9:43pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Tory Boy wrote:Tory boy you sad git. The guys slagging off AB and the boys have paid their money and can voice their opinions. After all they are realists. If that is Ashcroft then he is a tw*t! Please hunt me down and take away my priviliges as Im sick of this brainless football...
Colin, Sam & your negativity pals - GROW UP! And be very careful what you say about Mr Ashcroft. He effectively owns this club & your remarks are slanderous. It would be comparatively easy to trace your names & e-mail addresses, & evict you from the ground. You don\'t have a right to attend matches. The Vic is private property & you will lose your priviliges if not careful.
Dave, wd23 says...
9:47pm Sat 29 Dec 07
What i dont understand is how no one else has picked up on what boothroyd said prior to the stoke game (i think). When asked why Shittu was not in the squad he said that Shittu would not be playing as he wanted to rest him for the important xmas period so he wouldnt pick up any 'niggles'. Why then now nearly at the end of the important xmas period has he not played a key part?
Pete, Guildford says...
9:49pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Having said that Tommy is by far the most consistent player this season.
Rinaldi home sick or not is still the best current option in midfield. Aidy has annoyed me recently by saying we are trying to change the way we play but today was the first evidence of that.
I want us to go forward and get promotion but the current squad would be a total embaressment in the Prem. Aidy must now show some nous in January signings. Midfield and a central defender plus a left back (though to be fair Jordan was by no means the worst today). These need to be experienced top league players without being expensive superstars.
Our season is now at the crossroads and decisions must be right - let's just pray they are!
Dave, wd23 says...
9:55pm Sat 29 Dec 07
We have NEVER been in such a position (certainly financially) there should be no excuses come Jan.
JohnBoy, Bushey says...
10:02pm Sat 29 Dec 07
QPR passed their way through our midfield. This team that were in the relegation zone thismorning outplayed us. Why doesn't Boothroyd concentrate on getting our players to play football rather than mindgames? When was the last time you heard AB talk in football terms? When did you hearhim say we were too square at the back or we defended too deep etc etc He doesn't because he is a Mr Motivator not a football coach.
You cannot get a team to be successful through motivation alone, GT tried that in his last premiership season with us ( god did he get us playing above ourselves ), eventually though lack of quality is found out.
This is where we are now, AB has performed miracles through his motivational skills but they are now running out and the team don't have the quality to cope.
If we don't buy quality in January we will finish mid table.
Dollyhat, stevenage says...
10:06pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Richard, Come on You Golden Boys! says...
10:19pm Sat 29 Dec 07
But for me, the worst moment of all was the subsitution of Doyley with the obligatory note that poor Tommy Smith(my MOM) stood & read whilst the 4th goal was scored through the vacant right back position. It was truly comical but seemed to sum the afternoon and our predicament up.
Yes, there is clearly a lot wrong right now, but am not calling for the Manager's head. I believe that, based on his record of achievement with us to date, that Aidy Boothroyd should be given the opportunity to try and turn things around and we should review things at the end of the season.
We cannot be relegated this season (around 50 points will be enough)so let's give him the support and backup he needs - he's a young guy still learning - to get it right. I saw Graham Taylor was in the Directors Box today (looked very glum at the end)- now there's a guy who Aidy could lean on and learn from.
Am away for the next few weeks in sunnier climes so will not be posting for a while.
In the meantime I hope you don't form a lynch-mob! Happy New Year to you all.
chris, Hemel says...
10:39pm Sat 29 Dec 07
In the early days he was charmingly naive, and all about learning. He cleared out all the old Lewington lags, brought in new players and gave several younger players a chance.
It worked.
We survived relegation and next year won the play-offs. Mr Wonderful.
Once in the Prem, AB seemed to think he was the next Jose Mourinho. But the standard and quality of football he delivered was awful and bound to failure.
He still thought he was bigger than his team. Relegation the reward, and the Board reward him with an even bigger contract and he is allowed to fritter our hard earned cash on new players.
Ellington, McAnuff, Hoskins, Williamson, Poom, Ashikodi, and a number of others arrive. Out go many of the favoured players too. AB announces he expects us to be one of the automatic promotions.
He gets lucky when Boro allow AJ to come for 3 months, and he delivers 10 great performances and we're top of the table, 11 points clear.
AB's luck runs out. AJ returns to Boro; GM is sacked as captain, to be sold in January; Asst Mgr Burkinshaw leaves for family reasons; MK plots his escape; Every team works out our one dimentional play at home and 2 points out of 21 is the result.
What now AB?? Total dilemma. Team selection a mystery with inclusion of OAP Jackson, continued selection of the utterly useless Stewart (ignoring Mariappa) and the ommission of our one class player Marlon King. JJ given the boot when Francis is clearly nowhere near ready for action.
Team tactics are the same as ever. Hoof the ball at every opportunity to the front two, who only ever receive balls chest height or above. By-pass midfield who yet again are out fought and out passed. When all else fails, just lump it up the middle or down the channels.
Yes we won 15 corners today from pressure, and 13 went straight into the keepers hands, and all we easily defended.
Ah, says AB, there were lots of positives to take from the game.
ERRRR. We conceded 4 goals at home to the 2nd bottom club. We didn't manage to get a single shot or header on target in the first half. You didn't bring MK on till the 70th minute, then took off our right back which resulted immediately in their 4th goal.
Actually your team selection, tactics, substitutions, and after match comments were a joke, but the only ones laughing are QPR and the rest of this league.
I've had enough, I've really had enough of this crap.
Next manager please, quick as you can GS, give Billy Davis a call tonight...... I so wish.
Callum, WFC says...
10:46pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Mark, Watford says...
11:17pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Mark, Watford says...
11:22pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Still if Aidy thinks Francis and Williamson is the answer in midfield and Ellington is worth 3.5 then I am worried about his sense.
Nearly an ex-season ticket holders Wife, S.Oxhey says...
11:58pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Chris, Hemel says...
11:59pm Sat 29 Dec 07
Billy Davis got a very average but hard working, Preston side into the play-offs 2 seasons running and then did it for Derby, who thanked him by giving him the sack less than half way through the season. Three play-off places in three years, with two different clubs.
He's first class and would definitely gee up this under performing, over paid squad.
Just out of interest, my newphew was a recent mascot. It cost his dad £195, and when in the dressing room, he was only allowed to ask for one autograph per player, as thats all this bunch of over paid and under performing tossers were prepared to sign. Just about sums this lot up, and these arrangements have AB's blessing.
IMHO he's just a big headed, over paid and under performing ****, like the rest of his team.
Related to Colin, says...
12:56am Sun 30 Dec 07
2 months ago most people firmly believed we would get over our "dip" and come storming back, but the general opinion on here now is that radical changes are needed in Jan or at the end of the season or it's back to the wilderness years.
I know AB's been great for the club up 'till now, but there's no time for sentimentality in football. Surely if he doesn't deliver in Jan, and a mid to lower table finish is the result come May, then it's time to say thankyou and goodbye?
I really hope he proves me wrong and turns it round and I will happily eat humble pie, but I just can't see it. How many more games do we have to lose at home befoe everyone agrees?
Hands on heart - who firmly expects us to win handsomely at the Vic next time out?
Unfortunately, i don't think the players expect it either. The note on the pitch/Smith/Doyley debacle says it all.
But I'll also admit I've no idea who to bring in to replace AB. One of the posts above said Billy Davis - maybe, maybe not. But seeing as Simpson and co are making so much money out of the club then it should be them that are worrying about it.
If it gets to Jan 31 and we've brought in lower league dross, or worse still it's April 30 after the arrival of some decent players and we're still hoof ball servants then I really do believe the crowd will turn on AB for real.
Just to recap - 2-4 at home to 2nd from bottom. It's a million miles from Palace 0-3 Watford, play-offs 2005.
P****d off.
John, says...
2:47am Sun 30 Dec 07
I thought hard about whether to post knowing there will be some slating back to me on this but, here goes, heres my opinions..
I thought that the Cardiff game showed we were a poor side with no ideas how to break down the opposition. I though McAnuff got himself 'out of jail' with the very late equaliser as he was pants in that game. Some people on this board also though that Eliington had a good game on boxing day!!! He is a headless chicken who, probably through no fault of his own does not know what his position is??.
We relied on Danny (one of our best defenders) to act as a striker and in the end it payed off.
Now I will go on to todays game.
OK. QPR got a penalty but I was confident enough to think, that will be their only attack of the game and we will come back and win. There were positive signs as we went for the equaliser, but we did not have the quality to put the ball in the net. 2-0 down and I still felt that they hadnt really threatened and we would still win. 3-0 down (an off-side goal I'm sure) but still positive.
The we went into a blind panick and reality stepped in
Doyley cannot do anything for the team but throw ins, his support play for Tommy is pathetic. O.K Tommy passes the ball to him but you know he will pass it to him back. If I was an opposition manager thats the first thing I would suss out.
Jordan...well where do you start.. his ball skills are non existant, his ability to defend also non existant and his scholl boy errors when dealing with a ball coming out of the sky at him are so easy for the opposition to read.
Ellington cannot win anything in the air and is not worth anything near the price tag he cost us.
Midfield??.. well we do not have one, I will put Francis down to lack of match fitness but, he played similar to this when he was fit.
Aidy blamed the defence today but as poor as 2 of them are individually the onslaught on them happens because of the midfield.
Let's not kid ourselves, QPR are a very poor side and we looked wosre than them.
What is it with this short corner crap?? never works does it?.
Over the last 2 games I feel that only Jay and Tommy can come out of this with some dignity.
Up front is a mess, it's MK with NE or MK with DH or DH with NE.
The only one that gets near to working is King and Henderson. Stick with it.
The transfer window approaches and it would be nice to see the back off Stewart,Doyley,Ellin
gton,Mc anuff but we are more likely to see the back of Marlon King instead.
We are always out-passed and out-fought in all of our home games this season and this may continue unless some 'saviour' players come in.
At the end of the day I am hapy with being in the Championship, as its a good league but at present we have lost the way of holding our own even here.
The future does not look good at present. Best we can hope for, if we really want promotion, is to get out of the FA CUP asap, buy some ball players and either go up automatically with a much stregthened team (unlikely) of miss out on promotion altogether. N one really wants to go up via the paly offs to become cannon fodder.
matt, letchworth says...
8:03am Sun 30 Dec 07
Chris, the vic says...
9:28am Sun 30 Dec 07
My desire for Aidy to go is based on a variety of reasons.
First he treats players who play to his instructions very badly. Take the cases of Darius, Gavin and Tamas.
Wirh Darius, he slaved away last year and was told surplus to requirements. However Aidy failed to sign a replacement and called on Darius to show loyalty...NICE!!!
Gavin, played well enough this year despite Lee's failures to assist...at home he invariably contributed three or four defensive headers and protected our defence. So much so we had the best defence and were top of the league. A couple of poor performancesand he is stripped of captaincy and out of the squad. Perhaps Aidys performance over the last two MUST WIN home games should be dealt with in the same vein.
Tamas having waited for a chance gets it...is played as a hitman for the longball...a position totally outside of his scope...he gets booed off and dropped from the squad.
Last year win or lose Aidy would come out clap the crowd and take the cheers/chants. After QPR he hid on the periphery of the sidelines.
He understands one tactic...a hoofed long ball..but only Shittu and Darius can cope with it and he leaves Shittu out...saving him for the African cup!
His signings last January were many and diabolical.
He sees positives when the dregs of the league beat us at the Vic.
I reckon we have the players, and by the way with our overdraft, capital plans etc...unless Simpson/Ashcroft put in their own cash there will be no bonanza January will pass us by. Loan players..well if Man U have the hump with us over Ben's injury we may not get too many from the premier as word will spread.
My gift to Aidy is some free advice. Bring back Poom for Lee, Shittu for Jackson,Mahon for Williamson...give smithy a chat, let Jobi have a run and replace Jordan. Off the field stop blaming the world stand up and learn from your **** ups. YOU picked the wrong defence and your substitution of LLoyd was crass stupidity...maybe Jordan could have been subbed...but Lloyds position was not covered and with Danny sent further upfield their fourth was a certainty and you Aidy were totally to blame.
A tough man manager who is never wrong and resulting from which your players loyalty will diminish unless you change your ways.
The nickname given to you of Hoofroyd fits based on current form...i just hope Simpson sees it for real unlike some of the happy clappers.
T Smith, Right side of midfield says...
9:40am Sun 30 Dec 07
1) Tell Hendo to score a hat-trick or I will drop him
2) Ask Jordan if he is up for a drink later
3) Tell Damien my missus saw his wife in the Harlequin and she was spending his money like it was going out of fashion.
4) you need to cover the guy at the back post as I have taken Lloyd off
Mark, Watford says...
9:47am Sun 30 Dec 07
We seem to do ok away from home though.
Mark, Watford says...
9:48am Sun 30 Dec 07
Graham, Hazlemere says...
9:50am Sun 30 Dec 07
15 corners two options - kick to opposition keeper direct or take short pass and then kick to opposition keeper!
Throw ins - throw to opoosition.
At least we have a variation on the kick off now - rather than hump it into the corner ( by the way Aidy the corner is the bit where the flag is not half way between the centre line & the goal line)- now we kick off and look at the ball unti the other team take it!! I am sure it is designed to lull them into something no doubt. 3 seconds in & you just knew..............!!
Buys rubbish & makes them worse. I for one am relatively happy that we have gone from taking 6 big hitters in the Transfer Window to a couple of loanees because it will mean he is not buying more rubbish for the PRIORY.
I think Billy Davies is a good shout - right now I would take Ray Lew, Harry Bassett, Mike Keen, Kevin Blackwell & even Neil Warnock - Yup it is that bad.
MK will go - probably to West Ham & we will take Zamora on loan.
Personally & I know this will cause unrest but I would try & get Lee Cook if only on loan. Nearest we are going to get to replacing Johno because I don't think Ronaldo will want to come! Don't forget when he played he really played ( when Ray Lew had the b*lls to play him) - he went for two reasons - he was a massive R's fan & the board thought they would get a tidy sum at tribunial.
One further point - fair play to Mark Ashton for spending most of half time talking to a few disgruntled fans from the Directors box. Hopefully it took on board their comments.
If it really is Ashcroft - then you are a patronising idiot. We the true fans will be here long after you and the rest have taken the property deal profits.
perry digweed, says...
10:15am Sun 30 Dec 07
Geoff, Borehamwood says...
10:21am Sun 30 Dec 07
As to replace Boothroyd, I would like Martin Jol (in my dreams, I know), otherwise, anyone who will change our style of play. Long ball does not work anymore and, certainly, not in the Premiership (if we get there...). Billy Davies or Paul Simpson would do, as long as it's a passing game, but certainly not Lawrie Sanchez.
By the way, will Bouazza be back in the Championship next season following his departure? Probably!
Anyway, please Boothroyd, do the decent thing and get out!!
Dom, London says...
10:32am Sun 30 Dec 07
johnny b, bushey says...
11:15am Sun 30 Dec 07
First 10 mins you would have thought we were going to muller them,they were that bad..There bigger hoofers than us..
90mins later and we are stuffed by the worst team we have played this season..
Were starting to look like whipping boys,not title challengers..
If Malkie looked up at A.B. once yesterday,he did a thousand times,but nothing seemed to click in their very well paid minds..
Why was A.B. still sitting in the stands at 3 nil,looking like a proper lemon..
Mind you didn,t make much difference when he came down did he..
Yeah we scored 2 in the 2nd half,because QPR just sat back and allowed us to..
I didn,t actually hear the comments A.B. made
according the luton love child,but if true,are mind boggling..
Doyley catching the ball was funny enough,but when even our best player is still reading a note instead of defending,that just about done it for me..
If we can actually get a few players who know where the back of the net is,then we can get out of this mess..
Forget going on about A.B. getting the sack,as our board are NOT going anywhere near any compo..TRUST ME..DEEP POCKETS...
Lets just wait and see how they react to our demise in january..
HAPPY NEW YEAR,
HB84, ricky says...
11:22am Sun 30 Dec 07
Cards on the table.
I have defended AB here. Not because I am happy with things -but because I belive in continuity and not knee-jerking. iT RARELY works well to just chop and change.
I have to admit my patience is in tatters. However - a reality check;
1) I expected and wanted us to be in an around the play-offs. That for me in the long term is the sign of a healthy Watford. If we can have the excitement of going for and occasionally getting Promotion then thats cool.
2) My problem with this season is that my expectations are raised. I do believe we have a good maanger - BUT he is making so many mistakes and we are having to suffer that - but we are also where we are because of him - its a trade off.
3) Scarily - we are suffering as he cannot get his new signings working.
Ellington and Jackson are okay in parts but cannot command their places ahead of others at the moment.
He clearly should persist with King & Hendo and Shittu/DeMerit whenever possible.
I also believe that Mahon needed a break -but we are not ready to off-load him yet as we so not have players better than him in the centre.
3) But the football quality is shocking! In truth there were some evidence (crass Shittu-deprived defending apart)where there was improvement - BUT it basically was up and at em football. But if thats what we are good at - then wise up Aidy - load the team with the big guys and blow the opposition away. I feel he has got caught after WBA gave us a lesson and is trying to adapt our style - but we dont have the central midfield to do it.
4) What worries me is taht we talk about getting a Winger/ forward and Left Back in Jan... but we clearly need Central defensive cover and 2 quality central midfielders.
5) What worries me further is taht we perist with 442 at home (last 5 mins of games apart) - when teams have clearly seen how to snuff us out and we lack the quality to unlock them (Jobi cannot get past one player and is no AJ). LSt tiime round - AB mixed it up we played 443 and 451 at times when we had to.
I would be tempted to play the following formation at home to mix it up / put us on the front foot and see if we can just get going again ...
Lee (GK)
Jackson
DeMerit
Shittu as back 3 with Shittu sitting in front.
Tommy and Jobi as wing backs with more forward licence (Lloyd and Stewarts distribution are shocking and teams let them have the ball knowing they end up just hoofing it forward).
Francis / O'toole in CM (Im sorry I just dont see that williamson cuts it - to be honest I'd have Mahon back until Francis is fit....
Ellington and King sitting in front of the midfield behind Henderson as a Pivot Forward holding it up and bringing King and Ellington and wongers into play.
So its a kind of 2-1-4-2-1 formation but one that acknowledges we are crap in midfiled so we re-inforce it at times with Shittu stepping in there and Ellinton and King providing link up options.
After watching us vs QPR I no longer worry that we would look exposed at the back... we clearly are anyway - so we are better off attacking and pinning the oppostion in. But we need more ball players to do that and our Full backs and CM at the moment dont have the quality to keep the ball.
LASTLY (phew)- whatever this season brings ... my view is that we have Aidy until the end of next season at least and thats fine with me... If we dont get up - he should stay and give it one more crack (and will then definitely not have King) .... and if it doesnt work then - its time to say thanks and for both partie sits time to move on - but for now - keep the faith!!! (Its hard but thats why its called faith!!)
Off to Southampton Tuesday. C'mon Watford.. Just F'cking Cmon !!!
Greg, Ricky says...
11:24am Sun 30 Dec 07
Does anybody think that Williamson and Henderson AGREE that our silly kick off routine is a good idea. I'd be bloody surprised if they do, yet they have orders and that's what they comply with, because if not, perhaps they don't get picked???
The fact that QPR stole in and took possession at our kick off sums up our whole season to date, and there's little need to say anymore!
We have the players - they're better than this. WBA aside, there are few players from other Championship clubs I'd rather have. However, we could all name X number of managers from our Division that could get more out of this current squad. Unfortunately, we have a manager who seems adamant we will not play any other style of football, a style that does not suit the strengths of the majority of players he picks (and he has signed). There's no need to drop likes of ellington, macanuff, as previous posts suggest, or reinstate likes of Mahon, or pinpoint our failure at home on the performances of individual players, and these suggestions sum up the fickleness of some fans. It's simple. Change the style of play at home and we'll start winning; if the manager won't do that, and it appears he won't, we change him - we live in hope!
steve, hemel hempstead says...
11:24am Sun 30 Dec 07
His reign is finally coming to an end.
No-one questions what a great job he has done, but he has lost his main players, the fans and the local paper.
He should now go into politics, as he puts a great dpin on everything, even losing to QPR,BURNLEY,BRISTOL and PLYMOUTH all at HOME.
Dont look at hte league position all the time, it does not show a true relefction of what is happening.
He has lost the spine of the team, Poom, Shittu, Mahon and King, all of which contributed to our start but now dont want to play for Hoofers.
Hoofers promised to entertain and it simply has not happened, not even his ridiculas knocking the ball out of play at kick off works anymore, we have become that predictable.
Also I have read all the posting but no-one has mentioned the comedy moment when Clown Doyley picked the ball up, what a joke, but proved one thing, Hoofers should be employed in Rugby.
Thanks Hoofers for saving our club, but we now have had enough of this rubbish.
Please Go,
alan, harrow says...
11:27am Sun 30 Dec 07
true fan, hemel says...
11:32am Sun 30 Dec 07
Mark, Hackney says...
12:54pm Sun 30 Dec 07
Cyndi Cynic, at the press office says...
1:37pm Sun 30 Dec 07
We've had meeting with committee and passed resolution ...
The H has now been replaced with G, with immediate effect!
Goofers and Goofroyd!
Roger, St Albans says...
3:03pm Sun 30 Dec 07
chris, hemel says...
3:10pm Sun 30 Dec 07
He's the best passer we've got, can hold the ball, wins tackles and heading duels, and playing centrally should score goals. He's consistently been our best midfielder this season, and should be given the opportunity to play in a central role.
I'd play him just behind MK and DH, with Williamson playing the holding role. McAnuff/Francis in remaining places.
Back four - Doyley, Shittu, DeMerrit, and Mariappa. Keep Lee as GK.
One point made by AB at the recent Fans Forum was that GM was the glue that gummed the team together. He may well have had a point as we have fallen away badly without him. However I'm no GM fan and firmly believe he is past his sell by date.
AB should be prepared to experiment, as he's got nothing to lose anymore. He's losing the fans support at a rate of knots. He's lost me thats for sure, with his 'Hoofball' style.
Go on AB, play TS in central midfield.
Graham, Hazlemere says...
3:22pm Sun 30 Dec 07
NONSENSE wrote:Good players don't become bad overnight ! Dead right it takes weeks of coaching from our supposed "world Class" back room team!
Anyone wanting to sack AB has: * no sense of perspective ( 2nd in C`ship v heading for div 1 when he came) * no sense of undstndg of football ( good players don`t become bad o`night) * no sense of component parts of effective mngmnt ( more disruption than progress likely) * no sense of realism (who wants to mnge a club that sacks mngrs when second?) * no sense of solutions v panic & hate ( U do not sack people as an emotional reaction but only if they fail in their role-hardly failing is he?) * No sense of timescale ( 2nd now if we R 2nd @ end of season wot has he got wrong?) In FACT NO SENSE AT ALL!
How about a Fans Forum now rather than the previous easy rides.
Scothorn, Aberdeen says...
4:09pm Sun 30 Dec 07
Midfield dilemma could be solved by moving Tommy Smith into the centre of midfield. He's the best passer we've got, can hold the ball, wins tackles and heading duels, and playing centrally should score goals. He's consistently been our best midfielder this season, and should be given the opportunity to play in a central role. I'd play him just behind MK and DH, with Williamson playing the holding role. McAnuff/Francis in remaining places. Back four - Doyley, Shittu, DeMerrit, and Mariappa. Keep Lee as GK.
Certainly worth a try as something needs to be done, although personally I would like to see MK in that role - behind DH & NE. Would also dispense with DF - too much of a powderpuff for my liking - and put TS there.
As to a replacement left back - there's a young classy and gutsy one in Aberdeen - Zander Diamond. Scottish International, walks on water in Aberdeen & and soon-to-be-out-of-co
ntract. Lure of the UEFA cup may be too much though.
Hornette, says...
4:34pm Sun 30 Dec 07
It's so simple and easy to blame the manager but he isnt the one on the pitch.
We are still second. Yes, we have shocking results at home but to blame it solely on Aidy is, frankly, pathetic.
InTheKnow, Hertfordshire says...
4:39pm Sun 30 Dec 07
There's the ludicrous business of substitutes running on with little notes to hand to players. What pathetic nonsense. Smith was ready his little Love Note from Boothers as QPR broke for their fourth goal. Totally embarrassing.
For the second home game in a row Boothroyd has made a substitution that has directly led to an opposition goal.
Against Plymouth we had no left back and Hayles romped down the right. Against QPR Doyley was replaced and they had freedom down their left.
Morale is rock bottom in the camp because Boothroyd has imposed an unworkable formation and style on them. Other teams have found out how to stop it and we have no plan B.
King is leaving and Dressing Room Poison Nathan Ellington has upset the apple cart - perhaps by revealing to the others how much he's getting paid?
Cant say, Watford says...
4:50pm Sun 30 Dec 07
King, Shittu, Demerit,
Mahon, Ellington, Hendo all want out. Deals lined up for some of them already. They are all fed up with Boothroyds attitude of he knows best. Spring, Cox and Ardley all tried to give him ideas, advice and they all went. Can I get a refund on the rest of my season ticket or would someone like to buy it for £50???
InTheKnow, Hertfordshire says...
5:36pm Sun 30 Dec 07
Watch as Marlon King is sold in January.
Simpson wants out but there have been no investors and there are no takers on the horizon - despite the pie-in-the-sky never-gonna-happen stadium 'plans'.
Where's the planning application, eh? There isn't one. Wasn't work supposed to have happened by now?
In the meantime, Simpson and co have nice big pay rises.
And we wonder where the money has gone?
Ellington is rotten. Everyone in the game knows it. Boothroyd's arrogance in thinking he can turn around any player regardless of personality has come unstuck with that one.
Mark, Watford says...
5:57pm Sun 30 Dec 07
Then way have they moved everybody in the Lower Rous and told us East stand folks to be prepared to move?
Snoreebns, 'Ackney says...
6:01pm Sun 30 Dec 07
It's so simple and easy to blame the manager but he isnt the one on the pitch.
Hornette..
"We are still second. Yes, we have shocking results at home but to blame it solely on Aidy is, frankly, pathetic."
Sorry love - did you not see Aidys note for Smith that led to the decisive 4th goal - that was directly attributable to the useless, ego inflated, spin savvy manager
Mark, Watford says...
6:22pm Sun 30 Dec 07
norman, Bushy says...
6:55pm Sun 30 Dec 07
SIMPSON,it's all about his greed and arrogance he thinks that the fans are stupid. The reality is that this man manipulated the removal of THE RUSSO BROTHERS. So he could line his pockets with gold. This man has little ability and wants to sell the club so he can put more money in his pocket.
MY MESSAGE IS: SIMPSON OUT NOW.
ASHTON:The clerk from WBA sold the fans the redevelopment plans then picks up 500K!!!!!
MA whos buddy is AB and work as a team would have been off by now, only that he is waiting for a BIG PAY DAY if the club is ever sold. Surely 1.1 MILLION for a chairman and CE.... BLOODY AMAZING.
BOOTHROYD: We are sick of his spin, all we hear is RUBBISH. Does it surprise us that Kieth Burkenshaw QUIT!!!!
How can the club pay for AB and his wife to be driven to the game yesterday, WHO THE HELL DOES HE THINK HE IS?????
What's his next job? Back to Leeds picking up cones on the training pitch.
With a four year deal and 2million pounds to come, he won't be leaving.
BLAME SIMPSOM, ASHTON AND WILSON, i'm sure this would not have happend with the RUSSOS pushing back on the 3 MUSKETEERS.
WILSON, MONEY MONEY MONEY and more MONEY.Lets face it NO LOVE FOR WFC ONLY FOR ASHCROFTS BANK ACCOUNT.
SO WFC FANS LETS WAKE UP TO THE FACTS AND HOPEFULLY WE CAN GET THEM OUT QUICKLY.
Septic Peg, in the know says...
6:57pm Sun 30 Dec 07
Mark, Watford says...
7:21pm Sun 30 Dec 07
Trouble we probably need a Bangura type player!
They have used it as an excuse too much I feel...even Jay did it yesterday in his programme notes.
BTW Norman,I cannot dispute your views as they are valid but does anyone want to invest in the club to take out the current board?
As you say if the Russos can easily be kicked off just for a minor but fair disagreement what hcance does anyone have!
smiler, bretagne says...
9:12pm Sun 30 Dec 07
Club Official, Watford FC says...
9:37pm Sun 30 Dec 07
Club Unofficial, Watford By-Pass says...
10:05pm Sun 30 Dec 07
Mark, Watford says...
10:14pm Sun 30 Dec 07
Typical over reaction from Colin eh!
I just hope they find and ban this daft man from football as he clearly does not enjoy it even whenw e win.
Mark, Watford says...
10:21pm Sun 30 Dec 07
To be honest I think Mr Simpson has done well and and at Mr Ashton is trying to something about the ground.
I doubt people were moaning about them appointing Aidy a few weeks ago even!
Anyway by the sound sof it certain supporters won't be happy with anyone unless we are playing Arsenal type football in the Premiership.
We are in bad form at HOME but please don't start personally abusing others.
Geoff, Borehamwood says...
11:10pm Sun 30 Dec 07
Are you for real? If so, are you taking a note of what people think? Apart from WBA, Watford's defeats have all been by teams we should have trounced - they are nothing teams. I fear for the team so much, I'm just please we have 44 points already - we probably won't get relegated THIS season!
mutley, watford says...
11:47pm Sun 30 Dec 07
Ben Thornhill, Watford says...
1:12am Mon 31 Dec 07
colin wrote:Oh my God. You never cease. Elton and Kenny come home!? Where were we in their days? Where the hell has Elton been through our years of financial crisis? Where is he now? Don't think he'll bother coming back if the fans are booing instead of supporting each week.
Michael....**** of you patronising idiot. I\'m sick of that tired old line, and idiots like you. Responding to the earlier point, yes I do think Adam Johnson made all the difference; were it not for his contributions the league table could look very unhealthy by now. Lets face it folks has there really been one decent performance all season? Look at the players who have been sold in the last twelve months; look at the players who have come in. Its hardly surprising is it? We have hardly any competition for places. To compound matters, for a club who made such vast sums from trandfer sales and PL Money to now be in debt is very strange. It has already been suggested that any signings in Jan will be loan signings so dont hold you\'re breath. In the final analysis Boofers is and has always been a puppet for the board. As long as we dont get relegated this season nothing will change. After all who is there to challenge SDimpson and Ashton? Exactly. Everything from the top down is rotten at WFC at the moment. And please, no more of this \"well we\'d have taken second place at the start if the season\". Yes we would...if we knew it would have been deserved and sustainable. As it is, we will be out of the top six within a matter of weeks. This is no blip...its a full scale crisis that needs to be arrested NOW! Come home Elton and Kenny....we need you right now.
Why do we need him around? He is a man who prefers to tend to his flowers when the going gets tough and the going is incredibly tough. It will be a test of character for everyone involved with Watford FC to turn this season around recapture something near our intimidating early season form.
As for Kenny (I presume you are referring Kenny Jackett?), in his one season as manager we managed to finish a lofty 13th in....wait for it....Ensleigh League Division 2 now commonly known as League 1. Yes more than a division below where we are right now. However this does not suprise me Colin as you seem to enjoy being proven right. So having the club return to the days of third tier football where we used to finish below Luton in the league would please you as you would of course have been right all along. Everyone involved at the club is rubbish. Unbelievable!
Your belligerence toward anyone who still has a relatively positive outlook about Watford's future under the current administration is a frustrating for me to read as our current home form. What do you think? Reappoint Glen Roeder perhaps? I read your cantankerous ramblings every week now and you are yet to suggest an alternative. Whats the answer? I think I've already made my case not to involve Kenny Jackett and Elton John is certainly not going to change the results on the pitch, please enlighten me.
With regards to sales and the January transfer window, why is everyone so pessimistic? We are not yet a big enough club to hold onto any geuine quality for long. As has already been proven with Adam Johnson and Ashley Young. We cannot afford to turn down large offers for our best players particularly if they want to play at the highest level. If Marlon King feels that too much expectation will be heaped upon him if we do turn to the premiership and that he would develop better under the likes of Martin O'Neill playing alongside the likes of Gareth Barry and Gabriel Agbonlahor then we have to make the sale.
As for attracting decent permanent additions to the squad, it has been difficult for Aidy. The two full seasons that he has been in charge we have been hot favourites for the drop. Teams that are going down do not attract quality players. Simple as. For once this season we may have abit more clout in the transfer market. Admittedly the recent shocking form is a worry in this respect but we are still second and there are no obvious candidates from the chasing pack who have put together the kind of run required to join West Brom and make themselves favourites to go up automatically with the exception of our early season form. So lets see.
There are many posts saying that we have no money, which worries me slightly but a lot of money is being invested in the academy, scouting network and there is a few million set aside for eventually rebuilding the old shed of a main stand. Not every bit of money from transfer sales gets spent on players unfortunately. The club needs an infrastructure and stadium that will support premiership football in the long-run. The last time we attempted a swift return to the premiership we spunked all the money on so called big names and paid them extortionate wages to come and work for a club that they didn't really care about. The result of that was Gianluca Vialli, financial crisis and Ramon Vega sitting on £25,000 a week followed by years of fighting relegation.
If we do end up selling King for 5million plus then that will free up more money to buy some young talent with...hopefully. If not and we are constrained to loan deals then that might be a blessing in disguise. In recent years we've done very well out of the loan market. Foster, Eagles and Johnson all having positive impacts upon the team. So fingers crossed that we can find one or two players that will fit into the first team and make a real difference. The league is that tight that, as shown with the Johnson run, one player can make all the difference.
As for competition for places we have had Marlon King dropped this week. We have had Ellington on the bench for most of this season. Tamas Priskin is a Hungarian international and Henderson can never be ignored at this level. We have Francis, Williamson, O'Toole, Mahon and the returning Williams in competition for the centre of the park. Then we have Shittu, DeMerit and Jackson in competition at the back. If we bring in a couple of new faces then we will have more players competing for places than the majority of teams in the division. Please, please, please stop moaning. You don't seem to have anything constructive to say.
Ben Thornhill, Watford says...
1:30am Mon 31 Dec 07
colin wrote:Ha! Even more satisfying. Whilst you've been having a laugh at the occasional comment on this website the whole of Watford has been having a laugh at your joke of a team going into administration, losing ten points and falling into the relegation zone in the league below us.
ok guys time to confess... as some of the more intelligent ones of you will have figured out, I do not actually support watford. (big shock I know!!) It is true in fact that I support the hatters and have done all my life. I find it hilarious how all of you dim-witted watford fans react to my negative comments regarding your beloved \"football\" team. Every so often I put in a \"positive\" comment to confuse you, which isn\'t hard. However, what started as a joke has recently had me in stitches. Are you really that thick to criticise a man who saved you from relegation, got you promoted and has you looking for promotion again?! that really is laughable. So yes, sack boofers, and bring him to Luton!!! COME ON THE HATTERS
I hope that your laughs have really helped seeing as you must be so miserable returning from your shoddy, uncomfortable, joke of a ground (a stadium would be two stronger word, shed might be more apt, anybody?) each week.
It reflects how bad Luton are really if you are spending so much time on a Watford website. Are you so jealous of our superiority that your two cents is to try to get Watford fans to criticise Aidy Boothroyd. Well I am proud to say that you didn't get one out of me. If I remember correctly there were a few of us who correctly labelled you a Luton fan so I wouldn't be too smug. In fact I thank you for your s**t stirring because I have enjoyed ripping it to shreds for the last few weeks. It has been nice listing why we should preserve the current administration at Watford because there has been so many points to raise. Have a good season...oh no wait how can you? You're going to be involved in a relegation scrap aren't you? You'll probably be forced to sell all your half decent player (if you have any) at knock down prices next week. January sales at Kenilworth Road! Ha! I don't think you'll be getting any calls from Aidy.
Ben Thornhill, Watford says...
1:41am Mon 31 Dec 07
sam wrote:Sam I am afraid you are misguided. Colin has not made the so-called "happy clappers look like real mugs" (at least some of us do clap). It is the likes of you that he has made look stupid as he has said that his intention was to get Watford fans to join him in slating a manager and board who have bought us success. He even said that he wanted Aidy at Luton. So put that in your pipe and smoke it.
Colin has made you happy clappers look like real mugs. I notice the serial clappers are keeping away so far. Full respect Colin, you have said it as it is and withstood severe criticism but in the end you are being proved right. As for Michael Ashcroft, if that really is him, well he can go fcuk himself. I have supported this team through thick and thin and it is people like me who have kept this club going not priveleged d1ld0s like himself. Does anyone here think the game could have gone either way? He\'s on another planet not another country. We all have a right to express ourselves and up until half time when we were three down the supporters got behind the team. Booing them off at half time was the right thing to do.
It doesn't sound like you support our club through thick and thin either seeing as we have been doing better under the current regime than we have been in a long time and you are booing the boys off at half-time!? Tut tut I hope you're not the new Colin in disguise.
Ben, Watford says...
1:48am Mon 31 Dec 07
Snorebens wrote:Oh of course. A guy who's just walked out on Hibs and has nothing else of note on his management CV. Great shout!...please. Another Luton fan perhaps?
John Collins. Next:
Ben, Watford says...
1:50am Mon 31 Dec 07
Peter Riley wrote:Well said.
Mark wrote: Just to put a bit of perspective on what was an awful performance/reault to say sad news in Scotland - the Motherwell captain passed away after collapsing on the pitch. Kind of puts things into prespective.What the hell has that got to do with us losing 2-4????
colin, says...
2:05am Mon 31 Dec 07
Ben Thornhill wrote:Pathetic, totally pathetic.
colin wrote: ok guys time to confess... as some of the more intelligent ones of you will have figured out, I do not actually support watford. (big shock I know!!) It is true in fact that I support the hatters and have done all my life. I find it hilarious how all of you dim-witted watford fans react to my negative comments regarding your beloved \\\"football\\\" team. Every so often I put in a \\\"positive\\\" comment to confuse you, which isn\\\'t hard. However, what started as a joke has recently had me in stitches. Are you really that thick to criticise a man who saved you from relegation, got you promoted and has you looking for promotion again?! that really is laughable. So yes, sack boofers, and bring him to Luton!!! COME ON THE HATTERSHa! Even more satisfying. Whilst you\'ve been having a laugh at the occasional comment on this website the whole of Watford has been having a laugh at your joke of a team going into administration, losing ten points and falling into the relegation zone in the league below us. I hope that your laughs have really helped seeing as you must be so miserable returning from your shoddy, uncomfortable, joke of a ground (a stadium would be two stronger word, shed might be more apt, anybody?) each week. It reflects how bad Luton are really if you are spending so much time on a Watford website. Are you so jealous of our superiority that your two cents is to try to get Watford fans to criticise Aidy Boothroyd. Well I am proud to say that you didn\'t get one out of me. If I remember correctly there were a few of us who correctly labelled you a Luton fan so I wouldn\'t be too smug. In fact I thank you for your s**t stirring because I have enjoyed ripping it to shreds for the last few weeks. It has been nice listing why we should preserve the current administration at Watford because there has been so many points to raise. Have a good season...oh no wait how can you? You\'re going to be involved in a relegation scrap aren\'t you? You\'ll probably be forced to sell all your half decent player (if you have any) at knock down prices next week. January sales at Kenilworth Road! Ha! I don\'t think you\'ll be getting any calls from Aidy.
I am not and have never been a fucrking luton fan you total ignorant arsewhole.
Are you Boothroyd in disguise?
You deserve a good nonse bashing...happy clapping moron.
Its "fans" like you who will be quite content to have the club underachieve again for the next ten years...you silly little clapper moron.
Go and stick your brown nose even further up Simpsons fat arrsse! Waynker!!!!
Mark, Watford says...
8:58am Mon 31 Dec 07
Colin clearly thinks we should be in the Premiership in the top 10 or something whilst most of us are fairly realistic and know that will probably never happen.
Its a complete waste of time this site and I feel sorry for those who run it as all their work is wasted by daft people clearly acting like little kids.
If you want fair,real debate come onto gloryhorns or wfc.forums.
BTW Ben - were you saying my point or Peter's was "well said"?
I was mearly pointing out a bit of perspective whjilst people like Colin act like the world is ending.
Godness knowsa what their reactiosn were like we were in Div 4 or nearly going into aministration before the current board came along.
People on here lose complete perspective in my view.
JohnBoy, Watford says...
9:16am Mon 31 Dec 07
smiler wrote:One bad result? you are really funny Smiler. What do you call - wfc 2 - cardiff 2 or wfc 0 plymouth 1 or wfc 1 bristolc 2 or watford 1 burnley 2 or wfc 0 wba 3???
This is the last time i post on here. One bad result and you call for a new manager, call yourself fans?
do you call them good results Smiler?
WFC & Proud, Watford says...
9:21am Mon 31 Dec 07
1. Performance. Overall, better than recent home offerings with some football played. Surprised how R's 'bullied' us; credit for that but the ref didn't pull them up on any of the constant fouling, obvious dissent, gamesmanship, etc. I'm still trying to work-out how Bolder can make 10+ fouls & be so gobby to the ref but not get booked until the 85th min.
2. Starting 11 & subs. On paper, looked OK; most fans should have been happy given what we've got in the squad & what's been chanted by them at last few matches.
3. Our subs/changes. Again, given what we had as a starting 11 + subs, thought we did OK; timings better, positional changes sensible given the match context.
4. Our back 4. Played like strangers & lacked confidence. Contrast that with last season when pretty much the same personnel kept us in matches; too many changes mean no pattern developing i.e. who attacks the ball in the air, who covers LB/RB, etc.
5. Result.
Painful to say the least. The injection of cash & new mgr at Rangers seem to have most of them playing for their places.
6. QPR's goals.
1st goal: The penalty looked justified on TV (we'd have wanted it given) but why no card? It should have been a yellow (not red as covering defender). The pen should have been re-taken: TV clearly shows ball not on spot.
2nd goal: Our marking was v poor; Matt & Damien impede each other allowing Stewart a free header. Both Rowlands' corners illegal as ball clearly shown outside the quadrant on TV.
3rd goal: Why didn't Jay clear the ball left footed up the touchline or high into the East Stand instead of back over his head toward our goal? Put Matt under pressure; he makes a tame header and leaves both CBs way out of position.
4th goal: Fair one - may be Smiffy was 'distracted' but they broke well, used the space & finished well.
7. Reasons we lost.
Too many individual mistakes by our players; the kick-offs, Lloyd's catch & wayward passes were classic examples.
Finishing is poor; cow's backsides & banjos spring to mind. Rangers packed their box with bodies & we didn't have the touch of class/quality needed to break them down.
8. Possible ways forwward.
For those of us that don't get to all the training sessions, we don't know how things are being planned. What I'd do as manager is pick a starting 11 + 5 subs for next 6 matches & sticks with it (bar injuries); if they can't play themselves out of it, then make changes to bring in any new personnel/loans we pick up. Buys us some time.
Not sacking the manager! There's still no better option in my opinion; Aidy deserves support for the rest of this season as he's raised our expectations. Yes, things aren't going well right now but I doubt many other Clubs would sack a manager whilst in 2nd place & with time to change things round.
Stay behind the team. Yes, 0-3 down at home isn't nice but having some, half or most of the 16,000 home contigent on your back won't make the team any more confident; support the team until the final whistle then criticise & complain but make it constructive.
In general, felt the support on Saturday was better than most recent home games. I appreciate fans need something to "grab" to get going but, equally, so do the team. Perhaps we can help them as much as they can help themselves?
Mark, Watford says...
9:34am Mon 31 Dec 07
Billy Davies is no more proven at the top level which is where we want to be than Aidy and infact was doing a worse job.
He did excellent to get promotion like Aidy did but infact almost paid for that with higher expectations.
Fine if we were in the lower half like Sheff U and Bryan Robson then maybe we'd need to consider changing now but to be honest we need better players with more desire and will to win rather than journeymen players and hit and miss ones from the lower leagues rather than just sacking the manager..
People make daft choices like Kenny Jackett though...next is will be Vialli because we played some tippy tappy pretty football under him which going by here is all people want to see.
Were we playing any better football 2 seasons ago?
Not really..but then there were players on form and Aidy was able to motivate them whereas now a few players are on higher wages so don't care so much.
Football does need to be better but I want a manager who will get results too like the guy at West Brom has although people on here would have had him out after they failed to get promoted I guess...
A few have good valid points and concerns but some just rant and rave for the sake of it.
I don't even know why Colin even bothers going as it clearly gets him all hot and bothered.
Mark, Watford says...
9:38am Mon 31 Dec 07
As somnebody said about Francis is getting 16k for doing nothing of note...at least Mahon cared.
Actually I thought the worse thing Aidy did was take Doyley off and then not tell anyone to cover the right back spot.
That more than anything made me doubt his awareness and tactical knowledge.
Paying 3.5 million for a reserve striker in Ellington was not goo either but then we had people on here demanding a striker to be brought so he did.....
Justin, Watford says...
2:39pm Mon 31 Dec 07
Yes we are still 2nd in the league, and to be honest if you said to me at the start of the season, Watford would be sitting 2nd New Years Eve I would have sent you to the same shrink our mate Keith goes to.
But lets all be honest come the end of January we will be lucky to still be in the top 6 if we carry on the way we are. We all have an opinion about football, thats what make it great, but this is my opinion and I know it is shared with a few other fans.
The problem was not JUST Gavin, it is 4 other players! Yes Gavin is slow, his best days are behind him, but what a great leader he was for a couple of years, he knew he was out of his depth in the big league, but who can blame him for giving it a go for a year? He has now bowed out and good luck to him at QPR!!
But can the WORST 2 Full backs I have EVER seen constanataltly play for Watford over the last 30 years follow him before I tear what little hair I have left out!!! Yes I have been a season ticket holder for a long time and Im knocking on the 60 away grounds door with the golden boys, I think Ive seen enough games to give you an accurate assessment.
Doyley has 2 assets, 1st his pace, 2nd Sorry I was lying, I cant think of any think else he offers. Pace is not a reason to be in the team. He cant head, he cant pass, and when he does pass it goes straight out for a throw. Speaking of throws they all go straight out of play. He might do the odd good tackle, but then gives it straight back to the other team! Poor Tommy Smith must hate it when the team sheet is read out and he hears Doyley is covering him. I would rather be out in the front line in Iraq with Stevie Wonder coving my back, than Doyley. Sorry let me stand corrected, Lloyd can spot danger a mile off, What does hew do, Clear it? Call someone to cover? Get in position? No, he picks the ball up after he miss- controls it on the half way line! Why was that not a straight red?
Stewart, who ever gave him an England under 21 call up? Probably the same person that gave Tim Henman a MBE for been a great tennis player and winning all them grad slams. He is rubbish, he set pieces are a so of the mark we run a bet behind the goal on which row they will reach!
Matt Jackson and Mr Francis these 2 are you are saving grace why Im not on your back yet! But carry on the way you are, your time will come
See you all at Saint Mary New Year Day
Mark, Watford says...
3:13pm Mon 31 Dec 07
Red would have been very harsh although I guess had it been nearer our goal..
Stewart is uselsss and does not care.
Jackson is a good organiser but slow which is no great surprise at 35/6 or whatever.
Francis has the quality/ability to be excellent but seems to lack interest and has been injured although should be coming up to full fitness so no more excuses.
Williamson is no better than O'Toole or Mahon for example considering we spent a fair on him.
Rotherham fans were saying Hoskins is the better player but he does not even get a chance poor lad.
Kabba is probably the worse striker I have seen in 15 years or so (Moralee and Nogan at least scored once or twice)
Ellington MIGHT be the biggest flop and McAnuff is inconsistent.
Smith has done well I think but is a bit slow at times.
cynic, middlesex says...
6:10pm Mon 31 Dec 07
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steve, hemel hempstead says...
5:18pm Sat 29 Dec 07
"clown, rubbish , no bottle, huge Ego"