Doyley welcomes new passing style (From Watford Observer)
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Watford stalwart Lloyd Doyley welcomes Gianfranco Zola's change in style
9:00am Saturday 11th August 2012 in Sport By Frank Smith and Lewis Wood-Thompson
Lloyd Doyley celebrates his one and only Watford goal
Lloyd Doyley has enjoyed a successful career because of his defensive skill, and by his own admission not necessarily his ability on the ball, but the Hornets stalwart has still welcomed the new passing style Gianfranco Zola is trying to implement.
Doyley could be described as ‘an old school’ full-back – he is a defender first and foremost, whereas many of those in the same position are more attack-minded, even if the defensive side of their game leaves a lot to be desired.
The new Zola-led regime is well under way and the Italian has placed a real emphasis on passing football and playing from the back.
It is a style of play that, many will argue, suits Lee Hodson more than Doyley but the more experienced full-back has still welcomed Zola’s philosophy.
“It’s a good, positive move,” Doyley said.
“We have been working on it from the first day of pre-season, so we know what he wants. And against teams like Barnet last week, we showed that a lot of teams cannot cope with it.”
Despite retaining possession well and having good defensive shape against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, Watford were defeated for the first time in their pre-season campaign after a 1-0 loss – a game which marked Doyley’s testimonial.
But the 29-year-old feels the new system will work come the start of the domestic campaign.
He said: “Obviously Spurs put us under a lot of pressure and that made it more difficult, but we aren’t going to be playing Tottenham every week.”
Doyley was speaking on Sunday evening following his testimonial, which was watched by almost 10,000 supporters.
Two days later the Hornets finished their pre-season campaign with a 3-0 victory over Gillingham, with a team consisting largely of young professionals.
The club’s owners have stated the long-term target is promotion to the Premier League but with a host of signings and a new management team, it is hard to second guess what kind of season awaits Watford supporters.
Doyley said the players have not set a goal for the 2012/13 campaign yet but he expects Zola’s pedigree as a player to help improve the Hornets.
He said: “To be honest, as a team we haven’t really spoken about what we are actually striving for this season. I think I will leave that for the boss, and he hasn’t told us yet.
“This club is about progression, so I am sure we will want to get higher than 11th place and the 64 points we had last season. Our aim will always be to better that.
“It’s different to what it has been like in the last few years, but everything is positively good. He has brought in some things which have come from the very top of the game,” Doyley added.
Doyley started his Hornets career in 2001, making his debut against Birmingham City. Since then he has racked up 370 appearances, scoring one memorable goal along the way.
The academy graduate is going into his 12th season but in the wake of his testimonial, the defender stated there is still plenty more to come from him.
He said: “The testimonial is not the end of my career; it’s just that I have been here for ten years. There is still a long time to go before my career is over.”
It was a touching affair last Sunday, as the defender was introduced through a guard of honour of Watford and Spurs players.
He was substituted just after the hour-mark to a rousing reception from the crowd – one of whom was his friend and former team-mate Adrian Mariappa , which Doyley said made the day more special.
“I am just grateful that over 9,000 fans turned up,” Doyley said.
“Emotionally, I am not used to that much attention, but it was a great feeling.”
Comments(21)
Watfordwes
says...
9:07am Sat 11 Aug 12
SAHornet
says...
9:29am Sat 11 Aug 12
Watfordwes wrote:That's because you're a bit of a moron. Do you think our lads don't read this stuff?...nice guy!
And I struggle to spell simple words this early in the morning!!!!
SAHornet
says...
9:30am Sat 11 Aug 12
Watfordwes wrote:That's because you're a bit of a moron. Do you think our lads don't read this stuff?...nice guy!
And I struggle to spell simple words this early in the morning!!!!
JonBoy
says...
9:56am Sat 11 Aug 12
BecauseOfBoxingDay
says...
9:59am Sat 11 Aug 12
Bush Hornet
says...
10:02am Sat 11 Aug 12
SAHornet wrote:agreed SAH. New beginnings.
Watfordwes wrote:That's because you're a bit of a moron. Do you think our lads don't read this stuff?...nice guy!
And I struggle to spell simple words this early in the morning!!!!
borohorn
says...
10:30am Sat 11 Aug 12
jasonwatford
says...
10:35am Sat 11 Aug 12
EstebanSemtex
says...
11:29am Sat 11 Aug 12
Just because he doesn't bomb forward doesn't mean he's not done a hell of job. 370 appearances under numerous Manager speak for themselves. Lloyd is legend in my eyes and think its about time some people show him the respect he's **** well earned over the last 10 years.
rousman 2
says...
11:32am Sat 11 Aug 12
jasonwatford wrote:We might need to make a call to Paul Daniels. Now that would be magic.
i hear all you lot saying under zoal lloyd and joe garner might be better players...he is a football manager not a magician !!!
Eastsussexhornet
says...
11:48am Sat 11 Aug 12
EstebanSemtex wrote:Agreed. It's a team game and he's a important and effective part of the team. He's good been a good servant. He does always seems to need much time on the ball though and would get jumped on in the Premiership. Not sure how he will fit into the new style. I wouldn't be surprised if he goes at the end of the season.
I've never understood the anti-Doyley brigade. I more reliable, solid defensive option you could not wish to have. He can play anywhere along the back and that versatility makes him inherently useful.
Just because he doesn't bomb forward doesn't mean he's not done a hell of job. 370 appearances under numerous Manager speak for themselves. Lloyd is legend in my eyes and think its about time some people show him the respect he's **** well earned over the last 10 years.
Eastsussexhornet
says...
11:50am Sat 11 Aug 12
Eastsussexhornet wrote:NOW WITHOUT BOXING GLOVES ON! - It's a team game and he's an important and effective part of the team. He's been a good servant. He does always seems to need too much time on the ball though and would get jumped on in the Premiership. Not sure how he will fit into the new style. I wouldn't be surprised if he goes at the end of the season.
EstebanSemtex wrote:Agreed. It's a team game and he's a important and effective part of the team. He's good been a good servant. He does always seems to need much time on the ball though and would get jumped on in the Premiership. Not sure how he will fit into the new style. I wouldn't be surprised if he goes at the end of the season.
I've never understood the anti-Doyley brigade. I more reliable, solid defensive option you could not wish to have. He can play anywhere along the back and that versatility makes him inherently useful.
Just because he doesn't bomb forward doesn't mean he's not done a hell of job. 370 appearances under numerous Manager speak for themselves. Lloyd is legend in my eyes and think its about time some people show him the respect he's **** well earned over the last 10 years.
PurpleRalph
says...
1:19pm Sat 11 Aug 12
The earlier comment that suggested the players actually go on this site to read these comments did make me laugh.
Bush Hornet
says...
2:24pm Sat 11 Aug 12
PurpleRalph wrote:why Ralphie? You don't think players get bored and sometimes have nothing else to do with their time like every other human being? Some of them come on here we know that for sure. In fact Loachie used to come on under the pseudonym of 'Buckler'
Lloyd is fast, strong and stops attackers attacking, which is generally what defending is all about.
The earlier comment that suggested the players actually go on this site to read these comments did make me laugh.
lutondown
says...
6:59pm Sat 11 Aug 12
Same sort of height
tiger bay
says...
9:37pm Sat 11 Aug 12
ahaa......fkin clowns the lot of u x
BecauseOfBoxingDay
says...
11:35pm Sat 11 Aug 12
lutondown wrote:Isn't Paul Daniels dead?
I'm not Doyleys greatest fan, I do respect his endeavour and all that, but he has produced two good performances over the last two weeks so perhaps Zola is Paul Daniels in disguise
Same sort of height
@ChrisBottom16
says...
8:45am Sun 12 Aug 12
Bush Hornet
says...
10:04am Sun 12 Aug 12
@ChrisBottom16 wrote:agree
I've always admired Lloyd as he goes against the grain of so many modern fame and money hungry footballers. He comes across as a gentleman and as a profesional who loves the club. I thought like many that his time was numbered under Zola, however after the last 2 matche i think he has aquited himself superbly! He was one of the better players against Wycombe and against Spurs's Barcelona's £40 million target and Premier league sensation Gareth Bale had to be switched wings as he struggled against Lloyd. The fact he can play RB, CB or LB makes him more of an asset to the team, and with so many incoming oversea's players i think he becomes an important asset behind the scenes as he knows the area and club so well he can help people settle in with ease and this can only benefit the club! So thank you Lloyd for your 12 years and many more served as an acadamey player, you have been an exceptional servent and heres to a few more years! God bless you and your young family!
West Country Hornet
says...
12:12pm Sun 12 Aug 12
Watfordwes says...
9:06am Sat 11 Aug 12