Watford humbled at Pride Park as Derby County thump visitors 5-1

Watford suffered an embarrassing 5-1 defeat away to Derby County this afternoon.

The Hornets were without centre back stalwart Martin Taylor following his sale to Sheffield Wednesday and it was a difficult afternoon for the back four of Lloyd Doyley , Nyron Nosworthy, Carl Dickinson and Daniel Pudil.

The Hornets were 3-0 down before half-time thanks to goals by Richard Keogh, Jeff Hendrick and Connor Sammon – the first two coming from set pieces.

Will Hughes added a fourth soon after the restart and Jamie Ward scored Derby’s fifth.

Matej Vydra grabbed a consolation strike with 16 minutes remaining but Watford were poor across the pitch and the scoreline was a fair reflection of the contest.

Watford have made 16 summer signings but only four started this afternoon. The club brought in six players yesterday but Cristian Battocchio was the only one in the match day squad, as he took his place on the bench.

Dickinson in for Taylor was the only change from the side which impressed in the victory over Birmingham City last weekend.

It was an uneventful opening quarter of an hour but Derby went ahead when Keogh headed in Jamie Ward’s free kick at the far post.

Derby were the better side and on the front foot, without creating much of note.

Watford had to wait until the 35th minutes for their first chance as Iwelumo did well before laying the ball off to Abdi, who beat a couple of players and then shot wide of the near post from 18 yards.

But it wasn’t long before Derby extended their lead and once again it was from a set piece. This time Paul Coutts’ delivery was headed in from close range by Hendrick, who looked like he may have climbed on Jonathan Hogg.

Derby were now controlling the game and went agonisingly close when Watford failed to clear their lines and Sammon turned and shot. Almunia got a faint touch on the shot to send it wide.

The lead was extended to three before the break though as Sammon outmuscled Dickinson and despite the defender’s best efforts, the Derby striker’s effort dipped over Almunia into the bottom corner. Dickinson may have helped the strike deflect over his goalkeeper with a deflection.

Hopes of a second-half fight back from Watford quickly vanished as Derby increased their lead to four seven minutes after the restart.

Watford conceded another free kick, this time just outside the area. Ward’s low drive was tipped on to the post by Almunia and Hughes scored from the follow-up, with the help of the upright.

Watford went to three in defence as they chased a way back into the match and whilst Abdi had a shot go over the bar, Derby remained the better side.

With 25 minutes remaining, Watford made a double change with Marco Cassetti and Ikechi Anya coming on for Daniel Pudil and Sean Murray.

But it did little to stop the onslaught and, after a jinking run by Coutts, Cassetti was nudged off the ball in a 50-50 challenge and the Derby midfielder teed up Ward for a simple tap-in.

Watford enjoyed a positive ten-minute spell and pulled a goal back, with the two substitutes playing their part. Cassetti slotted the ball through to Anya and his pull-back resulted in an easy finish for Vydra.

More neat play from the Hornets led to Abdi shooting well wide but it was a poor performance from start to finish by Watford – in all areas of the pitch.

Anya had an opportunistic effort go over and Battocchio came on for his debut late on but the game fizzled out as Watford were comfortably, and deservedly, beaten.

Derby: Fielding; Brayford, Keogh, O’Connor, Roberts (Buxton 66); Coutts, Bryson (Doyle 89), Hendrick, Hughes (Jacobs 83); Ward, Sammon.

Subs: Legzdins, Tyson, Robinson, Gjokaj.

Watford: Almunia; Doyley, Nosworthy, Dickinson, Pudil (Cassetti 64); Hogg, Abdi, Yeates (Battocchio 85); Murray (Anya 64), Iwelumo, Vydra.

Subs: Bond, Hoban, Forsyth, Beleck.

Attendance: 20, 608 (832).

Referee: Paul Tierney.

Comments(93)

hemelhorn87 says...
5:11pm Sat 1 Sep 12

5-1 actually, shoddy journo once more.

Talking of shoddy! Dicko at CB? Really Franco?? we might have got a draw if Mr Taylor was still here.

Shambles, sort it out boys, QUICK!!

Hope Zola has learnt a few lessons

SimonW, Godalming says...
5:18pm Sat 1 Sep 12

very shrewd Zola, whyever send out 2 centre-backs on loan, then sell our best one & then play a rubbish left-back in his place??

Singhorn72 says...
5:23pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Everything is sorted out only one change needed. Get Dyche back.

rousman 2 says...
5:24pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Would like to thank the drivers of the cars involved in the crash on the M1 today but for them would have been at Pride Park. Anyone who thinks that Zola calls the shots between who comes & goes think again.

kingofpop says...
5:28pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Sounds like an awful display....i bet Dyche had a giggle, i dont recall his deadwood conceding 5 goals last season. I think i almost saw this coming, were easy to play against, dont give us time and space and it will make it very hard for us.
If im honest even the first half against birmingham was partly due to there poor display, saw a fan of theres before the game and he said they had been very disorganised in the first 2 games.
What was zola thinking by playing dickinson as cb? surely with our gigantic squad we have another natural cb? or maybe there not fit either, what did they do pre season, sit around eating pies?!? And i dont think we can just blame dickinson...the whole team sounded like they were as useful as a return ticket on titanic. hopefully he will of learnt alot today....

a1derek says...
5:29pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Gianfranco will be up in front of headmaster Pozzo after this I reckon - they are notoroiously quick on the trigger if they don't like what they see and I bet they did not like that!

I'm sure the likes of Dickinson, Lloyd, Yeates and Big Chris will not be first choice for long and perhaps they realize this now with so many arrivals yesterday - so why continue to play them?

IMHO (note I said that) I think GZ now has to bite the bullet and put the new Guys in wholesale. Afterall, how else are they going to get match fit? Perhaps the "old guard" are now too unsettled by the upheaval and the full transition needs to be made sooner rather than later.

Disclaimer:- Just my opinion you understand and I remain upbeat about the long term and this season in particular.

francowatford says...
5:30pm Sat 1 Sep 12

I hope to god they keep Nossy because he is quality and my favourite player! We need to build from the back like a championship club. If he expects Watford to get promoted from playing from defence he better hope that these loan players are of that quality they can do it because mark my word the Championship will be a complete and utter shock to these foreign players. PS: do you think the reserve team will be worth watching to see what these new guys are like??

WJames says...
5:31pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Not good enough. Derby are a nothing team and to lose to them at any time isn't okay. Terrible Zola. Do better.

gazmondo says...
5:34pm Sat 1 Sep 12

where are these new loan signings thay cant be all injured,

rousman 2 says...
5:36pm Sat 1 Sep 12

francowatford wrote:
I hope to god they keep Nossy because he is quality and my favourite player! We need to build from the back like a championship club. If he expects Watford to get promoted from playing from defence he better hope that these loan players are of that quality they can do it because mark my word the Championship will be a complete and utter shock to these foreign players. PS: do you think the reserve team will be worth watching to see what these new guys are like??
If we had a reserve side maybe.

holtonian says...
5:39pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Chelsea just got turned over 4-1 does that make them a bad side. And that was with a more settled side than what we put out today.We saw the plus signs against Birmingham now we get the minus side against County. As oftened mentioned Gianfranco will need fair time to get things right, I have total confidence he will give the town a great side once he finds the correct blend within the many players we now have.
He did not stand in either Adrians way or Tiny, so fair minded in my opinion. Be patient there are good times ahead.

stevyweavy says...
5:46pm Sat 1 Sep 12

No point panicking yet. Poor performance but not anything like our likely starting line up once everyone fit and ready. I am waiting until mid-October before making any negative comments and hopefully by then we will be starting to see the true team. Over the past few years our defensive back four/five have let in plenty of sloppy goals no matter who started (including Tiny - who by the way asked to leave for more money and longer contract) so can't wait to see the new guys in defense because surely they can't do any worse. The sooner the strikers are fit the better as Iwelumo is never going to be a double figure striker and captain? The amount of moaning about not playing our existing players and yet when we play them and they do no good everybody complains and demands the new guys in. I impressed that Zola is being strong in waiting for players to be ready before blooding them. At least he is looking at the season rather than individual matches unlike a lot of the caught in the headlight supporters. I for one am confident we will be competing for a play off place come the end of the season. If you look at Udinese and Granada they have often had similar poor starts due to wholesale preseason changes but come strong at the end of the season.

holtonian says...
5:47pm Sat 1 Sep 12

We all make errors .

MUSTOITALIA says...
5:48pm Sat 1 Sep 12

holtonian wrote:
Chelsea just got turned over 4-1 does that make them a bad side. And that was with a more settled side than what we put out today.We saw the plus signs against Birmingham now we get the minus side against County. As oftened mentioned Gianfranco will need fair time to get things right, I have total confidence he will give the town a great side once he finds the correct blend within the many players we now have. He did not stand in either Adrians way or Tiny, so fair minded in my opinion. Be patient there are good times ahead.
Wow where did this guy come from I thought I was the only one. My thoughts exactly the new signings are awaiting international clearence and when that comes and they gel wow. Good comments my friend maybe it will just be us 2 at the next match lol. This is a fantastic time for us the fact we now expect to win every game is a great change from last season already !!!

paultheshrink says...
5:48pm Sat 1 Sep 12

I kow it is after the event, but I don't think this should be a surprise, and certainly don't think it changes the long term prospects. It is not a good day though!!!!!

hemelhorn87 says...
5:49pm Sat 1 Sep 12

I think someone on here questioned the professionalism here, and its spot on, we are receiving dozens of unfit players who have never played in the english league. Its so blately obvious that Zola doesnt have a clue whose coming in and whose not and i can guarentee a few of them will not care a jot about the result too. I would have been happy with a couple of players, abdi and vydra for instance. If im honest I cant be bothered with these new guys and i cant be bothered to learn their names and positions as they will be gone next year, probably with the owner and manager.

I'm against the Pozzo ownership, but that doesn't mean I support the Bassini reign. I cant help but think how well we might have done with Dyche in charge and a couple of new players. The amount of signings is ridiculous!!

Fair play to the guys who went up today and even more to those who stayed until the end. Also to Dicko, Doyley Hogg and anyone else who applauded/apologised to the fans

MUSTOITALIA says...
5:53pm Sat 1 Sep 12

stevyweavy wrote:
No point panicking yet. Poor performance but not anything like our likely starting line up once everyone fit and ready. I am waiting until mid-October before making any negative comments and hopefully by then we will be starting to see the true team. Over the past few years our defensive back four/five have let in plenty of sloppy goals no matter who started (including Tiny - who by the way asked to leave for more money and longer contract) so can't wait to see the new guys in defense because surely they can't do any worse. The sooner the strikers are fit the better as Iwelumo is never going to be a double figure striker and captain? The amount of moaning about not playing our existing players and yet when we play them and they do no good everybody complains and demands the new guys in. I impressed that Zola is being strong in waiting for players to be ready before blooding them. At least he is looking at the season rather than individual matches unlike a lot of the caught in the headlight supporters. I for one am confident we will be competing for a play off place come the end of the season. If you look at Udinese and Granada they have often had similar poor starts due to wholesale preseason changes but come strong at the end of the season.
Good points my friend I think that now makes 3 of us at the next game. I dont know why everyone is complaining we have constantly over achieved with a weak team I am glad this change is happening and cant wait for it all to start coming together.

lutondown says...
5:59pm Sat 1 Sep 12

MUSTOITALIA wrote:
holtonian wrote:
Chelsea just got turned over 4-1 does that make them a bad side. And that was with a more settled side than what we put out today.We saw the plus signs against Birmingham now we get the minus side against County. As oftened mentioned Gianfranco will need fair time to get things right, I have total confidence he will give the town a great side once he finds the correct blend within the many players we now have. He did not stand in either Adrians way or Tiny, so fair minded in my opinion. Be patient there are good times ahead.
Wow where did this guy come from I thought I was the only one. My thoughts exactly the new signings are awaiting international clearence and when that comes and they gel wow. Good comments my friend maybe it will just be us 2 at the next match lol. This is a fantastic time for us the fact we now expect to win every game is a great change from last season already !!!
I suspect most of these were not there today and have been waiting gleefully for this to happen
Think the WO are also keen to bash the new regime ( embarrassing defeat? Not seen that when thrashed before)
We will come good, the doubters will eat their hats.

wozza68 says...
6:05pm Sat 1 Sep 12

MUSTOITALIA wrote:
stevyweavy wrote:
No point panicking yet. Poor performance but not anything like our likely starting line up once everyone fit and ready. I am waiting until mid-October before making any negative comments and hopefully by then we will be starting to see the true team. Over the past few years our defensive back four/five have let in plenty of sloppy goals no matter who started (including Tiny - who by the way asked to leave for more money and longer contract) so can't wait to see the new guys in defense because surely they can't do any worse. The sooner the strikers are fit the better as Iwelumo is never going to be a double figure striker and captain? The amount of moaning about not playing our existing players and yet when we play them and they do no good everybody complains and demands the new guys in. I impressed that Zola is being strong in waiting for players to be ready before blooding them. At least he is looking at the season rather than individual matches unlike a lot of the caught in the headlight supporters. I for one am confident we will be competing for a play off place come the end of the season. If you look at Udinese and Granada they have often had similar poor starts due to wholesale preseason changes but come strong at the end of the season.
Good points my friend I think that now makes 3 of us at the next game. I dont know why everyone is complaining we have constantly over achieved with a weak team I am glad this change is happening and cant wait for it all to start coming together.
Count me in, that's 4. Agree with the comments 100%.

smarkymark says...
6:07pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Total shambles! Playing Dickinson at centre back when he should been booted out the door yesterday is a ridiculous decision.Incredible that we have all these new sigings yet still play not only Dickinson but the likes of Yeates & Iwelemu.

MUSTOITALIA says...
6:10pm Sat 1 Sep 12

wozza68 wrote:
MUSTOITALIA wrote:
stevyweavy wrote: No point panicking yet. Poor performance but not anything like our likely starting line up once everyone fit and ready. I am waiting until mid-October before making any negative comments and hopefully by then we will be starting to see the true team. Over the past few years our defensive back four/five have let in plenty of sloppy goals no matter who started (including Tiny - who by the way asked to leave for more money and longer contract) so can't wait to see the new guys in defense because surely they can't do any worse. The sooner the strikers are fit the better as Iwelumo is never going to be a double figure striker and captain? The amount of moaning about not playing our existing players and yet when we play them and they do no good everybody complains and demands the new guys in. I impressed that Zola is being strong in waiting for players to be ready before blooding them. At least he is looking at the season rather than individual matches unlike a lot of the caught in the headlight supporters. I for one am confident we will be competing for a play off place come the end of the season. If you look at Udinese and Granada they have often had similar poor starts due to wholesale preseason changes but come strong at the end of the season.
Good points my friend I think that now makes 3 of us at the next game. I dont know why everyone is complaining we have constantly over achieved with a weak team I am glad this change is happening and cant wait for it all to start coming together.
Count me in, that's 4. Agree with the comments 100%.
Welcome to the new optimistic horns fanbase we currently have four memebers myself you Lutondown & stevyweavy lets get behind the team and try to spread the pozzotivity!! lol

lockerbiehornet says...
6:10pm Sat 1 Sep 12

holtonian wrote:
Chelsea just got turned over 4-1 does that make them a bad side. And that was with a more settled side than what we put out today.We saw the plus signs against Birmingham now we get the minus side against County. As oftened mentioned Gianfranco will need fair time to get things right, I have total confidence he will give the town a great side once he finds the correct blend within the many players we now have.
He did not stand in either Adrians way or Tiny, so fair minded in my opinion. Be patient there are good times ahead.
Agreed 100%, whilst I'm gutted about today like most, I don't think you can look at things until the 12 game mark, by then I expect we'll be able to see where we are, as for the post about Zola being summoned to Commando Pozzo.. PFFFFT!!

A bad day at the office doesn't mean anything, we all have em don't we?

Bobbyhowfield says...
6:16pm Sat 1 Sep 12

MUSTOITALIA wrote:
holtonian wrote: Chelsea just got turned over 4-1 does that make them a bad side. And that was with a more settled side than what we put out today.We saw the plus signs against Birmingham now we get the minus side against County. As oftened mentioned Gianfranco will need fair time to get things right, I have total confidence he will give the town a great side once he finds the correct blend within the many players we now have. He did not stand in either Adrians way or Tiny, so fair minded in my opinion. Be patient there are good times ahead.
Wow where did this guy come from I thought I was the only one. My thoughts exactly the new signings are awaiting international clearence and when that comes and they gel wow. Good comments my friend maybe it will just be us 2 at the next match lol. This is a fantastic time for us the fact we now expect to win every game is a great change from last season already !!!
Make that Three of us !!
Oh and my gran might come ,that makes four.

MUSTOITALIA says...
6:16pm Sat 1 Sep 12

lockerbiehornet wrote:
holtonian wrote: Chelsea just got turned over 4-1 does that make them a bad side. And that was with a more settled side than what we put out today.We saw the plus signs against Birmingham now we get the minus side against County. As oftened mentioned Gianfranco will need fair time to get things right, I have total confidence he will give the town a great side once he finds the correct blend within the many players we now have. He did not stand in either Adrians way or Tiny, so fair minded in my opinion. Be patient there are good times ahead.
Agreed 100%, whilst I'm gutted about today like most, I don't think you can look at things until the 12 game mark, by then I expect we'll be able to see where we are, as for the post about Zola being summoned to Commando Pozzo.. PFFFFT!! A bad day at the office doesn't mean anything, we all have em don't we?
Hey Lockerbie would you like to make our 4 man wolf pack a five man wolf pack we need all the optimism we can get lol good comments sir

holtonian says...
6:17pm Sat 1 Sep 12

MUSTOITALIA wrote:
wozza68 wrote:
MUSTOITALIA wrote:
stevyweavy wrote: No point panicking yet. Poor performance but not anything like our likely starting line up once everyone fit and ready. I am waiting until mid-October before making any negative comments and hopefully by then we will be starting to see the true team. Over the past few years our defensive back four/five have let in plenty of sloppy goals no matter who started (including Tiny - who by the way asked to leave for more money and longer contract) so can't wait to see the new guys in defense because surely they can't do any worse. The sooner the strikers are fit the better as Iwelumo is never going to be a double figure striker and captain? The amount of moaning about not playing our existing players and yet when we play them and they do no good everybody complains and demands the new guys in. I impressed that Zola is being strong in waiting for players to be ready before blooding them. At least he is looking at the season rather than individual matches unlike a lot of the caught in the headlight supporters. I for one am confident we will be competing for a play off place come the end of the season. If you look at Udinese and Granada they have often had similar poor starts due to wholesale preseason changes but come strong at the end of the season.
Good points my friend I think that now makes 3 of us at the next game. I dont know why everyone is complaining we have constantly over achieved with a weak team I am glad this change is happening and cant wait for it all to start coming together.
Count me in, that's 4. Agree with the comments 100%.
Welcome to the new optimistic horns fanbase we currently have four memebers myself you Lutondown & stevyweavy lets get behind the team and try to spread the pozzotivity!! lol
Never been more positive.Even on a bad day Vydra scores again

Singhorn72 says...
6:32pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Think Lars Ekstrand And Neuton have not arrived yet. They should be the ones filling the gap left by Taylor. But whoever uses Dickenson as a CB is a real dick head!

Casterbridge says...
6:33pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Clearly there wasn't time to organise a replacement for Taylor. Shame that we let Bennet go on loan before Fitz Hall is fit. He did OK covering for De Merit, and the loan window will reopen again shortly.

Next up: one Marvin Sordell!

stevyweavy says...
6:41pm Sat 1 Sep 12

holtonian wrote:
MUSTOITALIA wrote:
wozza68 wrote:
MUSTOITALIA wrote:
stevyweavy wrote: No point panicking yet. Poor performance but not anything like our likely starting line up once everyone fit and ready. I am waiting until mid-October before making any negative comments and hopefully by then we will be starting to see the true team. Over the past few years our defensive back four/five have let in plenty of sloppy goals no matter who started (including Tiny - who by the way asked to leave for more money and longer contract) so can't wait to see the new guys in defense because surely they can't do any worse. The sooner the strikers are fit the better as Iwelumo is never going to be a double figure striker and captain? The amount of moaning about not playing our existing players and yet when we play them and they do no good everybody complains and demands the new guys in. I impressed that Zola is being strong in waiting for players to be ready before blooding them. At least he is looking at the season rather than individual matches unlike a lot of the caught in the headlight supporters. I for one am confident we will be competing for a play off place come the end of the season. If you look at Udinese and Granada they have often had similar poor starts due to wholesale preseason changes but come strong at the end of the season.
Good points my friend I think that now makes 3 of us at the next game. I dont know why everyone is complaining we have constantly over achieved with a weak team I am glad this change is happening and cant wait for it all to start coming together.
Count me in, that's 4. Agree with the comments 100%.
Welcome to the new optimistic horns fanbase we currently have four memebers myself you Lutondown & stevyweavy lets get behind the team and try to spread the pozzotivity!! lol
Never been more positive.Even on a bad day Vydra scores again
Can't wait for us to get fully going. Just got back from a delayed holiday to see the Bradford game and despite losing the signs were good. Today disappointing but future looks good. We always get a lot more negative comments when we lose than positive comments when we win. Expect to see quite a few players going out on loan when the window opens and the new guys are firing on all cylinders. New squad of potentially quality players or no players/administrati
on/minus 10 points oooh that's a difficult choice!

mattymashup says...
6:50pm Sat 1 Sep 12

stevyweavy wrote:
holtonian wrote:
MUSTOITALIA wrote:
wozza68 wrote:
MUSTOITALIA wrote:
stevyweavy wrote: No point panicking yet. Poor performance but not anything like our likely starting line up once everyone fit and ready. I am waiting until mid-October before making any negative comments and hopefully by then we will be starting to see the true team. Over the past few years our defensive back four/five have let in plenty of sloppy goals no matter who started (including Tiny - who by the way asked to leave for more money and longer contract) so can't wait to see the new guys in defense because surely they can't do any worse. The sooner the strikers are fit the better as Iwelumo is never going to be a double figure striker and captain? The amount of moaning about not playing our existing players and yet when we play them and they do no good everybody complains and demands the new guys in. I impressed that Zola is being strong in waiting for players to be ready before blooding them. At least he is looking at the season rather than individual matches unlike a lot of the caught in the headlight supporters. I for one am confident we will be competing for a play off place come the end of the season. If you look at Udinese and Granada they have often had similar poor starts due to wholesale preseason changes but come strong at the end of the season.
Good points my friend I think that now makes 3 of us at the next game. I dont know why everyone is complaining we have constantly over achieved with a weak team I am glad this change is happening and cant wait for it all to start coming together.
Count me in, that's 4. Agree with the comments 100%.
Welcome to the new optimistic horns fanbase we currently have four memebers myself you Lutondown & stevyweavy lets get behind the team and try to spread the pozzotivity!! lol
Never been more positive.Even on a bad day Vydra scores again
Can't wait for us to get fully going. Just got back from a delayed holiday to see the Bradford game and despite losing the signs were good. Today disappointing but future looks good. We always get a lot more negative comments when we lose than positive comments when we win. Expect to see quite a few players going out on loan when the window opens and the new guys are firing on all cylinders. New squad of potentially quality players or no players/administrati

on/minus 10 points oooh that's a difficult choice!
Agree with u boys. Dickinson is no centre back, not even a great left back. The new signings had to be signed before midday yesterday to be allowed to play today (according to sky sports news).

A very bad day at the office but at least nobody got injured or sent off, we got a couple if weeks now to get the new guys training and the team to gel and start firing.

Despite today's result I am still very confident that we can get promoted this season.

garston edl says...
6:52pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Clearly a poor performance and disappointing result, however I would be far more concerned if we were getting results like that in a months time. Let's see what team and performances we get after they've had time to settle and get fit. Nice 2week break now. Couple of other points;

1) we conceded plenty of goals when Taylor played and he wanted to leave.

2) give the pozzo's a chance, the only realistic alternatives were administration and/or bassini.

MUSTOITALIA says...
6:54pm Sat 1 Sep 12

stevyweavy wrote:
holtonian wrote:
MUSTOITALIA wrote:
wozza68 wrote:
MUSTOITALIA wrote:
stevyweavy wrote: No point panicking yet. Poor performance but not anything like our likely starting line up once everyone fit and ready. I am waiting until mid-October before making any negative comments and hopefully by then we will be starting to see the true team. Over the past few years our defensive back four/five have let in plenty of sloppy goals no matter who started (including Tiny - who by the way asked to leave for more money and longer contract) so can't wait to see the new guys in defense because surely they can't do any worse. The sooner the strikers are fit the better as Iwelumo is never going to be a double figure striker and captain? The amount of moaning about not playing our existing players and yet when we play them and they do no good everybody complains and demands the new guys in. I impressed that Zola is being strong in waiting for players to be ready before blooding them. At least he is looking at the season rather than individual matches unlike a lot of the caught in the headlight supporters. I for one am confident we will be competing for a play off place come the end of the season. If you look at Udinese and Granada they have often had similar poor starts due to wholesale preseason changes but come strong at the end of the season.
Good points my friend I think that now makes 3 of us at the next game. I dont know why everyone is complaining we have constantly over achieved with a weak team I am glad this change is happening and cant wait for it all to start coming together.
Count me in, that's 4. Agree with the comments 100%.
Welcome to the new optimistic horns fanbase we currently have four memebers myself you Lutondown & stevyweavy lets get behind the team and try to spread the pozzotivity!! lol
Never been more positive.Even on a bad day Vydra scores again
Can't wait for us to get fully going. Just got back from a delayed holiday to see the Bradford game and despite losing the signs were good. Today disappointing but future looks good. We always get a lot more negative comments when we lose than positive comments when we win. Expect to see quite a few players going out on loan when the window opens and the new guys are firing on all cylinders. New squad of potentially quality players or no players/administrati on/minus 10 points oooh that's a difficult choice!
I think this previous situation has been very quickly forgotten. People need to wake up and smell the expresso its the dawn of a new age and if this was happening at another club in our league we would be jealous. There is an expectancy now and an air of belief and I am excited we will do well and in the next 2 years we will be in the prem. Imagine this would everyone who is winging on here be complaining if all these loan signings were all actual purchases from other clubs ? No they would all be as excited as us and think its great whats the difference?

lockerbiehornet says...
6:57pm Sat 1 Sep 12

MUSTOITALIA wrote:
lockerbiehornet wrote:
holtonian wrote: Chelsea just got turned over 4-1 does that make them a bad side. And that was with a more settled side than what we put out today.We saw the plus signs against Birmingham now we get the minus side against County. As oftened mentioned Gianfranco will need fair time to get things right, I have total confidence he will give the town a great side once he finds the correct blend within the many players we now have. He did not stand in either Adrians way or Tiny, so fair minded in my opinion. Be patient there are good times ahead.
Agreed 100%, whilst I'm gutted about today like most, I don't think you can look at things until the 12 game mark, by then I expect we'll be able to see where we are, as for the post about Zola being summoned to Commando Pozzo.. PFFFFT!! A bad day at the office doesn't mean anything, we all have em don't we?
Hey Lockerbie would you like to make our 4 man wolf pack a five man wolf pack we need all the optimism we can get lol good comments sir
Go on then but I'll get claustrophobic if it gets above 10 members!!!

buckler says...
7:01pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Not too keen on the way this report was worded! The observer is an embarrassment almost too happy we lost! Maybe Bassini wrote it not a real reporter that should at least like Watford fc!

Bush Hornet says...
7:05pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Yes it was embarrassing but in fairness Derby were very, very good today. We wouldn't have gifted them goals with Taylor in the side but we may still have lost because until 5-0 down we offered virtually nothing going forward. The subs gave us an opportunity to salvage some pride but I don't know why it took so long to make changes. The most embarrassing thing was our very quiet away support. Loyal fans please tell me we really do make more noise than that don't we? I've supported Watford away from home too sporadically in recent seasons so I can only salute those who travel more than me. But today I stayed to the hateful last minute and have little respect for those who left early. I know it was painful but I still believe. We will get it right. And for the record I thought Doyley had a good game. Problem was that we didn't see enough of the ball. Derby passed it well and didn't give us time on the ball. They beat us fair and square and I can't wait to turn them over at the Vic because we can and WILL do far better than that. Keep the faith. And whoever says silly things like 'bring back Sean Dyche' because of this is a shortsighted imbecile. Long term, kids. No overnight success even if the takeover has been dramatic. We still need to go through some pain before the best side emerges

wozza68 says...
7:06pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Personaly I will settle for a few "bad days at the office" until we have a settled team of quality players playing good quality football instead of the rubbish we had to endure time and time again last season. COYH

cliff46 says...
7:13pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Given all the changes in my view anything better than 18th for the first two months of the season is a bonus.
There might be more bad results as GZ finds his best team so a little patience is required.
Instead of moaning about this result we would do better to worry about a big offer coming in for Vydra in
January, now that would be bad news.

Bringe says...
7:16pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Taylor leaving yesterday was very last minute but it's hard to justify keeping him the whole season for possibly just the one appearance until Zola has the defence he wants in place. It sounds like his leadership was sorely missed today and it was not just Dicko getting jumped on.
Now we have an international break I expect some of today's problems can and will be sorted out and I'm not particularly concerned ... it's time to trust in Zola and his coaches.

SAHornet says...
7:18pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Really bad day at the office today. Have to say when I saw the line-up, I muttered to myself that we would be beaten. Obviously missed Tiny. This will give ammo to the doom-sayers but we all know that this massive transformation will take time and we'll stumble several times along the way. As long as we stay calm and positive and the players don't argue amongst each other like they did today, we'll be ok. Many of us said give it at least 10 games....we've only had 4 so far.

MUSTOITALIA says...
7:21pm Sat 1 Sep 12

lockerbiehornet wrote:
MUSTOITALIA wrote:
lockerbiehornet wrote:
holtonian wrote: Chelsea just got turned over 4-1 does that make them a bad side. And that was with a more settled side than what we put out today.We saw the plus signs against Birmingham now we get the minus side against County. As oftened mentioned Gianfranco will need fair time to get things right, I have total confidence he will give the town a great side once he finds the correct blend within the many players we now have. He did not stand in either Adrians way or Tiny, so fair minded in my opinion. Be patient there are good times ahead.
Agreed 100%, whilst I'm gutted about today like most, I don't think you can look at things until the 12 game mark, by then I expect we'll be able to see where we are, as for the post about Zola being summoned to Commando Pozzo.. PFFFFT!! A bad day at the office doesn't mean anything, we all have em don't we?
Hey Lockerbie would you like to make our 4 man wolf pack a five man wolf pack we need all the optimism we can get lol good comments sir
Go on then but I'll get claustrophobic if it gets above 10 members!!!
Deal your in nice one my friend lol

buckler says...
7:25pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Bush Hornet wrote:
Yes it was embarrassing but in fairness Derby were very, very good today. We wouldn't have gifted them goals with Taylor in the side but we may still have lost because until 5-0 down we offered virtually nothing going forward. The subs gave us an opportunity to salvage some pride but I don't know why it took so long to make changes. The most embarrassing thing was our very quiet away support. Loyal fans please tell me we really do make more noise than that don't we? I've supported Watford away from home too sporadically in recent seasons so I can only salute those who travel more than me. But today I stayed to the hateful last minute and have little respect for those who left early. I know it was painful but I still believe. We will get it right. And for the record I thought Doyley had a good game. Problem was that we didn't see enough of the ball. Derby passed it well and didn't give us time on the ball. They beat us fair and square and I can't wait to turn them over at the Vic because we can and WILL do far better than that. Keep the faith. And whoever says silly things like 'bring back Sean Dyche' because of this is a shortsighted imbecile. Long term, kids. No overnight success even if the takeover has been dramatic. We still need to go through some pain before the best side emerges
I left as soon as the 5th goal went in and glad I did! Who are you to start telling people when they can leave the ground?

WFC4ever says...
7:26pm Sat 1 Sep 12

I was out and a friend told me we had Dickinson at centre half which if right was never going to help us keep it tight at the back!

Wasn't at the game but it seems a couple of goals were from headers which is maybe where we really will miss Taylor.

Rather disappointing...even more so when you'd hope the players would be keen to impress with many new signings ready to take their place.

Bush Hornet says...
7:36pm Sat 1 Sep 12

buckler wrote:
Bush Hornet wrote:
Yes it was embarrassing but in fairness Derby were very, very good today. We wouldn't have gifted them goals with Taylor in the side but we may still have lost because until 5-0 down we offered virtually nothing going forward. The subs gave us an opportunity to salvage some pride but I don't know why it took so long to make changes. The most embarrassing thing was our very quiet away support. Loyal fans please tell me we really do make more noise than that don't we? I've supported Watford away from home too sporadically in recent seasons so I can only salute those who travel more than me. But today I stayed to the hateful last minute and have little respect for those who left early. I know it was painful but I still believe. We will get it right. And for the record I thought Doyley had a good game. Problem was that we didn't see enough of the ball. Derby passed it well and didn't give us time on the ball. They beat us fair and square and I can't wait to turn them over at the Vic because we can and WILL do far better than that. Keep the faith. And whoever says silly things like 'bring back Sean Dyche' because of this is a shortsighted imbecile. Long term, kids. No overnight success even if the takeover has been dramatic. We still need to go through some pain before the best side emerges
I left as soon as the 5th goal went in and glad I did! Who are you to start telling people when they can leave the ground?
Shame. You missed the best bit. Sorry you couldn't stomach it. I thought you were a bit harder than that

Hornet1970 says...
7:36pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Not good....derby poor poor side and we concede 5!!!! Letting taylor go was a poor poor decision. Dont think zola is he answer and all these 5000 or so loans is totally unnecessary.

coffils left foot says...
7:39pm Sat 1 Sep 12

If not for the wonderful Toby carvery enjoyed by all, i think it would have been a terrible afternoon,as for that dross served up by us not a great deal to add really.

DuffmanWFC says...
7:44pm Sat 1 Sep 12

We are all gutted after a score line like this but slagging off isnt the way forward. Zola will get it right and the Pozzo's will back him with the resources required. Theese things happen... Last season City spanked Utd at Old Trafford.....Utd spanked Arsenal....Arsenal spanked Spurs....Sunderland spanked Chelsea and on and on! Whats important is you learn from this and move on.
Yes there are several players that i would like to see move on and a few of these have only played recently as others are not match fit ie Dickinson, Iwelumo, Forsyth, Garner and Yeates! Once the loanees have been fully assessed maybe 2/3 will return to there respected clubs by the New Year, we off load the above and permenant transfers of a couple of players to improve our first team will happen? Keep the faith chaps its very early in the season still nearly 40 more games to play!

Bush Hornet says...
7:45pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Hornet1970 wrote:
Not good....derby poor poor side and we concede 5!!!! Letting taylor go was a poor poor decision. Dont think zola is he answer and all these 5000 or so loans is totally unnecessary.
Derby may be serial underachievers but today they were not poor. They dominated the game and if they play like that all season they'll run away with the title. But they won't. They were good we were poor

Bush Hornet says...
7:53pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Ernie Scribbler wrote:
TAXI FOR ZOLA, TAXI FOR ZOLA AND ALL THE PASTA PLATOON.
Taxi for anyone who makes knee-jerk comments about the new regime because of 1 bad result

lockerbiehornet says...
8:17pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Ernie Scribbler wrote:
TAXI FOR ZOLA, TAXI FOR ZOLA AND ALL THE PASTA PLATOON.
TAXI FOR Ernie Scribbler, TAXI FOR Ernie Scribbler. Pointless, idiotic post

cliff46 says...
8:35pm Sat 1 Sep 12

No one hopefully including the Pozzos can reasonably expect Zola to hit on a winning formula this quickly.
If the takeover had gone through quicker then Gianfranco might have had an additional two or three weeks to get a squad sorted. The fact that it took so long was probably down to the financial shambles that was allegedly Baz's fault.

desk35 says...
8:55pm Sat 1 Sep 12

One good game does not make promotion and one bad game does not make relegation
I was at the game and my thoughts .
Defensively poor .Every time a cross came in I feared Derby would score
Too much passing to each other and going back to the goalkeeper .Substitutions should have been made earlier
Physically at time we were out muscled
No real threat in their goal area .Too much passing was taking place by our players in our area
The jury is out

Bush Hornet says...
9:16pm Sat 1 Sep 12

desk35 wrote:
One good game does not make promotion and one bad game does not make relegation
I was at the game and my thoughts .
Defensively poor .Every time a cross came in I feared Derby would score
Too much passing to each other and going back to the goalkeeper .Substitutions should have been made earlier
Physically at time we were out muscled
No real threat in their goal area .Too much passing was taking place by our players in our area
The jury is out
Too much passing? Can't remember us having the ball really. We were reduced to some hopeful hoofs and we were just lacking any leadership. We all know that Taylor was a big loss at this stage but Eusty would've helped

gloryhornet4 says...
9:29pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Bush Hornet wrote:
Ernie Scribbler wrote:
TAXI FOR ZOLA, TAXI FOR ZOLA AND ALL THE PASTA PLATOON.
Taxi for anyone who makes knee-jerk comments about the new regime because of 1 bad result
I make it 3 bad results.

Animal Farm all over again.

Same poor performances, different owner.

@ChrisBottom16 says...
9:45pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Crystal Palace 4 - 0 Watford

Every season you have a game where things do not work out and you get beat heavily as that score from last year proves.

I set off for Derby this morning by train at 9:30. I have just got in. I have spent over a hundred quid and had to endure cramped trains with the worlds loudest baby and delays.

I would like to point out that i stayed to the end and i did not boo as that to me is a pointless exercise, the players know they played badly.

Id like to point out to the people moaning about the foriegn lads and the loans. Bar 1 goal which Cassetti lost posetion for them to score. It was the old gaurd at fault. The 1st goal Dickinson decided not to jump. The 2nd goal Nosworthy was weak in the air. The 3rd goal the gap between Nosworthy And Dickinson that there lad ran through to lob Almunia was big enough for Maureen from driving school to be able to park in and Nosworthy was out musceled. The 4th goal was a pointless and needless free kick given away by Hogg and then poor defending in not reacting quick enough to the re bound.

Doyley was the only one of the old school who showed any passion and commitment. Nosworthy and Dickinson spent the game been out muscled, out paced and out hungered. When we had the ball they spend the entire time arguing. Hogg had a few fouls go against him in the opening 15 mins and from then on became a liability arguin with the ref and kickin people, and im one of his biggest fans. Big Chris spent the game cheesting the ball down for the Derby defender and not much else. Pudil didnt have one of his better games and nor Did Murray. I think Yeates was still on the bus. One good pass in over a year means bye bye. Abdi tried to make things happen but with no movement from big chris always had to check back. Vydra for me was man of the match. He never stopped running. He chased everything and showed a heart for a club he has just arrived at. Anya showed some nice touches and at least he tried to take his man on and create someting. Cassetti looked good going forward and will be an assett not to mention finally we have a player who wears black boots and tucks his shirt in! Its clear to see with the players that have been bought in that Zola is creating a top team blessed with pace, hunger and creativity and i for one will give them the month or so it will take them to gel and find their fitness. I think as well its ovious who now will go out on loan and this will help bring the squad together. One bad result will not wipe the smile of my face as im lookinging at the bigger picture and i like what im seeing.

I hope everyone who travelled up there today and back this evening had a safe journey. Lets thimk positive and back our boys. God Bless.

@ChrisBottom16 says...
9:56pm Sat 1 Sep 12

francowatford wrote:
I hope to god they keep Nossy because he is quality and my favourite player! We need to build from the back like a championship club. If he expects Watford to get promoted from playing from defence he better hope that these loan players are of that quality they can do it because mark my word the Championship will be a complete and utter shock to these foreign players. PS: do you think the reserve team will be worth watching to see what these new guys are like??
He wasnt quality today im affraid buddy!

@ChrisBottom16 says...
9:58pm Sat 1 Sep 12

kingofpop wrote:
Sounds like an awful display....i bet Dyche had a giggle, i dont recall his deadwood conceding 5 goals last season. I think i almost saw this coming, were easy to play against, dont give us time and space and it will make it very hard for us.
If im honest even the first half against birmingham was partly due to there poor display, saw a fan of theres before the game and he said they had been very disorganised in the first 2 games.
What was zola thinking by playing dickinson as cb? surely with our gigantic squad we have another natural cb? or maybe there not fit either, what did they do pre season, sit around eating pies?!? And i dont think we can just blame dickinson...the whole team sounded like they were as useful as a return ticket on titanic. hopefully he will of learnt alot today....
Dyche's team conceded 4 at Palace.

lockerbiehornet says...
10:01pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Ernie Scribbler wrote:
lockerbiehornet wrote:
Ernie Scribbler wrote:
TAXI FOR ZOLA, TAXI FOR ZOLA AND ALL THE PASTA PLATOON.
TAXI FOR Ernie Scribbler, TAXI FOR Ernie Scribbler. Pointless, idiotic post
Sorry to hit a nerve, to many changes too quick. These changes have to be phased in over time, but what the heck , so whos the scape goat today i wonder.
I agree, hence why only 4 out of the 16 new signings started today, the rest were last seasons survivors, be different from the rest and don't be predictable by getting on Zola's back as soon as we get a bad result, I remember worse then this

@ChrisBottom16 says...
10:04pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Because with half an hour of the transfer window remaining Taylor handed in a tranfer request. Zola had no choice but to play Dickinson. We all knew it wouldnt end well but it was the best of a bad situation.

lutondown says...
10:11pm Sat 1 Sep 12

@ChrisBottom16 wrote:
Crystal Palace 4 - 0 Watford

Every season you have a game where things do not work out and you get beat heavily as that score from last year proves.

I set off for Derby this morning by train at 9:30. I have just got in. I have spent over a hundred quid and had to endure cramped trains with the worlds loudest baby and delays.

I would like to point out that i stayed to the end and i did not boo as that to me is a pointless exercise, the players know they played badly.

Id like to point out to the people moaning about the foriegn lads and the loans. Bar 1 goal which Cassetti lost posetion for them to score. It was the old gaurd at fault. The 1st goal Dickinson decided not to jump. The 2nd goal Nosworthy was weak in the air. The 3rd goal the gap between Nosworthy And Dickinson that there lad ran through to lob Almunia was big enough for Maureen from driving school to be able to park in and Nosworthy was out musceled. The 4th goal was a pointless and needless free kick given away by Hogg and then poor defending in not reacting quick enough to the re bound.

Doyley was the only one of the old school who showed any passion and commitment. Nosworthy and Dickinson spent the game been out muscled, out paced and out hungered. When we had the ball they spend the entire time arguing. Hogg had a few fouls go against him in the opening 15 mins and from then on became a liability arguin with the ref and kickin people, and im one of his biggest fans. Big Chris spent the game cheesting the ball down for the Derby defender and not much else. Pudil didnt have one of his better games and nor Did Murray. I think Yeates was still on the bus. One good pass in over a year means bye bye. Abdi tried to make things happen but with no movement from big chris always had to check back. Vydra for me was man of the match. He never stopped running. He chased everything and showed a heart for a club he has just arrived at. Anya showed some nice touches and at least he tried to take his man on and create someting. Cassetti looked good going forward and will be an assett not to mention finally we have a player who wears black boots and tucks his shirt in! Its clear to see with the players that have been bought in that Zola is creating a top team blessed with pace, hunger and creativity and i for one will give them the month or so it will take them to gel and find their fitness. I think as well its ovious who now will go out on loan and this will help bring the squad together. One bad result will not wipe the smile of my face as im lookinging at the bigger picture and i like what im seeing.

I hope everyone who travelled up there today and back this evening had a safe journey. Lets thimk positive and back our boys. God Bless.
The comment of note today. Written by an attendee, written with commonsense.
Come on all of you knockers, respond to Chris's informative post, though I would imagine you would of had to be there to argue with it.
I also note it is probably the little Englanders here who also fought for Al Bangura to remain the country, yet so willing to point the finger at the Foriegn legion.
Hypocrites come to mind, and yes go somewhere else.
Great post Chris, good perspective and a finger in the eye to those so keen to blame the loanees.

garston 'orn says...
10:13pm Sat 1 Sep 12

smarkymark wrote:
Total shambles! Playing Dickinson at centre back when he should been booted out the door yesterday is a ridiculous decision.Incredible that we have all these new sigings yet still play not only Dickinson but the likes of Yeates & Iwelemu.
Early days, the players are not fit, stop whining and learn to spell the players names properly before trying to slag them off.

holtonian says...
10:19pm Sat 1 Sep 12

lutondown wrote:
@ChrisBottom16 wrote:
Crystal Palace 4 - 0 Watford

Every season you have a game where things do not work out and you get beat heavily as that score from last year proves.

I set off for Derby this morning by train at 9:30. I have just got in. I have spent over a hundred quid and had to endure cramped trains with the worlds loudest baby and delays.

I would like to point out that i stayed to the end and i did not boo as that to me is a pointless exercise, the players know they played badly.

Id like to point out to the people moaning about the foriegn lads and the loans. Bar 1 goal which Cassetti lost posetion for them to score. It was the old gaurd at fault. The 1st goal Dickinson decided not to jump. The 2nd goal Nosworthy was weak in the air. The 3rd goal the gap between Nosworthy And Dickinson that there lad ran through to lob Almunia was big enough for Maureen from driving school to be able to park in and Nosworthy was out musceled. The 4th goal was a pointless and needless free kick given away by Hogg and then poor defending in not reacting quick enough to the re bound.

Doyley was the only one of the old school who showed any passion and commitment. Nosworthy and Dickinson spent the game been out muscled, out paced and out hungered. When we had the ball they spend the entire time arguing. Hogg had a few fouls go against him in the opening 15 mins and from then on became a liability arguin with the ref and kickin people, and im one of his biggest fans. Big Chris spent the game cheesting the ball down for the Derby defender and not much else. Pudil didnt have one of his better games and nor Did Murray. I think Yeates was still on the bus. One good pass in over a year means bye bye. Abdi tried to make things happen but with no movement from big chris always had to check back. Vydra for me was man of the match. He never stopped running. He chased everything and showed a heart for a club he has just arrived at. Anya showed some nice touches and at least he tried to take his man on and create someting. Cassetti looked good going forward and will be an assett not to mention finally we have a player who wears black boots and tucks his shirt in! Its clear to see with the players that have been bought in that Zola is creating a top team blessed with pace, hunger and creativity and i for one will give them the month or so it will take them to gel and find their fitness. I think as well its ovious who now will go out on loan and this will help bring the squad together. One bad result will not wipe the smile of my face as im lookinging at the bigger picture and i like what im seeing.

I hope everyone who travelled up there today and back this evening had a safe journey. Lets thimk positive and back our boys. God Bless.
The comment of note today. Written by an attendee, written with commonsense.
Come on all of you knockers, respond to Chris's informative post, though I would imagine you would of had to be there to argue with it.
I also note it is probably the little Englanders here who also fought for Al Bangura to remain the country, yet so willing to point the finger at the Foriegn legion.
Hypocrites come to mind, and yes go somewhere else.
Great post Chris, good perspective and a finger in the eye to those so keen to blame the loanees.
Nice comments indeed

@ChrisBottom16 says...
10:31pm Sat 1 Sep 12

holtonian wrote:
lutondown wrote:
@ChrisBottom16 wrote:
Crystal Palace 4 - 0 Watford

Every season you have a game where things do not work out and you get beat heavily as that score from last year proves.

I set off for Derby this morning by train at 9:30. I have just got in. I have spent over a hundred quid and had to endure cramped trains with the worlds loudest baby and delays.

I would like to point out that i stayed to the end and i did not boo as that to me is a pointless exercise, the players know they played badly.

Id like to point out to the people moaning about the foriegn lads and the loans. Bar 1 goal which Cassetti lost posetion for them to score. It was the old gaurd at fault. The 1st goal Dickinson decided not to jump. The 2nd goal Nosworthy was weak in the air. The 3rd goal the gap between Nosworthy And Dickinson that there lad ran through to lob Almunia was big enough for Maureen from driving school to be able to park in and Nosworthy was out musceled. The 4th goal was a pointless and needless free kick given away by Hogg and then poor defending in not reacting quick enough to the re bound.

Doyley was the only one of the old school who showed any passion and commitment. Nosworthy and Dickinson spent the game been out muscled, out paced and out hungered. When we had the ball they spend the entire time arguing. Hogg had a few fouls go against him in the opening 15 mins and from then on became a liability arguin with the ref and kickin people, and im one of his biggest fans. Big Chris spent the game cheesting the ball down for the Derby defender and not much else. Pudil didnt have one of his better games and nor Did Murray. I think Yeates was still on the bus. One good pass in over a year means bye bye. Abdi tried to make things happen but with no movement from big chris always had to check back. Vydra for me was man of the match. He never stopped running. He chased everything and showed a heart for a club he has just arrived at. Anya showed some nice touches and at least he tried to take his man on and create someting. Cassetti looked good going forward and will be an assett not to mention finally we have a player who wears black boots and tucks his shirt in! Its clear to see with the players that have been bought in that Zola is creating a top team blessed with pace, hunger and creativity and i for one will give them the month or so it will take them to gel and find their fitness. I think as well its ovious who now will go out on loan and this will help bring the squad together. One bad result will not wipe the smile of my face as im lookinging at the bigger picture and i like what im seeing.

I hope everyone who travelled up there today and back this evening had a safe journey. Lets thimk positive and back our boys. God Bless.
The comment of note today. Written by an attendee, written with commonsense.
Come on all of you knockers, respond to Chris's informative post, though I would imagine you would of had to be there to argue with it.
I also note it is probably the little Englanders here who also fought for Al Bangura to remain the country, yet so willing to point the finger at the Foriegn legion.
Hypocrites come to mind, and yes go somewhere else.
Great post Chris, good perspective and a finger in the eye to those so keen to blame the loanees.
Nice comments indeed
Thanks guys!

Hatfieldhorn says...
10:41pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Should have made the effort to keep tiny Taylor

@ChrisBottom16 says...
10:45pm Sat 1 Sep 12

Dyche..

Loach. Doyley. Mariappa. Taylor. Dickinson. Yeates. Eustace.Hogg. Murray.Deeney. Iwelumo
SUBS: Gilmartin. Nosworthy. Bauben. Forsyth. Garner.

Zola..

Almunia. Doyley. Cholobah. Neuton. Pudil. Abdi. Battocchio. Murray. Vydra. Forestieri. Geijo.
SUBS: Bond. Ekstrand. Fanchone. Hogg. Anya. Bia. Beleck.

THIS IS THE REASON WHY YOU CANNOT WIPE THE SMILE OFF MY FACE ALL YOU DIVVY NEGATIVES!

lutondown says...
10:51pm Sat 1 Sep 12

@ChrisBottom16 wrote:
Dyche..

Loach. Doyley. Mariappa. Taylor. Dickinson. Yeates. Eustace.Hogg. Murray.Deeney. Iwelumo
SUBS: Gilmartin. Nosworthy. Bauben. Forsyth. Garner.

Zola..

Almunia. Doyley. Cholobah. Neuton. Pudil. Abdi. Battocchio. Murray. Vydra. Forestieri. Geijo.
SUBS: Bond. Ekstrand. Fanchone. Hogg. Anya. Bia. Beleck.

THIS IS THE REASON WHY YOU CANNOT WIPE THE SMILE OFF MY FACE ALL YOU DIVVY NEGATIVES!
Yep looks shabby eh?
I'm smiling with ya Chris! Either that or grinning inanely

KeithMercer says...
11:03pm Sat 1 Sep 12

stevyweavy wrote:
No point panicking yet. Poor performance but not anything like our likely starting line up once everyone fit and ready. I am waiting until mid-October before making any negative comments and hopefully by then we will be starting to see the true team. Over the past few years our defensive back four/five have let in plenty of sloppy goals no matter who started (including Tiny - who by the way asked to leave for more money and longer contract) so can't wait to see the new guys in defense because surely they can't do any worse. The sooner the strikers are fit the better as Iwelumo is never going to be a double figure striker and captain? The amount of moaning about not playing our existing players and yet when we play them and they do no good everybody complains and demands the new guys in. I impressed that Zola is being strong in waiting for players to be ready before blooding them. At least he is looking at the season rather than individual matches unlike a lot of the caught in the headlight supporters. I for one am confident we will be competing for a play off place come the end of the season. If you look at Udinese and Granada they have often had similar poor starts due to wholesale preseason changes but come strong at the end of the season.
Great Post Steve !
count me in , I am in this for the long haul !! unlike some .

@ChrisBottom16 says...
11:07pm Sat 1 Sep 12

lutondown wrote:
@ChrisBottom16 wrote:
Dyche..

Loach. Doyley. Mariappa. Taylor. Dickinson. Yeates. Eustace.Hogg. Murray.Deeney. Iwelumo
SUBS: Gilmartin. Nosworthy. Bauben. Forsyth. Garner.

Zola..

Almunia. Doyley. Cholobah. Neuton. Pudil. Abdi. Battocchio. Murray. Vydra. Forestieri. Geijo.
SUBS: Bond. Ekstrand. Fanchone. Hogg. Anya. Bia. Beleck.

THIS IS THE REASON WHY YOU CANNOT WIPE THE SMILE OFF MY FACE ALL YOU DIVVY NEGATIVES!
Yep looks shabby eh?
I'm smiling with ya Chris! Either that or grinning inanely
Look at the difference in quality!! Im watchin Tyson V Holmes, What Quality fighters they were! 2 of the greats!!

Bush Hornet says...
11:31pm Sat 1 Sep 12

@ChrisBottom16 wrote:
Crystal Palace 4 - 0 Watford

Every season you have a game where things do not work out and you get beat heavily as that score from last year proves.

I set off for Derby this morning by train at 9:30. I have just got in. I have spent over a hundred quid and had to endure cramped trains with the worlds loudest baby and delays.

I would like to point out that i stayed to the end and i did not boo as that to me is a pointless exercise, the players know they played badly.

Id like to point out to the people moaning about the foriegn lads and the loans. Bar 1 goal which Cassetti lost posetion for them to score. It was the old gaurd at fault. The 1st goal Dickinson decided not to jump. The 2nd goal Nosworthy was weak in the air. The 3rd goal the gap between Nosworthy And Dickinson that there lad ran through to lob Almunia was big enough for Maureen from driving school to be able to park in and Nosworthy was out musceled. The 4th goal was a pointless and needless free kick given away by Hogg and then poor defending in not reacting quick enough to the re bound.

Doyley was the only one of the old school who showed any passion and commitment. Nosworthy and Dickinson spent the game been out muscled, out paced and out hungered. When we had the ball they spend the entire time arguing. Hogg had a few fouls go against him in the opening 15 mins and from then on became a liability arguin with the ref and kickin people, and im one of his biggest fans. Big Chris spent the game cheesting the ball down for the Derby defender and not much else. Pudil didnt have one of his better games and nor Did Murray. I think Yeates was still on the bus. One good pass in over a year means bye bye. Abdi tried to make things happen but with no movement from big chris always had to check back. Vydra for me was man of the match. He never stopped running. He chased everything and showed a heart for a club he has just arrived at. Anya showed some nice touches and at least he tried to take his man on and create someting. Cassetti looked good going forward and will be an assett not to mention finally we have a player who wears black boots and tucks his shirt in! Its clear to see with the players that have been bought in that Zola is creating a top team blessed with pace, hunger and creativity and i for one will give them the month or so it will take them to gel and find their fitness. I think as well its ovious who now will go out on loan and this will help bring the squad together. One bad result will not wipe the smile of my face as im lookinging at the bigger picture and i like what im seeing.

I hope everyone who travelled up there today and back this evening had a safe journey. Lets thimk positive and back our boys. God Bless.
Good post signor Bottom

Donald2458 says...
12:22am Sun 2 Sep 12

In my opinion, the coming's and going's have had a de - stabilizing effect on this Team. Player's who are not used to the League, a Manager shooting above his weight, fueled by the desires of the Owners, does not make for a "happy bunny'. I reserve my judgement on this entire outfit.

Hornet Cornet says...
6:51am Sun 2 Sep 12

i had a bad dream last night

nottinghamhornet says...
8:37am Sun 2 Sep 12

@ChrisBottom16 wrote:
Crystal Palace 4 - 0 Watford

Every season you have a game where things do not work out and you get beat heavily as that score from last year proves.

I set off for Derby this morning by train at 9:30. I have just got in. I have spent over a hundred quid and had to endure cramped trains with the worlds loudest baby and delays.

I would like to point out that i stayed to the end and i did not boo as that to me is a pointless exercise, the players know they played badly.

Id like to point out to the people moaning about the foriegn lads and the loans. Bar 1 goal which Cassetti lost posetion for them to score. It was the old gaurd at fault. The 1st goal Dickinson decided not to jump. The 2nd goal Nosworthy was weak in the air. The 3rd goal the gap between Nosworthy And Dickinson that there lad ran through to lob Almunia was big enough for Maureen from driving school to be able to park in and Nosworthy was out musceled. The 4th goal was a pointless and needless free kick given away by Hogg and then poor defending in not reacting quick enough to the re bound.

Doyley was the only one of the old school who showed any passion and commitment. Nosworthy and Dickinson spent the game been out muscled, out paced and out hungered. When we had the ball they spend the entire time arguing. Hogg had a few fouls go against him in the opening 15 mins and from then on became a liability arguin with the ref and kickin people, and im one of his biggest fans. Big Chris spent the game cheesting the ball down for the Derby defender and not much else. Pudil didnt have one of his better games and nor Did Murray. I think Yeates was still on the bus. One good pass in over a year means bye bye. Abdi tried to make things happen but with no movement from big chris always had to check back. Vydra for me was man of the match. He never stopped running. He chased everything and showed a heart for a club he has just arrived at. Anya showed some nice touches and at least he tried to take his man on and create someting. Cassetti looked good going forward and will be an assett not to mention finally we have a player who wears black boots and tucks his shirt in! Its clear to see with the players that have been bought in that Zola is creating a top team blessed with pace, hunger and creativity and i for one will give them the month or so it will take them to gel and find their fitness. I think as well its ovious who now will go out on loan and this will help bring the squad together. One bad result will not wipe the smile of my face as im lookinging at the bigger picture and i like what im seeing.

I hope everyone who travelled up there today and back this evening had a safe journey. Lets thimk positive and back our boys. God Bless.
A very fair assessment. I was sitting with the Derby fans and they couldn't believe their luck. It was a horror show across the park from our point of view but it's very early days and loosing Taylor so late was bound to upset things. I think we have a massive amount of potential in the squad. (The only bright points for me came when some of the new boys came on.) and we have to give Zola time to get them playing. It took SD time at the start of last season to get his team playing and he had a much smaller squad to work with.
Not an enjoyable afternoon but no near to panic yet.

JohnnyHornet says...
10:46am Sun 2 Sep 12

wozza68 wrote:
Personaly I will settle for a few "bad days at the office" until we have a settled team of quality players playing good quality football instead of the rubbish we had to endure time and time again last season. COYH
Thank god for the international break, it'll be a good time to get the team to gel and get to know each other, I'd be very sad if Zola puts out anywhere near the same side as yesterday against Bolton.

Berko Horn says...
11:08am Sun 2 Sep 12

All I will say to the woe merchants, is remember going to Reading last season in early September. I remember telling everyone how bad the home team were and yet they walked the Championship in the end.
The signings look good and hopefully can adapt quickly to the Championship. I'm afraid Dickinson at full-back is a liability, but at Centre-back it showed even more. We need more height in this League, that is evident. A team of 11 Zola's might be good going forward, but from free-kicks and corners, they ould concede every time.

WFC4ever says...
11:10am Sun 2 Sep 12

lutondown wrote:
@ChrisBottom16 wrote:
Dyche..

Loach. Doyley. Mariappa. Taylor. Dickinson. Yeates. Eustace.Hogg. Murray.Deeney. Iwelumo
SUBS: Gilmartin. Nosworthy. Bauben. Forsyth. Garner.

Zola..

Almunia. Doyley. Cholobah. Neuton. Pudil. Abdi. Battocchio. Murray. Vydra. Forestieri. Geijo.
SUBS: Bond. Ekstrand. Fanchone. Hogg. Anya. Bia. Beleck.

THIS IS THE REASON WHY YOU CANNOT WIPE THE SMILE OFF MY FACE ALL YOU DIVVY NEGATIVES!
Yep looks shabby eh?
I'm smiling with ya Chris! Either that or grinning inanely
Lets see how they do when coming up against physical players in a competitive league.

They need to be fully fit and on form.

Boosey says...
12:30pm Sun 2 Sep 12

Correct me if I'm wrong but hasn't Doyley played at CB? Then that puts Hodson in, at right back. Apart from this observation, as other posts have already stated; come the end of the season, we will all have smiles on our faces!

gilesy97 says...
1:02pm Sun 2 Sep 12

Zola admitted he got the tactic wrong. As manager why is he asking players to play HIS "beautiful" passing game when they obviously can't. You play to your players strengths not their weaknesses.COMMON SENSE. I am one that is concerned about the whole italian thing , but even I can see that you can't play 3 at the back , all of which are not ball winners in the air. He should adapt the new approach when he's got the players in that can play that way. From a decent team last year HE has turned Nosworthy , Dickinson , Hogg etc into jibbering wrecks. We did well last year..we have some of the same squad , but their desire has gone ( probably because they've been told they will be going as soon as the cavalry are fit). The club is a shambles at the moment, and not a happy ship.Some of the new players yesterday looked disintrested , and I hope that doesn't mean that we'll be a team of ..if every thing goes well we'll be great , but if we have to "battle" for points well be rubbish.

Terry Dactile says...
1:28pm Sun 2 Sep 12

Really poor performance yesterday yes! Did I expect there would be days like this yes again! The proof of the pudding will be after 46 games and as long as we improve on last season then I will accept all the changes gratefully. My concern is we had a team last season that second half of the season were in the top 6 of form, we only needed to retain all we had and add a few of real quality and we should have been challenging. The problem at the moment is no-one including Zola I suspect knows all the players, knows our best system, knows our best team or squad. Players are unsettled and the atmosphere around the club I would suspect is difficult with the Udinese niche and Watford niche (supposition I know). Zola has a really difficult job on his hands for the next few months to firstly gel the squad and secondly make it successful and he has my full support as he is our manager and deserves a decent chance in a difficult job (Unlike Dyche got). There are similarities to the Vialli era, though the main difference is most of these players are loans, so if the Pozzo's did walk away the club wouldn't fall on it's face again.
The Taylor situation clearly is unfortunate and I just hope we fought to keep him, because he has been a servant to the club and an excellent player.

Holly68 says...
6:43pm Sun 2 Sep 12

gilesy97 wrote:
Zola admitted he got the tactic wrong. As manager why is he asking players to play HIS "beautiful" passing game when they obviously can't. You play to your players strengths not their weaknesses.COMMON SENSE. I am one that is concerned about the whole italian thing , but even I can see that you can't play 3 at the back , all of which are not ball winners in the air. He should adapt the new approach when he's got the players in that can play that way. From a decent team last year HE has turned Nosworthy , Dickinson , Hogg etc into jibbering wrecks. We did well last year..we have some of the same squad , but their desire has gone ( probably because they've been told they will be going as soon as the cavalry are fit). The club is a shambles at the moment, and not a happy ship.Some of the new players yesterday looked disintrested , and I hope that doesn't mean that we'll be a team of ..if every thing goes well we'll be great , but if we have to "battle" for points well be rubbish.
Mark, your so negative, Hogg was great against Birmingham and against Bradford, yesterday he was poor and irritated because he couldn't get a grip on game. To say the new players looked disinterested is rubbish. Pudil and Abdi got a wake up call, Almunia was faultless and Vydra our best player. Anya and Cassetti also raised our level of performance, so you must've been watching a different game. Doyley and Nosworthy looked disinterested, as did Murray (Al Murray if he continues boozing).

Just think of the positives and all those new autographs you'll be collecting :-)

lutondown says...
7:02pm Sun 2 Sep 12

Holly68 wrote:
gilesy97 wrote:
Zola admitted he got the tactic wrong. As manager why is he asking players to play HIS "beautiful" passing game when they obviously can't. You play to your players strengths not their weaknesses.COMMON SENSE. I am one that is concerned about the whole italian thing , but even I can see that you can't play 3 at the back , all of which are not ball winners in the air. He should adapt the new approach when he's got the players in that can play that way. From a decent team last year HE has turned Nosworthy , Dickinson , Hogg etc into jibbering wrecks. We did well last year..we have some of the same squad , but their desire has gone ( probably because they've been told they will be going as soon as the cavalry are fit). The club is a shambles at the moment, and not a happy ship.Some of the new players yesterday looked disintrested , and I hope that doesn't mean that we'll be a team of ..if every thing goes well we'll be great , but if we have to "battle" for points well be rubbish.
Mark, your so negative, Hogg was great against Birmingham and against Bradford, yesterday he was poor and irritated because he couldn't get a grip on game. To say the new players looked disinterested is rubbish. Pudil and Abdi got a wake up call, Almunia was faultless and Vydra our best player. Anya and Cassetti also raised our level of performance, so you must've been watching a different game. Doyley and Nosworthy looked disinterested, as did Murray (Al Murray if he continues boozing).

Just think of the positives and all those new autographs you'll be collecting :-)
Good post Olly!

Tworossjenkins says...
7:27pm Sun 2 Sep 12

Like Chris I stayed to the end. - 2 hours from home and £25 a shot - disappointed our players slunk off down the tunnel at FT, Doyley and Dickenson excepted - thanks lads!
Dismal day out. Lets see who plays in 2 weeks time.

@ChrisBottom16 says...
8:00pm Sun 2 Sep 12

gilesy97 wrote:
Zola admitted he got the tactic wrong. As manager why is he asking players to play HIS "beautiful" passing game when they obviously can't. You play to your players strengths not their weaknesses.COMMON SENSE. I am one that is concerned about the whole italian thing , but even I can see that you can't play 3 at the back , all of which are not ball winners in the air. He should adapt the new approach when he's got the players in that can play that way. From a decent team last year HE has turned Nosworthy , Dickinson , Hogg etc into jibbering wrecks. We did well last year..we have some of the same squad , but their desire has gone ( probably because they've been told they will be going as soon as the cavalry are fit). The club is a shambles at the moment, and not a happy ship.Some of the new players yesterday looked disintrested , and I hope that doesn't mean that we'll be a team of ..if every thing goes well we'll be great , but if we have to "battle" for points well be rubbish.
If you thought Vydra, Pudil and Abdi looked disinterested yesterday you either wernt ther or you watched with your eyes closed. Vydra didnt stop running and trying. Pudil always tried to create something from the back and Abdi tried to open things up but big chris just stood still. Its the old gaurd he didnt turn up other than to point fingers. Baz will be buyin pomy soon so you can go an watch average joes playin long ball down there. Ta Ta

lutondown says...
8:05pm Sun 2 Sep 12

Tworossjenkins wrote:
Like Chris I stayed to the end. - 2 hours from home and £25 a shot - disappointed our players slunk off down the tunnel at FT, Doyley and Dickenson excepted - thanks lads!
Dismal day out. Lets see who plays in 2 weeks time.
Yeah thanks Dicko for that virtuoso performance, wish he'd have raced down the tunnel, head down and kept running somewhere far north

lutondown says...
8:08pm Sun 2 Sep 12

lutondown wrote:
Tworossjenkins wrote:
Like Chris I stayed to the end. - 2 hours from home and £25 a shot - disappointed our players slunk off down the tunnel at FT, Doyley and Dickenson excepted - thanks lads!
Dismal day out. Lets see who plays in 2 weeks time.
Yeah thanks Dicko for that virtuoso performance, wish he'd have raced down the tunnel, head down and kept running somewhere far north
anywat Vydra applauded the fans, so why Ross, leave that bit out?

Tworossjenkins says...
8:49pm Sun 2 Sep 12

Missed that Lut*n - so if you say so...!!!
Dickinson plays like he cares though....

lutondown says...
9:06pm Sun 2 Sep 12

Tworossjenkins wrote:
Missed that Lut*n - so if you say so...!!!
Dickinson plays like he cares though....
He cares? So what he's useless

lutondown says...
9:07pm Sun 2 Sep 12

Tworossjenkins wrote:
Missed that Lut*n - so if you say so...!!!
Dickinson plays like he cares though....
So how come you didn't see what Chris did? Or just want to guelph the fire on the loanees?

Tworossjenkins says...
9:25pm Sun 2 Sep 12

Dont think Dickinson is that bad actually. Might not be in the team when Zola sorts out the new boys though. Trouble is they could be off after a year and we need to start again, lets see though eh??

Guelph seems to be a Canadian town so not sure that helps...!!!!

SAHornet says...
9:51pm Sun 2 Sep 12

Tworossjenkins wrote:
Dont think Dickinson is that bad actually. Might not be in the team when Zola sorts out the new boys though. Trouble is they could be off after a year and we need to start again, lets see though eh??

Guelph seems to be a Canadian town so not sure that helps...!!!!
Been googling again ross ? Even if some of them do go after a full season, you'd do well to remember that some of our previous loanees were off after a coupla months. We lost nearly all of them early.

Holly68 says...
11:20pm Sun 2 Sep 12

Tworossjenkins wrote:
Dont think Dickinson is that bad actually. Might not be in the team when Zola sorts out the new boys though. Trouble is they could be off after a year and we need to start again, lets see though eh??

Guelph seems to be a Canadian town so not sure that helps...!!!!
Dicko tries, like a bull in a chin shop

Holly68 says...
11:20pm Sun 2 Sep 12

China

lutondown says...
5:34am Mon 3 Sep 12

Holly68 wrote:
China
Yeah and Geulph was meant to be fuel. Culmination of Budweiser and a smart **** iphone

Mickey Quinn, not so thin says...
10:07am Mon 3 Sep 12

lutondown wrote:
Holly68 wrote:
China
Yeah and Geulph was meant to be fuel. Culmination of Budweiser and a smart **** iphone
Why are you up so early every morning ?? Are you a milkman ;-)....or only just getting in ?!

SAHornet says...
4:09pm Mon 3 Sep 12

lutondown wrote:
Holly68 wrote:
China
Yeah and Geulph was meant to be fuel. Culmination of Budweiser and a smart **** iphone
What's an i-phone?

lutondown says...
4:22pm Mon 3 Sep 12

Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:
lutondown wrote:
Holly68 wrote:
China
Yeah and Geulph was meant to be fuel. Culmination of Budweiser and a smart **** iphone
Why are you up so early every morning ?? Are you a milkman ;-)....or only just getting in ?!
A Milky? Lol, was once for a brief time. No up walking the Dogs before setting off to work ( landscaping)
And to SAH an IPhone is an idiots phone that thinks for you, hence Geulph instead of fuel! Good to see I've got Woss x 2 googling my errors!

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