8th place is a bit of a surprise (From Watford Observer)

8th place is a bit of a surprise

3:13pm Friday 25th September 2009 in Avi Govind By Avi Govind

This wasn't really supposed to happen.

Watford are currently sitting (relatively) pretty in 8th place in the fledgling Championship table and, but for a couple of injury-time equalisers from their opposition, would have enough points to be in third spot.

And this from a team who, since the end of last season, have sold four of their first-choice eleven, as well as seeing their manager leave. These players have been in the main replaced by loan signings, albeit highly talented ones, and the manager replaced by one with very little previous experience.

So what has gone so right this season?

A lot of it is down to commitment. It seems that every player who has taken to the field this season has been one who is totally committed to the club, and will fight for the cause. Maybe there are times when our team has not been as skilful as those we have been playing against, but it cannot be said that we have ever been less committed.

Another reason is the way in the which the new signings have fitted in so well. Danny Graham has blended into the team seamlessly, and scored five goals already to boot. Tom Cleverley and Henri Lansbury have brought skill and flair to the midfield, and as for Heidar Helguson - well, two goals in his 35 minutes on the pitch says it all.

The supporters are also a factor. Perhaps there is little expectation amongst the fans this season following the loss of the players described above, and the knowledge of the club's fragile financial position, but support for the team and manager has been wholehearted all season.

And the final factor must be the new manager. While inexperienced, the advantage that Malky Mackay has had is in his knowledge of the club, and the players' knowledge of him, having been here for four years already before this season.

Who knows how well we'd be doing now if we still had Brendan Rodgers as manager? And, to be frank, who cares? After all, 8th place is 8th place (and not 21st place, where Reading currently languish).

Maybe it wasn't supposed to happen, but it's happening anyway.

More of the same, please...