Local Sport RSS Feed


Hornets v Town Banner

Hornets tight-lipped on John-Joe O'Toole's likely Bramall Lane switch


Watford are not commenting on claims that John-Joe O’Toole is close to finalising a move to Sheffield United.

Reports out of the Steel City are suggesting that the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, who joined the Blades on loan last season, is at the club today to discuss personal terms, with a fee already said to have been agreed.

If the deal goes through it could mean three Hornets are heading to the Yorkshire club this summer in the wake of Lee Williamson’s move to Bramall Lane and confirmation that it is the Blades who have made the £1.8m move for Tommy Smith.


Your Say YourWatford

MikeS, Birmingham says...
5:34pm Fri 3 Jul 09

Let's just make the Shef U fans drive down to the Vic for all our home games to save all our players moving house!! Do they want any more of our players? Their cheif scout must be a lazy so-and-so. Can he not visit any other clubs!!!

The Rover, Watford says...
5:36pm Fri 3 Jul 09

Wouldnt it be easier for Sheffield United to play their home games at Vicarage Road? Why not just sell the whole club lock,stock & stadium to Sheffield United!

Spencer Hutchinson, Javea says...
5:38pm Fri 3 Jul 09

Not a bad move, as he is a rather slow mid man, however saying that he got a few goals

a1derek, St Albans says...
5:56pm Fri 3 Jul 09

We are rapidly running out of players!

Security word "must-save" ummm!

herts hornet, watford says...
5:58pm Fri 3 Jul 09

very concerning though ,we are selling championship players good enough for Sheff Utd ,so far replaced with div 1 players ,seems anyone with a pulse at our club is fair game are we really so in the brown stuff we will sell anyone ,now i see why the season tickets were so cheap ,could do with some explanation Mr Chairman as all the optimisom is fast slipping away ,where is the investment in the team !

jasonwatford, Watford says...
6:00pm Fri 3 Jul 09

Priskin is next - off to reading i hear

djwatford, Hatch End says...
6:01pm Fri 3 Jul 09

Another one of our better players departs.
Thank God for The Russos saving our club!
They appoint a manager whose cheap(and not very good),they sell all our better players,but still tell us they are doing everything they can.
What they are doing is ensuring our relegation.We are going to be a laughing stock in this division.I hope they are willing to give us some refunds on the season tickets we have purchased because the product on the pitch will be more like division 3 than Championship.

hogweed, elstree says...
6:09pm Fri 3 Jul 09

This is bad. Very bad. This shows a total loss of ambition at the club.

Hog out

Hexham Hornet, HEXHAM says...
6:23pm Fri 3 Jul 09

Severin coming in could be the reason for JJOT going, but we will be exposed with a lack of strength in depth. No mention of a fee, but this is a young man with a great future ahead, trained up by Watford. Surely we must be looking at a fee well over £1million, with add-ons etc and a clause for a percentage of any sell on fee and international appearances. I would rather he stayed as we need a strong squad with first team quality cover in all positions.

the sniper, watford says...
6:25pm Fri 3 Jul 09

Our new club motto:
Always to sell the soul of OUR club to Sheffield United and thier supporters and to hell with our own!

Graham Gimpson, Ricky says...
6:30pm Fri 3 Jul 09

Hogweed / djwatford,

How about you grab a pen and a piece of paper, write down all the money the club generated over the past three seasons (around 80m at the last count) and then write another column and see how messrs Boothroyd, Simpson and Ashton managed to blow a staggering amount of money that should have set the club up for years to come. Or are you two of the clowns, along with Graham Sterry, Harry (Ramsden) Rowson and most of his merry men at the Trust, who failed to realise the damage the unholy trinity were doing to our club at the time and just sat back and chanted Boothroyd's name from the back of the stand despite the dross that was being served up on the pitch? Amazing to think that Rodgers is being subjected to more vitriol than was ever aimed at the previous regime.
The Russos inherited this complete an utter mess - it was not their creation.

the sniper, watford says...
6:37pm Fri 3 Jul 09

Sheff Utd will soon be buying supporters from our club to fill the empty seats at brammal lane at this rate...lol

djwatford, Hatch End says...
7:05pm Fri 3 Jul 09

Gimpson,
I was never a fan of Hoofers(even after that miraculous promotion)and his two fellow a-holes deserve our complete contempt.
However The Russos lost our prized asset(Rodgers)and have continued to sell off our only valuable assets.They have,apparently,kept us from administration for what?I think it's an odds on certainty we will be relegated next season and we will be in an awful situation come next year.No money,no decent players(the remaining ones will be sold either this summer or in January),crap manager(I have zero confidence in MM,and with his hands tied he will "achieve" even less) and the prospect of less crowds because of div 3 football.
I understand that times are tough for us which is why BR being sold will turn out to be the worst thing that happened this summer.At least with him we could have attracted decent(on loan) players from PL clubs and the style of football was very entertaining.
The Russos shout and scream to show how much passion they have but all it really shows is how out of their depth they are.
I don't think they are strong enough to turn our fortunes around and things will go from bad to worse.
However I've paid my money so will be cheering on whoever wears the yellow shirt next season.I hope I'm,at least,pleasantly surprised.

busheyhornet, bushey says...
7:28pm Fri 3 Jul 09

Please please tell me you are just trying to wind someone up djwatford. That is the biggest pile of rubbish i have ever seen. Firstly BR wasn't sold or lost you muppet he asked to leave. He used us pure and simple. The Russos managed to strike a deal that got us more money for him. He would have gone regardless. Secondly we would have had to sell players even if BR had stayed as AB and pals spent all our money. The Russos are selling the players so that we actually have a team to go and watch in August 2010. You go on to say you have no confidence in MM but he is as unproven as BR was when he came in. Were you sure he was going to save us from relegation because he was at most 2 defeats away from it. To say MM is no good is joke to be honest he had 5 games in charge won 2 drew 2 and lost 1 and if he could keep that record up he would do better than your so called prized asset. At least give MM a chance before you jump on him. Lastly JJOT is by no way one of our better players, he could not pass had the turning circle of an oil tanker and could not defend. Give me Jenkins any day.
Rant over

Johnjones1959, Aylesbury says...
7:28pm Fri 3 Jul 09

Lets face it if the Golden boys survive this period who cares who comes and who goes, it has happened throughout Watford's history and it'll keep on happening, What would you rather have a team to support or those PTB's up the M1 laughing at our demise via administration, get real keep the club let the players go. An thats not be unambitious it's keeping my club that I have supported for 50 years going.

Graham Gimpson, Ricky says...
7:33pm Fri 3 Jul 09

djwatford,

So you would have kept Rodgers, would you, even though he wanted out, was just using Watford as a step-stopping and the fact that Watford will get the best part of 900k for him? Seemed like shrewd business to me, excellently negotiated by Jimmy. The money will ensure another player might not have to be sold or given to MM to spend on new players. And you are claiming the Russos out of their depth on what basis? What would your business plan for making up for a shortfall of around 8m in the club's accounts be then? Keep all the high-earning players and let the club go bust? The Russos have seen their investment pi**ed up the wall by the previous regime and were left with little option but to perform a troubleshooting job after the heat in the kitchen got a little too much for Andy Wilson and his master to stand. I think Southampton and Leeds would both be falling over themselves to avoid administration, a situation the brothers are working tirelessly to avoid as well as trying to run a hugely successful business in the process. They have walked the walk and are putting their money where their mouth is. Do you think GT and EJ would have thrown their support being the Russo if they were out of their depth? No, I didn't think so. About time you got behind them and realised any choppy financial waters the club gets itself into will have been down to Captain Simpson and his crew. It's just a shame you are so vocal now and didn't say anything when the people who were actually out of their depth were pi**ing your season-ticket money up the wall. Guess you are just another one jumping on the bandwagon.

BigDawg, Mill End says...
7:47pm Fri 3 Jul 09

Rodgers didn't rate O'Toole, neither does Mackay and evidently neither does the board. Good goals from midfield but how many did he cost us cos he tried silly passes in silly places. Also, in case its escaped any of you we have no money!Of course we are gonna sell - doesn't matter whose fault it is, we need to sell thats the way it is. Its either that or we go into administration get docked points and go down anyway. Lets not rip into the board or Malky until they deserve it!

bownie, watford says...
7:58pm Fri 3 Jul 09

Is this more to do with Kevin Blackwells state of mind, i dont think he has every recovered from the 2006 play off final-he wants to be Aidy Boothroyd-dont be surprised if Marlon King is his next target!

Feff, Rickmansworth says...
8:01pm Fri 3 Jul 09

I have said it before and I'll say it again. Any club who offers any money for one of our players will get that player. The Russos have no money. They took over the Club, comparatively pennyless, for their own self publicity. If we survive relegation next season all I would say say is "well done, MM".
The Club was abused by Boothroyd, Ashton, and that very weak Chairman, Simpson, who agreed to everything the other two suggested. There is no money left. We have to sell. We cannot buy anyone but cheap players. Don't blame the players who are leaving. Don't blame Rodgers. He quit because he saw what was happening. We are in real trouble because we "ain't got no money". For all you lot who call Rodgers "Judas" think of Boothroyd and ask yourselves what printable name you can call a complete idiot who bought and paid big money to so many lousy players, many of whom are back with us because nobody else wants them.

There was only one Scully, Watford says...
8:10pm Fri 3 Jul 09

1 or 2 24 carat plonkers on the web. Lets tell it like it is and get real. The bruvs have done all that they can after the mess they inherited. Ff the blunts want half our team and are prepared to pay realistic amounts of cash for Tommy & Co lets, take it and invest on what Malky is buying into. Thats players who want to progress their careers with us and you never know become the legends of tomorrow. Dont forget we have a fantastic nucleus of talent coming through and who knows this more than anyone?? Malky & Dyche! Heads up you orns!

Zorg the Leveller, Sharnbrook says...
8:12pm Fri 3 Jul 09

Gimpson... where did Jimmy's "brilliant negotiating" come in? There was a release clause in Rodgers' contract wasn't there?

As for your dismissal of the Trust, the last I saw that was a democratic body with elected officials. If you prefer to voice your disatisfaction under a pseudonym on a website than influence the trust's position then more fool you. Or perhaps you just don't think anyone would take you very seriously?

djwatford, Hatch End says...
8:23pm Fri 3 Jul 09

So what have The Russos actually done/achieved?
I find it amazing that they are praised to the hilt for achieving nothing.
BR had a contract and if we really wanted to keep him we should have shown the ambition needed to do it.
The Russos are on the board with one of Britain's richest men.There job is to ensure Watford prospers and that requires investment/ambition.
Appointing managers who say little but "I love the club" etc doesn't impress me.The fact that they shout/complain alot just shows how inexperienced they are.There only job should be to get Mr Tory to invest some more in our club.I'm sure Mr Tory doesn't want us to go into admin as he would lose all the money he has invested in the club.A little investment would have ensured BR stayed and then we would have been able to attract better PL junior/reserve players(these players tend to be cheap so that would be a major plus for us.)Under The Russos we will be left with a relegated team full of players signed for free.An over the hill jock and a striker who hasn't scored for 6 months hardly inspires.
I also complained about Simpson and Co but that seems to be conveniently forgotten here.
I'm a great believer in actions rather than words and The Russos are shouting alot without saying anything,while their actions are to rid the club of anything valuable.I see this as a recipe for disaster and certainly aren't going to support such lunacy.
I realise that we need to sell and have to rely on youth.If that is the case why sell a player who has prospered in the lower divisions this year and replace him with one who hasn't scored?The dealings of our new manger indicate to me that he doesn't know what he is doing.He seems to only be interested in players in or very near Scotland.Perhaps his knowledge of the Championship(he stated that he had great knowledge of this division when appointed)isn't as great as he thinks.
Why should I just sit back and allow our club to slowly turn into a laughing stock?I renewed my s/t expecting to see continued progress but since that purchase I've only seen the best things about our first team leave(or about to leave.)
Yes GT and EJ are Watford legends and they did,originally,give the new board some credibility but until I see the board actually improving the club then I don't share their optimism.

Chris the Vic, The Vic says...
9:00pm Fri 3 Jul 09

Who is the rich man on our board or dont we know the difference between directors and disaffected shareholders.

To balance the books this sale was going to happen. At present we have slightly weakened the squad excluding Smithy but have got close to achieving a future.

Those critics save it for Hoofers Ashton and Simpson.

As for Sheffield Utd buying the players..In many of the cases they were players wanted by Blackwell when he had no money at Leeds which is why Hoofers stepped in and looked good until the premier div when Blackwells ideas were no longer available to Aidy.

As for this club being run into the ground that had already occurred by the EGM that didnt take place.

Face facts, get behind the board and support the team.

Many of your comments here are so bad they could come from the disgraced trio.

Feff, Rickmansworth says...
9:02pm Fri 3 Jul 09

The posting from djwatford of Hatch end is the best I have read for ages. I agree with every word so let's hear from you lot who think that Russo is a better Chairman than Petchey or Simpson. At least Petchey and Simpson had a bit of money to spend!!! The only encouraging sign is that EJ and GT have become involved again. But have they put their money where their mouths are? Sadly - NO.

VoR, Watford says...
9:15pm Fri 3 Jul 09

Ahhh........
I'm suddenly seeing a split in the ranks and too right too, I've voiced my concerns from the moment the "R's" bribed their way back in, they had an agenda from previous years, not WFC supporters, only intent in making money, weakening the playing staff which you just can't do, success is based from the team, the manager, the feel good factor, not the ground, not to the point that every other club can cherry pick the better player, not then to replace with lower league players without recent form in the hope they can perform as well as the outgoing ones.
MM was only appointed coz they knew no other manager would put up with it.
I think now is the time that JR stops riding on the sympathy vote and stands up on his own two feet and become accountable for these actions. He said he wanted transparency, I don't see too much talk on events until they've already happened.
Why have they taken the for sale sign off the door at the vic, do they not want more investment? do they not want to buy out our beloved old silver fox?
They should not be here if there only intent is to make money, that's not what it's all about, It should be for the love of the club in a lot of ways.
They've already lulled most of you into buying your SS early, they knew what was coming.
Old regime spent money for the love of the club, this one is stock piling for the love of himself and to get his own back.

I did warn you, you chose not to listen, until now.

For those that scream we are potless, how do you know, when does the time come when you can say, that's it, we have broken even, we don't need to sell anyone else?
I feel we will never be told until the day JR becomes involved with his number one team . . . . . Chelsea!!!!!!

No10Endean, Claxton says...
9:20pm Fri 3 Jul 09

Is it me or do Sheff Utd want to get relegated.
Why don't they go the whole mile and buy Ellington, Sadler and Eustace and as a bonus will throw in Bangura as well !

rochdale away, norwich says...
9:25pm Fri 3 Jul 09

feff and dj....be patient. are the russos better, time will tell. it's obviously not that easy to run a football club...look at charlton,southampton
,leeds and norwich. thus far we've sold a player who was constantly on loan, one was at best on the bench and a great player, albeit for a bucket of cash. was rodgers messiah or judas? given that we we were 105 mins from relegation in a VERY poor league, i struggle with messiah.Have faith,watch malky go.....reckon we are the dark horses for next season. Don't forget we have our talisman on board( the genuine messiah........GT!)s
o all will be well and joyful

debbyg76, watford says...
9:28pm Fri 3 Jul 09

BREAKING NEWS - Sheffield Utd have put in an offer for our tea lady.......

Feff, Rickmansworth says...
9:34pm Fri 3 Jul 09

It hurts me to almost agree with VoR! The Chairman is the Boss. Russo could have prevented BR from going - or any of the players who have gone or are about to go. Simpson could have prevented Boothroyd from indulging on a wild spending spree, paying well over the odds for very ordinary players, and then paying them high salaries. We've not had much luck with Chairmen, have we? Remember Petchey - and Bonsor?

rochdale away, norwich says...
9:34pm Fri 3 Jul 09

VoR, you are talking out of your a***hole, I know malky and if you think he is a yes man, i suggest you meet him one on one. the man has more integrity,strength,d
ecency and FOOTBALL nous in his big toe than you(and me). thinks went t*t under simpson and aidy because they didn't quite cut the mustard.....give the new guys a chance!!!!

pstannard4, Watford says...
9:37pm Fri 3 Jul 09

Sheffield Uniteds new team
Kenny

Morgan Killgallon, Naysmith, bromby

Williamson JJOT, Speed, hendrie

Smith and Henderson up front

Andrew1963, Watford says...
9:47pm Fri 3 Jul 09

O'Toole was put on ludicrous wages by boothroyd at the end of 07/08 season. All the first team players to leave are on well over £5,000 a week. Williamson; O'Toole were not in the team. Bromby was adequately replaced by Williamson. Even Boothroyd had realised that Kabba was a joke. Ainsworth never looked likely to turn endeavour into end product. We need to get rid of Sadler; Eustace and Ellington. Of the big wage earners - Hoskins might be worth keeping, McAnuff will go. Smith is an asset that will leave on a Bosman to secure his family future if we do not sell this summer. Priskin until his purple patch under Rodgers in the last half of the season was regularly criticised on here and by the match crowd. If we get £1m plus offer he should go with proper sell ons. For the next few years it is back to unearthing gems. Sometimes we find them - Lewington found Mahon; Gunnarsson; DeMeritt and Fitzgerald. You have to expect sometimes to make mistakes - he also bought Mayo. We need to build on the positives. Sort out the wage structure, we have a young defence that will continue to get better, we still turn out reasonable quality from the youth policy, a few quality signings and we will still be here in 3 years time. Hopefully by then new investment will push things along. Remember bigger clubs than us are in a worse state. Leeds; Charlton; Southampton and Norwich are going to find it tough next year. QPR, Nottm Forest and Leicester had to go down. All those clubs had a better premiership pedigree than ourselves. Frankly i wonder what reality people are on sometimes. If we play reasonable football and have a few average seasons that is enough.

VoR, Watford says...
9:54pm Fri 3 Jul 09

And another thing............

My respect for GT has never wavered, even in his England days but I have to remind him that he's always said that you buy players, not for the league you are in, but for the league above.
I see no evidence of that and does that also not apply to the manager aswell?
I fear that his hands are now tied at this club and in truth has no influence? he knows better than most that times have changed, he came a cropper with that in relation for picking Steve Bold or whatever he name was from Wolves to the national side.
It's all a publicity stunt and john Ward isn't the answer either!!
I think a fans forum is in order, like we had before, or is there problem with that?

watford fan, Rickmansworth says...
9:57pm Fri 3 Jul 09

Am I missing something about the season tickets?

I bought mine beacause I support Watford - 11 players, whoever they may be, in yellow shirts.

VoR, Watford says...
10:06pm Fri 3 Jul 09

rochdale away wrote:
VoR, you are talking out of your a***hole, I know malky and if you think he is a yes man, i suggest you meet him one on one. the man has more integrity,strength,d

ecency and FOOTBALL nous in his big toe than you(and me). thinks went t*t under simpson and aidy because they didn't quite cut the mustard.....give the new guys a chance!!!!
You mis-interpret what
i'm saying, I actually feel sorry for him and feel his 1st venture into football management is being severely hampered with not having the tools to succeed, he'll be the one carrying the can if things don't work with the new recruits, whereas is should be someone else.
He has my support in his very testing time, rochdale.

martin62, abbots langley says...
10:48pm Fri 3 Jul 09

watford fan wrote:
Am I missing something about the season tickets?

I bought mine beacause I support Watford - 11 players, whoever they may be, in yellow shirts.
Spot-on watford fan. We should be judging at the end of the season rather than slaughtering the decision makers now. The pot is empty, the overheads too high, we may need to take some pain now rather than finish up like L*t*n T**wn. Lets keep out of administration cos there are gonna be worse teams than us in the Championship this season even without Smith and O'Toole. The home win last November against QPR was a great display of attacking football which we did'nt witness for the next 6 months so lets give MM a chance. Don't forget guys his incentive could be to do well so he can get the managers job at Sheff Utd!!!!

worthing_hornet, worthing says...
10:51pm Fri 3 Jul 09

If a limb has gangrene, you cut it off to save the patient. This club has hemoraged money, the east stand, style, tactics, a 12 point lead in the league and the fans irefor all of the above, resulting in the old board and manager being jettisoned. What are you expecting, the Russo's t have a spare healthylim to graft on and then carry on as if nothing had happened. We are currently in intensive care, desparately hoping the patient will survve. I rather end up missing a limb or too. Having to learn to walk again than be dead (or in the conference). We will only know if they can save the club, once they have saved it

derry pigweed, northampton says...
11:53pm Fri 3 Jul 09

VoR wrote:
Ahhh........ I'm suddenly seeing a split in the ranks and too right too, I've voiced my concerns from the moment the "R's" bribed their way back in, they had an agenda from previous years, not WFC supporters, only intent in making money, weakening the playing staff which you just can't do, success is based from the team, the manager, the feel good factor, not the ground, not to the point that every other club can cherry pick the better player, not then to replace with lower league players without recent form in the hope they can perform as well as the outgoing ones. MM was only appointed coz they knew no other manager would put up with it. I think now is the time that JR stops riding on the sympathy vote and stands up on his own two feet and become accountable for these actions. He said he wanted transparency, I don't see too much talk on events until they've already happened. Why have they taken the for sale sign off the door at the vic, do they not want more investment? do they not want to buy out our beloved old silver fox? They should not be here if there only intent is to make money, that's not what it's all about, It should be for the love of the club in a lot of ways. They've already lulled most of you into buying your SS early, they knew what was coming. Old regime spent money for the love of the club, this one is stock piling for the love of himself and to get his own back. I did warn you, you chose not to listen, until now. For those that scream we are potless, how do you know, when does the time come when you can say, that's it, we have broken even, we don't need to sell anyone else? I feel we will never be told until the day JR becomes involved with his number one team . . . . . Chelsea!!!!!!
Voice of a Retard quote"THE OLD REGIME SPENT MONEY FOR THE LOVE OF THE CLUB"
vOr hang your head in shame for that comment! They loved theirselves not the CLUB!

Emmer Green Hornet, Reading says...
12:49am Sat 4 Jul 09

Nobody with half a brain is praising the Russo's as they haven't had time to do anything yet. The prrof will come this season and we can judge and form an opinion on their progress.

By the same reasoning, anybody making a judgement now that the Russo's are useless is a brain dead moaning, moron! Grow up and get a life, and SUPPORT YOUR TEAM!!

domgem, pyrford says...
2:05am Sat 4 Jul 09

Unbelievable how fickle fans are.Simple facts are 1)1.8m is great money for Smith given he has a year left on his contract.
Neither O Toole nor Williamson are good enough so these are good deals.
The Russos have shown true integrity throughout.
We have to sell due to all the money wasted in the past.The key is who we are able to bring in.
The view that Mackay and Dyche are yes men doesn't wash.This has been demonstrated by their commitment and leadership on the pitch.They deserve their chance.
In my view the Russos are doing everything right.From standing their ground on fees to putting together a top board.
Get behind the team and save your contempt for the guy who shafted us all by going to Reading and then trying to buy our players on the cheap.

Hornetboy84, Ricky says...
3:09am Sat 4 Jul 09

I remember years ago when we got promoted woth B.City from Divvy 2 and they were spending big money and GT went out ans bought 2 cheap players from Carlisle. Well - no need to explain the history leasson ....but...

bottom line is that holding on to certain players or spending big money on others is not a sign of success - it might make you feel good short term (Ellington) but pretty soon you want players who will run their socks off even if not the best players. (Burnley!!!!)

That is and has always been the Watford way. If Smith has to go to stop us becoming a Southampton / L*ton so be it. we survived losing Blisset, James, Barnes, Helgerson, Young. King etc over recent years - okay sometimes rebuilding takes longer but we soon get back our soul... it will be tough but in Malkey we have a heart and soul WFC manager - that will do for me.

Henry VIII, Hampton Court says...
3:12am Sat 4 Jul 09

Personal attacks. No need for them, never will be. Watford FC, stronger than any man that ever played for the club, stronger than any fan that supported them. Generations come and go. We all love our club, so let us get behind them. I do not ask you to kiss the badge - as we all know, in the modern game this in itself has become a farce, but do love your club - for the right reasons. Would you have chosen to argue with a fellow Watford fan at St. Andrews during the penalty shoot-outs in the 1999 play-offs? I doubt it. Look in the mirror and look at the reflection on the shirt you are wearing. It isn't Leeds, Charlton, Southampton and certainly not Luton. We are a Championship club, firstly attempting to stay alive in a very real recession, secondly, hoping to build quietly towards a future. Get behind the boys, get behind the badge and get on with each other!!

JoelCanning, Northwood says...
6:45am Sat 4 Jul 09

i for one would be dissapointed to see jjot leave, however, again we must sell to avoid ending up like Sounthampton and mm has started well in his mission. jjot scores but @ times was a liability. we now have severin, cowie, jenkins, useless and even bangura on our books and i think jjot can easily be replaced, but does need replacing.

Bonsorout, amersham says...
6:47am Sat 4 Jul 09

What most of you seem to forget is winning. In the last 40 years we have had many chairman and many players leave but we have always survived. Economic facts are simple go in to administartion and we are relegated (tell me a club that wasnt) Sell players and balance the books we stand as much as a chance a staying up as at least 12 other weaker teams. Over the years we have been up and down and believe me it is more fun to "sing when we are winning" than moaning when we are losing. Football today is a business and whether the Russo's can successfully run this one is not proven but is likely. Shareholders and some supporters may well be rich but it does not mean they need to become poor by investing in your entertainment. As has been said by some enlightened one on the site it is about 11 yellow shirts performing week in week out and hopefully winning. Winning streaks build confidence better players and better crowds.
Stop moaning and pretending you can run a club better few of you can.

GrahamTaylor, Watford says...
8:45am Sat 4 Jul 09

Bonsorout wrote:
What most of you seem to forget is winning. In the last 40 years we have had many chairman and many players leave but we have always survived. Economic facts are simple go in to administartion and we are relegated (tell me a club that wasnt) Sell players and balance the books we stand as much as a chance a staying up as at least 12 other weaker teams. Over the years we have been up and down and believe me it is more fun to "sing when we are winning" than moaning when we are losing. Football today is a business and whether the Russo's can successfully run this one is not proven but is likely. Shareholders and some supporters may well be rich but it does not mean they need to become poor by investing in your entertainment. As has been said by some enlightened one on the site it is about 11 yellow shirts performing week in week out and hopefully winning. Winning streaks build confidence better players and better crowds. Stop moaning and pretending you can run a club better few of you can.
Errrrrrrr .... DARLINGTON

HOOF, England says...
8:47am Sat 4 Jul 09

JoelCanning wrote:
i for one would be dissapointed to see jjot leave, however, again we must sell to avoid ending up like Sounthampton and mm has started well in his mission. jjot scores but @ times was a liability. we now have severin, cowie, jenkins, useless and even bangura on our books and i think jjot can easily be replaced, but does need replacing.
He's also a likes a drink or 5.Which is the reason he was loaned out in the first place.Nothing to do with football.

Bonsorout, amersham says...
8:58am Sat 4 Jul 09

Apologies did not know Darlington were in the Championship. Thought they were in Division 2 near the top of the league in February and then dropped to 11th following deduction of 10 points

Billie, Kings Langley says...
10:23am Sat 4 Jul 09

We have some real disrespectful nonsense going on here. The Russos at £8m previous to the opportunist Ashton messing things up had more money invested in Watford than anyone in history. In the environment they made their money in you have to be incredibly efficient. So many people stood aside, including the pathetic WST...who then have the audacity to expect a place on the new Board. You seriously expect them to invest more money without becoming majority shareholders? Only to benefit Homer and Ashcroft? If so, and this includes Feff (and how could they stop Judas leaving may I ask...why would they want to after he lied to us all) and vOr (who's motives have always been abhorrent) you are being ridiculous. These guys have probably achieved more than all the posters on this site put together will in a lifetime. They are saving our club from the ruin bestowed by Homer, Wilson and Ashton. Remember Ashton's quote about agents fees? We have spread it over future years to help cash flow. 'This show the progress we have made'. He actually said that...and that is another cost the Board now has to find. Jimmy, Vince, GT et al. Thank you. you are saving my club, and as a shareholder I am very grateful. Also well said Mr Gimpson and Enlightened, together with the true supporters on this site.

VoR, Watford says...
10:47am Sat 4 Jul 09

Yawn.....
You've forgotten to mention K.A

stevemag, Windsor says...
11:06am Sat 4 Jul 09

I cannot believe there are people out there foolish enough to keep saying how wonderful Boothroyd is. Even a moronic few who asked for him back when Rodgers left.

The fact is Aidy was lucky in our promotion season, we have Burkenshaw advising - doing well in the championship then as soon as KB departs we have clueless tactics and the most depressing football and set of results ever to be seen at the Vic.

Most of all the flops far outweighed the successes.

Sadler - I har he is on £7k a week. Not bad from warming the bench up.

Bromby, was on similar figures.

Ellington - say no more. Overweight, £3 million plus - we signed the player against advice from others at the club.

Collins John - chased him even tho there was no interest - more silly wages.

Kabba - shall i go on?

Those who continually slated Priskin must surely realise he was poor due to Boofers desire to play the ball at his throat. Clueless.

So thanks to some of the above we had players wages ruining the club, players nobody wants and now nobody wants Boothroyd.

Thank you Russos for trying to save our club

HOOF, England says...
11:17am Sat 4 Jul 09

Here,here

VINCE & JIMMY'S YELLOW ARMY!!

enlightened one, Watford says...
11:21am Sat 4 Jul 09

'The previous regime spent money for the love of the club'.

Of all the old crap you've posted on here this really is the best and quite possibly will never be bettered.You are obviously a man(?)with a very troubled mind and no sense of the real world.
Its not really difficult,we all turn up to every game and support the manager,chairman and whoever the 11 players are wearing our shirt.
I'm glad i'm still pi$$ed from last night coz I can pretend I never read most of the twaddle written above,apart from your contribution VoR coz it was so monumentally toepuntish.

VoR, Watford says...
11:38am Sat 4 Jul 09

Gay club was it?

enlightened one, Watford says...
11:45am Sat 4 Jul 09

Dear oh dear,that the best you've got.

VoR, Watford says...
12:25pm Sat 4 Jul 09

Not my fault you've only just got back from hitch hiking on the handle bars of billie's mobility scooter now is it.

So you are happy shelling out on your season ticket early thinking that we were in for a good season then?

At least the last time we had an early SS sale was that we all thought we were going up, the silver fox gave us the opportunity but the supporters fooked it up for us.

I can't understand why you are happy with what's going on, they are simply asset stripping our club apart

sceptic, harrow says...
4:11pm Sat 4 Jul 09

"Asset stripping"?
What about the bonuses for failure that Simpson and his gang took!!

enlightened one, Watford says...
9:57pm Sat 4 Jul 09

Perfectly happy to have done my very small bit to ensure the club moves forward,as I said before if you don't like it don't go coz you won't be missed.
Are the Russo's paying themselves half a mil a year salary,I think not.
Gimpson and his cohorts bled our club dry,fully supported by their cheerleader in chief Voice ofa know nothing imbecile.

WFC4ever, Watford says...
11:15pm Sat 4 Jul 09

The Russos have no money left to put into the club and well Mr Ashcroft probably doesn't even know what colour kit we play in...so we have to raise funds by selling sadly ehich we have always done even when not that skint.

I expect nothing more than mid-table and the young players we have coming through might turn out to be very good.

Anyway from what I heard Smithy isn't keen to join Sheff United.

As for the Rodgers stuff..its in the past and well its better he walked away now than in the middle of the season.

Despite telling the Russos he would stay at first he quickly changed minds so whilst he did a decent job for us (although actually we weren't great at the start of his spell)

At least this board won't allow Mackay to waste money on big flops like Simpson and Ashton did with Aidy...

Remember we can only sell players teams want.

derry pigweed, northampton says...
11:19pm Sat 4 Jul 09

VoR wrote:
Not my fault you've only just got back from hitch hiking on the handle bars of billie's mobility scooter now is it. So you are happy shelling out on your season ticket early thinking that we were in for a good season then? At least the last time we had an early SS sale was that we all thought we were going up, the silver fox gave us the opportunity but the supporters fooked it up for us. I can't understand why you are happy with what's going on, they are simply asset stripping our club apart
I would love to meet you voice of retard and discuss our opinions over a beer or soft drink? I am in watford most days do you fancy it?

Bomber, Oxhey says...
11:53pm Sat 4 Jul 09

debbyg76 don't encourage Sheffield United to buy our tea lady.If they offer half a crown we'll grab it.

nothing, liskeard says...
12:18am Sun 5 Jul 09

Bloody Heck chaps, I say, have I missed something. I don't log on for a day and now I find that half the team has gawn. Sh*t. Oh well, I hope we get big bucks for them. Honestly being a supporter ain't easy. Hurry up the kickoff and then we shall all be back to the nitty gritty of matches, players and all that jazz...yeaahhhhhh.

Feff, Rickmansworth says...
12:19am Sun 5 Jul 09

The Russos have no money to support the Club. They're in it for the publicity. Boothroyd was a disaster, backed by Ashton and the pathetic Simpson. If we stay up let me be the first to congratulate Malky! You've got a tough task, mate.

Billie, Kings Langley says...
9:22am Sun 5 Jul 09

Feff. You are disrespectful and ridiculous. The Russo's are incredibly successful business people. They have also had a £4m loan repaid from the club if you check your facts. This they invested without security to help buy the ground back before they discovered just how little integrity GS, MA, and Wilson had in voting them off the Board. They would need to be as stupid as you to go down that route again. I don't care what their motives are...and I know one is for sure their love of football, as long as they give it their best and operate with integrity. That they have done. The nonsense some people come up with is also an insult to GT, who is on the same Board. So, even those without any intelligence, Feff being a prime example, have some respect. Finally vOr, KA was firstly correct when even WST were grovelling, and also brave. You were and are wrong as you were forced to admit, involved with people with no scruples, and are now discredited, reduced to blabbering ageism. Security word is baby-need, appropriate for a dummy like you.

Feff, Rickmansworth says...
12:07pm Sun 5 Jul 09

Does Billie of Kings Langley know what the word "disrespectful" means? Judging by his histrionic posting - no. All I said was that to run a successful football club these days you need lots of money and the Russos clearly haven't got lots. So,instead, they have decided to bring down the wage bill and increase the bank account by selling any player that anyone wants. Saying that is not "disrespectful", it's the truth. So, tell me, Billie, (incidentally spelling your name that way I have to ask whether you're a man or a woman) why do you think the Russos wanted to run the club if not for self-aggrandizement?

sceptic, harrow says...
4:59pm Sun 5 Jul 09

Feff old girl (I assume it's short for Steff) can we expect you to cough up some money to help fairly soon or are you anoyher one who is content to watch others do it.

Feff, Rickmansworth says...
8:29pm Sun 5 Jul 09

Sceptic - my real name is Marmaduke and that's a real man's name as opposed to Sceptic. I suppose you're called Al. You know, "scepticAL". And yes, I would cough up money if that would give make me Chairman or Vice-Chairman. How about you, Al?

VoR, Watford says...
8:55pm Sun 5 Jul 09

Septic more like!

VoR, Watford says...
8:59pm Sun 5 Jul 09

Feff wrote:
Does Billie of Kings Langley know what the word "disrespectful" means? Judging by his histrionic posting - no. All I said was that to run a successful football club these days you need lots of money and the Russos clearly haven't got lots. So,instead, they have decided to bring down the wage bill and increase the bank account by selling any player that anyone wants. Saying that is not "disrespectful", it's the truth. So, tell me, Billie, (incidentally spelling your name that way I have to ask whether you're a man or a woman) why do you think the Russos wanted to run the club if not for self-aggrandizement?
Purely bravado Feff together with wanting to get their own back!

watford fan, Rickmansworth says...
10:00pm Sun 5 Jul 09

I think what we all need to accept is that the world has changed. Hopefully only for a few years but no one is going to splash the cash to change WFC into a mid table Premiership team when the world's finances have gone have gone down the toilet. Even the billionaires at QPR have lost millions and are focusing on their own businesses than the football club. (I know for a fact Mittal is) WFC are putting in place a long term business plan which is based on Harefield. Simpson believed in this initially and then got dazzled by the bright lights of the Premiership and wanted some more and like a lot of clubs took the gamble which didn't pay off and left us where we are now. We will develop talented youngsters who will do well in the 1st team for a year or two and then be sold for good money just like Ashley Young. Some money will be invested in the ground and the team as there needs to be a balance of experience and talented youth but Watford just don't have the fan base to attract decent crowds and generate the money to sustain a football club. We have and probably always will be a selling club to balance the books. Lets face it we are in the same catchment area as Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs so we never will get a regular crowd of 20 thousand plus. With only 3 stands we didn't sell out other than the big cup games. We got lucky under Boothroyd and expectations have risen as a result however, as I say, the world has changed. Hopefully we will get lucky with Malky! What happened the last time we sold our player of the year for a million, bought cheaply and everyone predicted gloom? We also have a centre back who kept Torres and Villa in his pocket and an England U21 keeper.

BELGIAN HORNET, MASNUY-ST-JEAN says...
2:50pm Mon 6 Jul 09

The way things are going, anybody turning up 30 minutes before kick-off, better bring their boot's with them. You could be playing

Billie, Kings Langley says...
5:41pm Mon 6 Jul 09

Feff,
To answer your last question, how can you be so judgemental when you do not know these guys. Did they crow about helping buy the ground back with 4 mill. They even kept a quiet dignity about Marlon when he fired us to the Premiership. Their money paid for him, others took the credit, and a heap of money besides. Do you know their circumstances? You rudely state they have no money and you question their motives. In the circumstances we are in I repeat that is disrespectful. You rightly point out I am dispespectful to you and vOr. I plead guilty as charged. It is purely because I really don't respect either of you.
I can take it as you think the Russo's have no money then you must be seriously wealthy and you are going to cough up and make a bid for the club. What is it with the man woman bit. There is vOr's ageism and your preoccupation with gender.

VoR, Watford says...
7:51pm Mon 6 Jul 09

It's alright billie, I have never been offended with anything that you've said (honest) And I hope that you've taken most of the banter with a pinch of salt.
I find you great fun to wind up, unlike others that either want to meet up, or call me a tosser and retard.
To those, they'd have a nasty shock I can assure, but it has been all friendly banter on my part, I hope you understand that - old timer

enlightened one, Watford says...
9:37pm Mon 6 Jul 09

VoR I'd rather spend the day with Gordon Brown,a man I despise with every bone in my body,than meet up with you.But I am more than happy to call you a tosser and a retard,and with that I bid you goodnight.

derry pigweed, northampton says...
12:45am Tue 7 Jul 09

VoR wrote:
It's alright billie, I have never been offended with anything that you've said (honest) And I hope that you've taken most of the banter with a pinch of salt. I find you great fun to wind up, unlike others that either want to meet up, or call me a tosser and retard. To those, they'd have a nasty shock I can assure, but it has been all friendly banter on my part, I hope you understand that - old timer
luv you voice of retard ,please shock me!



Billie, Kings Langley says...
10:48am Tue 7 Jul 09

Interesting offer vOr.
My main worry about meeting up is that it could be an ambush, in that with me being an adult, cultivating relationships with children over the internet is a serious offence. Will your guardian come with you? It could be of course that you have got all excited at Feff's assumption of my gender...is this your best chance of a date? For the record...I will give you a clue...I still work, am not of pensionable age, and do not have a mobility scooter.
To be fair I quite like the banter too, and recognise a wind up merchant when I see one. I have a feeling it may be you that is shocked more than I if we did meet, and I strongly suspect we have met already. If Feff is out there I strongly recommend psychosexual counselling, it could be a gender change will sort out all of his issues, other than respect for his/her superiors of course.

VoR, Watford says...
4:54pm Tue 7 Jul 09

And what was my offer exactly? - re-read my post, still puzzled...........
Is everything alright, do you want me to call someone to help you?

Comments are closed on this article.


Local Advertisers

Local Information

Enter your postcode, town or place name

House prices »   Schools »   Crime »   Hospitals »