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Burkinshaw offers style advice

1:22pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

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By Kevin Affleck »

Keith Burkinshaw says Watford's style of play undermined their hopes of staying in the Premiership last season.

Burkinshaw, who stepped down from his position as Watford's assistant manager in December, says Aidy Boothroyd will need to re-think his route-one approach if the Hornets are to stand a chance of surviving in the top flight should they triumph in the play-offs for a second time in three seasons.

"You've got to be able to shorten your game," he said. "It's difficult enough to stay up but I believe playing that way didn't give Watford much of a chance.

"If you play the long ball in the Premier League you haven't got a hope.

"I can't think of any teams who have played the ball from back to front, missing out the midfield, and have been really successful doing so."

Your Say YourWatford

mellow_yellow, watford says...
1:27pm Wed 7 May 08

You want to be careful, Keith. Saying stuff like that's marks you down for the sack...

Oh, you already have been.

Vicar Rage, says...
1:50pm Wed 7 May 08

Rubbish Keith - just watch Watford establish themselves as a top-10 club.

We were only lulling the other clubs into a false sense of security last season.

luther67, watford says...
1:54pm Wed 7 May 08

This is obviously going to be the cue for everyone to come on here and slate Boothroyd but...it's pretty evident to anyone that we'd all love to play football like Arsenal but did we have the personnel to attempt this? No. Before we all start giving Boothrod his daily kicking on here it's worth retaining a tiny bit of perspective. Sometimes you have to do what's best with the personnel available. Right, I'll put my tin hat on and await the onslaught......

lowie76, Hemel Hempstead says...
2:24pm Wed 7 May 08

Luther67 i think you make a great point about last season's personnel, but i just find it hard to understand why we havent tried to shorten our game this season as we clearly have more personnel that would love the ball on the deck a bit more e.g JM TS NE SK LW they are all good players on the deck that's why we bought them wasn't it surely???

nvb2, Upper Rous says...
2:27pm Wed 7 May 08

Luther67, you miss the point. If Boothroyd had signed players suited to the long ball game it would be understandable, but he hasn't. With the exception of Bromby with his long throw, and Eustace most of Boothroyd's signings since promotion are not suited to the long ball game. Unlike Stoke, who are a team of giants, Watford are quite a small team (Shittu excepted of course). Where Boothroyd has gone badly wrong this year is not finding a way that the players that he has spent a lot of money on can play because the current lot certainly cannot play his long ball way with any great success.

Winston, watford says...
2:41pm Wed 7 May 08

the thing is if KB was still at the club would AB take any notice of KB views?

I think not!

Darren, Canada says...
2:49pm Wed 7 May 08

Pointless article. KB making a comment about a time when he was at the club and had we are told, some influence. This is a time for optimistic and positive reporting and thinking, not dragging up the what if's etc. This is playoff week - in case anyone has forgotten. Be thankful - I am.

Vicar Rage, says...
3:10pm Wed 7 May 08

Darren - exactly why is the story pointless. Is it because you don't agree with what KB had to say?

If KB (who was, after all, AB's right-hand man earlier in the season) had come out and said Watford's direct approach will win them the Play-Offs, I assume then it would be okay to run the story?

mellow_yellow, watford says...
3:26pm Wed 7 May 08

The subtext is: We disagreed on the style of play. I 'left'. And he's not the only one, is he? There are quite a few thousand of us feeling the same way right now...

Hurlsburls, The City says...
3:47pm Wed 7 May 08

Vicar Rage wrote:
Darren - exactly why is the story pointless. Is it because you don't agree with what KB had to say? If KB (who was, after all, AB's right-hand man earlier in the season) had come out and said Watford's direct approach will win them the Play-Offs, I assume then it would be okay to run the story?
The story is not pointless but it is irrelevant. I read these comments elsewhere about one of the promoted teams, I think it might have been Stoke. KB was saying that Watford would have had a better chance of staying up in the Prem if they had not played long ball. The quote was not made about our current season and style of play! I think luther67 got it right, the WO has piacked out a quote selectively and are using it to have another dig at Boofers.

Let's just put our differences aside until final whistle next Sunday shall we? Happy clappers and realists/pessimists can stand side by side and at least hope!

Vicar Rage, says...
3:58pm Wed 7 May 08

Hurlsburls - Sorry, it has relevance because the guy saying it was, until a short time ago, working alongside our manager.

If this was some pundit, I'd agree with you.

I get tired of this 'the WO is picking on the manager' line. If KB had said Boothroyd was the best manager in the country and the WO had carried it, would that be okay then? The paper didn't put words into KB's mouth.

There is a general perception, driven by the club itself, that the local paper should only carry positive comments/stories.

Sorry, that's the job of the club's own website and programme.

However, like you, I agree - let's see what happens in the Play-Offs and then take a long look at where we are.

Hexham Hornet, Hexham says...
7:10pm Wed 7 May 08

KB did not say anything we did not akready know, but what gives the story great relevance is that this is the first time he has been quoted about our style of play. It would have been even more relevant if he went on to say and that was why he left, or WBA have proved that this is what you need to do to succeed at this level, or even look what happened in the last 14 games to see that the long ball is not a long term option. None of those things were said, but it would be interesting to know what he thinks about how the season panned out. If we can keep the ball down we stand a chance - that is why it is not a bad thing that Darius is out. If it works then it couold be the way for the play-offs, if it fails then we will have the thump it up to Darius option in the secong leg and beyond. Whatever happens we need to qualify, for the money as much as anything else. Interesting to see that Jordan Stewart has been released and Aidy feels the squad is not going to be affected by his departure for the next 3 games. What will happen if Sadler gets injured, who then will be left back?

Hexham Hornet, Hexham says...
7:11pm Wed 7 May 08

KB did not say anything we did not akready know, but what gives the story great relevance is that this is the first time he has been quoted about our style of play. It would have been even more relevant if he went on to say and that was why he left, or WBA have proved that this is what you need to do to succeed at this level, or even look what happened in the last 14 games to see that the long ball is not a long term option. None of those things were said, but it would be interesting to know what he thinks about how the season panned out. If we can keep the ball down we stand a chance - that is why it is not a bad thing that Darius is out. If it works then it couold be the way for the play-offs, if it fails then we will have the thump it up to Darius option in the secong leg and beyond. Whatever happens we need to qualify, for the money as much as anything else. Interesting to see that Jordan Stewart has been released and Aidy feels the squad is not going to be affected by his departure for the next 3 games. What will happen if Sadler gets injured, who then will be left back?

Hexham Hornet, Hexham says...
7:12pm Wed 7 May 08

KB did not say anything we did not akready know, but what gives the story great relevance is that this is the first time he has been quoted about our style of play. It would have been even more relevant if he went on to say and that was why he left, or WBA have proved that this is what you need to do to succeed at this level, or even look what happened in the last 14 games to see that the long ball is not a long term option. None of those things were said, but it would be interesting to know what he thinks about how the season panned out. If we can keep the ball down we stand a chance - that is why it is not a bad thing that Darius is out. If it works then it couold be the way for the play-offs, if it fails then we will have the thump it up to Darius option in the secong leg and beyond. Whatever happens we need to qualify, for the money as much as anything else. Interesting to see that Jordan Stewart has been released and Aidy feels the squad is not going to be affected by his departure for the next 3 games. What will happen if Sadler gets injured, who then will be left back?

Darren, Canada says...
7:39pm Wed 7 May 08

Vicar Rage wrote:
Darren - exactly why is the story pointless. Is it because you don't agree with what KB had to say? If KB (who was, after all, AB's right-hand man earlier in the season) had come out and said Watford's direct approach will win them the Play-Offs, I assume then it would be okay to run the story?
Hi Vic, no I don't mean it like that. I cannot see the point in talking about what we did NOT do right LAST season - and if he is saying that we need to change if we get promoted (as I hope we do) this comment would have made more sense posting it after the playoffs and if we were succesful. YOu could have had Nigel Gibbs saying GT got it wrong when we went up in 99/2000 - it's all done and dusted that is what I am trying to say.

Hexham Hornet, Hexham says...
8:01pm Wed 7 May 08

Sorry about the three posts, above. I don't know why it happened as I only posted it once. I have seen this happen before to others as well. I didn't think my words of wisdom were worth posting asecond time, never mind a third!

mitch, kings langley says...
8:36pm Wed 7 May 08

Keith how about you and Graham comming back.. two old Fiddles are better than the big Spoooons..!

Mark, Watford says...
9:18pm Wed 7 May 08

We all could tell how we think Aidy should play but do you think he cares what we say?


johnny b, bushey says...
9:35pm Wed 7 May 08

luther67 wrote:
This is obviously going to be the cue for everyone to come on here and slate Boothroyd but...it's pretty evident to anyone that we'd all love to play football like Arsenal but did we have the personnel to attempt this? No. Before we all start giving Boothrod his daily kicking on here it's worth retaining a tiny bit of perspective. Sometimes you have to do what's best with the personnel available. Right, I'll put my tin hat on and await the onslaught......
Why would you buy a player who can,t pass the ball along the ground...
Theres a game for those type of players...
It,s called rugby..
Hoofball does not work anymore,i can see it along with 11,000 other real hornet fans,so i would imagine that someone paid a shed load of money every year can see it

paul jones, the grove says...
9:42pm Wed 7 May 08

Mark wrote:
We all could tell how we think Aidy should play but do you think he cares what we say?
Aidy,s single mindedness and stubborness has proved to be his weakness. Aidy get on the phone soon to Graham Taylor and listen and learn and Elton might save your job

mohican, sutton says...
10:02pm Wed 7 May 08

Please approach Tony Adams for new managers job, he has learnt his trade at pompey,pity he never came to us way back...
Whatever division we are in next season, our side needs major changes and Aidy has failed badly to produce. He appears to be stubborn as hell and has no intention of any change of style in how we play.
Are the board blind or spellbound by him, i cannot believe that anyone can believe his endless excuses of failure...Even if we do get promoted i could and would not change my opinion of him. Top managers apologise at there errors, but there not pig headed...

henry, oxhey says...
10:10pm Wed 7 May 08

In '83 we went to Highbury and won 3-1. I overheard a Gooner after the match say that ours wasn't the best type of football - he couldn't say who had been playing in midfield as the ball never stopped there but just passed through !
Of course Wimbledon took the approach to extremes under DB but they also had the characters and big elbows to make it stick !
GT was trying to evolve a different style when things fell apart and we were relegated - under Dave Bassett !!
What's the point of this yarn?
AB is also apparently trying to evolve a new style but will he ever make that step if DB is still an influence?
However, he will need time and patience if he is trying to change our style by using a diamond, a mix of short amd long ball etc. We have players who could make a difference - particularly in midfield when fit - but the loss of KB is unfortunate.

slipery, watford says...
10:20pm Wed 7 May 08

need to score more goals and win the play off's?..Play Tommy Smith cntr forward with Elington.
Ainsworth and Mcanuff on the wings...job done.does any one agree?

zip, The real world says...
11:03pm Wed 7 May 08

At last Burkinshaw is breaking his silence...better be careful Keith or else Gimpson might take legal action.

This article serves to underline the real reason why he left...and possibly why the players have turned against Boothroyd.

However this arrogant clown will not listen; instead we will be presented with the same excuses: poor pitch, technically limited players etc.

Clappers, we finished only a few points above mid table, and only about four wins and a draw from a relegation battle. We are not fit for the play offs and certainly not fit for the premiership. Not under this clown anyway.

Thanks for your efforts Keith and I at least appreciate your attempts to defy the Gulag that is WFC and break your silence.

We have no chance of promotion but every chance of relegation next season. I at least will make my disgust of this manager and board known on Sunday. When we're three nil down I suspect that many others will join me.

Pete, Ruislip says...
12:20am Thu 8 May 08

zip wrote:
At last Burkinshaw is breaking his silence...better be careful Keith or else Gimpson might take legal action. This article serves to underline the real reason why he left...and possibly why the players have turned against Boothroyd. However this arrogant clown will not listen; instead we will be presented with the same excuses: poor pitch, technically limited players etc. Clappers, we finished only a few points above mid table, and only about four wins and a draw from a relegation battle. We are not fit for the play offs and certainly not fit for the premiership. Not under this clown anyway. Thanks for your efforts Keith and I at least appreciate your attempts to defy the Gulag that is WFC and break your silence. We have no chance of promotion but every chance of relegation next season. I at least will make my disgust of this manager and board known on Sunday. When we're three nil down I suspect that many others will join me.
Zip **** off you are really boring. It is not about KB "breaking his silence" - KB was a big part of the Prem season which was a relative result compared to Derby. As for the style, is it just me but have we not tried hard to change the style this year? God bless Ben Foster but we have definitely thrown out from the back more this year.

I think we will be better off this weekend without Hendo who is a Watford legend but in truth hasn't added a great deal recently. Hopefully players such as Ellington who is too good a footballer to be normally appreciated by WFC fans will get his time. I say that as a Hendo fan but I fancy WFC to get to Wembley.

optimistic, london says...
6:53am Thu 8 May 08

Really Keith? Is this relevant given we were relegated over a year ago. This advice should be saved for if we get promoted. Anyway, we love watching spurs play lovely football and win loads of trophies dont we Keith?

optimistic, london says...
6:58am Thu 8 May 08

Anyone go to Blackpool. Certainly did try to get it down on the floor and pass 2nd half. Especially after Hendersons sending off. I am tired of people who only go to home matches. Their support certainly isnt valued in my eyes. They make vicarage road what it is. Away from home is where the atmosphere, edgeness and true support is, just like at Blackpool. Aidy Boothroyds name was being chanted long into the evening on Sunday in the bars. It rocked

goatswilly, In a field says...
8:35am Thu 8 May 08

Hexham Hornet wrote:
KB did not say anything we did not akready know, but what gives the story great relevance is that this is the first time he has been quoted about our style of play. It would have been even more relevant if he went on to say and that was why he left, or WBA have proved that this is what you need to do to succeed at this level, or even look what happened in the last 14 games to see that the long ball is not a long term option. None of those things were said, but it would be interesting to know what he thinks about how the season panned out. If we can keep the ball down we stand a chance - that is why it is not a bad thing that Darius is out. If it works then it couold be the way for the play-offs, if it fails then we will have the thump it up to Darius option in the secong leg and beyond. Whatever happens we need to qualify, for the money as much as anything else. Interesting to see that Jordan Stewart has been released and Aidy feels the squad is not going to be affected by his departure for the next 3 games. What will happen if Sadler gets injured, who then will be left back?
Jordan Parkes is a quality left back. If Sadler is injured he will step in.

frostie, says...
9:11am Thu 8 May 08

I see the prat Zip Colin has now changed his prediction from a 2-0 home defeat on Sunday to a 3-0 scoreline.

Consistent as usual! What a dim-witted individual you are!

Do us all a favour and don't go on Sunday, we can do without so-called supporters like you!

perrystopsucklingme, WGC says...
9:13am Thu 8 May 08

All of you stop it! Especially those at the WO.

We are in the play-offs, how about actually supporting the team?

perrystopsucklingme, WGC says...
9:13am Thu 8 May 08

All of you stop it! Especially those at the WO.

We are in the play-offs, how about actually supporting the team?

KL massive, Kings Langley says...
9:16am Thu 8 May 08

Mr Optimistic.
I was at Blackpool and I agree what you wrote with reference second half.
The whingers here will not be happy unless:
A) WFC are winning the championship easily (we dont do that often do we?)or
B)The manager is sacked as his achievements to date are 'only' avoiding relagation, getting promoted to the prem and qualifying for the play offs in consectutive years.

I wish my fellow WFC could have a little more prespective!

Strange...I think Aidy is doomed now whatever happnes? It appears he will be disliked even if he gets us promoted?

Sorry knockers but I still think he has done more good than bad and is the best man for the job. There I have said it...running away now.

Yellows!


Vicar Rage, says...
9:32am Thu 8 May 08

Perry - just what exactly should the WO be stopping in relation to this story?

Did they decide to release him early from his contract? No

Did they make the announcement? No

Are you contacting the club to tell them to take the story off their own website? I doubt it

The club have totally set the agenda on this one. If you have any complaint about the validity of the decision, the timing or the choice to announce it now, take it up with the club.

yellowarmy2008, says...
9:36am Thu 8 May 08

COME ON LETS GET BEHIND THEM NOW WERE IN THE PLAY OFFS COME ON YOU GOLDEN BOYS!!!

yellowarmy2008, says...
9:36am Thu 8 May 08

COME ON LETS GET BEHIND THEM NOW WERE IN THE PLAY OFFS COME ON YOU GOLDEN BOYS!!!

yellowarmy2008, says...
9:36am Thu 8 May 08

COME ON LETS GET BEHIND THEM NOW WERE IN THE PLAY OFFS COME ON YOU GOLDEN BOYS!!!

mitch, kings langley says...
11:45am Thu 8 May 08

Optimistic..
Glad to hear of your "ROCKING" Blackpool pubs.where Aidy's name was sang till dawn!..sounds great!!We also was singing his name to !!But our's had 'OUT'at the end..ROCK ON...!

Professor Plum, The Billiard Room says...
12:10pm Thu 8 May 08

My style advice for Aidy would be lose the very unflattering three quarter length raincoat that you spent half the season wearing and go for something a little more nipped in at the waist...

chris, hemel says...
5:55pm Thu 8 May 08

At last an inkling into why KB left the club. A disagreement over playing style. Hoofball or Passball. Hoofball won and the results speak for themselves since October last year.

0000's of real supporters hate this style of play. AB has got a choice. He either listens, learns and makes the neccessary changes, or his popularity will continue to plummet until he eventually gets the sack.

AB might feel confident in his ability (he claims he's had 18 job opportunities) but even his thick skin will not be tough enough to protect him from the fans onslaught if he doesn't change our style of play. The ball's in his court, let's wait and see what his intentions are going into the close season, whether we're in the Championship or Prem.

Boris, Elderberry Thatch says...
1:14am Fri 9 May 08

I really hope that this week has been used wisely, without Hendo a more footballing style with the ball played into zones rather than just thumped in hope.

chris, the vic says...
9:03am Fri 9 May 08

First and foremost Mr Burkinshaw there is nothing wrong with the long ball game.

You will remember WFC under GT in their first year at the top table finishing second, you will remember WFC at the start of this year with Adam J, you will remember Liam Brady hitting 50 yard passes or David B doing much the same, but the long ball has to be complemented with other styles to work well. At WFC it is the only style we play for most of the game that is what is wrong.

Aidy realises that which is why he took AJ on loan, however boro ensured that was short lived then hardly played the guy to the detriment of us/AJ/and the u21's.

Then Mr B i remember your managerial career, yep you won the odd thing (very odd thing) with the backing of money and large clubs but at pres I reckon Aidy is not doing that bad albeit the style he delivers it in is not good to watch.

I hope your family probs have cleared up and would congratulate you on your timing of your public thoughts...just what we needed.

Whilst I deplore some of the fall out that occurs around AB due to his inexperience and enthusiasm which does not always assist with man management...some people deserve the boot for a lack of loyalty or is it a case of revenge being a dish served cold.

When GT got Bertie Mee as his assistant it worked. An inexperienced manager having a winner for support...makes me think Aidy needed that sort of man rather than your superb and timely pronouncements.

Your sayYourWatford

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