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Zola appointment finally confirmed (From Watford Observer)
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Watford finally confirm appointment of Gianfranco Zola
6:40pm Saturday 7th July 2012 in Watford FC News
By Frank Smith, Deputy Group Sports Editor
Watford have finally announced the appointment of Gianfranco Zola as manager.
One of the Hornets' new owners, Giampaolo Pozzo, was quoted on Monday stating Zola was set to replace Dyche as the new manager.
However, Dyche was not officially sacked until yesterday evening and the club decided to delay the announcement of Zola's appointment until today.
The Hornets technical director Gianluca Nani told the Watford Observer: "Sean did an excellent job for Watford. But we believe Gianfranco Zola is the right person for this project."
He continued: "Everyone knows how Gianfranco Zola likes football to be played. I think Watford fans can expect an exciting and attacking style."
Nani refused to comment on whether the back room staff will remain in place, although we understand Dodo Sormani will be part of the coaching set-up.
Zola’s career in football is a glittering one that has spanned for more than 30-years.
His first professional club was Sardinian side Nuorese before a spell at Torres. His big break in Italian football arrived when he joined Napoli in 1989.
He would go onto make 105 league appearances for the Naples club before joining Parma in 1993.
After a three-year spell with the Crusaders, he was sold to Premier League side Chelsea.
He would go onto play more than 300 matches for Chelsea and was named FWA Footballer of the Year in 1997 and the Blues greatest ever player in 2003.
He ended his playing career in 2005 after two years back in Italy with Cagliari.
After briefly working as a coach with the Italian under-21 side, his first job in management was with West Ham. He led the Hammers to a ninth place finish in his first season in charge.
But his second campaign was a disruptive one behind the scenes and they only managed 17th place and he was sacked on May 11 2010.
Zola has signed a two year contract with Watford.
Comments(126)
Kingswoodhornet
says...
6:46pm Sat 7 Jul 12
holtonian
says...
6:47pm Sat 7 Jul 12
SAHornet
says...
6:48pm Sat 7 Jul 12
buckler
says...
6:49pm Sat 7 Jul 12
mickallen57
says...
6:52pm Sat 7 Jul 12
Casterbridge
says...
6:52pm Sat 7 Jul 12
Bringe
says...
6:58pm Sat 7 Jul 12
COGGDAVE1
says...
7:00pm Sat 7 Jul 12
SAHornet wrote:Give him a break ???
Watford fans, please do take careful note of the final paragraph....9th place finish for WHU in his first season and so much s**t to contend with in the next season, some would say he did well to manage 17th. Let's give him a break and a proper chance to see what he can do.
A hugely well known international figure in the world of football has come to manage our Watford, after the most secure of new owners have bought 'The Horns'.
I really don't think that some on here still realize what is happening to our club.
A club losing money hand over fist, living from day to day, week to week is now probably one of the most secure clubs in the country..bar none..
Give him a break ?? its him who has given all of us a break ..along with the new owners !!
holtonian
says...
7:02pm Sat 7 Jul 12
Napalm Pudding
says...
7:06pm Sat 7 Jul 12
llloydwithathirdl
says...
7:11pm Sat 7 Jul 12
Can't wait for this new exciting era for the club to really get going.
Bringe
says...
7:17pm Sat 7 Jul 12
The 'orns are goin up!
COGGDAVE1
says...
7:19pm Sat 7 Jul 12
Bringe wrote:Too happy 2nite to argue ... peace and love ... lol
COGGDAVE1 ... Good intentions but next time try reading the posts you're slating :D
The 'orns are goin up!
jasonwatford
says...
7:20pm Sat 7 Jul 12
AngelHornet
says...
7:22pm Sat 7 Jul 12
aefevans
says...
7:24pm Sat 7 Jul 12
COGGDAVE1 wrote:Pozz and love.
Bringe wrote:Too happy 2nite to argue ... peace and love ... lol
COGGDAVE1 ... Good intentions but next time try reading the posts you're slating :D
The 'orns are goin up!
Dino1982
says...
7:47pm Sat 7 Jul 12
Una bella e grande squadra!!!
Forza Ragazzi!!!
Ce solo uno Franco Zola, ce solo uno Franco Zola,........Ce solo uno Franco Zola!!!!!
Franco Zola,...ce solo uno Franco Zola!!!!
smalon
says...
7:52pm Sat 7 Jul 12
Dino1982 wrote:Wait, what?
Finalmente!!!
Una bella e grande squadra!!!
Forza Ragazzi!!!
Ce solo uno Franco Zola, ce solo uno Franco Zola,........Ce solo uno Franco Zola!!!!!
Franco Zola,...ce solo uno Franco Zola!!!!
Up the Horns?
Bush Hornet
says...
7:56pm Sat 7 Jul 12
jasonwatford
says...
7:57pm Sat 7 Jul 12
tom-WFC
says...
8:02pm Sat 7 Jul 12
Bush Hornet
says...
8:03pm Sat 7 Jul 12
tom-WFC wrote:Lol
Thank god! We've finally signed a decent striker :)
Beds Horn
says...
8:06pm Sat 7 Jul 12
COGGDAVE1 wrote:Spot on mate. Our ownership model will be the envy of most of the Prem and Football League. The Pozzo's have demonstrated their patience but what excites me most is that if or should I say when we reach the Prem we will become the club within the group with the best/highest revenue stream. That will mean that it becomes essential that we stay in the top division. Forget being a feeder club to Udinese; give it 3 years and it'll be the other way around!!
SAHornet wrote:Give him a break ???
Watford fans, please do take careful note of the final paragraph....9th place finish for WHU in his first season and so much s**t to contend with in the next season, some would say he did well to manage 17th. Let's give him a break and a proper chance to see what he can do.
A hugely well known international figure in the world of football has come to manage our Watford, after the most secure of new owners have bought 'The Horns'.
I really don't think that some on here still realize what is happening to our club.
A club losing money hand over fist, living from day to day, week to week is now probably one of the most secure clubs in the country..bar none..
Give him a break ?? its him who has given all of us a break ..along with the new owners !!
Hold tight and enjoy the ride!!
D.unstable
says...
8:10pm Sat 7 Jul 12
Bringe
says...
8:13pm Sat 7 Jul 12
the class o f69 wrote:Yeah I know you all, same train every home game, we were a right assortment and we made some NOISE ... (not like these one song wannabe's today :D)
Bringe wrote:Bringe, I saw your exchange with Lutondown on another post, you may remember me too, some unkindly called me fat Barry!
COGGDAVE1 ... Good intentions but next time try reading the posts you're slating :D
The 'orns are goin up!
From Gadebridge area of Hemel. I certainly remember you pal. Something of a lone ranger! I do remember LD and his mate, but that was well over thrity five years ago!
Do you recall how we set up camp in the Vic Road end? Really confused the Old Bill, and started a trend that made it unfashionable to be a Rookeryite!
A few other names to add to the mix from that era. Flynn, tall guy with glasses I think from HH and a Martin Filer? Mickey Collins (white baggy trousers and braces, proper boot boy) and I also remember all the bovver boots taken off as people entered the Rookery end from over zealous cops!
To the issue. Best news to befall our club for many a year I think
Dino1982
says...
8:14pm Sat 7 Jul 12
smalon wrote:Of course Up the horns!!!
Dino1982 wrote:Wait, what?
Finalmente!!!
Una bella e grande squadra!!!
Forza Ragazzi!!!
Ce solo uno Franco Zola, ce solo uno Franco Zola,........Ce solo uno Franco Zola!!!!!
Franco Zola,...ce solo uno Franco Zola!!!!
Up the Horns?
It means beautiful great side!!!
Theres only one Zola.
Thats all nothing but good stuff
Eastsussexhornet
says...
8:24pm Sat 7 Jul 12
Kingswoodhornet wrote:Same here. I wonder what other unexpected bombshells there will be. The pub going bust perhaps?
WOW.....I had no idea.....did any one else see this coming?
Eastsussexhornet
says...
8:35pm Sat 7 Jul 12
I have thought felt very sorry for SD over the last few days but at the end of the day, everyone knows the circumstances surrounding his departure. He wasn't "sacked" as such. He achieved great things with no money. Brighton, with their £ 110 million injection got one more point than we did last season! I have said before on this that my 89 year old aunt could do well with Manchester City's budget. He is in good stead now for a managerial position with another club, most probably League 1, with a better deal than he got at Watford. I sincerely wish him
him well and all the luck, but I dont think he'll need it.
Bringe
says...
8:48pm Sat 7 Jul 12
Eastsussexhornet wrote:If Dyche is patient he'll get a big deal 6-8 games into the season when whoever aren't winning like they're supposed to.
On balance, I am pleased about the whole Zola/Pozzo situation. We won't necessarily get promoted straight away but w will be financially secure becasue we're part of something bigger, not just little old Watford trying to survive in a dormitory town to London - go to Watford Junct station on a Sat and see all the people with Arsenal and Chelsea shorts going into London.
I have thought felt very sorry for SD over the last few days but at the end of the day, everyone knows the circumstances surrounding his departure. He wasn't "sacked" as such. He achieved great things with no money. Brighton, with their £ 110 million injection got one more point than we did last season! I have said before on this that my 89 year old aunt could do well with Manchester City's budget. He is in good stead now for a managerial position with another club, most probably League 1, with a better deal than he got at Watford. I sincerely wish him
him well and all the luck, but I dont think he'll need it.
However I can also see some clubs reassessing their current manager as we speak.
buckler
says...
9:03pm Sat 7 Jul 12
the class o f69 wrote:Sounds like we are on the same side and are neighbours? Biggest thing to happen to us for years!
Bringe wrote:Bringe, I saw your exchange with Lutondown on another post, you may remember me too, some unkindly called me fat Barry!
COGGDAVE1 ... Good intentions but next time try reading the posts you're slating :D
The 'orns are goin up!
From Gadebridge area of Hemel. I certainly remember you pal. Something of a lone ranger! I do remember LD and his mate, but that was well over thrity five years ago!
Do you recall how we set up camp in the Vic Road end? Really confused the Old Bill, and started a trend that made it unfashionable to be a Rookeryite!
A few other names to add to the mix from that era. Flynn, tall guy with glasses I think from HH and a Martin Filer? Mickey Collins (white baggy trousers and braces, proper boot boy) and I also remember all the bovver boots taken off as people entered the Rookery end from over zealous cops!
To the issue. Best news to befall our club for many a year I think
holtonian
says...
9:16pm Sat 7 Jul 12
lutondown
says...
9:35pm Sat 7 Jul 12
jasonwatford wrote:life on mars
sean dyche should be put back in charge........zola and pozzo will be a bad mistake......bassini to the rescue
Ashes to ashes
Is you Jase!
Lol
Bringe
says...
9:44pm Sat 7 Jul 12
holtonian wrote:Well yes and that means us fans too ... What is extraordinary about this takeover is the new owners successful experience at Udinese and Granada ... by comparison it's like Wolves playing back to back Champions League and Doncaster consolidating a Premiership place - all without throwing silly money at them.
Please excuse the cliche " rome was not built in a day" Zola/ Pozzo will need time to implement there ideas for our club to progress, not an easy job by any stretch of the imagination.Its not just about money, as far too many clubs have found out to the owners cost..Success is about a togetherness both on and off the park and at long last it appears we have found this blend....Clearly i can understand certain peoples doubts as often we have been let down with false promises and a few Judas managers. We are so lucky to gain one of the most liked players both on and off the pitch in Zola......
New owners seldom click into place but here there's a good chance, they won't even have to start chasing players to do it...... 3 years max but I think less. Possibly much less.
Henry VIII
says...
10:26pm Sat 7 Jul 12
COGGDAVE1
says...
10:32pm Sat 7 Jul 12
Henry VIII wrote:Spot on ...
Welcome Gianfranco, it is all slowly coming together. I really do think we are a lucky bunch of fans at Watford FC, we may never know how perilous things really were but we are on a sound footing now. I am not that worried about immediate success on the pitch, but just so pleased to have a sound financial set up for the long term benefit of Watford FC. We will be the envy of many teams.
watford1881
says...
10:46pm Sat 7 Jul 12
WatfordWorld1
says...
11:04pm Sat 7 Jul 12
I am upset to think what has happened to SD, however football is a business now, and businesses only achieve with having the best resources and sometimes you need to be ruthless...we as fans need to get over that side and do our bit from the stands and back the team/management and finally get WFC back where we belong. COYH!!!
derry pigweed
says...
11:12pm Sat 7 Jul 12
Bush Hornet
says...
11:21pm Sat 7 Jul 12
buckler
says...
11:35pm Sat 7 Jul 12
Bush Hornet wrote:What you mean the great Bassini hasn't done it already ?
The next big announcement I want is the actual start of the East stand build...still to be named after GT, that's a must. Oh and the SW thing should be finished and named the Sean Dyche corner
Hornet Cornet
says...
11:42pm Sat 7 Jul 12
Casterbridge wrote:you rang?
"Just one Hornetto"!
KeithMercer
says...
11:44pm Sat 7 Jul 12
The only down side to all this is how terribly sorry I feel for our Bedfordshire whipping boys ! how envious they must feel and ccompletely down trodden and without hope !
Dont you all feel so sad for them ?
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha
Have not laughed so much since grand ma died !!
garston 'orn
says...
11:51pm Sat 7 Jul 12
Bush Hornet wrote:I didn't quite know if this was meant to be a joke? The sean dyche corner. He has done nothing AT ALL special for us, okay he when on a lucky spell towards the end of the season and scraped 11th on goal difference, which is a achievement but i for one believe getting west ham 9th and then keeping them up in very tough circumstances is a greater acheivement, so why dont west ham jsut fly an italy flag paint there stadium white red and green and call it the zola arena.
The next big announcement I want is the actual start of the East stand build...still to be named after GT, that's a must. Oh and the SW thing should be finished and named the Sean Dyche corner
I felt physically sick reading your post and i don't understand why people are so upset, dyche is an average manager at best and I for one am happy to allow the pozzo's let him go (as its in their rights to) and bring in a manger who they plays much better football, bring in young players ( which dyche avoided until about the last 15 games of a season) and has greater potential and connections!
a1derek
says...
11:54pm Sat 7 Jul 12
Henry VIII wrote:Indeed, spot on Henry, it is more than we could ever have hoped for given the circumstances just three weeks ago. Really rather looking forward to the new season.
Welcome Gianfranco, it is all slowly coming together. I really do think we are a lucky bunch of fans at Watford FC, we may never know how perilous things really were but we are on a sound footing now. I am not that worried about immediate success on the pitch, but just so pleased to have a sound financial set up for the long term benefit of Watford FC. We will be the envy of many teams.
Hampshire hornet
says...
12:06am Sun 8 Jul 12
See Brighton are signing a few, they could be the team to beat...
Glad I got my 3 Season tickets on order for myself and 2 sons this is going to be GREAT!
lutondown
says...
6:28am Sun 8 Jul 12
Bush Hornet
says...
6:34am Sun 8 Jul 12
garston 'orn wrote:Ha ha. You felt physically sick reading that. I'd suggest you avoid reading any real news it might physically kill you. Take an irony pill chap
Bush Hornet wrote:I didn't quite know if this was meant to be a joke? The sean dyche corner. He has done nothing AT ALL special for us, okay he when on a lucky spell towards the end of the season and scraped 11th on goal difference, which is a achievement but i for one believe getting west ham 9th and then keeping them up in very tough circumstances is a greater acheivement, so why dont west ham jsut fly an italy flag paint there stadium white red and green and call it the zola arena.
The next big announcement I want is the actual start of the East stand build...still to be named after GT, that's a must. Oh and the SW thing should be finished and named the Sean Dyche corner
I felt physically sick reading your post and i don't understand why people are so upset, dyche is an average manager at best and I for one am happy to allow the pozzo's let him go (as its in their rights to) and bring in a manger who they plays much better football, bring in young players ( which dyche avoided until about the last 15 games of a season) and has greater potential and connections!
Bush Hornet
says...
6:48am Sun 8 Jul 12
buckler wrote:No he nearly did. While we're on the subject, the pitch should be named after Bas. The polished turf
Bush Hornet wrote:What you mean the great Bassini hasn't done it already ?
The next big announcement I want is the actual start of the East stand build...still to be named after GT, that's a must. Oh and the SW thing should be finished and named the Sean Dyche corner
Hampshire hornet
says...
8:40am Sun 8 Jul 12
Frankie Frazer
says...
8:53am Sun 8 Jul 12
I have been waiting for proper passing football at the Vic for a long long time, with a new pitch to play on, Zola pulling the strings along with new owners with the same beliefs then hopefully it will be like this for many years to come ..
Lets all keep our feet on the ground though! It may take some time to build the team to play his way so if we don't get results straight away lets not start getting on Zola's back, Promotion will still be a long shot for this season and a top half finish pushing for the play off's would be a good achievement! Don't get me wrong, I would love to see us challenging for the top 2 places but there are a lot of good established teams in this league... Feel privileged to be a horn right now and its great to see the majority of posters all enthusiastic too .. COYH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
corbindallas
says...
9:27am Sun 8 Jul 12
Bush Hornet wrote:I actually think getting a few players that can pass the ball to each other rather than hoof it is a priority than the East Stand, otherwise we will not achieve much. Shame we could not have started with getting Bridge in, with his past connection with Zola, obviously Poyet beat him to it. Still no news on Ross Wilson, but guess with Nani on the scene his day's are numbered which I feel is a mistake. However onwards and upwards with Zola now in charge, hopefully, it is now down to who comes in rather than what we have got as I reckon we only have 4 decent players in the current team now for the future, so there's lots to do!!
The next big announcement I want is the actual start of the East stand build...still to be named after GT, that's a must. Oh and the SW thing should be finished and named the Sean Dyche corner
Mickey Quinn, not so thin
says...
9:40am Sun 8 Jul 12
The next few weeks will decide how we start the season. Not long to assess the squad, decide where it needs to be strengthened and work out what's available within the Pozzo network and what can be spent/loaned locally. Urgent decisions to be made about Mapps, Deeney, McGinn ....Much to do and not long in which to do it.
Mickey Quinn, not so thin
says...
9:43am Sun 8 Jul 12
Frankie Frazer wrote:Totally agree. If results do start a little wobbly, Frankie says "Relax" !!
Over the moon we have now got Zola in charge! Feel for Dyche but he will get another job soon and then we will really get to see how good he is.......
I have been waiting for proper passing football at the Vic for a long long time, with a new pitch to play on, Zola pulling the strings along with new owners with the same beliefs then hopefully it will be like this for many years to come ..
Lets all keep our feet on the ground though! It may take some time to build the team to play his way so if we don't get results straight away lets not start getting on Zola's back, Promotion will still be a long shot for this season and a top half finish pushing for the play off's would be a good achievement! Don't get me wrong, I would love to see us challenging for the top 2 places but there are a lot of good established teams in this league... Feel privileged to be a horn right now and its great to see the majority of posters all enthusiastic too .. COYH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Richard - Come On You Golden Boys!
says...
10:14am Sun 8 Jul 12
He did a great job for us last season with limited resources under the financial constraints of the Bankrupt. However, there's no guarantee he'd be successful under our new owners and different circumstances, so I understand and fully support the Pozzo's desire to put their own man in as we enter an exciting new era.
So it's good riddance to Baz, with a big thanks to Sean for keeping us afloat last season and a big welcome to Frankie Zola.
We've had a lucky escape, but the future is very bright indeed, although we may need to be patient in the early part of the season until the new regime beds in.
Come on You Golden Boys!
Dr,Oftaw
says...
10:29am Sun 8 Jul 12
Oxhey Village Hornet
says...
10:36am Sun 8 Jul 12
Watfordwes
says...
10:50am Sun 8 Jul 12
My message to certain Watford fans, when we pass the ball backwards or sideways let's be patient and not boo!
Judas Rodgers has still proved what can be achieved by retaining the ball at Swansea on a limited budget. When he tried to implement that at Watford there was unrest in certain sections!!!
Southornet
says...
10:54am Sun 8 Jul 12
Southornet
says...
11:15am Sun 8 Jul 12
southernhornet
says...
11:25am Sun 8 Jul 12
razy.blogspot.co.uk/
2012/07/zola-is-back
-and-so-is-project.h
tml
Good luck Gianfranco
Duxberry and Nani - OUT, OUT, OUT
lutondown
says...
11:31am Sun 8 Jul 12
southernhornet wrote:oh go away and take that black cloud with you
http://thegamesgonec
razy.blogspot.co.uk/
2012/07/zola-is-back
-and-so-is-project.h
tml
Good luck Gianfranco
Duxberry and Nani - OUT, OUT, OUT
lutondown
says...
11:33am Sun 8 Jul 12
Frankie Frazer wrote:Agree Frankie, some tingle back at the Vic!
Over the moon we have now got Zola in charge! Feel for Dyche but he will get another job soon and then we will really get to see how good he is.......
I have been waiting for proper passing football at the Vic for a long long time, with a new pitch to play on, Zola pulling the strings along with new owners with the same beliefs then hopefully it will be like this for many years to come ..
Lets all keep our feet on the ground though! It may take some time to build the team to play his way so if we don't get results straight away lets not start getting on Zola's back, Promotion will still be a long shot for this season and a top half finish pushing for the play off's would be a good achievement! Don't get me wrong, I would love to see us challenging for the top 2 places but there are a lot of good established teams in this league... Feel privileged to be a horn right now and its great to see the majority of posters all enthusiastic too .. COYH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lutondown
says...
11:37am Sun 8 Jul 12
corbindallas wrote:Ross Wilson also helped bring some donkeys in. Mixed feelings there.
Bush Hornet wrote:I actually think getting a few players that can pass the ball to each other rather than hoof it is a priority than the East Stand, otherwise we will not achieve much. Shame we could not have started with getting Bridge in, with his past connection with Zola, obviously Poyet beat him to it. Still no news on Ross Wilson, but guess with Nani on the scene his day's are numbered which I feel is a mistake. However onwards and upwards with Zola now in charge, hopefully, it is now down to who comes in rather than what we have got as I reckon we only have 4 decent players in the current team now for the future, so there's lots to do!!
The next big announcement I want is the actual start of the East stand build...still to be named after GT, that's a must. Oh and the SW thing should be finished and named the Sean Dyche corner
As for the East stand it is a priority, if for nothing other than the credibility factor.
And as for announcements and info, these guys have delivered more in the last fortnight than previous regimes have in their whole tenure. They also don't shut up shop 4pm Friday.
Good football, a new stand, renewed passion. I want it all!
lutondown
says...
11:42am Sun 8 Jul 12
Bush Hornet wrote:Agree but think it should be called the bald patch after Bas's bald not a fan club.
buckler wrote:No he nearly did. While we're on the subject, the pitch should be named after Bas. The polished turf
Bush Hornet wrote:What you mean the great Bassini hasn't done it already ?
The next big announcement I want is the actual start of the East stand build...still to be named after GT, that's a must. Oh and the SW thing should be finished and named the Sean Dyche corner
And I think we need to temper the Dyche is a legend thing. He's not, a decent season, with a mix of dire and ok football (spurs the exception).
Oh I've decided to stay with the name Bush, for one reason being the WO don't let you edit it!
Paul Gadd
says...
11:48am Sun 8 Jul 12
ARE YOU WATCHING, ARE WATCHING NON-LEAGUE TOWN
Forza Zola Pozzo Army
bushey tales
says...
11:52am Sun 8 Jul 12
y not with the likes of Sean Murray making the same journey in reverse. We'll see. Either way, how about an early-season Fan's Forum to see the whites of their eyes?
hornets09
says...
11:56am Sun 8 Jul 12
lutondown
says...
12:03pm Sun 8 Jul 12
Paul Gadd wrote:Lol
Times like these should make remember those less fortunate than us..........
ARE YOU WATCHING, ARE WATCHING NON-LEAGUE TOWN
Forza Zola Pozzo Army
We really should stop mocking the scummy afflicted
allgood
says...
12:07pm Sun 8 Jul 12
After their warm up all the Chelsea stars ran past the kids wanting autographs straight down the tunnel. Zola stopped and spent a good 5 minutes signing and chatting with them.
SAHornet
says...
12:12pm Sun 8 Jul 12
lutondown
says...
12:13pm Sun 8 Jul 12
Well liked by all, great associations, penchant for good football, and I don't think he'd put himself on the line if the support lines from above him weren't in place.
lutondown
says...
12:15pm Sun 8 Jul 12
SAHornet wrote:He's thinking that's one larder door firmly shut in his face. He can now go look for a club lesser than his own for we will be infinitely better.
I know that I shouldn't look back but I can't help wondering what old Mancky MacTosh thinks of all this.
And that is one horrible fat face at that
lutondown
says...
12:17pm Sun 8 Jul 12
SAHornet wrote:Wonder what ilovbas/frannypants/ panty man etc thinks of this?
I know that I shouldn't look back but I can't help wondering what old Mancky MacTosh thinks of all this.
I'd love to have his biblical analysis of the whole situation!
bushey tales
says...
2:07pm Sun 8 Jul 12
jimbuctu
says...
2:43pm Sun 8 Jul 12
bushey tales wrote:This is a good point. And of course we have to comply with the new fifa rules on turnover/wage bill.
Just a minor dose of reality aimed at some of those on here, who clearly expect the new owners to throw money at the squad from Day One, to push us straight back into the Prem. If you read their statement, these people do not intend bankrolling the club - they're looking to run it as a self-financing concern. So if we keep delivering them crowds of 13,000-odd it's difficult to see where they're going to generate the additional money to make a splash in the transfer market, other than by selling players. Their business model, which all sounds a bit 'Moneyball' to me is based, firstly, around the Academy and secondly around picking players up for not much and selling them on at a decent profit. So all this stuff about dumping ten of the current squad might be a bit premature.
But that's not a bad thing. The success this group has had is based on excellent scouting networks and clever signings. At the end of the day, we'll always sell our best players if bigger clubs come calling. Our aim will be to make the bigger clubs the likes of Chelsea, Man Utd and Arsenal - rather than Cardiff and Brighton as it has been recently.
I am seriously chuffed with two things about this.
1: The takeover full stop - and the fact we've been actually bought by someone.
2: The model they use. We do not have a flash in the pan owner who will chuck 50 million at us and then disappear leaving debt and destruction. We'll build slowly and actually become sustainably strong.
EXCELLENT! Looking forward to it hugely. And a final thanks to Dyche who was spectacularly good and the team who have somehow made us a viable investment over the last two years. roll on the pre-season and transfers!
Hopefully Doyleys testimonial will be his last game for us. That may sound harsh but a player who is neither left or right footed and has a biscuit tin head has no place in a footballing side at this level.
craig239
says...
2:45pm Sun 8 Jul 12
lutondown
says...
2:47pm Sun 8 Jul 12
craig239 wrote:Keen? Serious lapse of judgement there!
Pinch yourselvers fellow Hornets one of the greatest names in football is at our Club. Keen Furphy Graham(God) and now Zola!!! Wow don't care about the mess Vialli made Forza Zola Forza Watford.
Lol
craig239
says...
2:55pm Sun 8 Jul 12
lutondown
says...
3:22pm Sun 8 Jul 12
craig239 wrote:Actually met the man, very nice bloke, but him and Kirby with Hapless Bassett among the worst of the worst!
Just doing the regular" I,ve been watching them since" To be fair when they left from watford Junction withthe Kit Basket and two crates of Training Drink, Mike did not have the biggest budget.Remember when they put up the East stand extention for £50,000!!! Lol we are dreaming again Forza Watford
And the East Stand was the new stand, the wooden Shrodells was for the poor seat dwellers!
bushey tales
says...
3:29pm Sun 8 Jul 12
Horn power
says...
3:36pm Sun 8 Jul 12
Popeonarope
says...
3:47pm Sun 8 Jul 12
Have the new owners said if they are going to spend any money?
lutondown
says...
3:47pm Sun 8 Jul 12
bushey tales wrote:Not to me, bye Llyod take the rest of the rubbish with you.
With regard to Jimbuctu's entirely valid point about Doyley having a funny-shaped head coupled with an inability to kick accurately with either foot, I'm reminded of the AGM which took place during Brendan Rogers brief spell at the club. On being asked why he'd moved Doyley to left-back he replied, completely deadpan, that it was the natural position for a predominantly right-footed defender. 'It gives him more of the pitch to aim at,' he said, leaving the audience pondering whether we were in the presence of a tactical genius, or he was having a laugh at our expense. Oh and suggesting that Doyley should be moved on is akin to shooting Bambi. Or Bambi on Ice in Lloyd's case.
And as for Horn Power, yes they are on board, but that was last weeks news and no West Ham didn't seem to like them.
Only joking, but Llyod will be gone
holtonian
says...
4:03pm Sun 8 Jul 12
lutondown
says...
4:12pm Sun 8 Jul 12
Popeonarope wrote:Yes your holiness , I think they've already splashed out on Zola and Dyche
Even as a Gooner this is exiting for my home town.
Have the new owners said if they are going to spend any money?
jasonwatford
says...
4:28pm Sun 8 Jul 12
lutondown
says...
4:32pm Sun 8 Jul 12
jasonwatford wrote:Agreed and a few others.
i just hope i dont have to suffer...Loach , doyley , mirfin , Jenkins , Garner , Yeats , Mingoia , Bennet , Yeats...did i say Yeats ??? All are not good enough for championship and cant pass a ball for toffee
As much as our acadamy is acclaimed its not exactly a production line on gems is it? And some of our signings have been shocking, especially last years panic spend spree
yellowwizard
says...
4:56pm Sun 8 Jul 12
Quindi voglio dire-
Benvenuto a Watford Gianfranco e grazie molto molto alla famiglia Pozzo.
Forza Esercito Giallo il Giafranco!
(We are all Italian now but we will not play defensive football. So I want to say Welcome to Watford GZ.....)
(Go Giafranco's Yellow Army)
Henry VIII
says...
6:30pm Sun 8 Jul 12
rousman 2
says...
6:50pm Sun 8 Jul 12
SAHornet wrote:Glad he went to Cardiff I would think, he would have gone the same way as Sean did.
I know that I shouldn't look back but I can't help wondering what old Mancky MacTosh thinks of all this.
mal will
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7:18pm Sun 8 Jul 12
c.o.y.h.
lutondown
says...
7:43pm Sun 8 Jul 12
rousman 2 wrote:Yes he would of
SAHornet wrote:Glad he went to Cardiff I would think, he would have gone the same way as Sean did.
I know that I shouldn't look back but I can't help wondering what old Mancky MacTosh thinks of all this.
Got the tune of the great escape reverberating in my head!
cliff46
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8:07pm Sun 8 Jul 12
Bringe
says...
8:29pm Sun 8 Jul 12
deffo competition for Doyley
D.unstable
says...
8:48pm Sun 8 Jul 12
Me thinks a lot of closet fans will soon be jumping on the bandwagon and a Happy Egg shirt will be seen competing in the playground along with those bloody Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd
Wear the Egg with pride...COYH
Can't wait....Watford are back...
Dino1982
says...
8:51pm Sun 8 Jul 12
yellowwizard wrote:Not bad Italian yellow wizard,
Tutti siamo Italiani adesso ma non saremo giocare calcio per il catenaccio!!
Quindi voglio dire-
Benvenuto a Watford Gianfranco e grazie molto molto alla famiglia Pozzo.
Forza Esercito Giallo il Giafranco!
(We are all Italian now but we will not play defensive football. So I want to say Welcome to Watford GZ.....)
(Go Giafranco's Yellow Army)
but usual thoughts and comments about Italian football being defensive and catanaccio are rubbish!!!
Its usual stereo typing!!!
About as accurate as saying Italians only eat Pizza and Pasta.
Writing or thinking such thinks without looking at facts is a bit like listening to bias football commentators that do not do there homework and come out with the same facts about teams.
Italy havnt played catenaccio since the 60s!!! Yet people of little knowledge of the Italian game still think this is the case!!!
The style of football changed 40 years ago.
The Italian clubs wouldn't have won so many trophies if this was the case! Same goes for the Italian national side, reaching so many finals and winning enough to be proud of since 1970s.
We don't want to be playing the way England are playing if there is a future for Watford unless we want to have a mid table and only get a little cup run!
Did Man city play catenacio under Mancini this season?? He's an Italian manager. Any time he did not get a result the same football commentators or football pundits come out with the same thing you are saying. Yet if Man city won a game 4-0 they do not say its a 4-0 win, playing defensive football.
Lets be positive!!!
Given time, things will be better and hopefully not worse.
I personally look forward to progress!!!!
Forza Watford!!!
lutondown
says...
9:04pm Sun 8 Jul 12
Bringe wrote:Doyleys smoked Samba style
If the Italian press can be believed the first one lined up is a Brasilian left back called Neuton who featured in the 1-0 CL loss to Arsenal ....
deffo competition for Doyley
lutondown
says...
9:09pm Sun 8 Jul 12
Dino1982 wrote:I agree, I'm a proud Englishman but our national team are poor and we were outplayed by a very good Italian team. The only stereo type that blows true is how we English play the game, stuck in a time warp. I think of that dross Boofers served us and how awful it was.
yellowwizard wrote:Not bad Italian yellow wizard,
Tutti siamo Italiani adesso ma non saremo giocare calcio per il catenaccio!!
Quindi voglio dire-
Benvenuto a Watford Gianfranco e grazie molto molto alla famiglia Pozzo.
Forza Esercito Giallo il Giafranco!
(We are all Italian now but we will not play defensive football. So I want to say Welcome to Watford GZ.....)
(Go Giafranco's Yellow Army)
but usual thoughts and comments about Italian football being defensive and catanaccio are rubbish!!!
Its usual stereo typing!!!
About as accurate as saying Italians only eat Pizza and Pasta.
Writing or thinking such thinks without looking at facts is a bit like listening to bias football commentators that do not do there homework and come out with the same facts about teams.
Italy havnt played catenaccio since the 60s!!! Yet people of little knowledge of the Italian game still think this is the case!!!
The style of football changed 40 years ago.
The Italian clubs wouldn't have won so many trophies if this was the case! Same goes for the Italian national side, reaching so many finals and winning enough to be proud of since 1970s.
We don't want to be playing the way England are playing if there is a future for Watford unless we want to have a mid table and only get a little cup run!
Did Man city play catenacio under Mancini this season?? He's an Italian manager. Any time he did not get a result the same football commentators or football pundits come out with the same thing you are saying. Yet if Man city won a game 4-0 they do not say its a 4-0 win, playing defensive football.
Lets be positive!!!
Given time, things will be better and hopefully not worse.
I personally look forward to progress!!!!
Forza Watford!!!
The future has become exciting
Dino1982
says...
11:10pm Sun 8 Jul 12
Really is a yoke!!!
Hornet Cornet
says...
11:41pm Sun 8 Jul 12
corbindallas
says...
5:58am Mon 9 Jul 12
JohnnyHornet
says...
8:15am Mon 9 Jul 12
Henry VIII wrote:God this is going to be tedious, The BBC will finally find another goal to show when referring to us instead of Glen Hoddle's one for Spurs in the 1980's, the web page will be updated daily and the dross on Ashley Young's brother will be removed after 18 months and finally Sky sports news will go for an advert break AFTER the Championship news instead of just before. These are indeed heady times.. and finally finally a long hoof up field will now be a cultured magnificent pass of 60 yards. Come on you Posso's the futures bright the future's Yellow
It's funny how rumour sites have starting saying Watford FC are buying this striker and that striker!! We go from almost non-existence to suddenly fashionable with all of these 'rumours'. I would like to think that the new set up will be making some changes, but not that drastic and probably nothing like what the 'new'Watford fans will be thinking. I like the approach of the Pozzo's so far, cautious and wel thought through - this bodes very well in my opinion.
luther blissett
says...
8:20am Mon 9 Jul 12
D.unstable wrote:To be fair, I run a local kids team and a lot of the kids already turn up in Watford kits.
This takeover is the single biggest thing to happen to Watford Football Club since the day that Elton walked through the door. Me thinks a lot of closet fans will soon be jumping on the bandwagon and a Happy Egg shirt will be seen competing in the playground along with those bloody Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd Wear the Egg with pride...COYH Can't wait....Watford are back...
I don't think Zola will have that sort of influence on the younger fans as they don't know who he is.
YoKsHiRe.....HoRn!!!!!!!
says...
8:25am Mon 9 Jul 12
akureyri
says...
8:45am Mon 9 Jul 12
I see the new owners, new brush, new management idea but I would like to have seen SD given a chance and good fortune to him wherever he comes to rest.
It is also good to see another step away from the pure hoofing the ball around, even Graham Taylor's teams never relied on that.
luther blissett
says...
9:29am Mon 9 Jul 12
radio_rocking wrote:Very constructive. Well done.
jasonwatford wrote: i just hope i dont have to suffer...Loach , doyley , mirfin , Jenkins , Garner , Yeats , Mingoia , Bennet , Yeats...did i say Yeats ??? All are not good enough for championship and cant pass a ball for toffeeLoach? Do me a favour and jump in front of a bus. He is a good championship keeper. Bet you went to no games last season you happy clapping mong.
I'd say he probably went to quite a few games last year, saw Loach drop quite a few points for us and then saw TK come in and give confidence to the back four. Strange how we all see things differently.
Gash69
says...
9:42am Mon 9 Jul 12
Agree with previous posters that we need to bolster our strike force but we are also going to need ball playing fullbacks as we are a little light on those !!
Finally good luck Sean it wont be long before you get another job & it is a pity that we as fans did not get an oppotunity to say goodbye properly.
Frankie Frazer
says...
10:14am Mon 9 Jul 12
I agree with Luther & Jason that Loach was pretty poor for a lot of last season and when TK came in things started to look up! That's not to say I don't think Loach has potential, maybe he would get a new lease of life at another club..
Agree with most comments about the players that may not fit in! The only one that may benefit from this is Garner (waiting for the abuse!! Ha ha) He is better with the ball at his feet and our style of play really didn't suit him last year (albeit he was a little bit lightweight) I also love it when players turn around oppinion of themselves and show what they can do! Prime examples of this were Gavin Mahon & Eustace, and even Mooney who i didnt think was great at LB who came on to be a real WFC legend of the modern era ....
chrisptrifle
says...
10:17am Mon 9 Jul 12
Bringe wrote:With that rumour, I wonder if Lloyd will understand the gravity of the situation.
If the Italian press can be believed the first one lined up is a Brasilian left back called Neuton who featured in the 1-0 CL loss to Arsenal ....
deffo competition for Doyley
radio_rocking
says...
10:20am Mon 9 Jul 12
luther blissett wrote:Drop quite a few points? Ok he made a couple of mistakes but goalkeepers are in the lime light more as there is only one of them.
radio_rocking wrote:Very constructive. Well done. I'd say he probably went to quite a few games last year, saw Loach drop quite a few points for us and then saw TK come in and give confidence to the back four. Strange how we all see things differently.jasonwatford wrote: i just hope i dont have to suffer...Loach , doyley , mirfin , Jenkins , Garner , Yeats , Mingoia , Bennet , Yeats...did i say Yeats ??? All are not good enough for championship and cant pass a ball for toffeeLoach? Do me a favour and jump in front of a bus. He is a good championship keeper. Bet you went to no games last season you happy clapping mong.
How many chances did our strikers miss in the games he so called lost us points?
11 players are on the pitch and are supposed to defend as a team.
Get some glasses.
Mickey Quinn, not so thin
says...
10:22am Mon 9 Jul 12
akureyri wrote:And then there re the majority who will give any new incumbant a chance, form views based on what actually happens, and be quite happy to change their views based on the facts.
Strange how the clappers are the moaners and the moaners are now the clappers.
I see the new owners, new brush, new management idea but I would like to have seen SD given a chance and good fortune to him wherever he comes to rest.
It is also good to see another step away from the pure hoofing the ball around, even Graham Taylor's teams never relied on that.
Can we now ditch these clappers and moaners categorisations ? I think we are all supportive of this new era ?
i think we will need a good 4-5 new players if we are gong to be challenging for a playoff/top 2 spot. As gash 69 says, GZ would only have joined if he was given promises the squad will be significantly strengthened. Which means the next 6 weeks will be pretty exciting now the new management team are in place.
luther blissett
says...
10:30am Mon 9 Jul 12
radio_rocking wrote:I already wear glasses thanks.
luther blissett wrote:Drop quite a few points? Ok he made a couple of mistakes but goalkeepers are in the lime light more as there is only one of them. How many chances did our strikers miss in the games he so called lost us points? 11 players are on the pitch and are supposed to defend as a team. Get some glasses.radio_rocking wrote:Very constructive. Well done. I'd say he probably went to quite a few games last year, saw Loach drop quite a few points for us and then saw TK come in and give confidence to the back four. Strange how we all see things differently.jasonwatford wrote: i just hope i dont have to suffer...Loach , doyley , mirfin , Jenkins , Garner , Yeats , Mingoia , Bennet , Yeats...did i say Yeats ??? All are not good enough for championship and cant pass a ball for toffeeLoach? Do me a favour and jump in front of a bus. He is a good championship keeper. Bet you went to no games last season you happy clapping mong.
I totally agree that we also lost points due to strikers missing chances. I would like to replace them too.
And defenders that couldn't defend the far post. I would like to replace them too.
You see I do not only blame Loach. That doesn't make him good enough though.
garston tony
says...
12:06pm Mon 9 Jul 12
Do feel sorry for SD in one sense and do hope he finds success elsewhere but exciting times at the club. Mind you someone had to mention Vialli didnt they....
I guess the next 'nail bitting' wait is to hear about players coming and going. I agree with a previous poster I and wouldnt necessarily expect too much money being spent relatively speaking but do expect four from Udinese on loan and maybe three or so other purchases.
First day of pre season isnt it, hows about an exclusive interview with Zola by the WO appearing later today? Not holding my breath mind you
jasonwatford
says...
12:10pm Mon 9 Jul 12
premier-dreamer
says...
1:35pm Mon 9 Jul 12
lutondown
says...
2:03pm Mon 9 Jul 12
jasonwatford wrote:Thought them comments about you were very harsh Jason, not only do you attend games but also turn up for fisticuffs when summoned!
Loach is not good enough full stop....England under 21 who was replaced at half time in a game..a keeper who everyone ws raving about worth 2-3 million and prem clubs wanting him now lucky to get £250,000 and only mediocure clubs looking at him. Cost us in the last 2 seasons many points and he can never see that it is his fault. Can't see a shot from 25 yards...Can't kick a ball as he likes to slice the ball from drop kicks....does not talk to his defence..does not come off his line and when he does its at the wrong time. Just look at Ben Foster - Tomas K - and tell me Loach looks like he can ever reach their ability.
Your bang on about loach and anyone that defensive about someone that they are offensive in reply can only be very close to Loach.
jasonwatford
says...
2:05pm Mon 9 Jul 12
corbindallas
says...
2:10pm Mon 9 Jul 12
StephenKilamanjiro
says...
2:29pm Mon 9 Jul 12
Whats the rumours re new signings? Loans from Granada / Udinese?
I heard a rumour re: Nesta the other day...I think that is someone just kicking the tyres eh?
lutondown
says...
3:00pm Mon 9 Jul 12
corbindallas wrote:We are now moved from unfashionable to fashionable. Just like that!
If we increase our crowd this season like the increase on newbie posters here we should do alright, is this a sign of things to come? Zola press conference tomorrow at 4pm!
Good to see you coming to terms with the change Corby!
radio_rocking
says...
3:38pm Mon 9 Jul 12
Look who Watford had to go to to get someone better than him. TK was at the biggest club in the world.
We agree to disagree but I think Scott is quite capable of being a Premiership goal keeper.
Scott is a great Championship keeper and I see no reason why he won't go on to be a Premiership player. People forget he is only 23/24.
Maybe Chamberlain needs to go? He hasn't exactly help our keepers....
Richard Lee, Scott Loach (apparently), Rene Gilmartin... Even some of the things Ben Foster did were questionable.
D.unstable
says...
3:41pm Mon 9 Jul 12
luther blissett wrote:Good stuff...I'm talking about the Mums and Dads :o)
D.unstable wrote: This takeover is the single biggest thing to happen to Watford Football Club since the day that Elton walked through the door. Me thinks a lot of closet fans will soon be jumping on the bandwagon and a Happy Egg shirt will be seen competing in the playground along with those bloody Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd Wear the Egg with pride...COYH Can't wait....Watford are back...To be fair, I run a local kids team and a lot of the kids already turn up in Watford kits. I don't think Zola will have that sort of influence on the younger fans as they don't know who he is.
lutondown
says...
4:07pm Mon 9 Jul 12
radio_rocking wrote:No Loach is pants Daddy Loach, I think Loach and Alex should go, followed by you Pa.
jasonwatford aka the keyboard warrior.
Look who Watford had to go to to get someone better than him. TK was at the biggest club in the world.
We agree to disagree but I think Scott is quite capable of being a Premiership goal keeper.
Scott is a great Championship keeper and I see no reason why he won't go on to be a Premiership player. People forget he is only 23/24.
Maybe Chamberlain needs to go? He hasn't exactly help our keepers....
Richard Lee, Scott Loach (apparently), Rene Gilmartin... Even some of the things Ben Foster did were questionable.
luther blissett
says...
9:24am Tue 10 Jul 12
radio_rocking wrote:On your own, on your own, on your own.....
jasonwatford aka the keyboard warrior. Look who Watford had to go to to get someone better than him. TK was at the biggest club in the world. We agree to disagree but I think Scott is quite capable of being a Premiership goal keeper. Scott is a great Championship keeper and I see no reason why he won't go on to be a Premiership player. People forget he is only 23/24. Maybe Chamberlain needs to go? He hasn't exactly help our keepers.... Richard Lee, Scott Loach (apparently), Rene Gilmartin... Even some of the things Ben Foster did were questionable.
radio_rocking
says...
10:52am Tue 10 Jul 12
stevyweavy says...
6:44pm Sat 7 Jul 12