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Aidy relieved to secure play-off spot
Aidy Boothroyd
Aidy Boothroyd

Aidy Boothroyd was a relieved man after seeing his side scrape into the play-offs on the back of a 1-1 draw with Blackpool.

"We've limped in but the main thing is that we are in there, simple as that," said Boothroyd. "And we've done it with ten men, like we did against Stoke and Leicester. Perhaps we should start with ten men every week."

Even the optimistic Boothroyd must have been fearing the worst when Darius Henderson was sent off for a second yellow card, but Tommy Smith pulled a rabbit out of the hat with a stunning equaliser.

"After losing Darius we showed a lot of determination to get back into the game," he said. "We conceded a poor goal but Rachubka made some terrific saves and we've had the ball bounce across the line."

Publically at least, Boothroyd refused to criticise Henderson, who has only recently returned from a two-match ban and will now miss the first leg on Sunday.

"The ref let a lot of things go but that's fine as long as it's for both teams," he said. "But when you have been booked there is always a chance that something else can happen. It's disappointing to lose him."

To rate the performances of the players against Blackpool, click here

4:26pm Sunday 4th May 2008

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Posted by: SF49ers, Broken Arrow on 4:55pm Sun 4 May 08
Well, thats dreadful, our team have made it to the playoffs. Sack the manager, sack the chairman, sack the board, sack the reporters, sack the fans. :-)

Come On You 'Orns
Posted by: Happy Grazer, Aylesbury on 4:56pm Sun 4 May 08
Just what is Henderson on ???Prize tw*t, could have cost us our millionth chance to get promotion this season, not wishing to be offensive to blonds, Henderson should be made to dye his hair black so he doesn't act like a blond airhead
Posted by: andywatford, watford on 5:46pm Sun 4 May 08
what is that then one win out of fourteen now ? not getting my hopes up for the play offs, hull must be licking their lips.. i for one am glad to see henderson banned i mean he scores so many goals doesnt he.. and with him in the side in forces hoofroyd to play his **** long ball week in week out maybe now we'll have to try something else..maybe some football even ? then we may see that ellington and yes even priskin can play. rather than launching hoofed balls at their heads all game which is what makes them look kak. i predict over two legs a three nil win to hull. sack hoofers (fingers crossed) championship next season, championship strugglers if hoofers stays ! palace will go up.. people on here will still say we're great cos we made the play offs(how lucky was that and had to rely on other results) hoofroyd said at the start of the season anything other that automatic was a failure and after being nine points clear and the dire football he plays i tend to agree.. taxi for adiy !!!
Posted by: VoR, watford on 5:52pm Sun 4 May 08
VoR says we're great cos we made the play offs
Posted by: Happy Grazer, Aylesbury on 6:26pm Sun 4 May 08
Just what is Henderson on ???Prize tw*t, could have cost us our millionth chance to get promotion this season, not wishing to be offensive to blonds, Henderson should be made to dye his hair black so he doesn't act like a blond airhead
Posted by: Happy Grazer, Aylesbury on 6:31pm Sun 4 May 08
Apologises for the dual post, thats what you get for using Mozilla firefox that uses the postdata system
Posted by: tizer006, Aylesbury on 6:31pm Sun 4 May 08
Tommy Smith is without doubt our best player - its a lottery now lets see what happens! you never know ;)!!!
Posted by: SF49ers, Broken Arrow on 6:32pm Sun 4 May 08
Would anyone prefer to support Ipswich? Sheff Utd? Wolves? We are where we are on merit. We may not be pretty but we got the most points of that group. We now have the chance to play some top clubs next year. The rest of that group do not. If we should sack our manager then they should be shooting theirs!
Come On You 'Orns
Posted by: peter parker, the big apple on 6:58pm Sun 4 May 08
Would be nice if the chairamn gave all season ticket holders their tickets for free for the first leg, that would certainly create a good atmosphere, I think i may be pi**ing in the wind there tho ....
I am happy doris wont be playing and hopefully we can play with a little more class and composure !! I know doing it into the wind again !!!!
you never know Boothroyd may have been planning on playing this badly just to lull the other teams into a false sense of security, and when we get to wembley we will turn the style on and pass our way to the premiership .... I am now going to take my tablets and sit rocking in my chair ... All jokes aside lets get behind the boys and give them our all at least we will know we have done our bit ....
Posted by: nickmiddlesex, middlesex on 7:23pm Sun 4 May 08
Well we won't have to struggle with the burden of expectation in this play off. Out of the 4 seasons our man has been in charge we have avoided relegation when we looked like going, promoted to the Premiership, relegated from Premiership and now reached play offs again. His reign is vastly in credit and he is still a relative novice. Enough said
Posted by: WD18Firm, West Watford on 7:33pm Sun 4 May 08
With Hendo banned we could do worse than put in Theo Robinson now he's back from Hereford. After all, he's scored more goals than any of our strikers - albeit in a lower league.

I'm pleased we're in the playoffs but believe only a Wembley triumph will keep Aidy in his job.

Come on you Hornets - the season starts next Sunday.
Posted by: VoR, watford on 7:35pm Sun 4 May 08
Happy Grazer wrote:
Just what is Henderson on ???Prize tw*t, could have cost us our millionth chance to get promotion this season, not wishing to be offensive to blonds, Henderson should be made to dye his hair black so he doesn't act like a blond airhead
Just what is Happy Grazer on ???.......

GRASS ! !
Posted by: WFC & Proud, Watford on 8:12pm Sun 4 May 08
Seems to me some on this site forget what players do during the the 46 match season rather than the game of the day. Agreed Hendo possibly cost us four points with two missed pens but I don't recall too many others wrestling the ball off him at the time...
He epitomised the spirit we need now with his workrate once down to 10 men against Leicester (remember who scored the winner that day?) & Stoke. Without him, we may have not picked-up vital points & may have had no hope of a play-off place today.
Football is a season-long marathon, not a sprint.
Posted by: John Howard Norfolk, Tiverton, Devon (formerly Oxhey Village) on 8:17pm Sun 4 May 08
Hendo reminds me of Barry Endean . Anyone agree?
Posted by: VoR, watford on 8:21pm Sun 4 May 08
No
Posted by: Happy Grazer, Aylesbury on 8:34pm Sun 4 May 08
VoR, Yes I'm on grass but only grazing, and I don't suffer from the deluding effects of it ( grass ), as you appear to be suffering,
Watford great !! Just because we got to the playoffs !! now that is delusion of the first order,
Yes it's great for the supporters !! great for the town of Watford but it doesn't make us a great team,
which we clearly are not nor are we anywhere near greatness, Yes I am happy we made it, but not even if the fairy's
look upon us and we win through, although stranger things have happened, great is not a word that can be associated with this season,
I have serious doubts that it will be classed as anything other than a financial success by Homer and Hoofroyd, on the pitch I fear
that should we get promoted then we face a dire season next year, unless heavy investment is forthcoming and spent sensibly, past performances in this field relate to the manure we have had to endure this year.
Posted by: mitch, kings langley on 8:37pm Sun 4 May 08
I knew we would come good in the end,to steam into the play off's..We didn't need any lone players to see us home.our 4 points out of a poss 2o was enough..still if 6o mill can't motivate them what can?..
Posted by: psycho 1, aylesbury on 8:46pm Sun 4 May 08
Once DH was sent off the ball stayed on the deck- what a coincidence - we scored-spooky! played better with ten men- put TR in the mix we just might be a little less predictable.
Questions to the knowlegable- are Hulls legion of loanees eligable or is special dispensation required ( ie foster played for us but if ferguson doeasn'tlike hull he might bring campbell back).

Is it obvious to AB that we have the skills and if the players back themselves a la TS ( take note and learn JM) that we can beat hull playing a creative and flowing game ? or am I in cloud cuckoo land?
Posted by: psycho 1, aylesbury on 8:47pm Sun 4 May 08
Once DH was sent off the ball stayed on the deck- what a coincidence - we scored-spooky! played better with ten men- put TR in the mix we just might be a little less predictable.
Questions to the knowlegable- are Hulls legion of loanees eligable or is special dispensation required ( ie foster played for us but if ferguson doeasn'tlike hull he might bring campbell back).

Is it obvious to AB that we have the skills and if the players back themselves a la TS ( take note and learn JM) that we can beat hull playing a creative and flowing game ? or am I in cloud cuckoo land?
Posted by: VoR, watford on 8:57pm Sun 4 May 08
Cuckoo land for you X2!!

Are you on the same stuff as happy? Weird Aylesbury stuff me thinks.
Posted by: Happy Grazer, Aylesbury Bumpkin land on 9:09pm Sun 4 May 08
Oh ah! I'm on straw, can I have some of that same **** that graced the vic to fertilize my field, some good has to come from this season LOL
Posted by: VoR, watford on 9:17pm Sun 4 May 08
What are the advantages of you being on an agricultural byproduct, being the dry stalk of a cereal plant, after the nutrient grain or seed has been removed?
Sorry but I just don't get it!!
Posted by: Peter Phillips, Loudwater on 10:24pm Sun 4 May 08
Why was Jay Demerit not even on the bench? Was it because he complained about losing the captaincy? He has to be a better bet than Lloyd Doyley or Adrian Mariappa. Also, with DH now banned I agree that Theo Robinson should be considered OR AB could play Tommy Smith as a striker with Lionel Ainsworth on the wing. Incidentally, I think all of you who are moaning about DH are grossly unfair. He needs a strike partner. When Marlon King played alongside him he scored quite a few goals this season, and also in our promotion season.
Posted by: psycho 1, aylesbury on 10:56pm Sun 4 May 08
Poetic- DH clearly fouled their player- who then rolled around for an age when he'd realised Dh was already on a yellow- Didn't say its Doris's fault the balls lobbed up to him its just if he's not there that option isn't on- have to think of plan b & c and possibly d.
"Didn't look like getting a goal"- three/ four clear chances in first half- but our reaction times were too slow- thinking about what to do instead of instinctively smacking the ball into the net.
WE appear to try to react to a situation rather than instigate it- ie mentally the players aren't on the front foot- seems the pre match prep needs a shake up as players are going through the motions and are not switched on mentally or physically when they cross the white line.
The Ball was actually on the deck from the kick off of the second half- an AB directive and we looked a much better side- but still were better without DH- shame he can't hit a penalty with the same power as his first touch.
Will check the cows tomorrow morn and try and find out which one is the Happy Grazer- they're all heifers or is that hoofers either way not a b***ock between em.
Posted by: GaryQE2, London on 10:58pm Sun 4 May 08
So in the end, the large points haul we accumulated in early season proved to be just enough to get us into the play-offs.
But I dont care - with £60 million on offer if we gain promotion we will be able to strenghten the squad.
The team held firm to get a point today and we might, just might, have the psychological advantage against Hull City.
Posted by: rosh99, hereford on 11:49pm Sun 4 May 08
I, for one, am dreading these games against Hull. We really aren't very good at all and have been crap for 6 months now. There is nothing that AB is doing that gives me any hope at all really. It's going to take a royal bloody miracle to get past the humbersiders but you never know (I do though).
Posted by: Des, Hatch End on 11:51pm Sun 4 May 08
Well done to the team for making the playoffs.This was the minimum requirement at the beginning of the season so at least we have achieved something this season.
Henderson certainly deserved two yellows.The only surprise was that he didn't get the second one sooner.
It wouldn't surprise me now to see Shittu starting up front with DeMoan replacing him in defence.
Tommy's goal was class and he is fully deserving of the player of the season award.
Of course we have a chance in the playoffs but I'd be very surprised if we manage to defeat Hull.Neither Bristol or Palace are anything to worry about so if we can defeat Hull I'd fancy us to win the lottery.
Can we score at home?We'd better.
Des
Posted by: Boris, Elderberry Thatch on 11:54pm Sun 4 May 08
Good point. Hull didn't expect to get third but now that they finished so close, it can be a case of what to lose rather than what to win. We are in there, out of form, unsettled but with enough on any day to give any of the three teams a scare. At the end of the day it has been a decent season by reaching the playoffs. However it is clear from a performance aspect this team have failed miserably for many weeks now. Anyway, we have a chance - a better chance than Wolves and I for one am grateful for that. I hope that everyone gets behind the team next Sunday, a good result with our ability to perform well away from home could see us progress.
A good curry or a Chinese? You decide.
Posted by: Stewart, LB on 12:09am Mon 5 May 08
rosh99 wrote:
I, for one, am dreading these games against Hull. We really aren't very good at all and have been crap for 6 months now. There is nothing that AB is doing that gives me any hope at all really. It's going to take a royal bloody miracle to get past the humbersiders but you never know (I do though).
Don't come and watch then. Seeing into the future must be useful. Oh dear!
Posted by: clueless on 1:14am Mon 5 May 08
looks like jay and jordan have played their last games for the club.dont think we will beat hull,but we have to start being more positive,starting sunday.we have a good record in the play-offs,we need a good start.agree what most people are saying that hendo leads to lump it football,so hopefully ellington will step up a gear or two and give us a perfomance that the fans deserve.too early for theo and hendo junior to get involved for these games.i think it will be ellington and kabba(if fit).jury still out on priskin.smithy is the key player,noticed recently that he has been looking for the ball in centre midfield(poss frustration at tactics).he will be the player that could unlock the oppositions defences.hopefully play a little bit of football sunday.i like most people have left negative posts recently,but we need to pull together and show great support for the golden boys.come on!!!
Posted by: johan on 3:50am Mon 5 May 08
Agree , Jay probably played his last game for us. I feel his gain our loss. He will play at a higher level next season than the rest of the team will.

We are so poor, thought we got out of jail today. Having experienced Hull away I feel we would need about a 3 goal lead next sunday before we travel to Hull. Cant see us getting more than one!

Lets face it, and sorry to be negative (but after what I saw today in B'pool) we will not be able to cope with Hull. We need goals and the team doesnt have it in them.

I remember the last two play-off semis we were in, we were able to feel confident that we would score goals. This time will be a bridge too far.

Never mind, we can at least look at Stoke and Palace on match of the day next season and thank god thats not us getting beaten every week.

Reality will 'kick in' and we can prepare for another season here in the Championship.

Hey its not that bad-a-league
Posted by: henry, oxhey on 7:32am Mon 5 May 08
Congratulations to the team/manager for battling through to the play offs. Also to TR and TD for their role in Hereford's promotion. Apparently Hereford have first claim on TD but I think we should have another look before letting him go if this is still possible.
Please - no malcontents on (JD or JS) or off the field next Sunday. Remember - there are no outstanding teams in this league as shown by the points totals.
Posted by: PaulgUSA, Connecticut, USA on 7:35am Mon 5 May 08
I've supported the Horn's for nearly 50 years, so I've seen the good with the bad, but with the performance from the boys over the last 14 games or so, do you really think we are ready fro the Prem again; even if we do win the play-off's? Not on current form if that has anything to do with it, we would come straight down again, without passing GO! We need to be playing a lot better before we go back into the top flight again, please, not this year, let's do it next season after proving we will be able to hold our own by winning the Championship, not by getting there by the 'skin-of-our-teeth'. I have faith in Aidy to get us there again, but not based on current form, we will be humiliated worse than our previous visit to the Prem.
Posted by: Stewart, LB on 7:42am Mon 5 May 08
PaulgUSA wrote:
I've supported the Horn's for nearly 50 years, so I've seen the good with the bad, but with the performance from the boys over the last 14 games or so, do you really think we are ready fro the Prem again; even if we do win the play-off's? Not on current form if that has anything to do with it, we would come straight down again, without passing GO! We need to be playing a lot better before we go back into the top flight again, please, not this year, let's do it next season after proving we will be able to hold our own by winning the Championship, not by getting there by the 'skin-of-our-teeth'. I have faith in Aidy to get us there again, but not based on current form, we will be humiliated worse than our previous visit to the Prem.
So what's been the point of the last 46 games? And who says we'd win the Championship next season? Doesn't make sense i'm afraid.
Posted by: peter parker, the big apple on 8:16am Mon 5 May 08
I agree with stewart ...
I remember talking to Leeds fans after the last play off win and they all said they couldnt believe they were in the final after the way they had played all season !! and we all know what happened to them the following season .... Another season in the chamionship will not mean promotion if anything it will get harder, you will have the 3 teams who go down along with, QPR with all their money, then Wolves, Sheff utd, Ipswich and Charlton all looking at improving on this season, its going to be very tough ....
All though it is very unlikely I would like another season in the premiership, I know the odds are against us but even if we got relegated I think we would be a stronger team if we spend another season in the premiership rather then the championship...
And we all love a good day out at Watford dont we ??
I think now is the time to give Theo or the other Henderson a chance, at least a place on the bench, either Ellington & Robinson or Ellington and Kabba for me ...
Posted by: peter parker, the big apple on 9:04am Mon 5 May 08
oh and I forgot the teams that have come up so far ,, both are potentially massive clubs with huge support, and if Leeds go up the Chamionship will be getting harder and harder, If you start looking at the support base of each team we wont even be in the top 15 in regards to support .... I think the Chamionship is going to get harder and harder over the next few years... lets hope for promotion and then some hard earned Ukranian or thai money to spend !!!!
Posted by: jonty, Watford on 9:23am Mon 5 May 08
Please shut up now Hoothers,Im fed up with listening & reading your crap.Go ruin someone elses team you mug.
Posted by: grahamwfc, Hazlemere on 9:40am Mon 5 May 08
Jay Demerit gonna play at a higher level next season??? Yeah really did himself justice for us in the Prem.I've been saying for weeks Tommy up front - now is the time alongside Theo with Ainsworth behind & in front of JE JJ GW. Defence picks itself LD LB DS & MS. We have played 424 all bloody season so let's now surprise a few with 4 3 3 & the ball on the deck. None of the teams should scare us with the players we have - just about belief and above all tactics = AB please take note
Posted by: Hexham Hornet, Hexham on 9:55am Mon 5 May 08
Funny how we manage to score after DH goes. Great to see that TS scored and what a goal!! It shows that we can play with the ball on the ground and get the ball round the defenders. Being without DH might mean that we will play football next week as well. Keep the ball down, play it wide, beat the defender, get the cross in or pull it back to the midfielder lurking on the edge of the box. The defence needs to concentrate from the start and keep it tight. We deserve to be in the play-offs simply by the fact tht we have finished in 6th spot, but our performances have not matched our position in the table. Hull must be the most vulnerable of the teams in play off, after losing their place for auto promotion, while BC and CP will be on a high after very good wins. Interesting team selection for Aidy net week. Who replaces DH? TR, TP, LH, SK are the main choices. Training this week should be competitive. Is GW fit enough yet for a look in, even on the bench? Is the game too big for JJ or LW or will Aidy do a Warnock and start to believe that if the youngsters are good enough they should get a start? It has worked for Palace, who were tipped for relegation when NW went there and are now favourites to win play-offs, according to the pudits.
Posted by: henry, oxhey on 10:27am Mon 5 May 08
IF we are going to pass the ball around is there any way to flatten the pitch ???

Posted by: SIMMO, BUCKS on 10:32am Mon 5 May 08
9 points clear to 9 points behind 3 rd place Hull NOT GOOD
BUT not time now to have the inquest WE must like yesterday support the team WELL done to us all at Blackpool the support was fantastic and i believe got us over the line NOW for the team in my opinion we need to leave ELLINGTON on his own up the middle With a five man midfield behind him so the terrific Tommy on one side and either Macanuff of ainsworth on the left getting up and supporting him ,with Eustace holding and the energy of Williamson and o'toole central ,John Joe has good habit of popping up and scoring ,this way we KEEP POSSESSION MORE RETAINING THE BALL !,WOULD have demerit in for Doyley as we saw against HULL they caught us out in the Air at the back as HENDO was not playing and so not helping out defending in our box Demerit can do this with his height and attacking the ball with his head and leave the rest alone ,that way I BELIEVE WE WILL KEEP the ball on the ground and we look so much better when we do AND we still then have SHIITU ,and DEMERIT to go up and contest BROMBY'S long throws and when we get corner's ,Finally have THEO ROBINSON on the bench
Posted by: mitch, kings langley on 10:36am Mon 5 May 08
We need to say thankyou to Berkinshaw,A.Johnson
, Marlon and our sacked capt Mahon for getting us into the playoffs,without them the shambles 'left' would be playing Leicester next season...Don'tcare what you say..Mitch xx
Posted by: Stephen Baldwin, hemel hempstead on 10:49am Mon 5 May 08
In agreement with Mitch.

part of me wishes we did not make cos i want that clown out of my club, sack him
Posted by: mark, dunstable on 10:55am Mon 5 May 08
A lot of people are talking crap about Henderson. When we played football well 2 years ago, didnt he score quite a few goals?
When we played pretty ok until end of 2007, didnt he score quite a few goals?
Is it his fault every other ball that comes to him is at least throat height?
When he has decent service and a decent strike partner, he's a different player. Why are so many against him?
He let us down a bit yesterday, but should've been subbed at half time with a yellow hanging over him.
Tommy smith up front, with ellington, Ainsworth wide right. Thats my opinion for next game, worth a try - or yes, i agree with perhaps trying Robinson.
DeMerit must play - how many times do we need to get beaten by crappy goals, since he's been out the team it seems? Yes we let in goals with him there, but not as many from set plays or being beaten at back/front post. Its ridiculous how many of those have gone in recently.
Posted by: stevemag, Windsor on 11:03am Mon 5 May 08
Henderson - You dont pick players on past glories otherwise we would still be playing John Barnes!
Posted by: VoR, watford on 11:42am Mon 5 May 08
stevemag wrote:
Henderson - You dont pick players on past glories otherwise we would still be playing John Barnes!
Go & play with your Lego
Posted by: JimBob, Watford on 12:21pm Mon 5 May 08
Stephen Baldwin wrote:
In agreement with Mitch. part of me wishes we did not make cos i want that clown out of my club, sack him
Too right! Lets sack Aidy, bankrupt the club in the process and then everything'll be right in the world. Grow up you fool. Success takes time in this sport. There's no one better out there on the same budget - two top 6 Champ finishes and a Prem season in 3 seaons, woe is us!
Posted by: andy, st. albans on 12:47pm Mon 5 May 08
Just wondering, how many of the teams that have had rugby played on their pitches every other week, have played well this year and on the ground? This includes Hull in our division and other teams in other leagues. Do we need the money from the rugby or can we manage without it? If without, then get rid of them.
Posted by: VoR, watford on 12:53pm Mon 5 May 08
In agreement with you andy, problem being they are under contract until 2011, unless they bugger off to where they came from under there own free will...
Until then we'll have to put up with them.
I get the feeling that Aidy would like shot, judging by a couple of references of late.
Girls game anyway ! ! !
Posted by: Peter Phillips, Loudwater on 1:18pm Mon 5 May 08
mark wrote:
A lot of people are talking crap about Henderson. When we played football well 2 years ago, didnt he score quite a few goals? When we played pretty ok until end of 2007, didnt he score quite a few goals? Is it his fault every other ball that comes to him is at least throat height? When he has decent service and a decent strike partner, he's a different player. Why are so many against him? He let us down a bit yesterday, but should've been subbed at half time with a yellow hanging over him. Tommy smith up front, with ellington, Ainsworth wide right. Thats my opinion for next game, worth a try - or yes, i agree with perhaps trying Robinson. DeMerit must play - how many times do we need to get beaten by crappy goals, since he's been out the team it seems? Yes we let in goals with him there, but not as many from set plays or being beaten at back/front post. Its ridiculous how many of those have gone in recently.
I agree witht every word that Mark posted. But, then, he agreed with every word I posted yesterday at 10.24pm!
Posted by: VoR, watford on 1:47pm Mon 5 May 08
Hey 'Thin pureness.'

I think you've changed names more times than we've scored this season

Now nursey.....go look after queenie!!
Posted by: slasherr, londun on 2:44pm Mon 5 May 08
where colni
Posted by: oxheypaul, watford on 4:59pm Mon 5 May 08
It seems most constructive posters want us to play 4-3-3 (I'd have Smith, McAnuff and Ellington up front, O'Toole back in midfield with Eustace and Williamson and DeMerit in for Doyley).
So if a bunch of numbnuts like us can see the way forward, when will the management? On Sunday, hopefully!
Posted by: Tiny Tim, Watford on 5:15pm Mon 5 May 08
Darius Henderson is so poor at the moment I genuinely wish he had received a straight red so that we wouldn't have him for the play-offs. We looked a different team when he went off. He NEVER finds one of our players with his diabolical flicks, he is slow and never looks like scoring.
I pray that Aidy gives Theo a chance. We have nothing to lose.
Posted by: Hornetboy84, ricky on 5:29pm Mon 5 May 08
Went to Blackpool. Surreal experience - especially when the 10 (us) were safe at 1-1 but were having to put up with the home team (11) timewasting. We were still pushing for a win which was encouraging.

However I really dont see where the goals are coming from - but we did create chances - their keeper made one unbelievable "double save".

What troubled me was that we do not have enough "committed players". Hendo basically got sent off because he was working to pressure their players something badly lacking from ... McAnuff, Ellington, Williamson, and most of the defense. Even Danny was struggling.

Reality was that in the 2nd half before Hendo was sent off we started knocking it around and we actually started to look a side.

With Hendo out I would be tempted to do either of the following;

1. Use Smith as a free man behind Ellinton in a 4-5-1 (but I guess more 4-4-1-1) ... I think this suits our play and is why we play well with 10 men!! ellington was great at holding the ball up and working for space - something he doesnt seem to do with Hendo there. I would play ... RL - AM (keep the ball)LB-DS-MS.... JM-JE-JJOT-LA in midfield (with JE sitting and JM roaming/patrolling --- with TS - LA and JM all on the pitch then its not one for LW.

2. Alternative is to play Theo Robinson up with Duke. I guess this depends how he looks to gel in training.

It could be good that we are playing Hull as we will definitely be the underdogs now. And that might suit us. My expectations are lowered but they were last time - when we got Palace - they had beaten us twice and we were not fancied.

What is MOST IMPORTANT - is that we give Hull fans the Lower Rous ... this may give logistical problems and upset the season ticket holders there ... but stuff that and give us the home advantage of having fans at both ends of the ground. It was great vs. Palace .... and having been strung out along the touchline at Blackpool - it really hinders an atmosphere (albeit there was also no roof there which made it even harder).
Posted by: john, greece on 5:40pm Mon 5 May 08
i have followed with interest how Hereford have got on this season and it is great that TG and TR have experienced such a successful season.
To put Robinson ( or Liam Henderson for that matter ) is akin to putting a wine waiter in goal ! It makes no sense.
How many of you suggesting they play have seen either of them this season?
They may well prove to be good players but lets wait till next season to bring them along in a successful promotion winning side.
Posted by: VoR, watford on 6:04pm Mon 5 May 08
john wrote:
i have followed with interest how Hereford have got on this season and it is great that TG and TR have experienced such a successful season.
To put Robinson ( or Liam Henderson for that matter ) is akin to putting a wine waiter in goal ! It makes no sense.
How many of you suggesting they play have seen either of them this season?
They may well prove to be good players but lets wait till next season to bring them along in a successful promotion winning side.
Go & celebrate with an Olive.
Posted by: zip, The real world on 6:10pm Mon 5 May 08
John Greece what utter crap you talk. In fact all you happy clappers who keep clinging to this ridiculous notion of promotion.

We are, without doubt, the worst and most undeserving team ever to reach the play offs. Just as we were probably the worst team ever to reach the semi finals of the FA cup.

boothers will brag, but our league position just doesn't start to tell the real story. This season has been one of massive under achievement considering the manager had one of the largest budgets in the league.

When you look at how well the likes of Hull and Bristol City have done then it sickens me that this clown will use our league position to gloss up his CV.

We really needed to miss the play offs for a realistic appraisal to take place. I fear now that this won't take place, whatever happens. Instead our misery is extended to another two games.

So crystal ball at the ready: a 2-0 home defeat to be followed by a crushing 4-0 away defeat. Then along comes Gimpson and his plan B. Plan B will simply involve selling off more players. So expect to see Tommy Smith go, Jay Demerrit, Dan Shittu, Tamas Priskin, Nathan Ellington, Steve Kabba and Will Hoskins.

And expect more lower division rubbish to be brought in as replacements...but hey they will be spun as "promising young talents".

Our only hope is that this proposed take over becomes a reality. Otherwise I fear for the club next season if this clown is still in charge.

BOOTHROYD OUT BOOTHROYD OUT!!!!!
Posted by: Darren, Canada on 7:19pm Mon 5 May 08
Thanks for your weekly predictions, we didn't finish seventh did we? words like 'crushing' etc, yet you didn't finish this one off with "you have been warned". What a complete and utter pr1ck you are.
Posted by: tiger bay boy, mill end on 7:24pm Mon 5 May 08
Zip, you are an utter and total ****!! Is your crystal ball still predicting that we will not even make the play offs? you aint got a clue half wit. Your sensational list of players to leave would only be opposed on 2 fronts, Shittu and Smith, the rest can **** off along with you!
Posted by: slasherr, londun on 7:59pm Mon 5 May 08
tiger bay boy wrote:
Zip, you are an utter and total ****!! Is your crystal ball still predicting that we will not even make the play offs? you aint got a clue half wit. Your sensational list of players to leave would only be opposed on 2 fronts, Shittu and Smith, the rest can **** off along with you!
yeh well said tiger gay boy, vOr meet me in moon
Posted by: JohnBoy, Watford on 8:03pm Mon 5 May 08
where has vOr post gone?
Posted by: VoR, watford on 8:18pm Mon 5 May 08
Little "o" in VoR ! ! !
Posted by: mark, dunstable on 8:21pm Mon 5 May 08
"I agree witht every word that Mark posted. But, then, he agreed with every word I posted yesterday at 10.24pm!"

Sorry Peter, on my scroll down i missed yours - Nice not to be shot down by zip or some of the other muppets on here!
Posted by: tiger bay boy, mill end on 9:12pm Mon 5 May 08
Free coaches to Hull then boys. Could be a good idea for those of you out there going but havnt been to Hull before. The coaches park directly outside the away end in a well policed sectioned off area. Anyone walking off to their cars or station need to be a bit cute coz the locals are a bit excitable especially after we've knocked Hull out eh Zip?
Posted by: paul jones, the grove on 9:36pm Mon 5 May 08
zip wrote:
John Greece what utter crap you talk. In fact all you happy clappers who keep clinging to this ridiculous notion of promotion. We are, without doubt, the worst and most undeserving team ever to reach the play offs. Just as we were probably the worst team ever to reach the semi finals of the FA cup. boothers will brag, but our league position just doesn't start to tell the real story. This season has been one of massive under achievement considering the manager had one of the largest budgets in the league. When you look at how well the likes of Hull and Bristol City have done then it sickens me that this clown will use our league position to gloss up his CV. We really needed to miss the play offs for a realistic appraisal to take place. I fear now that this won't take place, whatever happens. Instead our misery is extended to another two games. So crystal ball at the ready: a 2-0 home defeat to be followed by a crushing 4-0 away defeat. Then along comes Gimpson and his plan B. Plan B will simply involve selling off more players. So expect to see Tommy Smith go, Jay Demerrit, Dan Shittu, Tamas Priskin, Nathan Ellington, Steve Kabba and Will Hoskins. And expect more lower division rubbish to be brought in as replacements...but hey they will be spun as "promising young talents". Our only hope is that this proposed take over becomes a reality. Otherwise I fear for the club next season if this clown is still in charge. BOOTHROYD OUT BOOTHROYD OUT!!!!!
TO be fair zip i would be very happy to see the back of priskin,ellington,ka
bba and hoskins add macanuff,poom,jackso
n,rinaldi,francis,wi
lliamson,williams and stewart!!
12 LEGENDS OF THE BOOTHROYD YEARS..!!!!
Posted by: ploughclose, Cranfield on 9:41pm Mon 5 May 08
nickmiddlesex wrote:
Well we won't have to struggle with the burden of expectation in this play off. Out of the 4 seasons our man has been in charge we have avoided relegation when we looked like going, promoted to the Premiership, relegated from Premiership and now reached play offs again. His reign is vastly in credit and he is still a relative novice. Enough said
I couldn't agree more! I know we've been poor recently and, if it hadn't been for our brilliant form early on in the season, we would be possibly even in a spot of trouble. We're not. We have a chance. I don't think we'll make it - and perhaps that would be a good thing - but we have a chance.

Come on!!!!
Posted by: ptquinn, Watford on 9:42pm Mon 5 May 08
What idiots calling for Boothroyd to go.
Replacing a manager doesn't always birng sucess. Yes the play has been awful.
Boothroyd if he is to stay in charge for next season needs to do three things:
Get an old wise guard who has been there before to advise him.
Change tatics to play the ball on the floor as well as hoofing it. Yes in some games we will have to play like that.
Strengthen the front line to provide a goalscorer.
However, before this is done we need to unite behind him for the playoffs. This goes for the fans, the players and the supporting staff. We will not go up or be successful if we are not united.
In addition no one, investors, Managers, or players will come to a club, if we are seen as being dis-united and carping from the sidelines.
I expect that some of our players will not have a good word about the fans because the way they have been treated and hence why one of them at least has not signed a new contract.
There is only one way to change things if you dont like what you see don't go.
If the attendences drop like a stone, then and only then will the board take action.
As I have said before,the club have stated a five year plan, Boothroyd is three years into that plan.
Too often clubs have taken the easy option only to find that life is not always rosey.
Watford fans get real!!.
That idiot on these posts who said we had the biggest budget in the league this year....utter rubbish we did not.
We are all entitled to our views, however all of us including me need a reality check at times and think b