Hornets claim magnificent Leeds success (From Watford Observer)

Chris Iwelumo scores twice as Watford win at Leeds United

5:12pm Saturday 31st March 2012 in Match Reports By Anthony Matthews, Group Sports Editor

Watford’s memorable March ended in the best way possible as Chris Iwelumo’s brace and a tremendous team performance earned the Hornets a 2-0 victory at Leeds United for just the club's second ever league win at Elland Road and a first since October 1988.

Having started the day eight points off the play-offs following Birmingham City’s win at Doncaster Rovers last night, the Hornets moved to back within six of the top six by taking their points tally for an unbeaten month to 17 out of a possible 21.

Iwelumo may get the headlines for scoring just his second and third goals since moving to Vicarage Road last summer but both him and Troy Deeney were outstanding and never gave the hosts’ nervous-looking backline a moment’s peace.

That appetite for work was repeated throughout the team in a determined and resolute performance that also bore the confidence that comes from winning four of the last six games and keeping clean sheets in two of the last three.

Watford might have won by more - Deeney should have capitalised on a one-on-one situation in the second half - although the hosts should have equalised even though Tomasz Kuszczak pulled off a fine double save after the break.

Sean Dyche was always going to have to make one change from the side that beat Ipswich Town last time out following Alex Kacaniklic’s recall by Fulham but it was no real surprise that he made two.

Mark Yeates returned to the starting line-up in place of Kacaniklic but this was the type of game that was always likely to see Iwelumo favoured ahead of Joe Garner in attack and so it proved.

Neil Warnock made one adjustment to the team that bounced back from the amazing 7-3 home defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest to win 1-0 at Millwall last time out, with Paul Connolly coming in for the suspended Darren O’Dea.

However, there was plenty of Hornets’ interest in the Leeds matchday 16. On-loan Bolton Wanderers defender and Vicarage Road fans’ favourite Paul Robinson started, with Danny Webber and Leigh Bromby on the bench.

The visitors had the better of the opening exchanges and created the first chance in the fourth minute when Yeates knocked a Lloyd Doyley throw back to the right-back to cross but Iwelumo got underneath his half-volley and scooped it over the top from eight yards.

But the big striker was to make no mistake with his next opportunity a minute later, although the Hornets were grateful for the contribution from an old boy.

Robinson slipped inside his own half as he was caught in possession by Deeney, who muscled him off the ball. This allowed the striker to run at the defence and the forward did superbly to slide his strike partner in down the side and Iwelumo did the rest emphatically, beating Andy Lonergan with a first-time finish inside his near post to make it 1-0 and score just his second Watford goal.

Leeds attempted to react to that setback, with their first chances arriving in the 11th minute.

First Robert Snodgrass cut in off the right and struck a left-footed curling effort that Jonathan Hogg did well to head behind for a corner. That set piece was swung in from the right by the Leeds skipper and Alex Bruce connected with a header but put it over the top.

However, Watford nearly had another opening soon after, again originating from a Doyley throw on the right. This one was flicked on by Iwelumo at the near post and Tom Lees initially missed his clearance inside the six-yard box but was able to get the ball away as Deeney prepared to pounce.

Luciano Becchio picked up the first yellow card of the match in the 17th minute and he only had himself to blame for sarcastically applauding referee Paul Tierney for awarding the hosts a free-kick. That set piece was also headed over by Bruce but soon after the Hornets had another good chance when Carl Dickinson released Deeney in space on the right side of the area and the in-form striker chose to hit his shot first time from a fairly tight angle and Lonergan blocked it at his near post.

Watford continued to threaten going forward and in the 24th minute Yeates fed the overlapping Doyley, who held off a challenge and got to the byline before cutting the ball back but Connolly had read the danger and was able to clear ahead of Sean Murray.

Ross McCormack fired a useful effort from the left angle of the area a yard over before – and perhaps predictably at some stage in the contest - Robinson received a yellow card against his first club for a mistimed challenge on Hogg.

Dickinson levelled up that particular left-back score in the 39th minute when he received the same punishment for a late tackle on Aidan White.

Leeds were down to ten men for a few minutes as the half drew to a close as Bruce received a bloody nose after coming off worse in an aerial confrontation with Iwelumo. But during this period Kuszczak had to make a smart stop at his near post, tipping behind Snodgrass’ rising drive from an acute angle on the right side of the area.

But in the last of four minutes of added time at the end of the half, Watford had another chance when Deeney got in between Bruce and Lees to latch onto John Eustace’s through ball and although he had to hit the shot early, the Hornets forward forced Lonergan to push the right-footed shot behind. However, the referee decided there was insufficient time left to take the corner.

Warnock made a change at start of the second half, bringing on Vicarage Road old boy Webber for White, and it was the hosts who had the first chance after the break when Snodgrass toyed with the opposition defence on the right side of the area but his effort lacked power and Kuszczak was able to save comfortably.

Leeds’ card count rose to three in the 50th minute when Adam Clayton was penalised for a foul on Hogg before Deeney’s pass found Iwelumo in space to his left but he mishit his shot and Lonergan was untroubled.

Having been booked minutes before, Clayton was foolish to kick out at Eustace when the pair tangled but the referee let the midfielder off with a lecture.

However – and although Kuszczak took credit – Leeds really should have equalised in the 56th minute.

The situation arose from a free-kick that was swung in from the right, Bruce connected with a diving header that Kuszczak was only able to parry into the path of Snodgrass, who looked to have a routine finish. But from inside the six-yard box, the Elland Road skipper struck the ball straight at the Hornets keeper and then was able to get his legs around the follow up.

Murray saw an attempted curler deflected through to Lonergan before Connolly was booked for a foul on Eustace. Leeds then made their second change, with Ramon Nunez replacing Clayton and the substitute’s first involvement was to hit a superb strike from the left edge of the area that flew narrowly wide of Kuszczak’s far post with the keeper beaten.

Bruce, who was by now wearing a shirt without a number, headed over as Leeds continued to look for a way back before Dyche made his first change, with Forsyth coming on for Yeates with 17 minutes remaining.

The Hornets continued to put their bodies on the line, quite literally in Hogg’s case when he took a drive from Nunez full in the face before Lees fired the rebound from the edge of the area over.

A second goal for Watford would have wrapped up the game – and it really should have arrived nine minutes from time.

Again a Leeds defender slipped, this time it was Lees, presenting Deeney with a clear run on goal. The Watford striker advanced on Lonergan, visibly weighing his options, and in the end decided to try and place the ball around him but the Leeds keeper read his intentions and saved. However, the ball broke back for Deeney on the left edge of the six-yard box but he was unable to squeeze it in from an acute angle and then Iwelumo was thwarted by a combination of Lees and Lonergan.

Mikael Forssell came on for Becchio for the closing stages but the Hornets then did make the game safe.

The Hornets won possession around the United box and after Hogg had seen a shot blocked, Martin Taylor kept the momentum going by finding Murray on the right. The youngster did well to cut in and lay the ball off to Deeney, who saw his shot superbly blocked by Lonergan but the ball broke for Iwelumo to half-volley home his second.

A bad afternoon for the hosts got even worse in injury time when Connolly was rightly booked for a second time after chopping down Forsyth – the right-back didn’t even wait to see for his fate and was walking off the pitch before the cards were shown.

Deeney might have added a third when his late shot was deflected over but all that was that was left was for the Hornets to celebrate a truly memorable awayday – and the hosts to be booed off by those white-shirted fans still inside Elland Road.

Leeds United: Lonergan; Connolly, Lees, Bruce, Robinson; Snodgrass, Brown, Clayton (Nunez 68), White (Webber 46); McCormack, Becchio (Forssell 87). Not used: Bromby and Thompson.

Watford: Kuszczak; Doyley, Nosworthy, Taylor, Dickinson; Yeates (Forsyth 73), Eustace, Hogg, Murray; Iwelumo, Deeney. Not used: Loach, Bennett, Buaben and Garner.

Bookings: Becchio for dissent (17); Robinson for a foul on Hogg (31); Dickinson for a foul on White (39); Clayton for a foul on Hogg (50); Connolly for a foul on Eustace (63); Connolly for a foul on Forsyth – sent off (90).

Referee: Paul Tierney.

Comments(69)

SAHornet says...
5:17pm Sat 31 Mar 12

GET IN THERE YOU LOVELY GOLDEN BOYS! How proud am I tonight? Packing all my stuff up tomorrow and coming home to UK to be with the 'orns. 11th place. Who would believe it? Always knew Dychey would prove those doom-sayers wrong.

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mkhornet says...
5:19pm Sat 31 Mar 12

Where are the Dyche out brigade now? Well done to SD and the team especially Big Chris not just for his goals today but his all round performances in the last few games. I am one very happy clapper!!

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mickallen57 says...
5:23pm Sat 31 Mar 12

I was not the biggest fan of Big Chris but in the last few games he has found his football boots and has certainly turned things around (especially at Ipswich). Today he has got his reward well done Chris and all the lads.

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Johnny Ryden says...
5:25pm Sat 31 Mar 12

Absolutely brilliant, looks like big Chris could be another Ross Jenkins, taking time to win over the faithful but doing the business in the end!

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stonehornet says...
5:27pm Sat 31 Mar 12

Fantastic result, 5 of last 6 against teams above us, nothing to lose, who knows, the utterly impossible becomes more possible with each week. COYH.

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lutondown says...
5:28pm Sat 31 Mar 12

SAHornet wrote:
GET IN THERE YOU LOVELY GOLDEN BOYS! How proud am I tonight? Packing all my stuff up tomorrow and coming home to UK to be with the 'orns. 11th place. Who would believe it? Always knew Dychey would prove those doom-sayers wrong.

Oooh you!
So you'll be meeting me, Buck, HC, Mercer and co for that end of season pint?
A little ode for Old bravefart in Welsh Wales....

Fatty MacPie Fatty MacPie
Now watch the yellows passing you by
Fatty MacPie Fatty MacPie
You Scottish whiner
A win you can't buy

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hogweed says...
5:28pm Sat 31 Mar 12

Brilliant. Well done. This season is so turned round. Can we finish above Cardiff scum?
Hog out

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SAHornet says...
5:36pm Sat 31 Mar 12

lutondown wrote:

SAHornet wrote:
GET IN THERE YOU LOVELY GOLDEN BOYS! How proud am I tonight? Packing all my stuff up tomorrow and coming home to UK to be with the 'orns. 11th place. Who would believe it? Always knew Dychey would prove those doom-sayers wrong.
Oooh you!
So you'll be meeting me, Buck, HC, Mercer and co for that end of season pint?
A little ode for Old bravefart in Welsh Wales....

Fatty MacPie Fatty MacPie
Now watch the yellows passing you by
Fatty MacPie Fatty MacPie
You Scottish whiner
A win you can't buy

Hahahahahahah, love it and love to see Fatty's face looking like a doubly slapped arse!

Meeting you guys for a pint? I'll be buying them, pal. I'll be the one with a Castle induced pot-belly and proudly wearing a very yellow shirt. COYH's

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Casterbridge says...
5:37pm Sat 31 Mar 12

It's not only the team that deserves great credit, let's also applaud the 569 fans who shelled out an exorbitant £34 to cheer on the Golden Boys. They got their money's worth!

Shame big Chris didn't get a hat-trick. Maybe next week?

As for Dyche, come what may he has now proved the doubters wrong in no uncertain terms.

Let's hope for a big crowd for Blackpool on Friday. Four points off the play-offs with Hull, Brighton and Middlesborough also still to play. Am I dreaming? You bet I am! COYH!

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strummerjoe says...
5:40pm Sat 31 Mar 12

So glad for Iwelumo. I had to give a couple of gobshites who booed him when he came on last week a mouthful - they looked pretty stupid by the end and doubly so now (get it?)

Goatees grown for Friday everybody!!!

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tjohn says...
6:26pm Sat 31 Mar 12

The manager is great. I've been watching the negative comments on this site all season. Who would have believed we'd be in touch of the playoffs, and beating Leeds away. Favourites for relegation at season's start - look at us now. Big Chris- just brilliant. Who cares who scores, just keep it up you Golden Boys. I love it! Just love it!!

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Feff says...
6:29pm Sat 31 Mar 12

Great victory and, yes, I'll own up. I thought Iwelumo was rubbish. As Johnny Ryden wrote, perhaps he'll turn out to be a Ross Jenkins. I hope so but do let's remember, Ross was still quite young when the crowd took against him while Iwelumo is no spring chicken. He has not got the same amount of time to win over the crowd but, judging by the last few games, he is trying very hard.

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LE PARK says...
6:31pm Sat 31 Mar 12

Im one of probably a few who was not impressed with ci. But i hold my hands up and applaud his recent efforts and two goals today. I too am one very happy hornet this evening. Well done lads

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raanana"orn says...
6:54pm Sat 31 Mar 12

My first post here but I felt I just had to after today's magnificent result!
BTW We're now absolutely and mathematically safe.
COYGB

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lutondown says...
6:59pm Sat 31 Mar 12

Feff wrote:
Great victory and, yes, I'll own up. I thought Iwelumo was rubbish. As Johnny Ryden wrote, perhaps he'll turn out to be a Ross Jenkins. I hope so but do let's remember, Ross was still quite young when the crowd took against him while Iwelumo is no spring chicken. He has not got the same amount of time to win over the crowd but, judging by the last few games, he is trying very hard.

Ross weren't that young Feff
I was there to see him score his first two goals for Watford on a Tuesday night against Scunthorpe (5-1) and when he come from Palace he was as bad as Ilewumo has been till recently.
I think that what we are witnessing is a rich vein of confidence flowing through the team that is rubbing off on all the players
Wouldn't it be great if we were the the team that made that late push into the playoffs ( beating MacPie at Wembley?)
And just to remind those who are keen to start a row on ths board, Big Chris didn't have many friends on this forum.
As for Dyche, he has completely shut me up on that score and I am very pleased to be so wrong.
I think at this moment in time whether you were right or wrong in your judgement, it's another great resurrection for our club.

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kevhenderson says...
7:02pm Sat 31 Mar 12

SD has surely got to be manager of month for March, I think WFC are the only unbeaten team in March, given that Southampton are currently losing 3-0.

Whilst I am chuffed to be where we are in the table, it is really frustrating thinking back to some of the points that we dropped to own goals and penalties. Bristol City, two nil up and draw following an own goal. Cardiff, one nil up and draw after scoring an own goal. Leeds, one nil up in the 93rd minute and concede a penalty to draw again. Other teams can also point to dropped points, but probably not due to own goals.

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There was only one Scully says...
7:10pm Sat 31 Mar 12

Unbelievable but somehow I knew we would do well with SD. I think the big difference for me is that, he has a tactical plan B which Mucky M did not have!
We have come so far as a team and today's result could be the start of good times to come. By all accounts Yeats, had a good game always involved and as for the big fella well, he is making all us critics eat our neg words.
What a great run in to the end of the season. One of our more memorable for many a year, eh!

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Chris the Vic says...
7:31pm Sat 31 Mar 12

Surprised after last weeks game that Bauben did not get on and yet Yeates and Forsyth managed appearances.

Congrats to Big Chris and Troy for a job well done as well as to the rest of the team along with SD.

After such a good run , we have another important game against Blackpool, with so much riding on these games any chance of a bank holiday sell out or will the good folk of Watford be found lacking yet again. BTW congrats to the rest of the Rookeryites for the wall of noise against Ipswich.

One criticism, Mr Matthews I thought we drew with the Sky Blues and won our last game at home against the Tractor Boys, any chance of keeping up with the team's progress. Paragraph 6 needs a quick rewrite.

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buckler says...
7:35pm Sat 31 Mar 12

kevhenderson wrote:
SD has surely got to be manager of month for March, I think WFC are the only unbeaten team in March, given that Southampton are currently losing 3-0.

Whilst I am chuffed to be where we are in the table, it is really frustrating thinking back to some of the points that we dropped to own goals and penalties. Bristol City, two nil up and draw following an own goal. Cardiff, one nil up and draw after scoring an own goal. Leeds, one nil up in the 93rd minute and concede a penalty to draw again. Other teams can also point to dropped points, but probably not due to own goals.

One word answer to your comments LOACH! Oh yer great result today and well done that Big bloke!

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lutondown says...
7:42pm Sat 31 Mar 12

buckler wrote:

kevhenderson wrote:
SD has surely got to be manager of month for March, I think WFC are the only unbeaten team in March, given that Southampton are currently losing 3-0.

Whilst I am chuffed to be where we are in the table, it is really frustrating thinking back to some of the points that we dropped to own goals and penalties. Bristol City, two nil up and draw following an own goal. Cardiff, one nil up and draw after scoring an own goal. Leeds, one nil up in the 93rd minute and concede a penalty to draw again. Other teams can also point to dropped points, but probably not due to own goals.
One word answer to your comments LOACH! Oh yer great result today and well done that Big bloke!

Yep just the one word says it all!
But he listened to us visionaries in the end
Say has Aidyilovbasloofersha
lom been outed again?
Shame if so

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radlettman says...
7:56pm Sat 31 Mar 12

So what exactly has happened to Lee Hodson ?

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There was only one Scully says...
8:05pm Sat 31 Mar 12

radlettman wrote:
So what exactly has happened to Lee Hodson ?

His injured and looking forward to a very long football career. See comments on our young players that were played to soon and often by a certain MM last season.

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WFC4ever says...
8:32pm Sat 31 Mar 12

Delighted to see us win again.

We really have picked up so well since the Spurs game and its great to see everyone playing their part.

Think the play-offs are unlikely but a good Easter and who knows!

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Henry VIII says...
8:40pm Sat 31 Mar 12

What a run of results, this team really is playing with belief and confidence and I am so pleased for Big Chris. I also like the fact that our remaining games (Peterborough aside) are against teams above us and although the play-offs are almost out of reach they are not totally out of reach and this division throws up odd results every week. How nice it is to be looking up the table with prode and the slim chance that we could end up in dream land. So much nicer than looking over our shoulders and depending on other results. We certainly have something to play for and full credit again to SD for getting Kuszczak on loan, he has made some important saves these past few weeks and at the other end we have Deeney and Chris playing with confidence. It's going to be interesting at the very least. Well done all.

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bushey tales says...
8:45pm Sat 31 Mar 12

I wouldn't like the facts to get in the way of the story, but Ross Jenkins was 21 during the week he signed for the club, whilst Big Chris admits to being 33. So any comparison is somewhat loaded. But so what, we're flying high and on the day that Luton Town, 'after a difficult period, regret to announce the departure of.......' blah, blah, blah. You 'Orns ahhhhhh!

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Andrew1963 says...
8:52pm Sat 31 Mar 12

Johnny Ryden wrote:
Absolutely brilliant, looks like big Chris could be another Ross Jenkins, taking time to win over the faithful but doing the business in the end!

Ross Jenkins took 6 years and Graham Taylor to win over the faithful. Big Chris clearly only plays March to May, lets hope his next goals this season are at Wembley.

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SAHornet says...
9:09pm Sat 31 Mar 12

Question: Do we get more money, the higher we finish in the league?

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CARDIFFHORN says...
9:28pm Sat 31 Mar 12

Great win and defo Manager of the Month coming up (unfortunately). I see McTaff is moaning again about a disallowed goal, roll on Easter Monday!!

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Hornet Cornet says...
9:39pm Sat 31 Mar 12

lutondown wrote:

SAHornet wrote: GET IN THERE YOU LOVELY GOLDEN BOYS! How proud am I tonight? Packing all my stuff up tomorrow and coming home to UK to be with the 'orns. 11th place. Who would believe it? Always knew Dychey would prove those doom-sayers wrong.
Oooh you! So you'll be meeting me, Buck, HC, Mercer and co for that end of season pint? A little ode for Old bravefart in Welsh Wales.... Fatty MacPie Fatty MacPie Now watch the yellows passing you by Fatty MacPie Fatty MacPie You Scottish whiner A win you can't buy

Ha ha ha, poetry of the highest order. So when are us 'moaners' going to meet for a pint then? I'll even buy Dregs a pint, if she can handle it.

Loachy, keep yourself training old boy and learn from Krustev, he's a top keeper. MacTavish is a weeper. British Rail have nice sleepers.

HC Over and Out

YELLOW ARMY

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D.unstable says...
9:42pm Sat 31 Mar 12

And the Orns go marching on on on.

Great result and although I think we will have to win 5 out of the remaining 6 to be in with a shout of the play offs, funnier things have happened, as mentioned it is interesting that 5 of our last 6 currently sit above and therefore it is largely in our hands.

I notice that the scum have released yet another manager, obviously cannot accept that they have found their true level, arrrghhh.

Not sure if anybody has ever noticed but right in the middle of their club badge sits a hornet, probably taking a dump on it, check it out.

Oh happy days.....let's hope we get a few at the Vic next week to chear the lads on, they are ALL doing a great job.

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YoKsHiRe.....HoRn!!!!!!! says...
9:44pm Sat 31 Mar 12

To be fair Leeds Utd were outplayed in every dept today. For a team that was expected to be in the play offs at the end of the season, this is a massive endorsement to SD and all at the club...........Do Not be surprised if WFC are in the play's as we are now capable of beating most teams in this division. As for Big Chris, what a performance! Never stopped running and I hope he continues like this as today at time both him and Troy we're unplayable!!!!!!!!!!

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lutondown says...
9:49pm Sat 31 Mar 12

Hornet Cornet wrote:

lutondown wrote:

SAHornet wrote: GET IN THERE YOU LOVELY GOLDEN BOYS! How proud am I tonight? Packing all my stuff up tomorrow and coming home to UK to be with the 'orns. 11th place. Who would believe it? Always knew Dychey would prove those doom-sayers wrong.
Oooh you! So you'll be meeting me, Buck, HC, Mercer and co for that end of season pint? A little ode for Old bravefart in Welsh Wales.... Fatty MacPie Fatty MacPie Now watch the yellows passing you by Fatty MacPie Fatty MacPie You Scottish whiner A win you can't buy
Ha ha ha, poetry of the highest order. So when are us 'moaners' going to meet for a pint then? I'll even buy Dregs a pint, if she can handle it.

Loachy, keep yourself training old boy and learn from Krustev, he's a top keeper. MacTavish is a weeper. British Rail have nice sleepers.

HC Over and Out

YELLOW ARMY

A poet moanerette like me!
How's about April 28th, somewhere like Bas's bar (if open) or if not Walkabouts?
Perhaps a few adversaries may like to come play?
Hope all attends.

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YoKsHiRe.....HoRn!!!!!!! says...
9:52pm Sat 31 Mar 12

SAHornet wrote:
Question: Do we get more money, the higher we finish in the league?

Yes!

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jasonwatford says...
10:17pm Sat 31 Mar 12

Great winagainst a team in a bit of a mess at present. I think the teams above us have more to lose as they have been up there in play offs all season so we can play and see how we go....just above cardiff would do me. All these people saying " i had faith in dyche and Big Chris " are complete liers..you comment on what youn see and fill and dyche was not doing it till after peterborough and brighton...also big chris has only just started to turn games in our favour so dont give me the crap you always knew he would come good as today were his 3rd goals in 52 matches proberley as good as emile heskey. Lets just know that the players are looking like they enjoy playing and dyche does seem to know how to pick a team and does know how to change during a game.

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garston edl says...
11:46pm Sat 31 Mar 12

Great result, dyche has proved me wrong and I hope he makes some good decisions over the summer, the whole club starts to show some belief and ambition and an even better season awaits next year. In my opinion we need to win our last 6 games to make the playoffs so unlikely but it would be good to some supporters return for the last few games. Last away game is peterborough, an hour up the round by train or car, let's see a packed terrace in the April sunshine!

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onlyonerodthomas says...
12:42am Sun 1 Apr 12

my hands are up!!!.well done sean dyche,who i wanted sacked in november.you have proved me wrong(what do i know about football anyway?).even big chris is playing well,and you never know we could squeeze into the play offs as well.the only worrying aspect is sd will probably win the dreaded manager of the month award!!.how many times has this award jinxed us?.anyway fair play to the whole of watford fc,a brilliant result today and the whole season.

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onlyonerodthomas says...
12:55am Sun 1 Apr 12

forgot to mention that dropping loach in favour of Kuszczak has been the master stroke of the season.apart from his first game against a good southampton team,he has been outstanding and this has rubbed off on the rest of the team knowing they have a great keeper behind them.confidence really shines knowing that loach isnt our last line of defence.still think we have to find another keeper because tk will ultimately find a bigger club that can afford 20k+ a week.he would be mad to sign for us permantly as i still think he could make the starting 11 of 75% of the current premier league teams.(thats just me being realistic).i think we should look to sell loach,he needs a fresh start.

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Harrydownunder says...
1:21am Sun 1 Apr 12

Nice one..... Shades of 1999 perhaps...???

Believe!

What a weekend. We looklike play off contenders and l*t*n look anything but! Well Done York City.... My favourite amateur team!

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stevyweavy says...
2:41am Sun 1 Apr 12

Well well, we seem to have a Stepford Iwelumo. I had belief in him when he joined us then that totally went out the window after 3 weeks and now he seems to have had a body transplant and all of a sudden he can run, shoot and score - unbelievable. Everybody jumping up and down that we have lost our winger back to Fulham and yet again SD confounds the critics and picks another winning team. And after a shaky start some top drawer saves from Kuszczak. Play-offs are still a dream but now that we are safe there is no harm in trying. Shame about Blackpool beating Southampton, could have done with them not getting those 3 points.

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tonupchris says...
8:01am Sun 1 Apr 12

Simply magnificent. What a great result and for those on here blaming Loach or offering people out for a fight you are just plainly simple!!!!
With the run in we have we have given ourselves an outside chance of the play offs. I never thought I would be writing that this year!
Believe everybody, just believe and make sure we have a big crowd Friday. Massive weekend coming up and with two wins we might be above Cardiff. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it MM!
COYGB

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SAHornet says...
8:28am Sun 1 Apr 12

jasonwatford wrote:
Great winagainst a team in a bit of a mess at present. I think the teams above us have more to lose as they have been up there in play offs all season so we can play and see how we go....just above cardiff would do me. All these people saying " i had faith in dyche and Big Chris " are complete liers..you comment on what youn see and fill and dyche was not doing it till after peterborough and brighton...also big chris has only just started to turn games in our favour so dont give me the crap you always knew he would come good as today were his 3rd goals in 52 matches proberley as good as emile heskey. Lets just know that the players are looking like they enjoy playing and dyche does seem to know how to pick a team and does know how to change during a game.

Agree with all of this jason. We're supporters of our club but we comment as we see things and it didn't look good for SD or CI for so long. I think that SD must be a VERY quick learner as he is now repeatedly making the correct decisions before and during games. I hope that he makes well thought out decisions during the summer involving who to buy and who to sell - crucial to our next season. We can't afford the mistakes of last summer even tho CI has had a couple of good games recently. I am still not convinced that he's a good enough striker going forward.

As far as TK is concerned, it is clear for all to see, that since he joined, he has made the world of difference, if only to the confidence of the players in front of him. I hope that we can keep him but have my doubts. Loach needs to be moved on now - for his own good and the good of the club.

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northofwatfordpete says...
8:30am Sun 1 Apr 12

Will be interesting to see how Loach copes with the turn around in our fortunes. The whole experience of being dropped might make him a better keeper in the long run. Maybe he needs to move on.

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Alex Hillcroft says...
8:44am Sun 1 Apr 12

Surely even the most ardent Loach fan would have to accept that the recent good run has coincided with Kuszczak's arrival. Coincidence? I don't think so.

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harry uk says...
9:50am Sun 1 Apr 12

I have been critical of the chairman and manager and players. And i believe justified at times as well.Lets not forget the chairman came with a lot of baggage and with that background brings an air of mistrust which he will have to work very hard to overturn. Mistakes have been made to be fair, and quite a few of them with certain signings. Iwelumo hadnt for some reasons done himself any favours in the way he played in games but has recently turned it around. Loach was in the firing line far too long but now we have a goalkeeper to inspire confidence in the team. The style of play also hasnt been pretty to watch and sometimes has been down right hard to endure. I could point out all the things that have been wrong but this would take ages. So, my point is, the criticism dished out in the past has been justified for manager player selections , style of play, chairman etc.. but to be fair, the tide appears to be turning, and praise must follow. Remember though, criticism brings pressure on individuals in power to change things that supporters are not happy with, so i personally make no apologies and am very happy with the way things are going at the moment.

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endean1 says...
9:53am Sun 1 Apr 12

I had to laugh on reading some of the Leeds fansites.
they complained that the ref gave them no protection against
" a team of giant defenders, Taylor and Dickinson continually
smashed our forwards to the ground with no protection from an bad ref" ect ect
boot on the other foot now it seems.
great win lads, on wards and
upwards we go,we will need a great effort to beat Blackpool as they looked very good.

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corbindallas says...
10:23am Sun 1 Apr 12

What a great bunch of fans we have alway's offering each other out for a pint!What a great win and well done to Chris I think he has found out the secret of popping a Viagra before a game now. Roll on next 6 games, means we can half the deficit on teams above us so the ball is firmly in our hands!! One point I think Mr Bassini, SD and Ross Wilson need to think about is getting TK on our books for next season as he has made a big difference to our setup and will certainly be worth the money along with another proven striker, because if we do this we will be promotion favourites next season. Looking forward to the 9th as our first target is to be above Cardiff!

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lutondown says...
10:58am Sun 1 Apr 12

jasonwatford wrote:
Great winagainst a team in a bit of a mess at present. I think the teams above us have more to lose as they have been up there in play offs all season so we can play and see how we go....just above cardiff would do me. All these people saying " i had faith in dyche and Big Chris " are complete liers..you comment on what youn see and fill and dyche was not doing it till after peterborough and brighton...also big chris has only just started to turn games in our favour so dont give me the crap you always knew he would come good as today were his 3rd goals in 52 matches proberley as good as emile heskey. Lets just know that the players are looking like they enjoy playing and dyche does seem to know how to pick a team and does know how to change during a game.

Spot on Jase
I think your posts are nearly always good!
We're not related are we??!!
LOL

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lutondown says...
11:01am Sun 1 Apr 12

corbindallas wrote:
What a great bunch of fans we have alway's offering each other out for a pint!What a great win and well done to Chris I think he has found out the secret of popping a Viagra before a game now. Roll on next 6 games, means we can half the deficit on teams above us so the ball is firmly in our hands!! One point I think Mr Bassini, SD and Ross Wilson need to think about is getting TK on our books for next season as he has made a big difference to our setup and will certainly be worth the money along with another proven striker, because if we do this we will be promotion favourites next season. Looking forward to the 9th as our first target is to be above Cardiff!

Sorry woodentopindallas, didnt mean to leave you out of the invites
I would imagine the insults bandied out on here would be less forthcoming in person.
Mines a shandy
Evening All

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KeithMercer says...
11:48am Sun 1 Apr 12

harry uk wrote:
I have been critical of the chairman and manager and players. And i believe justified at times as well.Lets not forget the chairman came with a lot of baggage and with that background brings an air of mistrust which he will have to work very hard to overturn. Mistakes have been made to be fair, and quite a few of them with certain signings. Iwelumo hadnt for some reasons done himself any favours in the way he played in games but has recently turned it around. Loach was in the firing line far too long but now we have a goalkeeper to inspire confidence in the team. The style of play also hasnt been pretty to watch and sometimes has been down right hard to endure. I could point out all the things that have been wrong but this would take ages. So, my point is, the criticism dished out in the past has been justified for manager player selections , style of play, chairman etc.. but to be fair, the tide appears to be turning, and praise must follow. Remember though, criticism brings pressure on individuals in power to change things that supporters are not happy with, so i personally make no apologies and am very happy with the way things are going at the moment.

Great Post Harry,
Its just a shame that when the Likes of Lutondown,buckler,ho
rnet comet and myself dare to express an opinion that we are less than pleased with certain goings on players etc at the club, that we get insulted and personally abused.Something that we never have to resort to,dont let the facts get in the way of blind loyalty.
Once again can only reiterate what you have all been saying !!well done SD and the travelling support, and most of all the team for a great away win. Lets just keep it going and see what fate has instore for us.
SA hornet look forward to buying you a castle or something similar and maybe Mr price will put on a Brie for you out the back of the white Ellie .
Cheers

[quote][p][bold]harry uk[/bold] wrote: I have been critical of the chairman and manager and players. And i believe justified at times as well.Lets not forget the chairman came with a lot of baggage and with that background brings an air of mistrust which he will have to work very hard to overturn. Mistakes have been made to be fair, and quite a few of them with certain signings. Iwelumo hadnt for some reasons done himself any favours in the way he played in games but has recently turned it around. Loach was in the firing line far too long but now we have a goalkeeper to inspire confidence in the team. The style of play also hasnt been pretty to watch and sometimes has been down right hard to endure. I could point out all the things that have been wrong but this would take ages. So, my point is, the criticism dished out in the past has been justified for manager player selections , style of play, chairman etc.. but to be fair, the tide appears to be turning, and praise must follow. Remember though, criticism brings pressure on individuals in power to change things that supporters are not happy with, so i personally make no apologies and am very happy with the way things are going at the moment.[/p][/quote]Great Post Harry, Its just a shame that when the Likes of Lutondown,buckler,ho rnet comet and myself dare to express an opinion that we are less than pleased with certain goings on players etc at the club, that we get insulted and personally abused.Something that we never have to resort to,dont let the facts get in the way of blind loyalty. Once again can only reiterate what you have all been saying !!well done SD and the travelling support, and most of all the team for a great away win. Lets just keep it going and see what fate has instore for us. SA hornet look forward to buying you a castle or something similar and maybe Mr price will put on a Brie for you out the back of the white Ellie . Cheers KeithMercer

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stevemag says...
11:58am Sun 1 Apr 12

If Dyche had been bold enough to drop loach earlier and replace with a competent keeper then we would already be In the top 6 (or ereabouts).

A win against Blackpool would make the trip to Cardiff very interesting . Hull and Cardiff are certainly not in the best of from.

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rousman 2 says...
1:30pm Sun 1 Apr 12

stevemag wrote:
If Dyche had been bold enough to drop loach earlier and replace with a competent keeper then we would already be In the top 6 (or ereabouts).

A win against Blackpool would make the trip to Cardiff very interesting . Hull and Cardiff are certainly not in the best of from.

If he could have got TK or someone else earlier then I am sure he would have done the fact was until TK arrived Loach was the best at the club, bold enough has nothing to do with it.

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SAHornet says...
1:40pm Sun 1 Apr 12

harry uk wrote:
I have been critical of the chairman and manager and players. And i believe justified at times as well.Lets not forget the chairman came with a lot of baggage and with that background brings an air of mistrust which he will have to work very hard to overturn. Mistakes have been made to be fair, and quite a few of them with certain signings. Iwelumo hadnt for some reasons done himself any favours in the way he played in games but has recently turned it around. Loach was in the firing line far too long but now we have a goalkeeper to inspire confidence in the team. The style of play also hasnt been pretty to watch and sometimes has been down right hard to endure. I could point out all the things that have been wrong but this would take ages. So, my point is, the criticism dished out in the past has been justified for manager player selections , style of play, chairman etc.. but to be fair, the tide appears to be turning, and praise must follow. Remember though, criticism brings pressure on individuals in power to change things that supporters are not happy with, so i personally make no apologies and am very happy with the way things are going at the moment.

Couldn't have put it better meself, son.

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SAHornet says...
1:43pm Sun 1 Apr 12

KeithMercer wrote:

harry uk wrote:
I have been critical of the chairman and manager and players. And i believe justified at times as well.Lets not forget the chairman came with a lot of baggage and with that background brings an air of mistrust which he will have to work very hard to overturn. Mistakes have been made to be fair, and quite a few of them with certain signings. Iwelumo hadnt for some reasons done himself any favours in the way he played in games but has recently turned it around. Loach was in the firing line far too long but now we have a goalkeeper to inspire confidence in the team. The style of play also hasnt been pretty to watch and sometimes has been down right hard to endure. I could point out all the things that have been wrong but this would take ages. So, my point is, the criticism dished out in the past has been justified for manager player selections , style of play, chairman etc.. but to be fair, the tide appears to be turning, and praise must follow. Remember though, criticism brings pressure on individuals in power to change things that supporters are not happy with, so i personally make no apologies and am very happy with the way things are going at the moment.
Great Post Harry,
Its just a shame that when the Likes of Lutondown,buckler,ho

rnet comet and myself dare to express an opinion that we are less than pleased with certain goings on players etc at the club, that we get insulted and personally abused.Something that we never have to resort to,dont let the facts get in the way of blind loyalty.
Once again can only reiterate what you have all been saying !!well done SD and the travelling support, and most of all the team for a great away win. Lets just keep it going and see what fate has instore for us.
SA hornet look forward to buying you a castle or something similar and maybe Mr price will put on a Brie for you out the back of the white Ellie .
Cheers

Castle, Windhoek, Millers...anything will do. Just bring your yellow shirt with. Don't think that Mr. Price specializes in brie though, they sell cheap clothes not cheese. Maybe you meant a braai. You're all welcome anytime. I'll supply the meat, you bring the beer.

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KeithMercer says...
2:29pm Sun 1 Apr 12

Sorry SA , of course I meant Braai,got me sunday morning headache on at the mo !
have a good one .

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gilesy97 says...
2:55pm Sun 1 Apr 12

rousman 2 wrote:

stevemag wrote:
If Dyche had been bold enough to drop loach earlier and replace with a competent keeper then we would already be In the top 6 (or ereabouts).

A win against Blackpool would make the trip to Cardiff very interesting . Hull and Cardiff are certainly not in the best of from.
If he could have got TK or someone else earlier then I am sure he would have done the fact was until TK arrived Loach was the best at the club, bold enough has nothing to do with it.

I think the decision to rest Loach after 4 years in the team , was correct , especially as his and the teams confidence in him had gone...although he will bounce back and be a better keeper for it , but its certain, when he reaches his prime, it won't be at Watford . As for TK he has a bigger "presence" than Loach ( he is 6 years older) and is in his prime ...but apart from that I can see why he's United's 4th choice. Whilst he has made the odd excellent save , he has been dodgy a few times and was a contributing factor in Ipswich's goal by not dominating the situation and telling Dickinson he had a "man up" Yesterday , at Leeds he made this "double save" ...the first was a routine save which he chose to push out "into play" , and whilst he was virtually prostrate on the floor , the Leeds forward just hit the ball at him. An awful miss , and some BIG luck for our goalkeeper ( the luck that had deserted Loach ). It should have been 1-1 & we'd be talking about goalie error !!!! Add that to errors v.Southampton and the Derby free kick and the jurys out for me. He's on £ 38K a week at United , and I for one think its a long shot he'd play for us next season.Personally , i'd expect a better keeper for that sort of dosh , or settle for an established Championship keeper like Coventry's Joe Murphy. Bassinni is keen on getting him (TK) , which worries me as it would bust the pay structure of the club ....we're a good team at the moment because everyboy's on a level playing field, and busting a gut for each other !. Basini also wants a striker , so with that ....the pub , the east stand , the pitch & the south west corner alarm bells are ringing in my ears a little. Where's the money coming from?

[quote][p][bold]rousman 2[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]stevemag[/bold] wrote: If Dyche had been bold enough to drop loach earlier and replace with a competent keeper then we would already be In the top 6 (or ereabouts). A win against Blackpool would make the trip to Cardiff very interesting . Hull and Cardiff are certainly not in the best of from.[/p][/quote]If he could have got TK or someone else earlier then I am sure he would have done the fact was until TK arrived Loach was the best at the club, bold enough has nothing to do with it.[/p][/quote]I think the decision to rest Loach after 4 years in the team , was correct , especially as his and the teams confidence in him had gone...although he will bounce back and be a better keeper for it , but its certain, when he reaches his prime, it won't be at Watford . As for TK he has a bigger "presence" than Loach ( he is 6 years older) and is in his prime ...but apart from that I can see why he's United's 4th choice. Whilst he has made the odd excellent save , he has been dodgy a few times and was a contributing factor in Ipswich's goal by not dominating the situation and telling Dickinson he had a "man up" Yesterday , at Leeds he made this "double save" ...the first was a routine save which he chose to push out "into play" , and whilst he was virtually prostrate on the floor , the Leeds forward just hit the ball at him. An awful miss , and some BIG luck for our goalkeeper ( the luck that had deserted Loach ). It should have been 1-1 & we'd be talking about goalie error !!!! Add that to errors v.Southampton and the Derby free kick and the jurys out for me. He's on £ 38K a week at United , and I for one think its a long shot he'd play for us next season.Personally , i'd expect a better keeper for that sort of dosh , or settle for an established Championship keeper like Coventry's Joe Murphy. Bassinni is keen on getting him (TK) , which worries me as it would bust the pay structure of the club ....we're a good team at the moment because everyboy's on a level playing field, and busting a gut for each other !. Basini also wants a striker , so with that ....the pub , the east stand , the pitch & the south west corner alarm bells are ringing in my ears a little. Where's the money coming from? gilesy97

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watford9140 says...
3:10pm Sun 1 Apr 12

maybe selling Sordell wasn't such a bad thing after all...

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lutondown says...
6:27pm Sun 1 Apr 12

watford9140 wrote:
maybe selling Sordell wasn't such a bad thing after all...

yes I wonder if he's looking back and wondering...!
We were all wondering where the goals were coming from, well enter Murray, Deeney and Big Chris, who took his goals very well yesterday, and a gret assist from Deeney for his first.
Beat Blackpool and I really think its on and the Watford pressure group will be celebrating come April 28th when they meet

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steveinmk says...
8:48pm Sun 1 Apr 12

KeithMercer wrote:

harry uk wrote:
I have been critical of the chairman and manager and players. And i believe justified at times as well.Lets not forget the chairman came with a lot of baggage and with that background brings an air of mistrust which he will have to work very hard to overturn. Mistakes have been made to be fair, and quite a few of them with certain signings. Iwelumo hadnt for some reasons done himself any favours in the way he played in games but has recently turned it around. Loach was in the firing line far too long but now we have a goalkeeper to inspire confidence in the team. The style of play also hasnt been pretty to watch and sometimes has been down right hard to endure. I could point out all the things that have been wrong but this would take ages. So, my point is, the criticism dished out in the past has been justified for manager player selections , style of play, chairman etc.. but to be fair, the tide appears to be turning, and praise must follow. Remember though, criticism brings pressure on individuals in power to change things that supporters are not happy with, so i personally make no apologies and am very happy with the way things are going at the moment.
Great Post Harry,
Its just a shame that when the Likes of Lutondown,buckler,ho

rnet comet and myself dare to express an opinion that we are less than pleased with certain goings on players etc at the club, that we get insulted and personally abused.Something that we never have to resort to,dont let the facts get in the way of blind loyalty.
Once again can only reiterate what you have all been saying !!well done SD and the travelling support, and most of all the team for a great away win. Lets just keep it going and see what fate has instore for us.
SA hornet look forward to buying you a castle or something similar and maybe Mr price will put on a Brie for you out the back of the white Ellie .
Cheers

In reply to Keith Mercer

"Its just a shame that when the Likes of Lutondown,buckler,ho

rnet comet and myself dare to express an opinion that we are less than pleased with certain goings on players etc at the club, that we get insulted and personally abused.Something that we never have to resort to,dont let the facts get in the way of blind loyalty."

There's a difference, I think, between blind loyalty and hope. In the dark days last autumn, I don't think many people could honestly say that they were confident that Dyche could turn it around, but it was hard to see how the calls for sackings and the abuse of certain players (notably Iwelumo) could help. Many of us hoped that Dyche would learn quickly from mistakes (and I think he has), and we hoped that the (very!) occasional glimmers of what Iwelumo might offer could come to fruition at some point in the future. But at the time, he didn't deserve his place in the starting line-up - no need to abuse him, just take him out, give him a rest, see if he can get his fitness back (OK, so it didn't look likely) and now let's just be pleased with the pleasant surprise that we've had in the last few weeks. I didn't expect it either, but I'm glad it's happened, and it's good to see that the fans are starting to get behind him.
I still hope that Loach will become a decent and reliable keeper at this level, but he needed time out of the firing line - he wasn't playing well, and we've looked better since TK came in. But I still hope that he will get better and if, as seems possible, we start next season with Loach back in goal, I don't want us to start with the expectation that he will fail. The time on the bench may do him good, it may not, but let's judge it on the facts before writing him off. I thnk we can agree about that.

And, quite apart from any injuries, I'd suggest that what has happened to Lee Hodson is Sean Murray. Doyley's a better defender, but Hodson offers more (much more) in attack. This is a team game - with Yeates playing RM, Hodson was the right choice - we needed the creativity down the right flank. Murray in front of Doyley works fine; it's a good balance. Hodson hasn't done much wrong this year- he'll be back again, and this is another player who came back stronger after a period out of the side when the boo-boys were all for kicking him out permanently.

And of course it would all be a bit boring if everyone agreed with each other, wouldn't it? But debate shouldn't mean abuse. Happy Easter? Let's live in hope.

[quote][p][bold]KeithMercer[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]harry uk[/bold] wrote: I have been critical of the chairman and manager and players. And i believe justified at times as well.Lets not forget the chairman came with a lot of baggage and with that background brings an air of mistrust which he will have to work very hard to overturn. Mistakes have been made to be fair, and quite a few of them with certain signings. Iwelumo hadnt for some reasons done himself any favours in the way he played in games but has recently turned it around. Loach was in the firing line far too long but now we have a goalkeeper to inspire confidence in the team. The style of play also hasnt been pretty to watch and sometimes has been down right hard to endure. I could point out all the things that have been wrong but this would take ages. So, my point is, the criticism dished out in the past has been justified for manager player selections , style of play, chairman etc.. but to be fair, the tide appears to be turning, and praise must follow. Remember though, criticism brings pressure on individuals in power to change things that supporters are not happy with, so i personally make no apologies and am very happy with the way things are going at the moment.[/p][/quote]Great Post Harry, Its just a shame that when the Likes of Lutondown,buckler,ho rnet comet and myself dare to express an opinion that we are less than pleased with certain goings on players etc at the club, that we get insulted and personally abused.Something that we never have to resort to,dont let the facts get in the way of blind loyalty. Once again can only reiterate what you have all been saying !!well done SD and the travelling support, and most of all the team for a great away win. Lets just keep it going and see what fate has instore for us. SA hornet look forward to buying you a castle or something similar and maybe Mr price will put on a Brie for you out the back of the white Ellie . Cheers[/p][/quote]In reply to Keith Mercer "Its just a shame that when the Likes of Lutondown,buckler,ho rnet comet and myself dare to express an opinion that we are less than pleased with certain goings on players etc at the club, that we get insulted and personally abused.Something that we never have to resort to,dont let the facts get in the way of blind loyalty." There's a difference, I think, between blind loyalty and hope. In the dark days last autumn, I don't think many people could honestly say that they were confident that Dyche could turn it around, but it was hard to see how the calls for sackings and the abuse of certain players (notably Iwelumo) could help. Many of us hoped that Dyche would learn quickly from mistakes (and I think he has), and we hoped that the (very!) occasional glimmers of what Iwelumo might offer could come to fruition at some point in the future. But at the time, he didn't deserve his place in the starting line-up - no need to abuse him, just take him out, give him a rest, see if he can get his fitness back (OK, so it didn't look likely) and now let's just be pleased with the pleasant surprise that we've had in the last few weeks. I didn't expect it either, but I'm glad it's happened, and it's good to see that the fans are starting to get behind him. I still hope that Loach will become a decent and reliable keeper at this level, but he needed time out of the firing line - he wasn't playing well, and we've looked better since TK came in. But I still hope that he will get better and if, as seems possible, we start next season with Loach back in goal, I don't want us to start with the expectation that he will fail. The time on the bench may do him good, it may not, but let's judge it on the facts before writing him off. I thnk we can agree about that. And, quite apart from any injuries, I'd suggest that what has happened to Lee Hodson is Sean Murray. Doyley's a better defender, but Hodson offers more (much more) in attack. This is a team game - with Yeates playing RM, Hodson was the right choice - we needed the creativity down the right flank. Murray in front of Doyley works fine; it's a good balance. Hodson hasn't done much wrong this year- he'll be back again, and this is another player who came back stronger after a period out of the side when the boo-boys were all for kicking him out permanently. And of course it would all be a bit boring if everyone agreed with each other, wouldn't it? But debate shouldn't mean abuse. Happy Easter? Let's live in hope. steveinmk

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jasonwatford says...
10:19pm Sun 1 Apr 12

If we beat blackpool i will drive to cardiff game..anyone want a lift ??

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Chris the Vic says...
1:19am Mon 2 Apr 12

Glad to see so much support for Bas and Dyche, respect to those who are now standing up and admitting that maybe they got it wrong. I hope despite my support for Bas in particular that I am proved correct but the next couple of years will be very interesting and final judgement should be reserved.

The next act of contrition should come from GT. A legend as our manager but what an odd chairman, publicly criticising the owner for non attendance when he was ill, unsurprisingly he has gone quiet. But as graham knows it is all about team spirit!!

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Henry VIII says...
3:37am Mon 2 Apr 12

steveinmk wrote:

KeithMercer wrote:

harry uk wrote:
I have been critical of the chairman and manager and players. And i believe justified at times as well.Lets not forget the chairman came with a lot of baggage and with that background brings an air of mistrust which he will have to work very hard to overturn. Mistakes have been made to be fair, and quite a few of them with certain signings. Iwelumo hadnt for some reasons done himself any favours in the way he played in games but has recently turned it around. Loach was in the firing line far too long but now we have a goalkeeper to inspire confidence in the team. The style of play also hasnt been pretty to watch and sometimes has been down right hard to endure. I could point out all the things that have been wrong but this would take ages. So, my point is, the criticism dished out in the past has been justified for manager player selections , style of play, chairman etc.. but to be fair, the tide appears to be turning, and praise must follow. Remember though, criticism brings pressure on individuals in power to change things that supporters are not happy with, so i personally make no apologies and am very happy with the way things are going at the moment.
Great Post Harry,
Its just a shame that when the Likes of Lutondown,buckler,ho

rnet comet and myself dare to express an opinion that we are less than pleased with certain goings on players etc at the club, that we get insulted and personally abused.Something that we never have to resort to,dont let the facts get in the way of blind loyalty.
Once again can only reiterate what you have all been saying !!well done SD and the travelling support, and most of all the team for a great away win. Lets just keep it going and see what fate has instore for us.
SA hornet look forward to buying you a castle or something similar and maybe Mr price will put on a Brie for you out the back of the white Ellie .
Cheers
In reply to Keith Mercer

"Its just a shame that when the Likes of Lutondown,buckler,ho

rnet comet and myself dare to express an opinion that we are less than pleased with certain goings on players etc at the club, that we get insulted and personally abused.Something that we never have to resort to,dont let the facts get in the way of blind loyalty."

There's a difference, I think, between blind loyalty and hope. In the dark days last autumn, I don't think many people could honestly say that they were confident that Dyche could turn it around, but it was hard to see how the calls for sackings and the abuse of certain players (notably Iwelumo) could help. Many of us hoped that Dyche would learn quickly from mistakes (and I think he has), and we hoped that the (very!) occasional glimmers of what Iwelumo might offer could come to fruition at some point in the future. But at the time, he didn't deserve his place in the starting line-up - no need to abuse him, just take him out, give him a rest, see if he can get his fitness back (OK, so it didn't look likely) and now let's just be pleased with the pleasant surprise that we've had in the last few weeks. I didn't expect it either, but I'm glad it's happened, and it's good to see that the fans are starting to get behind him.
I still hope that Loach will become a decent and reliable keeper at this level, but he needed time out of the firing line - he wasn't playing well, and we've looked better since TK came in. But I still hope that he will get better and if, as seems possible, we start next season with Loach back in goal, I don't want us to start with the expectation that he will fail. The time on the bench may do him good, it may not, but let's judge it on the facts before writing him off. I thnk we can agree about that.

And, quite apart from any injuries, I'd suggest that what has happened to Lee Hodson is Sean Murray. Doyley's a better defender, but Hodson offers more (much more) in attack. This is a team game - with Yeates playing RM, Hodson was the right choice - we needed the creativity down the right flank. Murray in front of Doyley works fine; it's a good balance. Hodson hasn't done much wrong this year- he'll be back again, and this is another player who came back stronger after a period out of the side when the boo-boys were all for kicking him out permanently.

And of course it would all be a bit boring if everyone agreed with each other, wouldn't it? But debate shouldn't mean abuse. Happy Easter? Let's live in hope.

Great post. Even my best mate (season ticket holder since 1967) sometimes will see the game differntly to me - we all have opinions and they are not always the same. It's not a case of right or wrong, just how we feel it is. I remember big George Riley being booed for his first three home games, he also became a legend. Happy Easter to Steve in MK and all..... it could be a very Good Friday!

[quote][p][bold]steveinmk[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]KeithMercer[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]harry uk[/bold] wrote: I have been critical of the chairman and manager and players. And i believe justified at times as well.Lets not forget the chairman came with a lot of baggage and with that background brings an air of mistrust which he will have to work very hard to overturn. Mistakes have been made to be fair, and quite a few of them with certain signings. Iwelumo hadnt for some reasons done himself any favours in the way he played in games but has recently turned it around. Loach was in the firing line far too long but now we have a goalkeeper to inspire confidence in the team. The style of play also hasnt been pretty to watch and sometimes has been down right hard to endure. I could point out all the things that have been wrong but this would take ages. So, my point is, the criticism dished out in the past has been justified for manager player selections , style of play, chairman etc.. but to be fair, the tide appears to be turning, and praise must follow. Remember though, criticism brings pressure on individuals in power to change things that supporters are not happy with, so i personally make no apologies and am very happy with the way things are going at the moment.[/p][/quote]Great Post Harry, Its just a shame that when the Likes of Lutondown,buckler,ho rnet comet and myself dare to express an opinion that we are less than pleased with certain goings on players etc at the club, that we get insulted and personally abused.Something that we never have to resort to,dont let the facts get in the way of blind loyalty. Once again can only reiterate what you have all been saying !!well done SD and the travelling support, and most of all the team for a great away win. Lets just keep it going and see what fate has instore for us. SA hornet look forward to buying you a castle or something similar and maybe Mr price will put on a Brie for you out the back of the white Ellie . Cheers[/p][/quote]In reply to Keith Mercer "Its just a shame that when the Likes of Lutondown,buckler,ho rnet comet and myself dare to express an opinion that we are less than pleased with certain goings on players etc at the club, that we get insulted and personally abused.Something that we never have to resort to,dont let the facts get in the way of blind loyalty." There's a difference, I think, between blind loyalty and hope. In the dark days last autumn, I don't think many people could honestly say that they were confident that Dyche could turn it around, but it was hard to see how the calls for sackings and the abuse of certain players (notably Iwelumo) could help. Many of us hoped that Dyche would learn quickly from mistakes (and I think he has), and we hoped that the (very!) occasional glimmers of what Iwelumo might offer could come to fruition at some point in the future. But at the time, he didn't deserve his place in the starting line-up - no need to abuse him, just take him out, give him a rest, see if he can get his fitness back (OK, so it didn't look likely) and now let's just be pleased with the pleasant surprise that we've had in the last few weeks. I didn't expect it either, but I'm glad it's happened, and it's good to see that the fans are starting to get behind him. I still hope that Loach will become a decent and reliable keeper at this level, but he needed time out of the firing line - he wasn't playing well, and we've looked better since TK came in. But I still hope that he will get better and if, as seems possible, we start next season with Loach back in goal, I don't want us to start with the expectation that he will fail. The time on the bench may do him good, it may not, but let's judge it on the facts before writing him off. I thnk we can agree about that. And, quite apart from any injuries, I'd suggest that what has happened to Lee Hodson is Sean Murray. Doyley's a better defender, but Hodson offers more (much more) in attack. This is a team game - with Yeates playing RM, Hodson was the right choice - we needed the creativity down the right flank. Murray in front of Doyley works fine; it's a good balance. Hodson hasn't done much wrong this year- he'll be back again, and this is another player who came back stronger after a period out of the side when the boo-boys were all for kicking him out permanently. And of course it would all be a bit boring if everyone agreed with each other, wouldn't it? But debate shouldn't mean abuse. Happy Easter? Let's live in hope.[/p][/quote]Great post. Even my best mate (season ticket holder since 1967) sometimes will see the game differntly to me - we all have opinions and they are not always the same. It's not a case of right or wrong, just how we feel it is. I remember big George Riley being booed for his first three home games, he also became a legend. Happy Easter to Steve in MK and all..... it could be a very Good Friday! Henry VIII

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corbindallas says...
8:39am Mon 2 Apr 12

SA Hornet I will put my order on now for Boerewors and Bilton, think some of our Hornet fans will like a bit of our home culture in the Yellow & Red Lion, I am a former Rhodesian born and breed.

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northofwatfordpete says...
8:45am Mon 2 Apr 12

Maybe goalkeepers and strikers make their own luck. Both Deeney and Snodgrass should have scored yesterday and TK certainly rode his luck when we were 1-0 up. Confidence is high at the moment and we seem to be getting the rub of the green - long may it last!

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Hornet Cornet says...
8:48am Mon 2 Apr 12

Henry VIII wrote:

steveinmk wrote:

KeithMercer wrote:

harry uk wrote:
I have been critical of the chairman and manager and players. And i believe justified at times as well.Lets not forget the chairman came with a lot of baggage and with that background brings an air of mistrust which he will have to work very hard to overturn. Mistakes have been made to be fair, and quite a few of them with certain signings. Iwelumo hadnt for some reasons done himself any favours in the way he played in games but has recently turned it around. Loach was in the firing line far too long but now we have a goalkeeper to inspire confidence in the team. The style of play also hasnt been pretty to watch and sometimes has been down right hard to endure. I could point out all the things that have been wrong but this would take ages. So, my point is, the criticism dished out in the past has been justified for manager player selections , style of play, chairman etc.. but to be fair, the tide appears to be turning, and praise must follow. Remember though, criticism brings pressure on individuals in power to change things that supporters are not happy with, so i personally make no apologies and am very happy with the way things are going at the moment.
Great Post Harry,
Its just a shame that when the Likes of Lutondown,buckler,ho

rnet comet and myself dare to express an opinion that we are less than pleased with certain goings on players etc at the club, that we get insulted and personally abused.Something that we never have to resort to,dont let the facts get in the way of blind loyalty.
Once again can only reiterate what you have all been saying !!well done SD and the travelling support, and most of all the team for a great away win. Lets just keep it going and see what fate has instore for us.
SA hornet look forward to buying you a castle or something similar and maybe Mr price will put on a Brie for you out the back of the white Ellie .
Cheers
In reply to Keith Mercer

"Its just a shame that when the Likes of Lutondown,buckler,ho

rnet comet and myself dare to express an opinion that we are less than pleased with certain goings on players etc at the club, that we get insulted and personally abused.Something that we never have to resort to,dont let the facts get in the way of blind loyalty."

There's a difference, I think, between blind loyalty and hope. In the dark days last autumn, I don't think many people could honestly say that they were confident that Dyche could turn it around, but it was hard to see how the calls for sackings and the abuse of certain players (notably Iwelumo) could help. Many of us hoped that Dyche would learn quickly from mistakes (and I think he has), and we hoped that the (very!) occasional glimmers of what Iwelumo might offer could come to fruition at some point in the future. But at the time, he didn't deserve his place in the starting line-up - no need to abuse him, just take him out, give him a rest, see if he can get his fitness back (OK, so it didn't look likely) and now let's just be pleased with the pleasant surprise that we've had in the last few weeks. I didn't expect it either, but I'm glad it's happened, and it's good to see that the fans are starting to get behind him.
I still hope that Loach will become a decent and reliable keeper at this level, but he needed time out of the firing line - he wasn't playing well, and we've looked better since TK came in. But I still hope that he will get better and if, as seems possible, we start next season with Loach back in goal, I don't want us to start with the expectation that he will fail. The time on the bench may do him good, it may not, but let's judge it on the facts before writing him off. I thnk we can agree about that.

And, quite apart from any injuries, I'd suggest that what has happened to Lee Hodson is Sean Murray. Doyley's a better defender, but Hodson offers more (much more) in attack. This is a team game - with Yeates playing RM, Hodson was the right choice - we needed the creativity down the right flank. Murray in front of Doyley works fine; it's a good balance. Hodson hasn't done much wrong this year- he'll be back again, and this is another player who came back stronger after a period out of the side when the boo-boys were all for kicking him out permanently.

And of course it would all be a bit boring if everyone agreed with each other, wouldn't it? But debate shouldn't mean abuse. Happy Easter? Let's live in hope.
Great post. Even my best mate (season ticket holder since 1967) sometimes will see the game differntly to me - we all have opinions and they are not always the same. It's not a case of right or wrong, just how we feel it is. I remember big George Riley being booed for his first three home games, he also became a legend. Happy Easter to Steve in MK and all..... it could be a very Good Friday!

Ditto. top comments. lets all say no to abuse, unless its aimed a lutown .

[quote][p][bold]Henry VIII[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]steveinmk[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]KeithMercer[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]harry uk[/bold] wrote: I have been critical of the chairman and manager and players. And i believe justified at times as well.Lets not forget the chairman came with a lot of baggage and with that background brings an air of mistrust which he will have to work very hard to overturn. Mistakes have been made to be fair, and quite a few of them with certain signings. Iwelumo hadnt for some reasons done himself any favours in the way he played in games but has recently turned it around. Loach was in the firing line far too long but now we have a goalkeeper to inspire confidence in the team. The style of play also hasnt been pretty to watch and sometimes has been down right hard to endure. I could point out all the things that have been wrong but this would take ages. So, my point is, the criticism dished out in the past has been justified for manager player selections , style of play, chairman etc.. but to be fair, the tide appears to be turning, and praise must follow. Remember though, criticism brings pressure on individuals in power to change things that supporters are not happy with, so i personally make no apologies and am very happy with the way things are going at the moment.[/p][/quote]Great Post Harry, Its just a shame that when the Likes of Lutondown,buckler,ho rnet comet and myself dare to express an opinion that we are less than pleased with certain goings on players etc at the club, that we get insulted and personally abused.Something that we never have to resort to,dont let the facts get in the way of blind loyalty. Once again can only reiterate what you have all been saying !!well done SD and the travelling support, and most of all the team for a great away win. Lets just keep it going and see what fate has instore for us. SA hornet look forward to buying you a castle or something similar and maybe Mr price will put on a Brie for you out the back of the white Ellie . Cheers[/p][/quote]In reply to Keith Mercer "Its just a shame that when the Likes of Lutondown,buckler,ho rnet comet and myself dare to express an opinion that we are less than pleased with certain goings on players etc at the club, that we get insulted and personally abused.Something that we never have to resort to,dont let the facts get in the way of blind loyalty." There's a difference, I think, between blind loyalty and hope. In the dark days last autumn, I don't think many people could honestly say that they were confident that Dyche could turn it around, but it was hard to see how the calls for sackings and the abuse of certain players (notably Iwelumo) could help. Many of us hoped that Dyche would learn quickly from mistakes (and I think he has), and we hoped that the (very!) occasional glimmers of what Iwelumo might offer could come to fruition at some point in the future. But at the time, he didn't deserve his place in the starting line-up - no need to abuse him, just take him out, give him a rest, see if he can get his fitness back (OK, so it didn't look likely) and now let's just be pleased with the pleasant surprise that we've had in the last few weeks. I didn't expect it either, but I'm glad it's happened, and it's good to see that the fans are starting to get behind him. I still hope that Loach will become a decent and reliable keeper at this level, but he needed time out of the firing line - he wasn't playing well, and we've looked better since TK came in. But I still hope that he will get better and if, as seems possible, we start next season with Loach back in goal, I don't want us to start with the expectation that he will fail. The time on the bench may do him good, it may not, but let's judge it on the facts before writing him off. I thnk we can agree about that. And, quite apart from any injuries, I'd suggest that what has happened to Lee Hodson is Sean Murray. Doyley's a better defender, but Hodson offers more (much more) in attack. This is a team game - with Yeates playing RM, Hodson was the right choice - we needed the creativity down the right flank. Murray in front of Doyley works fine; it's a good balance. Hodson hasn't done much wrong this year- he'll be back again, and this is another player who came back stronger after a period out of the side when the boo-boys were all for kicking him out permanently. And of course it would all be a bit boring if everyone agreed with each other, wouldn't it? But debate shouldn't mean abuse. Happy Easter? Let's live in hope.[/p][/quote]Great post. Even my best mate (season ticket holder since 1967) sometimes will see the game differntly to me - we all have opinions and they are not always the same. It's not a case of right or wrong, just how we feel it is. I remember big George Riley being booed for his first three home games, he also became a legend. Happy Easter to Steve in MK and all..... it could be a very Good Friday![/p][/quote]Ditto. top comments. lets all say no to abuse, unless its aimed a lutown . Hornet Cornet

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LD forever says...
9:37am Mon 2 Apr 12

There was only one Scully wrote:

radlettman wrote: So what exactly has happened to Lee Hodson ?
His injured and looking forward to a very long football career. See comments on our young players that were played to soon and often by a certain MM last season.

Ummmm he's not injured as like many other players he has fallen out of favour with the manager

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hollywood101 says...
9:52am Mon 2 Apr 12

well done to Bassini and Taylor for having faith in Dyche after Manky left. On the cardiff city forums some are saying that they recruited the wrong man last season lol And from what i've been hearing, they probably have as Dyche was an integral part of last season whilst he was still learning. IN DYCHE I TRUST

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Hornet Cornet says...
10:05am Mon 2 Apr 12

HC is holding his hands up, he's got it wrong about Dyche.

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lutondown says...
3:35pm Mon 2 Apr 12

corbindallas wrote:
SA Hornet I will put my order on now for Boerewors and Bilton, think some of our Hornet fans will like a bit of our home culture in the Yellow & Red Lion, I am a former Rhodesian born and breed.

Corby come join us on the 28th April
You will be very welcome and you will see I'm actually quite loveable ( at least my Mum thinks do)
I will be glad to buy all my forum friends or foes a pint, and despite my undershot bulldog like jaw do not bite!
And hopefully we will all be celebrating a chance in the play offs!
Frannypants if your reading this you too are cordially invited, that's if our not ay reaching that day!

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There was only one Scully says...
7:41pm Mon 2 Apr 12

LD forever wrote:

There was only one Scully wrote:

radlettman wrote: So what exactly has happened to Lee Hodson ?
His injured and looking forward to a very long football career. See comments on our young players that were played to soon and often by a certain MM last season.
Ummmm he's not injured as like many other players he has fallen out of favour with the manager

No, he has not fallen out with the manager and as I said he is injured.
His been carrying an injury for some time and the rest will benefit his long term playing.

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