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Stewart released by Horns
5:25pm Wednesday 7th May 2008
Comments (75)Jordan Stewart will not be part of Watford's Championship play-off squad after he was surprisingly released by the club today.
Stewart's departure was one of the worst kept secrets at Vicarage Road but many expected him to see out of the rest of the season before joining another club on a free transfer.
The decision leaves manager Aidy Boothroyd without any cover for Mat Sadler for the two games against Hull City.
Stewart has turned down two separate offers of a new deal this season, with his wage demands believed to have been the stumbling block, and his performances levels have dipped alarmingly since Boothroyd gave the full back a half-time dressing down at Loftus Road in September.
The left-back is also understood to have spoken out of turn during the hour-long dressing room inquest that took place after the defeat at home to Scunthorpe.
Stewart was dropped from the squad altogether for the trip to Blackpool, although he was one of three travelling reserves.
Derby and QPR are thought to be interested in signing Stewart who joined Watford three years ago from Leicester.
For an exclusive interview with Stewart see this week's paper.
Your Say YourWatford
MikeS, Birmingham says...
5:58pm Wed 7 May 08
Hurlsburls, says...
6:48pm Wed 7 May 08
hornetcarp, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE says...
7:01pm Wed 7 May 08
aperfectcircle, london says...
7:03pm Wed 7 May 08
MikeS wrote:i hope your being sarcastic!
Cheers for the efforts Jordan. Another who copped the wrath of the 'boo boy bandwagon'. All the best for the future
farewell stewart, you lethargic, uninspiring, poor excuse for a footballer.
take your obvious 'passion' elsewhere.
eaststandaggro, Watford says...
7:10pm Wed 7 May 08
BELGIAN HORNET, BELGIUM says...
7:17pm Wed 7 May 08
eaststandaggro, Watford says...
7:22pm Wed 7 May 08
BELGIAN HORNET wrote:My 2 daughters play for Watford Ladies and they have shown more sprit and determination this season than the mens first team put together.You might want to come and see the standard of football of the ladies? you might be surprised BUT I think I know what you meant
Jordan thanks for your contribution. Ignore the snide remarks, the subscribers probably would not get (due to their footballing ability)a game for Watford Ladies. All the best for the future.
Metal Mickey, Iver Bucks says...
7:26pm Wed 7 May 08
BELGIAN HORNET, BELGIUM says...
7:29pm Wed 7 May 08
Tynedale Hornet, Hexham says...
7:30pm Wed 7 May 08
Metal Mickey, Iver Bucks says...
7:31pm Wed 7 May 08
BELGIAN HORNET wrote:But most of us have more good days than bad days, a three fingered neandothol from Burmley has more than enough fingers to count Jordans good days...
Apologies my friend (eaststandaggro) no offence to Watford Ladies, but footballers like the rest of us, have good days and bad days.
eaststandaggro, Watford says...
7:34pm Wed 7 May 08
Metal Mickey wrote:I know him!
BELGIAN HORNET wrote: Apologies my friend (eaststandaggro) no offence to Watford Ladies, but footballers like the rest of us, have good days and bad days.But most of us have more good days than bad days, a three fingered neandothol from Burmley has more than enough fingers to count Jordans good days...
His name is Brian
I met him in Kos!
(no offence taken Mr B)
Darren, Canada says...
7:42pm Wed 7 May 08
Ramage, Watford says...
7:49pm Wed 7 May 08
He played well in the prem especially at WHU, I wish him all the best.
The only time he has really annoyed me was at home to Argyle when he gave up on the winger allowing them to win it at the death.
Mat Sadler hasn't been any better but people see how they want to see it rather than how it is.
aperfectcircle, london says...
7:55pm Wed 7 May 08
eaststandaggro, Watford says...
7:57pm Wed 7 May 08
Ramage wrote:What is it with fans and full backs?
Worst left back to ever play for us ? You must be joking - what about Mayo. He played well in the prem especially at WHU, I wish him all the best. The only time he has really annoyed me was at home to Argyle when he gave up on the winger allowing them to win it at the death. Mat Sadler hasn't been any better but people see how they want to see it rather than how it is.
A good friend of mine who has been in the rous stand for a while(years ago) heard a comment from a fan when a Watford leftback(can't remember the name at the mo)ran from outside his own box, beat 7 players and rifled it in the top corner, as everyone was cheering and chanting his name, an old codger shouted ' What are you doing up there? it's a disgrace!'Thought I'll share that with you! I will let you know the player
Scotshorn, Aberdeen says...
7:59pm Wed 7 May 08
Darren wrote:Not sure that I would agree about the timing. There must be quite a few in the squad who are now thinking "am I next?".
It sounds like excellent timing to me. Focus on the week ahead, one less distraction. I never like to slate players but as many have said, he has been awful for most of the season. I bet he didn't expect the timing of this either.
Sad, but not sorry to see him go - dont see him as a bad player, simply a frustratingly hot & cold player, who at times just didn't appear bothered. Very useful last season, but couldn't sustain the effort.
So, who do we want as a replacement?
Hexham Hornet, Hexham says...
8:10pm Wed 7 May 08
Tynedale Hornet wrote:Good post TH. It is good to see that there is more than one contributor in the beautiful NE who is a Watford fan. I agree that Stewart has been harshly treated by the boo boys in the rookery. He only started to play with a lack of confidence once the fans started to get on his back, after he decided not to sign a new contract when it was offered. I am sure that anybody would take the opportunity to better themselves before taking on a new 2 or 3 year contract. Good Luck to Jordan and I hope you get regular football at your new club.
Good luck Jordan. A decent honest player in my humble opinion. One of the things that I take pride in is that Watford fans, generally, give returning ex players a decent reception. I hope he gets one. Obviously I don't applaud Lee Cook though!
mitch, kings langley says...
8:17pm Wed 7 May 08
James, Watford says...
8:27pm Wed 7 May 08
Annoyed, Rookery says...
8:29pm Wed 7 May 08
Roger, St Albans says...
8:37pm Wed 7 May 08
VoR, watford says...
9:13pm Wed 7 May 08
plus he's got no hair!
P.s.......Bugger off.
Mark, Watford says...
9:17pm Wed 7 May 08
VoR, watford says...
9:30pm Wed 7 May 08
paul jones, the grove says...
9:32pm Wed 7 May 08
henry, oxhey says...
9:40pm Wed 7 May 08
However his play hardly justified an
improved contract - often out of position
(not always his fault), stood off too much, showed players inside when there wasn't any back up,
rarely moved into space for team mates, seemed positionally unaware a lot of the time.
In general he was an irritating player.
Not much of a legacy is it ?!!
The enlightened one, Garston says...
10:38pm Wed 7 May 08
Mark, Watford says...
10:42pm Wed 7 May 08
The enlightened one wrote:No..he was a free transfer from Leciester and we were told he wasn't very good at the time really.
If I remember correctly didn't boofers actually pay money for this useless sack of sh1t,great work aidy keep it up.
Mind you they did get James Chambers off us and might well do with Stewart back!
zip, The real world says...
11:14pm Wed 7 May 08
Why get rid of him now when we have no cover at left back? That is poor management and is borne out of spite for a player who dared to speak out of turn.
Boothroyd is a nasty little control freak and i suspect there are many more in the dressing room who have had enough of him.
In fact its about time someone put the arrogant little nothern git on his backside.
Bug off Boothers, you're the problem at this club mate.
rosh99, hereford says...
11:22pm Wed 7 May 08
1. Jordan Stewart
2. Jay DeMerit
3. Marlon King
4. (Probably) Ashley Young
5. Gavin Mahon
6. (Possibly) Keith Burkinshaw
7. Anthony McNamee??
8. Anyone else I've missed out.
Granted some of them are excellent players, some aren't particularly good, but the common link is that AB seems to have fallen out with all of them then spat his dummy out.
Regardless of how good or bad Jordan Stewart is, the common trend of for AB to boot anyone out to self-preserve himself.
AB needs to wake up and smell the roses. He is the one manager out of the top two divisions to constantly fall out with players.
What does that tell you?
JimBob, Watford says...
11:38pm Wed 7 May 08
rosh99 wrote:It tells me that you don't understand the concept of football management or really football at all.
Can anyone spot a common link between:- 1. Jordan Stewart 2. Jay DeMerit 3. Marlon King 4. (Probably) Ashley Young 5. Gavin Mahon 6. (Possibly) Keith Burkinshaw 7. Anthony McNamee?? 8. Anyone else I've missed out. Granted some of them are excellent players, some aren't particularly good, but the common link is that AB seems to have fallen out with all of them then spat his dummy out. Regardless of how good or bad Jordan Stewart is, the common trend of for AB to boot anyone out to self-preserve himself. AB needs to wake up and smell the roses. He is the one manager out of the top two divisions to constantly fall out with players. What does that tell you?
AB certainly isn't the only manager to 'fall out' with players (though I love the fact that your list has three probablys) and regardless, he's in charge. Football clubs aren't run by committee!
It's not about self-preservation, it's about kicking out players who aren't prepared to do their bit for the team. Stewart has had ideas above his station for months now and we're well to be shot of his disruptive influence.
rosh99, hereford says...
11:45pm Wed 7 May 08
One probably and one possibly, but I like your style! As for not understanding football, I would disagree and put it down to the fact that we both want the same thing but may have different ideas on how to get there.
I would love AB to pull a big fat rabbit out of the hat in these play-offs. Let's see what happens and hope for the best.
rosh99, hereford says...
11:48pm Wed 7 May 08
andy, oxhey says...
12:04am Thu 8 May 08
andy, oxhey says...
12:07am Thu 8 May 08
Stewart, LB says...
12:25am Thu 8 May 08
zip wrote:Did Aidy bully you at school??
Some people forget that he was one of the better performers in the premiership last season. Why get rid of him now when we have no cover at left back? That is poor management and is borne out of spite for a player who dared to speak out of turn. Boothroyd is a nasty little control freak and i suspect there are many more in the dressing room who have had enough of him. In fact its about time someone put the arrogant little nothern git on his backside. Bug off Boothers, you're the problem at this club mate.
Knob.
Des, Hatch End says...
2:17am Thu 8 May 08
I'm sure he has friends in the squad who will now be feeling let down by their manager.
Sadler had a good first couple of games but has been poor for all the others.
This release sends the wrong message to the squad.This is purely a desperate move by Hoofroyd to (de)motivate his team.
We haven't saved any money by releasing him now so we could only have gained by keeping him until his contract expired.If Sadler gets injured or sent off who plays left back?
Jay hasn't been good enough in his regular position let alone an alien one!
The players want to play football but Hoofers won't let them.There will only be one reason why we fail in the playoffs so step forward Hoofers and wave goodbye.
Des
The enlightened one, Garston says...
7:53am Thu 8 May 08
Play-Off Pete, Essex says...
8:11am Thu 8 May 08
JohnBoy, Watford says...
8:33am Thu 8 May 08
Play-Off Pete wrote:How can you mention Stewart and Robbo in the same sentence?
Stewart obviously had some talent but always looked too casual. A professional should always give 100% dedication even when he's "had words" with the manager. No-one so far above has compared him to Paul Robinson but when you do Stewart always appeared too lethargic for our needs.
Stewart was a light weight clown who admiringly watched opposition wingers putting the ball into the box. Robbo bled yellow.
peter parker, the big apple says...
9:01am Thu 8 May 08
If the article has been taken out of text like certain people are saying it is then its very poor journalism when we are on the verge of the first leg, it does absolutely nothing except get people wound up and creates divides, we need to stay together and give our all on Sunday, the odds are against us but lets become that 12th man and really support the team more than ever ....
RETIRING SAGE, off to the pub says...
9:17am Thu 8 May 08
(Cheers from zippy/col & JB amongst others!)
Having been very busy recently,I have still tuned in from time to time to see that I have acquired an occasional imposter and at least 3 poor sods who have been accused of being me!
The site is just getting worse with less constructive thought than ever.
The KB stuff is presented as though it is an interview just about WFC which I do not think it is.
For the record the loss of JS at this time is mad,I actually agree with Zip for once that MS is average at best
(v poor @ Blackpool)
Just like GM we have replaced him with worse. JE is ok but at least as slow as Gav,much worse in the air & better at short passing but not as good at long passes. I have seen little evidence that he is as good a skipper. I do like his approach and hope he gets his form back as he does get stuck in, but gives away far too many fouls.
Those who attack DH are poor judges in my opinion.I would like to see TR given a chance on Sunday but doubt he will.SK can of course deputise for DH but Hull dominated at set pieces in our box in the 0-3 game
(2 goals resulting)and without DH & JS I fear it will be costly again.
However the site does provide an outlet for the confused mumblings of poor old Johnboy, who in the above post as usual, totally gets the original posters` point arse backwards.
It was reading his latest drivel that decided me to give up now!
Poor old bloke! anyone can be a bit dim witted but he compounds extremes of slow thinking with arrogance that extends to telling people who they should vote for in other parts of the WO site!
Still I accept that he may be useful as a kind of historian as he religiously collects the rants of Colin & preserves for posterity!
RETIRING SAGE, off to the pub says...
9:39am Thu 8 May 08
Goodbye !
Jimbohornet, Bucks says...
9:46am Thu 8 May 08
Bye bye Jordan off to LA is it, more like LB!
VoR, watford says...
9:46am Thu 8 May 08
To pin the blame on one poster for the fact you're giving up on this site is quite frankly outrageous.
If that's the way you want it then bugger off!
Don't worry JB, it just sums up that nobhead......good bye sage.
Johnny Mac, Watford says...
10:09am Thu 8 May 08
RETIRING SAGE, off to the pub says...
10:13am Thu 8 May 08
Sorry Vor ,I meant to wish you a fond(ish) farewll.
Actually is JB`s stupidity catching? It was his stuff that made me give up NOW but as indicated I was finding site less & less interesting anyway.
I wiil post no more at all but glad you have decided to come out of the closet--
HOW VERY DARE YOU!!!!!
VoR, watford says...
10:22am Thu 8 May 08
RETIRING SAGE wrote:Big "V" little "o" finishing with.....Big "R" !!!!
DOUBLE DEFFO the last word from me!
Sorry Vor ,I meant to wish you a fond(ish) farewll.
Actually is JB`s stupidity catching? It was his stuff that made me give up NOW but as indicated I was finding site less & less interesting anyway.
I wiil post no more at all but glad you have decided to come out of the closet--
HOW VERY DARE YOU!!!!!
Can't even get that right.
Tony Coton, Brighton says...
10:27am Thu 8 May 08
Regardless of what any of us thought of Stewart (and I never took to him) he was regarded as the joker of the club, great in the dressing room etc. Mahon was referred to by AB as the glue that holds the team together but was told in october(i think) that we were getting promoted and didnt need him.
Boothroyd has destroyed the spirit he built up by falling out with 2 popular members of the squad. The feeling left is obvious when you look at the commitment on the pitch, the performances have been rubbish.
I think Boothroyd has forgotten the basics.
James, Kings Langley says...
10:30am Thu 8 May 08
No one sets out to play badly but Stewart's performances haven't been good enough for some time. And if he's undermining the dressing room then he has to go sooner rather than later.
Dave, Holborn says...
11:18am Thu 8 May 08
Good to know that the players are preparing themselves in the right way though.
tiggysdad, St Albans says...
1:23pm Thu 8 May 08
Loidis, Norway says...
2:10pm Thu 8 May 08
Roger wrote:Spot on, Roger!
This "story" is nothing more than a trailer for this weeks Observer, hinting as it does that "revelations" will follow in the full story. Expect more of these in the coming weeks, as KA gets hold of dissafected players who are leaving Watford(and there will be a few) and spins their stories for maximum (negative) impact. Doubtless the editorial instructions have gone out--"get hold of players who are leaving and get them to say something bad about Boothroyd/Simpson/ whoever".. Well timed this one, just before the play- offs.
Kevin Affleck is doing every thing he can to undermine Boothroyds posistion at Watford. We've just read quotes from Burkinshaw about playing style, and now we will soon be able to read an "exclusive" interview with Jordan Stewart, where Affleck hope to get some statements that he can use against Boothroyd.
And these writings comes at a time when the club are trying to prepare for games that could decide the clubs financial position for many years to come.
Kevin Afflecks wrighting has nothing to do with critical journalism - it's a personal crusade against Aidy Boothroyd!
Mark, Watford says...
2:42pm Thu 8 May 08
The enlightened one wrote:Ah sorry...must be have been uner 24 so had to pay a fee despite him being free...
Mark I think you'll find the Head of Control Freakery paid £125,000 of our clubs money on this bone idle good for nothing,not to mention the thousands of pounds a week on his wages.Good work boofers pay rises all round !
JohnBoy, Watford says...
3:16pm Thu 8 May 08
I was trying to make the point that Stewart and Robbo are incomparable but as usual he missed the point.
watfordal, barnet says...
4:07pm Thu 8 May 08
Vicar Rage, says...
4:23pm Thu 8 May 08
What utter poppycock!
KA is undermining the manager by reporting the things he says and does?
Simple then - don't do them and say them.
Just to be clear on some key points. Did the WO:
Get rid of Mahon?
Choose to sell Bouazza and King?
Sign Ellington?
Lose the services of Burkinshaw?
Get Collins John in on loan?
Er, no.
And if the manager makes decisions and the WO have access to the other side of the story (ie, if they interview Stewart), just tell me why those fans who want to read it should be denied the chance?
These stories can only be run at such a crucial stage in the club's season because the club allows them to by making the decisions they make.
Of course, it would be nice to read some positive words from players before the play-offs - but I am led to believe that requests from the WO to interview a number of players in the squad were refused because the players "needed to stay focussed".
The WO can't write the type of tub-thumping stories you seek if the club won't allow them to.
watfordal, barnet says...
4:31pm Thu 8 May 08
oxheypaul, watford says...
5:13pm Thu 8 May 08
An employee who isn't very good at his job, constantly argues with the boss and is unpopular with the customers...sounds like a recipe for the bullet to me.
chris, the vic says...
7:09pm Thu 8 May 08
I will remember your efforts in the Premiership for us and try to forget many of this years games. I think a move is going to be good for both parties and the earlier the better for you to sort out a team for next year.
Just hope we dont get an injury that makes us regret this early release
true supporter, hemel says...
8:33pm Thu 8 May 08
jonty, Watford says...
5:57pm Wed 7 May 08