Hornets
Aidy: The goals will come
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| Aidy Boothroyd. Picture: Jane Parr |
Aidy Boothroyd remains philosophical about Watford's lean spell in front of goal, believing the goals will start flowing freely sooner rather than later.
Watford have scored 12 goals in their last 14 games and mustered just three in the last six home matches.
Darius Henderson has scored just three times since the turn of the year, Tamas Priskin has just one league goal to his name this season in a yellow shirt, Nathan Ellington has found the net only four times since arriving from West Brom while Steve Kabba has registered just one goal since arriving from Sheffield United over a year ago.
"If we weren't creating chances then I'd have a major, major problem," said the manager. "It's not a major problem at the minute but if it keeps going on then it will be."
Boothroyd is happy with the supply line to his strikers, believing the drought is a result of a mental problem rather than a technical or tactical one.
"I think it's about having a belief in front of goal," he said. "You only get out of something like this by keep working hard and practising. One will go in off someone's ear lobe and that will be it, there will be a flood."
3:41pm Tuesday 22nd April 2008
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CommentPosted by: chrissyboy, Milton Keynes on 4:30pm Tue 22 Apr 08
Blimey, he does'nt give up our boss does he! Fair play to being positive, but as to ..."One will go in off someone's ear lobe and that will be it, there will be a flood.".... well I'll be there on Saturday with Noah and his Ark quite happy to see the flood!
Please, please be right Mr Boothroyd.
Blimey, he does'nt give up our boss does he! Fair play to being positive, but as to ..."One will go in off someone's ear lobe and that will be it, there will be a flood.".... well I'll be there on Saturday with Noah and his Ark quite happy to see the flood!
Please, please be right Mr Boothroyd.
Posted by: oxheypaul, watford on 4:48pm Tue 22 Apr 08
Prsikin's problem is that he is an utter tart...as witnessed by his miss on Saturday at 0-0. He was more worried about getting clattered by the defender than putting the ball in the net.
He then chickened out of a challenge on the halfway line that allowed the Palace defender to set up the attack from which they got their opener.
Prsikin's problem is that he is an utter tart...as witnessed by his miss on Saturday at 0-0. He was more worried about getting clattered by the defender than putting the ball in the net.
He then chickened out of a challenge on the halfway line that allowed the Palace defender to set up the attack from which they got their opener.
Posted by: Michael, Berkhamsted on 4:52pm Tue 22 Apr 08
The goals will come after you resign.
Please no more Bullshi*.
The goals will come after you resign.
Please no more Bullshi*.
Posted by: Hexham Hornet, Hexham on 5:00pm Tue 22 Apr 08
I don't care where the goals come from either. The worry has been that for much of the last 2 seasons we have had serious problems in front of goal and I don't know why it should suddenly end now. It is all to do with confidence and also getting in behind the opposition's back 4 so that our forwards have more chance of putting it away. If we stop thumping the ball through the middle then Aidy may be right. As far as I am concerned nearly all the outfield players, except Shittu, owe us goals. McAnuff has wasted chances, Smith has scored as many as I would expect, Henderson has been woeful in front of goal, as have his strike partners and the midfield have not got their full quota. Perhaps hypnosis to get over their lack of confidence might help - it would be more positive than the treatment they receive from the so called fans. 61 goals in 44 games is not promotion quality, nor is it good enough to stay up next season if we do get into the Premier league.
I don't care where the goals come from either. The worry has been that for much of the last 2 seasons we have had serious problems in front of goal and I don't know why it should suddenly end now. It is all to do with confidence and also getting in behind the opposition's back 4 so that our forwards have more chance of putting it away. If we stop thumping the ball through the middle then Aidy may be right. As far as I am concerned nearly all the outfield players, except Shittu, owe us goals. McAnuff has wasted chances, Smith has scored as many as I would expect, Henderson has been woeful in front of goal, as have his strike partners and the midfield have not got their full quota. Perhaps hypnosis to get over their lack of confidence might help - it would be more positive than the treatment they receive from the so called fans. 61 goals in 44 games is not promotion quality, nor is it good enough to stay up next season if we do get into the Premier league.
Posted by: The enlightened one, Garston on 5:01pm Tue 22 Apr 08
Can someone please,please explain to me why this berk is still in a job ?
No.I've got no idea either the man is just beyond parody.
Can someone please,please explain to me why this berk is still in a job ?
No.I've got no idea either the man is just beyond parody.
Posted by: SIMMO, BUCKS on 5:12pm Tue 22 Apr 08
oh Aidy you are starting to remind me of David Icke your ramblings are becoming worrying !!
You just do not know when to be quiet do you we are all tired of it ,time to stop talking was ages ago time to deliver !!
oh Aidy you are starting to remind me of David Icke your ramblings are becoming worrying !!
You just do not know when to be quiet do you we are all tired of it ,time to stop talking was ages ago time to deliver !!
Posted by: Holly68, watford on 5:18pm Tue 22 Apr 08
The goals will come, so will Arrmegeddon, Collins John will get fit, Jon Joe will get his haircut, Ashton is off to Man U ..... unbelieveable !!! maybe accept for the last one ...... albeit swap Man U for Charlton, the WBA fan is off on hi toes, faster than Collins, quicker than Jon Joe away from scissors, is that a storm i hear brewing
The goals will come, so will Arrmegeddon, Collins John will get fit, Jon Joe will get his haircut, Ashton is off to Man U ..... unbelieveable !!! maybe accept for the last one ...... albeit swap Man U for Charlton, the WBA fan is off on hi toes, faster than Collins, quicker than Jon Joe away from scissors, is that a storm i hear brewing
Posted by: chris, the vic on 5:21pm Tue 22 Apr 08
Its not a major problem yet!!!!!!
It was on saturday and at home to Barnsley and at Hull and at home to Stoke...but on a non matchday it isnt a problem so what are you all having a go for!!
Its not a major problem yet!!!!!!
It was on saturday and at home to Barnsley and at Hull and at home to Stoke...but on a non matchday it isnt a problem so what are you all having a go for!!
Posted by: Holly68, watford on 5:21pm Tue 22 Apr 08
Jesus Saves, and Priskin hits the post !
Jesus Saves, and Priskin hits the post !
Posted by: Winston, watford on 5:29pm Tue 22 Apr 08
Young Motherwell striker Ross McCormack is on the radar of Watford according to the dog eared hacks down at the Daily Express sports desk.
With a mediocre record of just 14 goals in 41 starts the 21 year old, the former Rangers and Doncaster striker hasn`t pulled up too many trees for the Fir Park SPL outfit but the Express hints that the Hornets have "already discussed contracts with the players representatives" with a view to a move…
Young Motherwell striker Ross McCormack is on the radar of Watford according to the dog eared hacks down at the Daily Express sports desk.
With a mediocre record of just 14 goals in 41 starts the 21 year old, the former Rangers and Doncaster striker hasn`t pulled up too many trees for the Fir Park SPL outfit but the Express hints that the Hornets have "already discussed contracts with the players representatives" with a view to a move…
Posted by: SIMMO, BUCKS on 5:30pm Tue 22 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Holly68[/bold] wrote:
The goals will come, so will Arrmegeddon, Collins John will get fit, Jon Joe will get his haircut, Ashton is off to Man U ..... unbelieveable !!! maybe accept for the last one ...... albeit swap Man U for Charlton, the WBA fan is off on hi toes, faster than Collins, quicker than Jon Joe away from scissors, is that a storm i hear brewing [/quote] HOLLY68
if you are implying Mr Ashton who accepted a directorship in the summer with us is now going to Charlton JUST SAY it please and your source ,don't become part of the spin machine we are all sick of it .
Holly68 wrote:
The goals will come, so will Arrmegeddon, Collins John will get fit, Jon Joe will get his haircut, Ashton is off to Man U ..... unbelieveable !!! maybe accept for the last one ...... albeit swap Man U for Charlton, the WBA fan is off on hi toes, faster than Collins, quicker than Jon Joe away from scissors, is that a storm i hear brewing
HOLLY68
if you are implying Mr Ashton who accepted a directorship in the summer with us is now going to Charlton JUST SAY it please and your source ,don't become part of the spin machine we are all sick of it .
Posted by: Stewart, LB on 5:53pm Tue 22 Apr 08
Holly68, if you've got something to say, do it in plain english. I once had someone leak club matters to me, very irresponsible, lucky i was trustworthy to keep it to myself - unlike you it seems. Want to rock the boat some more????
Speaking of rocks, Priskins boots were full of them Saturday.
Holly68, if you've got something to say, do it in plain english. I once had someone leak club matters to me, very irresponsible, lucky i was trustworthy to keep it to myself - unlike you it seems. Want to rock the boat some more????
Speaking of rocks, Priskins boots were full of them Saturday.
Posted by: Metal Mickey, Iver Bucks on 5:53pm Tue 22 Apr 08
As previously stated...Lee Majors is 67 tommorow, happy birthday Lee!!! Perfect signing the six million dollar man was after all nearly a @*@*ing robot..
As previously stated...Lee Majors is 67 tommorow, happy birthday Lee!!! Perfect signing the six million dollar man was after all nearly a @*@*ing robot..
Posted by: andywatford, watford on 6:07pm Tue 22 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Winston[/bold] wrote:
Young Motherwell striker Ross McCormack is on the radar of Watford according to the dog eared hacks down at the Daily Express sports desk. With a mediocre record of just 14 goals in 41 starts the 21 year old, the former Rangers and Doncaster striker hasn`t pulled up too many trees for the Fir Park SPL outfit but the Express hints that the Hornets have "already discussed contracts with the players representatives" with a view to a move… [/quote] great news another third rate striker maybe he can keep kabba ashikodi and hoskins company.. boothroyd is becoming a joke !
Winston wrote:
Young Motherwell striker Ross McCormack is on the radar of Watford according to the dog eared hacks down at the Daily Express sports desk. With a mediocre record of just 14 goals in 41 starts the 21 year old, the former Rangers and Doncaster striker hasn`t pulled up too many trees for the Fir Park SPL outfit but the Express hints that the Hornets have "already discussed contracts with the players representatives" with a view to a move…
great news another third rate striker maybe he can keep kabba ashikodi and hoskins company.. boothroyd is becoming a joke !
Posted by: VoR, Watford on 6:09pm Tue 22 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Stewart[/bold] wrote:
Holly68, if you've got something to say, do it in plain english. I once had someone leak club matters to me, very irresponsible, lucky i was trustworthy to keep it to myself - unlike you it seems. Want to rock the boat some more????
Speaking of rocks, Priskins boots were full of them Saturday. [/quote] I'm happy with the odd snippet here and there from holly, fully appreciating the non disclosure in the extent of sources compared to hearsay's.
I think we should be grateful, even if it is in morse code, then come statement day we'll know whether they are legitimate or not.
Give the guy a break, it's a lot better having him around than having sage telling us his business meetings and when he's picking up his new Merc (Smart car)
Let it trickle Holly, let it trickle!!
Stewart wrote:
Holly68, if you've got something to say, do it in plain english. I once had someone leak club matters to me, very irresponsible, lucky i was trustworthy to keep it to myself - unlike you it seems. Want to rock the boat some more????
Speaking of rocks, Priskins boots were full of them Saturday.
I'm happy with the odd snippet here and there from holly, fully appreciating the non disclosure in the extent of sources compared to hearsay's.
I think we should be grateful, even if it is in morse code, then come statement day we'll know whether they are legitimate or not.
Give the guy a break, it's a lot better having him around than having sage telling us his business meetings and when he's picking up his new Merc (Smart car)
Let it trickle Holly, let it trickle!!
Posted by: rosh99, hereford on 6:30pm Tue 22 Apr 08
What planet is AB on exactly? It doesn't matter if the 'supply line' is there (which it isn't) as our 'strikers' cannot shoot. I'd play Poom up front i would.
What planet is AB on exactly? It doesn't matter if the 'supply line' is there (which it isn't) as our 'strikers' cannot shoot. I'd play Poom up front i would.
Posted by: Holly68, watford on 6:30pm Tue 22 Apr 08
I will put it more plainly, Ashton is seeking to leave the club !!! watch that story run over next few weeks ...
I will put it more plainly, Ashton is seeking to leave the club !!! watch that story run over next few weeks ...
Posted by: Holly68, watford on 6:34pm Tue 22 Apr 08
[quote][bold]chris[/bold] wrote:
Its not a major problem yet!!!!!! It was on saturday and at home to Barnsley and at Hull and at home to Stoke...but on a non matchday it isnt a problem so what are you all having a go for!![/quote] In Training McAnuff is Maradonna, Henderson is Shearer, Priskin is Torres and Ellington is Henry, it goes in every time, so 6 days a week we are f**kin briliant
chris wrote:
Its not a major problem yet!!!!!! It was on saturday and at home to Barnsley and at Hull and at home to Stoke...but on a non matchday it isnt a problem so what are you all having a go for!!
In Training McAnuff is Maradonna, Henderson is Shearer, Priskin is Torres and Ellington is Henry, it goes in every time, so 6 days a week we are f**kin briliant
Posted by: Stewart, LB on 6:36pm Tue 22 Apr 08
VoR, you make me laugh.. definately more interesting than the almighty new car owner!
Thanks Holly68 - very plainly put, i'll watch with interest :-)
VoR, you make me laugh.. definately more interesting than the almighty new car owner!
Thanks Holly68 - very plainly put, i'll watch with interest :-)
Posted by: The enlightened one, Garston on 6:37pm Tue 22 Apr 08
andywatford 'Bootroyd is becoming a joke'
Have to disagree mate boofers IS a joke,has been for many months now and its not a very funny one.I'm not laughing having forked out £365 of my hard earned to watch this old crap again next season i've a good mind to sue boofers under the trades discription act whatever happens of a sturday at vicaridge rd certainly isn't football.
Get ye gone boofers i'm afraid that shred of credibility you had is well and truly gone hopefully like you soon will be.
Not missing you already.
andywatford 'Bootroyd is becoming a joke'
Have to disagree mate boofers IS a joke,has been for many months now and its not a very funny one.I'm not laughing having forked out £365 of my hard earned to watch this old crap again next season i've a good mind to sue boofers under the trades discription act whatever happens of a sturday at vicaridge rd certainly isn't football.
Get ye gone boofers i'm afraid that shred of credibility you had is well and truly gone hopefully like you soon will be.
Not missing you already.
Posted by: Stewart, LB on 6:39pm Tue 22 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Holly68[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]chris[/bold] wrote: Its not a major problem yet!!!!!! It was on saturday and at home to Barnsley and at Hull and at home to Stoke...but on a non matchday it isnt a problem so what are you all having a go for!![/quote] In Training McAnuff is Maradonna, Henderson is Shearer, Priskin is Torres and Ellington is Henry, it goes in every time, so 6 days a week we are f**kin briliant[/quote] And Ellington gets free kicks over the wall (allegedly).
Holly68 wrote:
chris wrote: Its not a major problem yet!!!!!! It was on saturday and at home to Barnsley and at Hull and at home to Stoke...but on a non matchday it isnt a problem so what are you all having a go for!!
In Training McAnuff is Maradonna, Henderson is Shearer, Priskin is Torres and Ellington is Henry, it goes in every time, so 6 days a week we are f**kin briliant
And Ellington gets free kicks over the wall (allegedly).
Posted by: rosh99, hereford on 6:46pm Tue 22 Apr 08
There's a rumour that Collins John actually ventured into the opposition's half in training. World Class player him, shame he's gone. ;-)
There's a rumour that Collins John actually ventured into the opposition's half in training. World Class player him, shame he's gone. ;-)
Posted by: Mark, Watford on 6:56pm Tue 22 Apr 08
[quote][bold]andywatford[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Winston[/bold] wrote: Young Motherwell striker Ross McCormack is on the radar of Watford according to the dog eared hacks down at the Daily Express sports desk. With a mediocre record of just 14 goals in 41 starts the 21 year old, the former Rangers and Doncaster striker hasn`t pulled up too many trees for the Fir Park SPL outfit but the Express hints that the Hornets have "already discussed contracts with the players representatives" with a view to a move… [/quote] great news another third rate striker maybe he can keep kabba ashikodi and hoskins company.. boothroyd is becoming a joke ![/quote] So you believe EVERYTHING you read in a rag like the Daily Express.
Actually he is pretty useful and attracted attention from Premiership sides but probably likes to play football and is more of a winger according to Motherwell fans rather than a top striker.
andywatford wrote:
Winston wrote: Young Motherwell striker Ross McCormack is on the radar of Watford according to the dog eared hacks down at the Daily Express sports desk. With a mediocre record of just 14 goals in 41 starts the 21 year old, the former Rangers and Doncaster striker hasn`t pulled up too many trees for the Fir Park SPL outfit but the Express hints that the Hornets have "already discussed contracts with the players representatives" with a view to a move…
great news another third rate striker maybe he can keep kabba ashikodi and hoskins company.. boothroyd is becoming a joke !
So you believe EVERYTHING you read in a rag like the Daily Express.
Actually he is pretty useful and attracted attention from Premiership sides but probably likes to play football and is more of a winger according to Motherwell fans rather than a top striker.
Posted by: henry, oxhey on 6:59pm Tue 22 Apr 08
A goal would be good -a flood truly remarkable!
Who has been coaching the attack ?? Stand up and take a farewell bow.
A goal would be good -a flood truly remarkable!
Who has been coaching the attack ?? Stand up and take a farewell bow.
Posted by: VoR, Watford on 7:01pm Tue 22 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Stewart[/bold] wrote:
VoR, you make me laugh.. definately more interesting than the almighty new car owner!
Thanks Holly68 - very plainly put, i'll watch with interest :-)[/quote] Happy to oblige....
Get fed up of doom and gloom!!!
Thankyou for my little o in VoR, although sage thinks it's big, my ring piece is really not of his concern.....Although jail is a ba5tard!!!
Stewart wrote:
VoR, you make me laugh.. definately more interesting than the almighty new car owner!
Thanks Holly68 - very plainly put, i'll watch with interest :-)
Happy to oblige....
Get fed up of doom and gloom!!!
Thankyou for my little o in VoR, although sage thinks it's big, my ring piece is really not of his concern.....Although jail is a ba5tard!!!
Posted by: VoR, Watford on 7:10pm Tue 22 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Holly68[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]chris[/bold] wrote:
Its not a major problem yet!!!!!! It was on saturday and at home to Barnsley and at Hull and at home to Stoke...but on a non matchday it isnt a problem so what are you all having a go for!![/quote] In Training McAnuff is Maradonna, Henderson is Shearer, Priskin is Torres and Ellington is Henry, it goes in every time, so 6 days a week we are f**kin briliant[/quote] I'm in my early stages with learning morse code, correct me if i'm wrong but I think (as far as I can make out) i've deciphered part of this, being that McAnuff is Maradonna?
Can't be right, JD is a darker shade of Brown, surely.......
Help me out holly!!
Holly68 wrote:
chris wrote:
Its not a major problem yet!!!!!! It was on saturday and at home to Barnsley and at Hull and at home to Stoke...but on a non matchday it isnt a problem so what are you all having a go for!!
In Training McAnuff is Maradonna, Henderson is Shearer, Priskin is Torres and Ellington is Henry, it goes in every time, so 6 days a week we are f**kin briliant
I'm in my early stages with learning morse code, correct me if i'm wrong but I think (as far as I can make out) i've deciphered part of this, being that McAnuff is Maradonna?
Can't be right, JD is a darker shade of Brown, surely.......
Help me out holly!!
Posted by: Metal Mickey, Iver Bucks on 7:13pm Tue 22 Apr 08
Ashton is going to Charlton!! So what I will be going there next season to watch the hornets...
Ashton is going to Charlton!! So what I will be going there next season to watch the hornets...
Posted by: Mark, Watford on 7:16pm Tue 22 Apr 08
What did anyone expect Aidy to say really...he is hardly going to say our strikers are so crap they will not score.
Mind you only giving Ellington 2 mins and Kabba nothing when your 2-0 down at home hardly shows he has faith in them does it!
What did anyone expect Aidy to say really...he is hardly going to say our strikers are so crap they will not score.
Mind you only giving Ellington 2 mins and Kabba nothing when your 2-0 down at home hardly shows he has faith in them does it!
Posted by: Holly68, watford on 7:20pm Tue 22 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Stewart[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Holly68[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]chris[/bold] wrote: Its not a major problem yet!!!!!! It was on saturday and at home to Barnsley and at Hull and at home to Stoke...but on a non matchday it isnt a problem so what are you all having a go for!![/quote] In Training McAnuff is Maradonna, Henderson is Shearer, Priskin is Torres and Ellington is Henry, it goes in every time, so 6 days a week we are f**kin briliant[/quote] And Ellington gets free kicks over the wall (allegedly).[/quote] 8 on the trot straight at the wall, is that a world record ?
Stewart wrote:
Holly68 wrote: chris wrote: Its not a major problem yet!!!!!! It was on saturday and at home to Barnsley and at Hull and at home to Stoke...but on a non matchday it isnt a problem so what are you all having a go for!!
In Training McAnuff is Maradonna, Henderson is Shearer, Priskin is Torres and Ellington is Henry, it goes in every time, so 6 days a week we are f**kin briliant
And Ellington gets free kicks over the wall (allegedly).
8 on the trot straight at the wall, is that a world record ?
Posted by: VoR, Watford on 7:28pm Tue 22 Apr 08
On a totally serious note guys....
I love it when we get beyond a 100 entries on a subject....
It shows that we are caring and sharing, in a kind of way! ! !
On a totally serious note guys....
I love it when we get beyond a 100 entries on a subject....
It shows that we are caring and sharing, in a kind of way! ! !
Posted by: Erik, Lincoln on 7:41pm Tue 22 Apr 08
According to the club website CJ spoke glwoingly of his time at Watford and looks forward to playing here again at some point in his career. Well, that's somthing to look forward to.......
According to the club website CJ spoke glwoingly of his time at Watford and looks forward to playing here again at some point in his career. Well, that's somthing to look forward to.......
Posted by: Hexham Hornet, Hexham on 7:56pm Tue 22 Apr 08
Erik, he will be back next season keeping the bench warm, for Fulham when they visit for their Championship away fixture. I'm sure he will get a rousing reception!
Erik, he will be back next season keeping the bench warm, for Fulham when they visit for their Championship away fixture. I'm sure he will get a rousing reception!
Posted by: Des, Hatch End on 8:30pm Tue 22 Apr 08
Obviously Hoofers is like a man searching for water in the desert-he's becoming delusional.
However what do you expect him to say?The forwards are lacking in confidence so he has to boost what little they have somehow.
I think there will be several goals on Saturday and reckon we will get a couple ourselves-just don't ask me who will score for us!
Des
Obviously Hoofers is like a man searching for water in the desert-he's becoming delusional.
However what do you expect him to say?The forwards are lacking in confidence so he has to boost what little they have somehow.
I think there will be several goals on Saturday and reckon we will get a couple ourselves-just don't ask me who will score for us!
Des
Posted by: Winston, watford on 8:44pm Tue 22 Apr 08
the picture of AB is he phoning a friend?
the picture of AB is he phoning a friend?
Posted by: HiHo SilverLining, Norfolk on 9:32pm Tue 22 Apr 08
Can anyone out there honestly see those goals coming....seventy minutes of pass and hoof the ball against Palace,before Palace decided to put everyone out of there misery and launch an attack or two...0-2.
The law of averages would state that if we couldn't score a goal in 70 minutes,the chance of us getting 2 or 3 in the last quarter of an hour without making decent use of the subs was nil.
On the bright side, if Aidy keeps stating every week the goals will come, then the law of averages should prove him correct one day.
Can anyone out there honestly see those goals coming....seventy minutes of pass and hoof the ball against Palace,before Palace decided to put everyone out of there misery and launch an attack or two...0-2.
The law of averages would state that if we couldn't score a goal in 70 minutes,the chance of us getting 2 or 3 in the last quarter of an hour without making decent use of the subs was nil.
On the bright side, if Aidy keeps stating every week the goals will come, then the law of averages should prove him correct one day.
Posted by: tizer006, Aylesbury on 10:30pm Tue 22 Apr 08
Watford's performance at home has been horrendous, to be 10 points clear mid season and now barely scrape into the play-offs is shocking - there have got to be serious concerns that if we play in the Championship League again next year - looking at our performance over the last few months we could face relegation into League 1 if things don't improve.
Watford's performance at home has been horrendous, to be 10 points clear mid season and now barely scrape into the play-offs is shocking - there have got to be serious concerns that if we play in the Championship League again next year - looking at our performance over the last few months we could face relegation into League 1 if things don't improve.
Posted by: Mark, Watford on 10:50pm Tue 22 Apr 08
Well one Watford striker did score tonight..for Hereford.
Robinson does seem to be doing well but like Liam Henderson in the Youth/Reserve can they make the step up...?
Well one Watford striker did score tonight..for Hereford.
Robinson does seem to be doing well but like Liam Henderson in the Youth/Reserve can they make the step up...?
Posted by: James, Watford on 11:18pm Tue 22 Apr 08
It is totally embarrassing how we have the most fickle fans in football. You lot really do need to listen to yourselves. Ok things have been bad of late BUT we are still going to be in the play-offs. How many of you before the season would have taken finising above Charlton, Sheff Utd and even Leicester? By the sounds of it I'm guessing you'd rather be back to the old days where we were fighting relegation battles or at best a top 10 finish. Before you start giving it the c**p about paying good money. Our prices have hardly increased in the last 4-5 years. How about for the last few games we actually get behind the team for the FULL 90 mins!!
It is totally embarrassing how we have the most fickle fans in football. You lot really do need to listen to yourselves. Ok things have been bad of late BUT we are still going to be in the play-offs. How many of you before the season would have taken finising above Charlton, Sheff Utd and even Leicester? By the sounds of it I'm guessing you'd rather be back to the old days where we were fighting relegation battles or at best a top 10 finish. Before you start giving it the c**p about paying good money. Our prices have hardly increased in the last 4-5 years. How about for the last few games we actually get behind the team for the FULL 90 mins!!
Posted by: oxheypaul, watford on 11:35pm Tue 22 Apr 08
I'd suggest at least 50per cent of the people criticising on here are wind-up merchants/fans of other clubs.
Having said that, if Priskin/Kabba/Hoskin
s/Ashikodi and McAnuff score more than 10 goals between them next season, I'll show my a*se in Burton's window.
I'd suggest at least 50per cent of the people criticising on here are wind-up merchants/fans of other clubs.
Having said that, if Priskin/Kabba/Hoskin
s/Ashikodi and McAnuff score more than 10 goals between them next season, I'll show my a*se in Burton's window.
Posted by: Winston, watford on 6:12am Wed 23 Apr 08
Martin Perry is one of the country's leading sports psychologist and he wrote -
[bold]New challenge could be answer for Aidy[/bold]
At the beginning of the Championship season, Watford were strong favourites for a swift return to the Premier League.
And their form at the start of the campaign, confirmed that optimism in Hertfordshire. Runaway leaders of the division, it was assumed that everyone else was playing for second place.
Now, with two games of the season to go, they are competing for a play-off place. It's unlikely, on current form that any of their potential play-off opponents will fear them.
Watford have lost the critical momentum and authority they once had.
Hornets fans are scathing in their criticism of their once beloved manager on local radio phone-ins and message boards.
And, more significantly, Aidy Boothroyd seems to have lost some of that spark and enthusiasm, that made him one of the games brightest young managers.
Perhaps the decline at Vicarage Road can be traced back to the departure of Aidy's deputy, the experienced Keith Burkinshaw.
Burkinshaw left the club due to personal reasons before Christmas. Since then, Watford, although still hard to beat, have failed to win enough games to reclaim the top spot, that seemed there's to keep in the autumn.
When you have a man as innovative as Aidy Boothroyd as manager, the role of the number two takes on even greater significance.
Boothroyd, is an ideas man, a catalyst, someone always looking outside the game, for that extra something, that will give him and his players an edge.
For footballers, that can sometimes be a challenge to more traditional ways of thinking.
That is why the number two must be strong enough to be able to both tell the manager when he is going too far with his innovation.
And also to bridge the gap between players and manager. To ensure they are on-side with the leader's ideas. To quell any early dissent. To smooth troubled egos.
What can happen when a popular number two departs is that all the 'pressure' he has held back, through his personal skills, resurfaces.
Cynicism, recalcitrance, mutterings and all the other misgivings players may have about the managers way and style start to hold sway.
A new assistant can come in but by then it's too late. Those who don't hold with the managers ideas can gain a critical foothold in the psychological battle for dressing rooms hearts and minds.
So, perhaps, its no surprise that Aidy Boothroyd appears to have lost his spark. Maybe, his innovative thinking is no longer appreciated by his players.
Maybe, in football parlance, he no longer 'has the dressing-room'.
In that case, it would be best for him to seek a new challenge should Watford fall short in the play-offs.
Then he could refresh his mind and rediscover his passion and enthusiasm for the game.
It would be a shame if Aidy Boothroyd became just another battle-hardened football manager in the football roadshow.
Martin Perry is one of the country's leading sports psychologist and he wrote -
New challenge could be answer for Aidy
At the beginning of the Championship season, Watford were strong favourites for a swift return to the Premier League.
And their form at the start of the campaign, confirmed that optimism in Hertfordshire. Runaway leaders of the division, it was assumed that everyone else was playing for second place.
Now, with two games of the season to go, they are competing for a play-off place. It's unlikely, on current form that any of their potential play-off opponents will fear them.
Watford have lost the critical momentum and authority they once had.
Hornets fans are scathing in their criticism of their once beloved manager on local radio phone-ins and message boards.
And, more significantly, Aidy Boothroyd seems to have lost some of that spark and enthusiasm, that made him one of the games brightest young managers.
Perhaps the decline at Vicarage Road can be traced back to the departure of Aidy's deputy, the experienced Keith Burkinshaw.
Burkinshaw left the club due to personal reasons before Christmas. Since then, Watford, although still hard to beat, have failed to win enough games to reclaim the top spot, that seemed there's to keep in the autumn.
When you have a man as innovative as Aidy Boothroyd as manager, the role of the number two takes on even greater significance.
Boothroyd, is an ideas man, a catalyst, someone always looking outside the game, for that extra something, that will give him and his players an edge.
For footballers, that can sometimes be a challenge to more traditional ways of thinking.
That is why the number two must be strong enough to be able to both tell the manager when he is going too far with his innovation.
And also to bridge the gap between players and manager. To ensure they are on-side with the leader's ideas. To quell any early dissent. To smooth troubled egos.
What can happen when a popular number two departs is that all the 'pressure' he has held back, through his personal skills, resurfaces.
Cynicism, recalcitrance, mutterings and all the other misgivings players may have about the managers way and style start to hold sway.
A new assistant can come in but by then it's too late. Those who don't hold with the managers ideas can gain a critical foothold in the psychological battle for dressing rooms hearts and minds.
So, perhaps, its no surprise that Aidy Boothroyd appears to have lost his spark. Maybe, his innovative thinking is no longer appreciated by his players.
Maybe, in football parlance, he no longer 'has the dressing-room'.
In that case, it would be best for him to seek a new challenge should Watford fall short in the play-offs.
Then he could refresh his mind and rediscover his passion and enthusiasm for the game.
It would be a shame if Aidy Boothroyd became just another battle-hardened football manager in the football roadshow.
Posted by: chitster, woburn on 8:35am Wed 23 Apr 08
Looking at the table - I would say that Hull, Bristol City and Crystal Palace are favourites for three of the play-off places, that leaves Watford, Wolves and Ipswich fighting it out for the last place. WHO'S YOUR MONEY ON?
Looking at the table - I would say that Hull, Bristol City and Crystal Palace are favourites for three of the play-off places, that leaves Watford, Wolves and Ipswich fighting it out for the last place. WHO'S YOUR MONEY ON?
Posted by: chris, the vic on 8:47am Wed 23 Apr 08
Whilst I do not appreciate everything that Graham Simpson has done at and for Watford, overall his leadership has been solid. Not always inspirational but with plenty of perspiration and the club has benefitted.
With Aidy he is young and not that experienced but if Simpson feels he is the man to go forward with that has to be good enough for me.
Mark Ashton seems bright but not with all the people skills one would want.
A less disastrous November and december we would have been happy cept i dont like the lack of football.
If WFC management have failed this year the margin of failure is not great. Yes we have spent heavily in the last eighteen months on useless strikers but we have received in more for Bouazza/Young & King..but sacrificed some goals and skill..thats is sometimes what happens at a selling club.
We need to regroup for next season and if possible for the play offs..back Simpson and hope we get lucky...and the more we back the team the luckier the team will get.
Vicarage Road is not a fortress..the fans are too fickle at the moment and we must change as must Aidy's footballing style..
And if you disagree remember the chant in January...
And when we get promotion this is what we sing
WHO NEEDS MARLON KING
the short answer is we did..whether he wanted to wear the shirt or not we needed him..So get behind the team and Aidy.
Whilst I do not appreciate everything that Graham Simpson has done at and for Watford, overall his leadership has been solid. Not always inspirational but with plenty of perspiration and the club has benefitted.
With Aidy he is young and not that experienced but if Simpson feels he is the man to go forward with that has to be good enough for me.
Mark Ashton seems bright but not with all the people skills one would want.
A less disastrous November and december we would have been happy cept i dont like the lack of football.
If WFC management have failed this year the margin of failure is not great. Yes we have spent heavily in the last eighteen months on useless strikers but we have received in more for Bouazza/Young & King..but sacrificed some goals and skill..thats is sometimes what happens at a selling club.
We need to regroup for next season and if possible for the play offs..back Simpson and hope we get lucky...and the more we back the team the luckier the team will get.
Vicarage Road is not a fortress..the fans are too fickle at the moment and we must change as must Aidy's footballing style..
And if you disagree remember the chant in January...
And when we get promotion this is what we sing
WHO NEEDS MARLON KING
the short answer is we did..whether he wanted to wear the shirt or not we needed him..So get behind the team and Aidy.
Posted by: Loidis, Norway on 8:56am Wed 23 Apr 08
Martin Perry's article about Aidy is very interesting reading - and think he could be spot on.
This could be Boothroyds last season at Watford, regardless of the outcome of the remaining games.
There are rumuors flying around about Mark Ashton joining Charlton. If that happens, i will not be surprised if Boothroyd joins him at The Valley. Ashton (a great asset for Watford) and Boothroyd have been close friends since the days they both where at West Brom...
Aidy has made mistakes this season (should have gone for Edbanks-Blake during the last transfer window!), but he has OVERALL done a very good job at Watford!
I am still convinced that Aidy Boothroyd will become a great manager, and if you want him to stay at Watford, you should let him hear it on saturday. It might be your last chance....
Martin Perry's article about Aidy is very interesting reading - and think he could be spot on.
This could be Boothroyds last season at Watford, regardless of the outcome of the remaining games.
There are rumuors flying around about Mark Ashton joining Charlton. If that happens, i will not be surprised if Boothroyd joins him at The Valley. Ashton (a great asset for Watford) and Boothroyd have been close friends since the days they both where at West Brom...
Aidy has made mistakes this season (should have gone for Edbanks-Blake during the last transfer window!), but he has OVERALL done a very good job at Watford!
I am still convinced that Aidy Boothroyd will become a great manager, and if you want him to stay at Watford, you should let him hear it on saturday. It might be your last chance....
Posted by: The enlightened one, Garston on 9:03am Wed 23 Apr 08
Getting rid of cashton and boofers in one go,now that would be a happy day.
Getting rid of cashton and boofers in one go,now that would be a happy day.
Posted by: john, greece on 9:07am Wed 23 Apr 08
sowolves keep the pressure up on us.
I will be having a substantial bet on Scunthorpe not losing to us on Saturday. I expect to collect on it but really hope I lose the money but unlike AB i just dont see the goals coming.
sowolves keep the pressure up on us.
I will be having a substantial bet on Scunthorpe not losing to us on Saturday. I expect to collect on it but really hope I lose the money but unlike AB i just dont see the goals coming.
Posted by: tizer006, Aylesbury on 9:38am Wed 23 Apr 08
Wolves seem to be doing well at the moment - I reckon they could grab the third spot.
Wolves seem to be doing well at the moment - I reckon they could grab the third spot.
Posted by: Mark, Watford on 9:44am Wed 23 Apr 08
Is it not right to support the club through the good and bad times?
Its not as if we are club with massive history and success that being 5th in the Championship can be viewed as bad even if the quality is woeful and certain expensive players have not live up to the hype.
A change in manager might improve things..then again it might not!
Is it not right to support the club through the good and bad times?
Its not as if we are club with massive history and success that being 5th in the Championship can be viewed as bad even if the quality is woeful and certain expensive players have not live up to the hype.
A change in manager might improve things..then again it might not!
Posted by: gc on 10:29am Wed 23 Apr 08
Chris and many more, Try re reading Your posts ! You spend the whole time slagging of team, transfers and Aidy and then tell the fans they must back Aidy and the team for the rest of this season.
Bizarre!
As a footnote you add if we don't do well in in next 6 months then sack them all anyway-- GREAT BACKING!
IMO= Aidy has plummeted too far to ever come back for this club,and leave in summer.
You clappers have spent all season saying" what are you lot moaning about we are top of the league" As the season went on and performances got worse it changed from:
"still in auto promotion place, why are you lot moaning?" " "Been in top 3 all season" "4th we are so much better than other relagated teams" "5th, still in play offs that is such a success"
In 2 games time there is a real possibility we will be 7th !!
WAKE UP, face reality
Chris and many more, Try re reading Your posts ! You spend the whole time slagging of team, transfers and Aidy and then tell the fans they must back Aidy and the team for the rest of this season.
Bizarre!
As a footnote you add if we don't do well in in next 6 months then sack them all anyway-- GREAT BACKING!
IMO= Aidy has plummeted too far to ever come back for this club,and leave in summer.
You clappers have spent all season saying" what are you lot moaning about we are top of the league" As the season went on and performances got worse it changed from:
"still in auto promotion place, why are you lot moaning?" " "Been in top 3 all season" "4th we are so much better than other relagated teams" "5th, still in play offs that is such a success"
In 2 games time there is a real possibility we will be 7th !!
WAKE UP, face reality
Posted by: Hexham Hornet, Hexham on 10:45am Wed 23 Apr 08
For goals to come Aidy ought to look at the players in form. That means a first game should be for Liam Henderson. How about a front 2 of Henderson and Henderson?? I certainly think that there would be no harm in including Liam in the squad, even if he does not start. He is scoring goals for fun at the moment.
For goals to come Aidy ought to look at the players in form. That means a first game should be for Liam Henderson. How about a front 2 of Henderson and Henderson?? I certainly think that there would be no harm in including Liam in the squad, even if he does not start. He is scoring goals for fun at the moment.
Posted by: JohnBoy, Watford on 11:22am Wed 23 Apr 08
I agree with what a lot of posters have said in the past, Boothroyd should stick around to fix this mess he's got us into. As well as honour his contract. If he walks it will speak volumes about the man.
I agree with what a lot of posters have said in the past, Boothroyd should stick around to fix this mess he's got us into. As well as honour his contract. If he walks it will speak volumes about the man.
Posted by: Hapless Horn on 11:58am Wed 23 Apr 08
[quote][bold]gc[/bold] wrote:
Chris and many more, Try re reading Your posts ! You spend the whole time slagging of team, transfers and Aidy and then tell the fans they must back Aidy and the team for the rest of this season. Bizarre! As a footnote you add if we don't do well in in next 6 months then sack them all anyway-- GREAT BACKING! IMO= Aidy has plummeted too far to ever come back for this club,and leave in summer. You clappers have spent all season saying" what are you lot moaning about we are top of the league" As the season went on and performances got worse it changed from: "still in auto promotion place, why are you lot moaning?" " "Been in top 3 all season" "4th we are so much better than other relagated teams" "5th, still in play offs that is such a success" In 2 games time there is a real possibility we will be 7th !! WAKE UP, face reality[/quote] GC,as we are still in the top 6 do you really think "Aidy has plummeted too far"?
Well there will be lots of managers to choose from then as all those teams outside top 6 who have had managers in place all season will of course sack them too!
Nice clear thinking!
Do not want Maccarthy though or Magilton or in fact any of them as they are bigger failures in most cases.
gc wrote:
Chris and many more, Try re reading Your posts ! You spend the whole time slagging of team, transfers and Aidy and then tell the fans they must back Aidy and the team for the rest of this season. Bizarre! As a footnote you add if we don't do well in in next 6 months then sack them all anyway-- GREAT BACKING! IMO= Aidy has plummeted too far to ever come back for this club,and leave in summer. You clappers have spent all season saying" what are you lot moaning about we are top of the league" As the season went on and performances got worse it changed from: "still in auto promotion place, why are you lot moaning?" " "Been in top 3 all season" "4th we are so much better than other relagated teams" "5th, still in play offs that is such a success" In 2 games time there is a real possibility we will be 7th !! WAKE UP, face reality
GC,as we are still in the top 6 do you really think "Aidy has plummeted too far"?
Well there will be lots of managers to choose from then as all those teams outside top 6 who have had managers in place all season will of course sack them too!
Nice clear thinking!
Do not want Maccarthy though or Magilton or in fact any of them as they are bigger failures in most cases.
Posted by: Ben Thornhill, Watford on 12:09pm Wed 23 Apr 08
I once had a lot of faith in Aidy and loved his positive PR approach but now he is starting to sound a touch ridiculous. How is he not worried? We were a team odds on to win the division and here we are two shabby performances away from finishing outside the playoffs.
The lack of goals has been most frustrating and I think Aidy has to take full responsibility for this. Our most prolific striker in recent memory was sold halfway through the season. His replacement (Ellington) who at this moment has cost us more than we have earned from King's sale, has turned out to be a terrible signing. At over £750,000 per goal he is the Darren Bent of the championship!
Henderson has proven that he is not good enough for the premier league and so why do we persist in playing him? He is one dimensional and does not have the quality to turn a game for us or, on current form, the quality to score from anywhere, including the penalty spot unless (maybe!)its a tap in from 4 yards!
Priskin is our only striker that we now have who has potential. However he was ignored, farmed out to Preston where he did well, then called back in a desperation attempt by the manager to find a goal when he should have had his chance long ago.
Don't get me started on Steve Kabba. The guy is ineptitude personified in a Watford shirt.
Finally we come to Collins John. For me this was the most enfuriating of the lot. I have read Aidy say in the media he's a big admirer of John and has been tracking him for over a year. So we finally land him, great! An obvious replacement for the pace and penetration that King gave us. For the run in we would have plenty of options up front. But no. I have also read Aidy quoted in the media as saying basically: a) he's not match fit b) he won't get match fit until he plays games c) I'm not going to play anyone who's not match fit. Sooooooooo. Can he explain to the fans what exactly loaning Collins John has done for the club. He's not getting played. We're not going up. He won't stay. Why were we not in the market for the Scott Sinclair's, Leroy Lita's or Frazer Campbell's of this world??
For someone who thought we were blessed with an abundance of attacking talent at the start of the season Aidy has not proven that to the fans at all and thats all down to management I'm afraid. Don't get me started on our style of play either. God my fervour is being sucked out of me every game!
I once had a lot of faith in Aidy and loved his positive PR approach but now he is starting to sound a touch ridiculous. How is he not worried? We were a team odds on to win the division and here we are two shabby performances away from finishing outside the playoffs.
The lack of goals has been most frustrating and I think Aidy has to take full responsibility for this. Our most prolific striker in recent memory was sold halfway through the season. His replacement (Ellington) who at this moment has cost us more than we have earned from King's sale, has turned out to be a terrible signing. At over £750,000 per goal he is the Darren Bent of the championship!
Henderson has proven that he is not good enough for the premier league and so why do we persist in playing him? He is one dimensional and does not have the quality to turn a game for us or, on current form, the quality to score from anywhere, including the penalty spot unless (maybe!)its a tap in from 4 yards!
Priskin is our only striker that we now have who has potential. However he was ignored, farmed out to Preston where he did well, then called back in a desperation attempt by the manager to find a goal when he should have had his chance long ago.
Don't get me started on Steve Kabba. The guy is ineptitude personified in a Watford shirt.
Finally we come to Collins John. For me this was the most enfuriating of the lot. I have read Aidy say in the media he's a big admirer of John and has been tracking him for over a year. So we finally land him, great! An obvious replacement for the pace and penetration that King gave us. For the run in we would have plenty of options up front. But no. I have also read Aidy quoted in the media as saying basically: a) he's not match fit b) he won't get match fit until he plays games c) I'm not going to play anyone who's not match fit. Sooooooooo. Can he explain to the fans what exactly loaning Collins John has done for the club. He's not getting played. We're not going up. He won't stay. Why were we not in the market for the Scott Sinclair's, Leroy Lita's or Frazer Campbell's of this world??
For someone who thought we were blessed with an abundance of attacking talent at the start of the season Aidy has not proven that to the fans at all and thats all down to management I'm afraid. Don't get me started on our style of play either. God my fervour is being sucked out of me every game!
Posted by: gc on 1:03pm Wed 23 Apr 08
hapless horn.
If the only way to judge where WFC are at the moment is the league table then I would also be happy.
But I am not going to kid myself that all is well at the club, It is on the verge of meltdown!
There is so much more to judge our progress other than league position.
The future is not looking so good:
- We will have less parachute money next year
- We currently have a wage bill that can not be sustained in the championship
- We have little or no top quality players. (How many players are you worried about loosing this summer !)
- We have only a couple of half decent lads coming through the ranks
- Ground development? Can we afford it ? messages coming out of club are very mixed
- Style of play is mind numbing to watch and has become totally inaffective
- Aidy shows NO signs of accepting mistakes and changing, which is something he would of readily done 2 years ago
- The players are showing ALL the signs that they don't believe anymore
- Aidy has started to turn on the fans with Jay following suit in nationals this week.
- If the last 5 months form continues into next season we will be staring relegation in the face to Div 1 !
Clear thinking enough for you?
hapless horn.
If the only way to judge where WFC are at the moment is the league table then I would also be happy.
But I am not going to kid myself that all is well at the club, It is on the verge of meltdown!
There is so much more to judge our progress other than league position.
The future is not looking so good:
- We will have less parachute money next year
- We currently have a wage bill that can not be sustained in the championship
- We have little or no top quality players. (How many players are you worried about loosing this summer !)
- We have only a couple of half decent lads coming through the ranks
- Ground development? Can we afford it ? messages coming out of club are very mixed
- Style of play is mind numbing to watch and has become totally inaffective
- Aidy shows NO signs of accepting mistakes and changing, which is something he would of readily done 2 years ago
- The players are showing ALL the signs that they don't believe anymore
- Aidy has started to turn on the fans with Jay following suit in nationals this week.
- If the last 5 months form continues into next season we will be staring relegation in the face to Div 1 !
Clear thinking enough for you?
Posted by: Paul, Hemel on 1:13pm Wed 23 Apr 08
Totally and utterly deluded. This must be the 5th or 6th time that Aidy has mentioned "the golas will come". Yes, they will Mr Boothroyd, if you knowcjk on the door enbough times you will eventually get an answer. However I have seen nothing at all in the past handful of games that would suggest we will beat Scunthorpe and Blackpool.
Totally and utterly deluded. This must be the 5th or 6th time that Aidy has mentioned "the golas will come". Yes, they will Mr Boothroyd, if you knowcjk on the door enbough times you will eventually get an answer. However I have seen nothing at all in the past handful of games that would suggest we will beat Scunthorpe and Blackpool.
Posted by: Hapless Horn on 1:36pm Wed 23 Apr 08
Gc,speaking of meltdown,calm yourself old chap,blood pressure is something to worry about I think. Now think pleasant thoughts,have a nice cup of tea and a sitdown and things will look a lot better.
Ben,I am curious about your your "fervour" being sucked out of you at every game.
Is there a charge for this?
Is there a waiting list?
do you think that this is something the players are involved in? it would explain a few things.
Gc,speaking of meltdown,calm yourself old chap,blood pressure is something to worry about I think. Now think pleasant thoughts,have a nice cup of tea and a sitdown and things will look a lot better.
Ben,I am curious about your your "fervour" being sucked out of you at every game.
Is there a charge for this?
Is there a waiting list?
do you think that this is something the players are involved in? it would explain a few things.
Posted by: chris, the vic on 1:43pm Wed 23 Apr 08
So what is your answer GC...sit in silence for the last two games and give no support to our team or get behind them.
And a point many miss is that it is possible that Aidy says what he does publicly to back the players and says and thinks something else in private.
My post suggested we back Simpson's judgement.
With regard to the clappers you dont leave anyone out do you.
My posts reflect what i see. In November I said Aidy looked at a loss over how to stop the early slump and the slump certainly continued. However in January he did well in buying defenders and midfield and we may get lucky and hope the trend continues with strikers this summer.
I still have more trust in Aidy than I do in articles like yours that take a general sweep at an easy target with little or no constructive criticism.
As for some of your comments you appear to have helped yourself to tasty lines from various threads and contributors...do you already write for the Sun or the express??
So what is your answer GC...sit in silence for the last two games and give no support to our team or get behind them.
And a point many miss is that it is possible that Aidy says what he does publicly to back the players and says and thinks something else in private.
My post suggested we back Simpson's judgement.
With regard to the clappers you dont leave anyone out do you.
My posts reflect what i see. In November I said Aidy looked at a loss over how to stop the early slump and the slump certainly continued. However in January he did well in buying defenders and midfield and we may get lucky and hope the trend continues with strikers this summer.
I still have more trust in Aidy than I do in articles like yours that take a general sweep at an easy target with little or no constructive criticism.
As for some of your comments you appear to have helped yourself to tasty lines from various threads and contributors...do you already write for the Sun or the express??
Posted by: Texmex, Watford on 1:43pm Wed 23 Apr 08
Who watched that program on clowns the other night? They are doing a new series and Aidy has been asked if he can be the main character.
Who watched that program on clowns the other night? They are doing a new series and Aidy has been asked if he can be the main character.
Posted by: Brian, Northwood on 1:45pm Wed 23 Apr 08
Whilst of course Aidy needs to try to build up the confidence of his strikers, it's difficult to give credility to anything he says. Strikers with one leg longer than the other, Kabba who I think has scored one goal in 2 years (and that was from 3 yards out), Priskin who hit the bar when standing under it, Henderson who in 3 successive matches missed 2 penalties and went round the goalkeeper and then shot wide, and the legendary Duke of Hazzard etc. Not much sign of a flood there! Smith played in the centre of attack when he was younger, is that worth trying? Although his ratio of goals per game is almost as disappointing as the others, he has been the most consistent performer of the season, although he should be in second place in the player of the season behind Johnson who influenced the season more than any other player, even though he only played a dozen games.
Whilst of course Aidy needs to try to build up the confidence of his strikers, it's difficult to give credility to anything he says. Strikers with one leg longer than the other, Kabba who I think has scored one goal in 2 years (and that was from 3 yards out), Priskin who hit the bar when standing under it, Henderson who in 3 successive matches missed 2 penalties and went round the goalkeeper and then shot wide, and the legendary Duke of Hazzard etc. Not much sign of a flood there! Smith played in the centre of attack when he was younger, is that worth trying? Although his ratio of goals per game is almost as disappointing as the others, he has been the most consistent performer of the season, although he should be in second place in the player of the season behind Johnson who influenced the season more than any other player, even though he only played a dozen games.
Posted by: Hapless Horn on 2:05pm Wed 23 Apr 08
actually a vote for Johnson or even Marlon as player of season would send a fair message I think.
actually a vote for Johnson or even Marlon as player of season would send a fair message I think.
Posted by: Vicar Rage on 2:20pm Wed 23 Apr 08
A vote for Johnson would be very pertinent indeed.
A vote for Burkinshaw would be amusing!
A vote for Johnson would be very pertinent indeed.
A vote for Burkinshaw would be amusing!
Posted by: Hexham Hornet, Hexham on 2:33pm Wed 23 Apr 08
I see we have another reserves match coming up and the team has been named. No place for fringe first team players, except Williams, Jackson and Aloi. Why aren't Williamson, Bangura, Mariappa, Ainsworth, Poom, Ellington, DeMerit, Sadler, Kabba, Rinaldi and Ashikodi all given a run out and the opportunity to get some playing time and perhaps a little bit of confidence? Surely if he is thinking of selecting them even as subs they should get some match fitness behind them. If Liam Henderson scores again will he be promoted to the first team squad? He should select on form and confidence not on what he hopes they may be able to do if the wind is in the right direction. If he shows a bit of ambition he may even have the crowd on his side before kick-off, now that would make a change!
I see we have another reserves match coming up and the team has been named. No place for fringe first team players, except Williams, Jackson and Aloi. Why aren't Williamson, Bangura, Mariappa, Ainsworth, Poom, Ellington, DeMerit, Sadler, Kabba, Rinaldi and Ashikodi all given a run out and the opportunity to get some playing time and perhaps a little bit of confidence? Surely if he is thinking of selecting them even as subs they should get some match fitness behind them. If Liam Henderson scores again will he be promoted to the first team squad? He should select on form and confidence not on what he hopes they may be able to do if the wind is in the right direction. If he shows a bit of ambition he may even have the crowd on his side before kick-off, now that would make a change!
Posted by: gc on 2:35pm Wed 23 Apr 08
Chris the vic.
You are right some of my points are not original. This is because in a debate I listen and if I feel a good pointis made I take it on board.
Your post for example:
Good point that January Signings of Saddler, Bromby and especially Eustace were excellent. I would love to think that these are Aidy's choices now and in the past other people have wrongly influenced him. This would give me massive hope for the summer.
I also agree with you that Aidy is an easy target, That unfortunatly is the nature of the job and you have to take lows with the highs.
Please note I have NEVER become abusive or personal against him, But at the same time I have to say it as I see at the moment.
Last point- never sit in silence at a football ground, Booing should only be after a game where the result can not be adversly affected, kick up the backside and all that.
Hapless horn I think the tea did the trick
Chris the vic.
You are right some of my points are not original. This is because in a debate I listen and if I feel a good pointis made I take it on board.
Your post for example:
Good point that January Signings of Saddler, Bromby and especially Eustace were excellent. I would love to think that these are Aidy's choices now and in the past other people have wrongly influenced him. This would give me massive hope for the summer.
I also agree with you that Aidy is an easy target, That unfortunatly is the nature of the job and you have to take lows with the highs.
Please note I have NEVER become abusive or personal against him, But at the same time I have to say it as I see at the moment.
Last point- never sit in silence at a football ground, Booing should only be after a game where the result can not be adversly affected, kick up the backside and all that.
Hapless horn I think the tea did the trick
Posted by: Hapless Horn on 3:33pm Wed 23 Apr 08
Gc,glad to hear that-still hoping Ben will let me have the details of the service he gets,got to better than watching the match!
Actually I think the best thing about signing Saddler is it got Stewart playing well just as Saddler went badly off the boil.
Booing is for lack of commitment--Priskin BOO Ellington BOO BOO BOO BOO and nothing else.
The multiplying morons who boo when a player or sub is sannounced are pathetic and generally not very clued about the game anyway.
Gc,glad to hear that-still hoping Ben will let me have the details of the service he gets,got to better than watching the match!
Actually I think the best thing about signing Saddler is it got Stewart playing well just as Saddler went badly off the boil.
Booing is for lack of commitment--Priskin BOO Ellington BOO BOO BOO BOO and nothing else.
The multiplying morons who boo when a player or sub is sannounced are pathetic and generally not very clued about the game anyway.
Posted by: only 1 john stirk, Hemel on 4:06pm Wed 23 Apr 08
for those demanding a clear out - bear in mind we won't have much to spend on replacements and can't commit to top dollar contracts with only one year of parachute money left. Last summer was the last chnace to spend big and we gambled in NE and lost. I suspect we will lose 3 or 4 strikers and bring one in. We need to use the loan system to bring in a hot prem prospect - just look at the impact Miller (WBA), Frasier (hull), sinclair (CP)and Johnson (us, while he lasted!) have had.
for those demanding a clear out - bear in mind we won't have much to spend on replacements and can't commit to top dollar contracts with only one year of parachute money left. Last summer was the last chnace to spend big and we gambled in NE and lost. I suspect we will lose 3 or 4 strikers and bring one in. We need to use the loan system to bring in a hot prem prospect - just look at the impact Miller (WBA), Frasier (hull), sinclair (CP)and Johnson (us, while he lasted!) have had.
Posted by: mohican, sutton on 4:28pm Wed 23 Apr 08
A B must have a skin as thick as a rhinos,he has messed up along with his so called coaching staff.
Or is a plot to go to wembley, i have got to wonder..
In any other job he would have resigned by now, i am not sure if he is pig headed or the only person that cannot see what a disaster the past few months have been..............
Ray Lew is and still is head and shoulders above A B... He had no money at all yet kept us afloat, now that is a good manager
A B must have a skin as thick as a rhinos,he has messed up along with his so called coaching staff.
Or is a plot to go to wembley, i have got to wonder..
In any other job he would have resigned by now, i am not sure if he is pig headed or the only person that cannot see what a disaster the past few months have been..............
Ray Lew is and still is head and shoulders above A B... He had no money at all yet kept us afloat, now that is a good manager
Posted by: Hapless Horn on 4:51pm Wed 23 Apr 08
[quote][bold]mohican[/bold] wrote:
A B must have a skin as thick as a rhinos,he has messed up along with his so called coaching staff. Or is a plot to go to wembley, i have got to wonder.. In any other job he would have resigned by now, i am not sure if he is pig headed or the only person that cannot see what a disaster the past few months have been.............. Ray Lew is and still is head and shoulders above A B... He had no money at all yet kept us afloat, now that is a good manager[/quote] Blimey! A view of the universe unencumbered by reality!
mohican wrote:
A B must have a skin as thick as a rhinos,he has messed up along with his so called coaching staff. Or is a plot to go to wembley, i have got to wonder.. In any other job he would have resigned by now, i am not sure if he is pig headed or the only person that cannot see what a disaster the past few months have been.............. Ray Lew is and still is head and shoulders above A B... He had no money at all yet kept us afloat, now that is a good manager
Blimey! A view of the universe unencumbered by reality!
Posted by: davisp, Mk on 4:54pm Wed 23 Apr 08
Amazing that people are questioning AB. Given that he got us in the Premier League ( against all the odds) and we have a chance again this year, I think is an amazing achievement. We are a smallish Championship side who haven't sold out ( to the best of my knowledge ) a small capacity once this year - there are 10-15 clubs bigger than us in terms of support base. The fact that there is money to spend in the first instance is down to ABs achievements - end of. Agreed that some of the signings haven't worked out, but supporters who are criticising AB are basically muppets for the reasons stated.
Amazing that people are questioning AB. Given that he got us in the Premier League ( against all the odds) and we have a chance again this year, I think is an amazing achievement. We are a smallish Championship side who haven't sold out ( to the best of my knowledge ) a small capacity once this year - there are 10-15 clubs bigger than us in terms of support base. The fact that there is money to spend in the first instance is down to ABs achievements - end of. Agreed that some of the signings haven't worked out, but supporters who are criticising AB are basically muppets for the reasons stated.
Posted by: Kurse, Chorleywood on 4:57pm Wed 23 Apr 08
[quote][bold]davisp[/bold] wrote:
Amazing that people are questioning AB. Given that he got us in the Premier League ( against all the odds) and we have a chance again this year, I think is an amazing achievement. We are a smallish Championship side who haven't sold out ( to the best of my knowledge ) a small capacity once this year - there are 10-15 clubs bigger than us in terms of support base. The fact that there is money to spend in the first instance is down to ABs achievements - end of. Agreed that some of the signings haven't worked out, but supporters who are criticising AB are basically muppets for the reasons stated.[/quote] I applaud you!! somebody else who back Aidy, personally i'm disappointed with how this season has gone but will gladly give Aidy next season to prove us wrong!!!
davisp wrote:
Amazing that people are questioning AB. Given that he got us in the Premier League ( against all the odds) and we have a chance again this year, I think is an amazing achievement. We are a smallish Championship side who haven't sold out ( to the best of my knowledge ) a small capacity once this year - there are 10-15 clubs bigger than us in terms of support base. The fact that there is money to spend in the first instance is down to ABs achievements - end of. Agreed that some of the signings haven't worked out, but supporters who are criticising AB are basically muppets for the reasons stated.
I applaud you!! somebody else who back Aidy, personally i'm disappointed with how this season has gone but will gladly give Aidy next season to prove us wrong!!!
Posted by: Hexham Hornet, Hexham on 5:00pm Wed 23 Apr 08
Mohican, when you look at Aidy's earlier signings (Stewart, Henderson, King, Mackay, Smith and then Foster on loan)they were a success - some loanees weren't quite so successful - Benjamin and Agbonlahor (but look where he is now). That was when he had very little money to spend. Since he was given a larger budget he has been like a kid alone in a sweet shop and bought all the things his mum said he should avoid. In January he realised he did not have much left and went back to buying wisely. Perhaps that's how GS should treat him - give him little cash and tell him to make the best of it. If he does well then he may be allowed a bit more, but only for a special signing and a limited sum - then GS should be involved in the wage structure for all new signings. I think prudence is a word a gritty Yorkshireman should understand and if he gets back to his roots then he will buy more sensibly. Some managers are better with restricted funds and can't handle large transfer budgets. Aidy needs to get out of his current state and get back to enjoying the job - this will rub off on the club as a whole, but it might be too late for this season. He should be told he needs to offload players - by transfer and not just paying them off - to raise funds and he should look at some of the non-performing higher salaried players first. If we get offers for any of Ellington, Kabba, Francis (unlikely as he is injured), Poom and Jackson to start with then he should take them, even if it means we receive less than we paid for them, as none of them will get into the first team unless they put some work into it. This will help the budget and give Aidy some funds for new players, but they must be better than those he has sold or else it is a waste of time.
Mohican, when you look at Aidy's earlier signings (Stewart, Henderson, King, Mackay, Smith and then Foster on loan)they were a success - some loanees weren't quite so successful - Benjamin and Agbonlahor (but look where he is now). That was when he had very little money to spend. Since he was given a larger budget he has been like a kid alone in a sweet shop and bought all the things his mum said he should avoid. In January he realised he did not have much left and went back to buying wisely. Perhaps that's how GS should treat him - give him little cash and tell him to make the best of it. If he does well then he may be allowed a bit more, but only for a special signing and a limited sum - then GS should be involved in the wage structure for all new signings. I think prudence is a word a gritty Yorkshireman should understand and if he gets back to his roots then he will buy more sensibly. Some managers are better with restricted funds and can't handle large transfer budgets. Aidy needs to get out of his current state and get back to enjoying the job - this will rub off on the club as a whole, but it might be too late for this season. He should be told he needs to offload players - by transfer and not just paying them off - to raise funds and he should look at some of the non-performing higher salaried players first. If we get offers for any of Ellington, Kabba, Francis (unlikely as he is injured), Poom and Jackson to start with then he should take them, even if it means we receive less than we paid for them, as none of them will get into the first team unless they put some work into it. This will help the budget and give Aidy some funds for new players, but they must be better than those he has sold or else it is a waste of time.
Posted by: only 1 john stirk, Hemel on 5:06pm Wed 23 Apr 08
massively disappointing though the last few months (and a couple of key signings) have been there is only one club above us in the football world who has a smaller support base than us - that's Wigan and they are backed by a sugar daddy. We are still over-achieving even if we don't go up.
massively disappointing though the last few months (and a couple of key signings) have been there is only one club above us in the football world who has a smaller support base than us - that's Wigan and they are backed by a sugar daddy. We are still over-achieving even if we don't go up.
Posted by: Scotshorn, Aberdeen on 5:14pm Wed 23 Apr 08
[quote][bold]mohican[/bold] wrote:
A B must have a skin as thick as a rhinos,he has messed up along with his so called coaching staff. Or is a plot to go to wembley, i have got to wonder.. In any other job he would have resigned by now, i am not sure if he is pig headed or the only person that cannot see what a disaster the past few months have been.............. Ray Lew is and still is head and shoulders above A B... He had no money at all yet kept us afloat, now that is a good manager[/quote] A clear case of memory cells on the blink!! You say that Ray Lew kept us afloat, when in truth we were sinking rather badly towards Div 1. AB not only stopped that, but reversed it - THAT is a good manager.
On a completely different subject - I see that Styles the non-referee has been demoted to League 2 for the heinous crime of not awarding Man U 2 penalties - I hate to think what reprisals he will take against League 2 defenders!!
mohican wrote:
A B must have a skin as thick as a rhinos,he has messed up along with his so called coaching staff. Or is a plot to go to wembley, i have got to wonder.. In any other job he would have resigned by now, i am not sure if he is pig headed or the only person that cannot see what a disaster the past few months have been.............. Ray Lew is and still is head and shoulders above A B... He had no money at all yet kept us afloat, now that is a good manager
A clear case of memory cells on the blink!! You say that Ray Lew kept us afloat, when in truth we were sinking rather badly towards Div 1. AB not only stopped that, but reversed it - THAT is a good manager.
On a completely different subject - I see that Styles the non-referee has been demoted to League 2 for the heinous crime of not awarding Man U 2 penalties - I hate to think what reprisals he will take against League 2 defenders!!
Posted by: Hexham Hornet, Hexham on 5:22pm Wed 23 Apr 08
[quote][bold]only 1 john stirk[/bold] wrote:
massively disappointing though the last few months (and a couple of key signings) have been there is only one club above us in the football world who has a smaller support base than us - that's Wigan and they are backed by a sugar daddy. We are still over-achieving even if we don't go up.[/quote] It is true we are over achieving, but the point is if the transfer funds we had at the beginning of the season were spent more successfully we would be over achieving by a greater margin than we are now. The team had the funds to go stright back up but the players brought in were not up to the task and so it is not necessary to accept that we are over achieving when everybody can see that we have under performed for much of the season. Watford will never be a massive club and may never reach the dizzy heights of the second best team in the country again, but we have the history yo show that we can be more successful, and don't forget that we weren't a rich club last time we had a few seasons in the top flight. To say we are over achieving, when our performances since Christmas have been so dire, shows a lack of understanding of what we could achieve and acceptance of mediocrity at best. That is not the Watford way or Aidy's style and that is what must be addressed.
only 1 john stirk wrote:
massively disappointing though the last few months (and a couple of key signings) have been there is only one club above us in the football world who has a smaller support base than us - that's Wigan and they are backed by a sugar daddy. We are still over-achieving even if we don't go up.
It is true we are over achieving, but the point is if the transfer funds we had at the beginning of the season were spent more successfully we would be over achieving by a greater margin than we are now. The team had the funds to go stright back up but the players brought in were not up to the task and so it is not necessary to accept that we are over achieving when everybody can see that we have under performed for much of the season. Watford will never be a massive club and may never reach the dizzy heights of the second best team in the country again, but we have the history yo show that we can be more successful, and don't forget that we weren't a rich club last time we had a few seasons in the top flight. To say we are over achieving, when our performances since Christmas have been so dire, shows a lack of understanding of what we could achieve and acceptance of mediocrity at best. That is not the Watford way or Aidy's style and that is what must be addressed.
Posted by: only 1 john stirk, Hemel on 5:34pm Wed 23 Apr 08
Hexham. Wrong !
History shows nothing. Life was different when we lived in the top league alongside the notts co, oxford utd, Lutons of this world. We will do well to get into the prem again in next 10 years let alone stay there.
My post was clear, the last few months have been massively disappointing as have the recent big signings. I was there and know how c**p we were against Barnsley and booed along with the rest.
BUT WE ARE OVER ACHIEVING. There is no better placed club of our underlying size/resources. That is fact.
We had the funds to bounce back but only as a one off bonus as did charlton and sheff utd. Everyones favourites Sheff utd spent £4m on Beattie who has scored them a hatful of goals but we have still been more successful than them.
so yes there are issues to be sorted but why is everyone acting as though its the end of the world ?
Hexham. Wrong !
History shows nothing. Life was different when we lived in the top league alongside the notts co, oxford utd, Lutons of this world. We will do well to get into the prem again in next 10 years let alone stay there.
My post was clear, the last few months have been massively disappointing as have the recent big signings. I was there and know how c**p we were against Barnsley and booed along with the rest.
BUT WE ARE OVER ACHIEVING. There is no better placed club of our underlying size/resources. That is fact.
We had the funds to bounce back but only as a one off bonus as did charlton and sheff utd. Everyones favourites Sheff utd spent £4m on Beattie who has scored them a hatful of goals but we have still been more successful than them.
so yes there are issues to be sorted but why is everyone acting as though its the end of the world ?
Posted by: Hexham Hornet, Hexham on 5:58pm Wed 23 Apr 08
Only 1 john stirk - I am sorry but in some ways we do agree. All I am pointing out is that we should not accept we are over-achieving as an excuse for the c**p we have been served up for much of the 2nd half of the season. The fact that we have done better than Sheff U and Charlton is a reflection on them. Think how much better we would have done if our signings had worked, and then ask if it has been an opportunity missed or a successful season of over achievement. The fact that we should have done a bit better and gained auto promotion is what bugs us. It is not the end of the world, but promotion -if for just one more season in the top flight - would have meant an increase in funds and the chance for building the team even more. It is a bit like you being on a promise then when you get there you're told to forget it. Not the end of the world, but bloody frustrating!!
Only 1 john stirk - I am sorry but in some ways we do agree. All I am pointing out is that we should not accept we are over-achieving as an excuse for the c**p we have been served up for much of the 2nd half of the season. The fact that we have done better than Sheff U and Charlton is a reflection on them. Think how much better we would have done if our signings had worked, and then ask if it has been an opportunity missed or a successful season of over achievement. The fact that we should have done a bit better and gained auto promotion is what bugs us. It is not the end of the world, but promotion -if for just one more season in the top flight - would have meant an increase in funds and the chance for building the team even more. It is a bit like you being on a promise then when you get there you're told to forget it. Not the end of the world, but bloody frustrating!!
Posted by: SIMMO, BUCKS on 6:59pm Wed 23 Apr 08
Here is Aidy's weekley email ,seems he is starting to feel the strain with another little dig back at the fans !
This week from Aidy
Hi everyone,
Well, the good news is you won’t be hearing from me too many times before we reach season’s end! I suppose that means the bad news is that you’ve got to hear from me again today though eh?
So, here we are, two games to go and a fair bit of work still to be done to finish as far up the table as we possibly can, and only then will we know what fate decrees for us.
If we’re honest we know that we’ve got to get some results and we’ve got to get some goals, and that’s true, but then when is that different to any other week? What we’ll really be doing is refocusing, nothing more and nothing less.
We know we’ve got what it takes, we’ve seen it before and we’ve done it before, we’ve just got to start doing it all over again.
What’s probably most important is that we do it at home, this weekend, against a Scunthorpe side that won’t have a care in the world – but aren’t they always the most dangerous ones?
I believe in my players, and I want them to believe that I believe in them. I want them to believe that you believe in them, because I know you do. And that’s what ultimately will get us across that line as far as I am concerned, a bit of belief, a lot of belief to match the hard work.
I’m looking forward to the challenge of this now, the challenge of going for the Premiership in a more intense, mini-season, and we’ve proven to be really good at that in the past so let’s not forget that either.
I know you want to see this side succeed just like me so, once again, I’ll thank you for your support so far this season and ask for nothing less than more of the same for the last couple.
See you Saturday.
Come on!
