Boothroyd issues rallying cry

8:50am Saturday 10th May 2008

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Aidy Boothroyd has implored Watford fans to re-create the jumping atmosphere of two seasons ago and roar his side to victory over Hull City.

Watford entertain the Tigers in the first of a two-legged play-off on Sunday and the manager is pleading with supporters to turn Vicarage Road into a sea of yellow, producing the kind of white-hot atmosphere that inspired his side to a play-off triumph over Crystal Palace in 2006.

Boothroyd is aware that season-ticket holders have had precious little to cheer about this season - just five wins in the last 20 games at Vicarage Road - but believes his side are capable of signing off their home campaign in style.

"It's going to be a nice hot day, a great atmosphere and we need to make it a bright day and get all the yellow stuff out," said Boothroyd.

"What's gone on before has gone and we need to use everything to beat Hull. The crowd come into that. They were magnificent home and away against Palace in 2006 and we need to get Vicarage Road bouncing.

"Our home record is mediocre and we've got an opportunity to put on a performance, get a result and give our fans something to smile about."

Boothroyd is relishing the challenge of pitting his wits against Hull boss Phil Brown and is likely to be at his best with the tag of underdogs dangling around his faltering side's neck.

Watford go into the crunch game with just one win in their last 14 matches but the manager is confident his side can tear up the formbook and is likely to whip his troops up into a frenzy prior to kick-off.

"I am thoroughly looking forward to it," he said. "Because of our form we are the underdogs. That is not mind games - that's a fact. Hull are on a great run of form, they have a big squad, they have some quality players and they are favourites for this tie and Phil will know that.

"We have come a long way in a short space of time but we'll only enjoy the play-offs if we win it.

"We can draw on our experience from two years ago and will give it everything we have got. We want to come off the field having no regrets. That's what we did two years ago and we can do that again.

"It will be a pressure-cooker atmosphere but it's time for calm and making sure the club is fully focussed on what needs to be done."

Boothroyd is expected to use the 3-0 defeat at the KC Stadium as a source of motivation for Sunday in much the same way he did with the 3-1 league defeat against Palace in 2006.

"The defeat at the KC Stadium was up there with the worst performances," said the Watford boss.

"We were 2-0 down after 13 minutes and it was uphill from there. That game will be one of a few things I'll use. I know Hull well. I've seen them four or five times over the last couple of days. We will be prepared."

So will Hull who ambushed the Hornets seven weeks ago, giving Watford a taste of the medicine they had dished out to other sides during the first three months of the season.

"They started so brightly that day and we normally do that," recalled the manager. "We were still half asleep. We knew what was coming, we just didn't deal with it. We were totally caught out and it was a really bad day at the office."