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Chief scout leaves Horns
4:56pm Tuesday 15th January 2008
Comments (76)AIDY BOOTHROYD parted company with his chief scout Mark Stow this afternoon, it is understood.
The Watford boss summoned Stow to a meeting at the club's training ground and told him his services were no longer required.
Stow, whose son is a member of the club's Academy, has spent the last five years at Watford and was the man responsible for discovering Al Bangura.
Boothroyd also showed David Hockaday and Chris Cummins the door this time last year while Keith Burkinshaw left the club just before Christmas.
Stow, who has been scouting players in the French and Dutch leagues, leaves the club midway through the transfer window.
Back in September when the club appointed John Stephenson as Head of Recruitment, Mark Ashton told Watford's website: "John is highly adept in the logistical and management side of bringing players in and I believe his input will support both Aidy and Mark Stow will (sic) take us to the next level and only serve to improve our recruitment process."
Your Say YourTimes Series
Yellow, says...
5:43pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Football staff and admin staff keep arriving and departing - but certain senior individuals stay the same.
Surely the two couldn't be linked . . .
John, Watford says...
5:49pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Pretty soon it will be Aidy and Ashton alone running the club.
Then they will be happy.
emperors new clothes, watford says...
6:02pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Mark, Watford says...
6:02pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Lets hope we actually get somebody in though with experience and a know how on what players we need.
Yellow, says...
6:11pm Tue 15 Jan 08
But who appointed him?
And who appointed all the other staff that keep coming and going?
Sooner or later, surely someone has got to ask some serious questions of those doing the hiring and firing.
But of course, as the Watford Observer has found out, questions (like criticism and opposing viewpoints) are not allowed at Vicarage Road these days.
WD18, says...
6:14pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Just as it was the fault of David Hockaday and Chris Cummins a year ago that we were struggling in the Premiership.
Arthur, says...
6:18pm Tue 15 Jan 08
And as for the CEO, he must have broken a dozen mirrors to keep employing staff who have been successful elsewhere and then discover they only want to stay a few months at Vicarage Road.
How fortunate we are to have those two at the helm, sorting out the mess all these other incompetent staff keep creating.
Mark, Watford says...
6:30pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Its the poor replacing that worries me which is why I would be wary of the board sacking Aidy and getting a new manager...probably be another mate of Ashton from a reserve side who doesn't have quite the same luck as Aidy first up.
colin, says...
6:32pm Tue 15 Jan 08
But, hey, what goes around comes around.
Anyone who could treat Gibbo in the way that he did should never be welcome at the vic.
Go now Boothroyd! Your time is up!
Mark, Watford says...
6:38pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Yellow, says...
6:46pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Who would tell us a couple of months ago we need three players and he knew in which areas, but now tell us we might get a couple possibly in on loan?
Hmmm, I really would miss having all that honesty and sincerity to deal with.
cynic, middlesex says...
7:03pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Mark, Watford says...
7:05pm Tue 15 Jan 08
I am not happy with the current siutation of playing style and do think we have a very poor set of players with a few exceptions.
I don't really want to go up and get hammered Derby style each week (again!) but I also would like to see an improved Vicarage Road...however with a decent team to watch as well.
Personally with Aidy's signings record I woyld not trust him with any money but then again we do need players if we want to go anywhere apart from down,down and futher down.
No-one wants our crap players and clearly we cannot get anyone in whilst there are rumours from people and the locla paper that there is a problem with the ground development money.
However I don't feel the need to call him a "prat" or act as if Mr Ashton is running the club down (yet)
Most people on here are decent contructive guys who make valid critcisim but some as I said just like a good old moan and probably want the club to fail.
Yellow, says...
7:30pm Tue 15 Jan 08
However, the club has to accept that for every good time there will be a bad time.
And just as we all cheer and enjoy the good times, we are equally entitled to criticise and question through the bad times.
Trouble is, the club cannot accept or apparently understand why anyone would question or criticise them.
There are so many things that people want questioned at the moment, and that was evident at the AGM were there was much heated debate.
But the club would rather feed us their line, and deny us the chance to ask questions, make comments or have concerns.
The official messageboards have been shut down, there is no sign of a Fans Forum on the horizon, and bit by the bit they are shoving the Watford Observer out of the way.
Paul, Garston says...
7:38pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Billie, Kings Langley says...
7:52pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Well, it seems to me that he treats his own colleagues in a pretty negative way.
Spot the Dementor!
Mark, Watford says...
7:53pm Tue 15 Jan 08
So the likes of Paul who do you want to take-over as manager?
Dave, Cheltenham says...
8:24pm Tue 15 Jan 08
colin, says...
9:23pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Lets study the facts shall we? We have taken just 14 points from a possible 42; we are averaging one win in every four games. Not assuming we continue in this vein of form - and given the managers reluctance to improve the areas of the team that need improving I see no reason why things will change - we will finish around the 60 point mark; in other words mid table to top ten.
Now when you consider the standard to which the team have been playing all season, then that it probably a fair barometer of the teams ability.
Forget top two, top three or even top six, this team of limited largely lower division players will be nowhere near the promotion spots. The players who dragged the team to the play off last time round are nearly all gone .i.e, Spring, Foster, Young, Carlisle, Eagles, Chambers...and of course King. Now we have rubbish like Williamson chasing shadows all game...and overpaid pensioners like Jackson.
Ive just read that Hodgson is confident King will be ready to turn out for Fulham by saturday...brace yourself clappers its going to happen.
Given the collapse of our form...given the managers inability to make the necessary changes or even admit there is a problem...given the boards constant obsession with power and money...I would like to invite you all in joining me on Saturday to boo the leadership of this club....
Boothroyd out!
Simpson out!
dave, sandridge says...
9:33pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Hornet1111, Watford says...
9:37pm Tue 15 Jan 08
The Chief Scout had told Boothroyd NOT TO SIGN Ellington as he was OVERPRICED, or sign Jackson AS LEGS HAD GONE, how do you think that went down with the conceited little Yorkshireman ! about as well as when Burky told him our tactics had been sussed and would stop us winning games ! Hence the Chief Scout grew horns and turned from ADVISOR / RECOMMENDER to DEMONATOR. The Chief scout spent 3 weeks away from his family in Argentina and Brazil last summer watching players, he had watched every team in England, France and Holland this season already, brought Bangura, Priskin, McAnuff, Avinel, Aloi, Rinaldi, Spring, Shittu, Ainsworth to the club, the common thread being these are 'FOOTBALLERS'. Footballer means DEMONATOR.
Every player that has been recommended to buy or loan has rejected a move or their club has rejected a move to us due to our style of play .... How they gonna improve at Watford at the moment ??? Ricky Hatton might get a new career though in holding midfield, as long as he can run alot and kick it a considerable way, bruiser being a given.
Everytime the crowd chant his name he feels more power, I dont trust him anymore, or Simpson and Ashton, they will cream all the money (if any left) and disappear before we can say 'Ground Redevelopment'.
If the fans unite into a show of Demonation and call for his, Simpsons and Ashtons heads, then maybe the REAL DEMON will go to one of his many self professed offers !!!!
Hornet1111, Watford says...
9:48pm Tue 15 Jan 08
No doubt we will get a couple of desperate last minute signings, (Kabba esq), a quoted overhaul of the scouting network, and as king departs, a quote stating that 'out of puff daddy' is the man to lead the line to the promised land
Mark, Watford says...
9:49pm Tue 15 Jan 08
WHO DO YOU WANT TO REPLACE HIM?
ITS A SIMPLE QUESTION?
Or are you one of those who wants a manager gone then when the tricky bit comes of deciding on a new one fumble around plucking names out of thin air?
I'm all for people saying they want changes but please some example of potential replacements (idea) would be nice otherwise we could end up with some other rubbish manager who willl get stick after a few defeats.
Mark, Watford says...
9:51pm Tue 15 Jan 08
abba,Stewart,McAnuff
,Ainsworth,Hoskins,M
oses etc would be good signings?
Hornet1111, Watford says...
9:53pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Mark wrote:The Chief Scout had told Boothroyd NOT TO SIGN Ellington as he was OVERPRICED
Oh dear...well did he tell Aidy Ellington was worth 3/5 million!? Somebody on GH says King has gone for 5.7 million. So hope he is wrong!
Mark, Watford says...
9:58pm Tue 15 Jan 08
We all know who they are...
I presume this was another scout?
Hornet1111, watford says...
10:06pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Mark wrote:hoskins - yes (he is a footballer, due to join Bristol Rovers in window for 400K)
Well that is fair enough but what about the other ones who have been poor? We all know who they are... I presume this was another scout?
ashikodi - yes (going on loan this week)
williamson - yes
Oh and the one I forgot, ADAM JOHNSON !!!
Hornet1111, watford says...
10:37pm Tue 15 Jan 08
make some constructive comment or none at all, you show yourself up with that comment
Voice of reason, Watford says...
10:46pm Tue 15 Jan 08
perry digweed, Job Club Aidy's sacked ME says...
11:41pm Tue 15 Jan 08
uff,williamson and some coaches goto macdonalds london colney for breakfast before training when we are told by HOOFROYDD that the players diets are monitored and we have a trainig ground with a canteen that caters for all the players dietary reqirements. MAYBE the players do eat together at the training ground but for some this is the only HAPPY MEAL they will have!
HOOFFROYD has lost the dressing room and a lot of supporters! Aidrian please take your one trick somewhere else PLEASE!!!
Reality Check, Watford says...
7:05am Wed 16 Jan 08
I personally, and not over-pleased with a number of things at the moment. However, I am willing to give the manager a chance. Why? Simple, as he's earnt the right. Face facts, we're a mid-table Championship side. Therefore, to be where we are and where we were last season is an over-achievement. Sure we're struggling at the moment, and a number of off-field issues are concerning, but then again we don't know the full facts, just rumour and what's reported.
I've never been convinced by Mark Ashton personally. What goes on behind closed doors often never gets out to the fans. So all we can do now is to support OUR club. (Even the luton fans on here would understand that).
Aidy's a one-trick pony? Well didn't hear you complaining about that one trick when we were winning in Cardiff. And of course, all that any potential manager needs to do is come on here, have a read of "supporters" views, and wouldn't come near our club.
And I find it hilarious that people want AB out, yet don't name replacements. Or when they do, they think it's Championship Manager. If our club is in the state that some claim on here, why would anyone want to come?
It's certainly not all rosy in the Watford garden, and there are plenty of questions to be answered on and off the field. Critise yes, but how about making it constructive, then we can have a proper debate.
Mark, Watford says...
8:34am Wed 16 Jan 08
Anyway its that they are so lightweight and weak which is the problem in my view rather than looking too fat because of eating chips etc or whatever.
BTW I agree about your list of players not being good enough expect for Doyley who I think has been our PTOS mainly because he has actually improved his passing etc whilst others who are supposed to be more talented have got worse.
I'll all for people being worried about the style of play but we played like this 2 seasons ago and got promoted which I am sure pleased us all even Colin!
Is it just down to the players and poor scouting to choice ones that suit our style rather than the likes pf Priskin who are potentially good players but never going to fit into Aidy's way of play.
chris, The vic says...
8:35am Wed 16 Jan 08
At present we are riding high thanks to a phenomenal start but our recent form as Colin pointed out 14 points out of 42 is relegation fodder.
It appears to coincide with two events at the start of our bad run..Gavin Mahon leaving and perhaps more importantly with Adam Johnson leaving. I also think that JS having no competition in his role does not help.
People above have said our tactics were sussed..but that applied from game 3 or 4 but with AJ playing our tactics were more varied and couldnt be coped with.
And it is fairly apparent our manager cannot find a solution without buying big and in reality that is not going to happen thanks to the money drain in place.
So what can we do?
Here are some suggestions:
Sell marlon and persuade Southgate to lend us AJ or better still sell him to us for £5m or less....with his service Ellington and Darius will score.
Get rid of all but 24 of our permanent playing staff to reduce wage bill.
Borrow a semii decent left back to put pressure on JS...he will then play better.
The central midfielder is more of a problem but Chelski might for his wages of £50k per week lend us Sidwell which could cost us £1m but so much better value than some of our other signings..he has done it in the Championship a couple of years back and knows what it takes.
The other avenue to pursue is a loan signing in February of ben to help him back to match fitness.
Not all of these might be possible but they would go a long way to curing our woes and giving shape and leadership to our team.
Pray for Shittu to return in one piece from the African cup and an early exit (sorry Dan but we need you).
The above may be a dream and a quick fix but if we could get promotion this time there would be less loans to be repaid.
As for replacing the manager why not leave Aidy in charge and get in a part-time director of football who who has media responsibilities but knows how to pick them..GT.
Mark, Watford says...
8:50am Wed 16 Jan 08
As for Mahon..I hope those fans who booed him off the pitch are now happy with our current midfield being outplayed almost each game because there is no bite/defensive cover there....
We used to be physical but without Shittu,Henderson apart I'd say we must be a pretty weak and small side whjo have players that don't fit this current style of football.
As for Stewart..well I am not sure who exactly he expects to get a contract from in the Prem if that is what he thinks will happen.
Peter Riley, Watford says...
8:51am Wed 16 Jan 08
Mark wrote:If you see Joey Barton in McDonalds then yes report him. After retiring to a safe distance.
If you see players go into McDonalds maybe you should report them?
Anyway its that they are so lightweight and weak which is the problem in my view rather than looking too fat because of eating chips etc or whatever.
BTW I agree about your list of players not being good enough expect for Doyley who I think has been our PTOS mainly because he has actually improved his passing etc whilst others who are supposed to be more talented have got worse.
I'll all for people being worried about the style of play but we played like this 2 seasons ago and got promoted which I am sure pleased us all even Colin!
Is it just down to the players and poor scouting to choice ones that suit our style rather than the likes pf Priskin who are potentially good players but never going to fit into Aidy's way of play.
Hornet1111, watford says...
9:45am Wed 16 Jan 08
All in All a club lives or dies by what happens OFF THE PITCH, YES OFF THE PITCH. If the foundations are solid, the right decisions made, the players are then professional and harmony breeds and they give their best for all concerned. Clearly our foundations are rocking, hence this breeds unprofessionalism. Would those same players go in Mcdonalds if Arsene signed them, i doubt it very much ...
Mark, Watford says...
9:57am Wed 16 Jan 08
He might well just be making up another anti Watford remark?
I do feel on here somebody could say anything bad and people would take it on full value...
As I said if this bloke sees this should he not tell the club?
Mark, Watford says...
10:01am Wed 16 Jan 08
As for the coaches..well the way we are going they could be gone soon so maybe they want a part-time job as well.
;)
P, Brighton says...
10:35am Wed 16 Jan 08
If we fail as miserably as his tactics (or lack of) currently are then I would go all out for Gary Johnson. Let us see some football from the home side for a change.
yellowskiddy, bicester says...
10:37am Wed 16 Jan 08
we have gone to having loads of money to spend to only getting in loans..
I have heard that we might be getting in Armand Traore from the gunners
James Wilson, says...
11:42am Wed 16 Jan 08
Callisto9000, Edgware says...
11:50am Wed 16 Jan 08
I have to go along with most of what Reality check says. I'm not a 'clapper' as some say, thinking everything's amazing but we're nowhere near crisis point. It's a bit disconcerting that people seem to be jumping ship quite a bit recently but we don't know what's going on behind closed doors. The off-field staff needs to be beefed up IMO.
On the playing side, the past couple of months have been a bit of a nightmare btu I suspect that if the home and away results were reversed, we wouldn't be moaning half as much as most of us (myself included) mostly (or only) see Watford at home. We definitely need a left back (heard Traore from Arsenal on loan is a poss) and the centre of midfield needs sorting out. (Hopefully Al B and Williams will be back soon). Please will everyone get off King's back...we need him and more players like him to succeed. Hendo's only good when he's got something to prove and we need competition for places. Can't see the Fulham deal coming off unless it's for around 6.5-7 mil (considering Bouazza was 4+ mill) Why would he go there anyway? If it was Reading, Blackburn or Bolton fair enough but Fulham have a one-way ticket down and we're going to be giving them a wave on the way up.
No way should AB go...he's the best thing to happen to us in ages and we need to hold on to him. He does need some help tactically though (kicking the ball out from kick off; the midfield too far back when defending, no-one on the posts at corners etc) but let's get real, we could easily be in Sheffield Utd's position!!
ps Mahon had to go, he wasn't the only problem but he was one. The defining moment was against Burnley when they cleared the ball and he was in the centre circle with no-one around him. I saw him head the ball from a standing position and he fell over. Then he got subbed...nuff said.
WatfordKev, Watford says...
1:43pm Wed 16 Jan 08
Don't blame it on the Hamann,
Don't blame it on the Finnan,
Blame it on Traore
He just can't, He just can't, He just can't control his feet.
He just can't, He just can't, He just can't control his feet.
Me, Here says...
2:02pm Wed 16 Jan 08
WatfordKev wrote:Er, I hope you're having us on...it's a different Traore!
Don't blame it on the Biscan, Don't blame it on the Hamann, Don't blame it on the Finnan, Blame it on Traore He just can't, He just can't, He just can't control his feet. He just can't, He just can't, He just can't control his feet.
Steve, Tewkesbury says...
2:36pm Wed 16 Jan 08
Whilst everyone is entitled to an opinion soem of the posts I have read and more importantly the boo boys at home games are a disgrace.
I have to say I am embarresed to be a Watford fan at the moment because of it. Some of you need to get real.
If you would have said at the start of the season we would be third three points off the top all of you would have taken that.
We are well placed to push for promotion and it will take everybody to help us get there.
I don't think things are all rosey far from it but now is not the time to air all of this. To get promoted from this divison is really tough. We can still do it and yes with the players we have. But it will take a huge effort on the field with the players giving 100% every week, the back room staff an board and yes us as fans.
Now is not the time to be calling for Aidy to get the sack, who would you replace him with anyway.
I say give him every chance to get us promoted if he doesn't then by all means sack him and Simpson and Ashton.
We need to get behind Aidy and the team stop all this negative posting and stop the boos.
Why do you all think our home form suffered? It was beacsue after a couple of bad performances and defeats the boo boys started and that does not help anyone. The palyers hate palying at home now.
Have any of you thought that it was that that has caused our worrying lack of form rather than anythying else?
Its funny the boo boys got what they wanted and got rid of mahon but I have to say i think we are a worse team without him.
As I say please just try and not boo the team get behind them on here at at the games and lets all push for promotion. Everything is not rosey off the pitch |(i for one want to know where all this money has gone). The time is not now for questioning that. We can all do that at the end of the season when we know if we got promoted.
Come on people stop all these negative posts, boos and calls for aidy out and lets give it a real push for promotion
Reality Check, Watford says...
2:54pm Wed 16 Jan 08
I agree. We're stronger when everyone comes together. I'm not happy with a lot of things...I'm ashamed of the home crowd at times, especially when the booing is uncalled for.
By all means let's have debate on here, let's have constructive criticism but let's stick together.
Personal attacks and vendetta's against individual's (e.g Colin against Aidy and Williamson) are just pathetic.
Gold, says...
3:30pm Wed 16 Jan 08
However, in particular response to Steve, the reason my heckles are really up right now are some of the things you mention.
We would have taken our current position at the start of the season, that's true. But having been 12 points clear, we have, I fear, really missed a trick.
We've not built on that great start - instead, we've gone backwards.
And I do blame the manager - the weaknesses we are seeing now are the same as we saw a year ago, and again in the summer.
The quite inspired loan signing of Johnson allowed many of the problems to be hidden, such was his influence.
But he had to go back, and boy how the old problems reared their head again when he did.
Team selection, tactics, substitutions, player motivation - that is all the manager's domain, and when he gets it right, it is what he is priased for.
But over the last few months, it would be hard to praise any of that.
So, I am not for booing or barracking players for the sheer hell of it. I won't blindly clap either.
I want us to go up and we may still do it, but it's a lot less likely than it was in October.
The manager is the person who has to put that right, be it by signing players, changing tactics or shuffling the team.
While he is doing that, I will continue to make my observations, hand our praise or criticise.
At the moment, it is largely the latter - and the tone on this site I believe reflects the general disatisfaction (if you ignore the over-the-top minority).
Let's see what happens next - but I can't just sit back and say nothing now, and then moan about it later. There's nothing worse than being smart after the event.
Simon, London says...
3:48pm Wed 16 Jan 08
I agree with everything you say Steve apart from that.
If we don't go up then I still think Aidy should stay (unless of course we continue to slide and finish outside the top 6, then even I will have my doubts).
It tooks the likes of Bolton, Sunderland and West Ham at least two seasons to get back into the Premiership and stay up there (I know Sunderland have been a yo-yo team in recent years, but they were 7th two seasons running under the same manager who took them down after one season and failed to get back them back up at the first attempt).
We were promoted way ahead of schedule as it proved last season (whether or not we missed Marlon King, and we weren't exactly banging the goals in and winning games for run when he was fit) and it may not be such a bad idea to stay down for another season to continue rebuilding a squad which will hopefully be a lot more competitive second time round (that will be finding suitable successors to the likes of Young and Bouazza which we are yet to really replace).
Simon, London says...
3:52pm Wed 16 Jan 08
*mean
Bomber, S>Oxhey says...
4:07pm Wed 16 Jan 08
G, says...
4:30pm Wed 16 Jan 08
I am pretty sure he believes what he is saying, but i havent brought any of it for a long time now. I was always convinced that burkenshaw was more than just an advisor.
It seems strange that Spoof brought his mate in from Norwich and Burkenshaw left soon after for family reasons, then a down turn in results has swept in and doesnt show any signs of retreating.
Anybody else feel the same?
chris, hemel says...
4:37pm Wed 16 Jan 08
The dreadful home form, not just this season but last year too. Confusing financial messages from the board - have we got any funds for new players or the East Stand?? Massive payments to Board members, totally out of proportion to current income. Dodgy goings on within the club with a huge turnover of staff, all hushed up with Compromise Agreements. The sacking of the Russo's after they'd pumped £m's into the club - no explanation given. Coaching and Scouting staff coming and going. And so on.....
Is there any wonder people are dissatisfied with the goings on at the club, and not just with the team or the manager?
Steve, tewkesbury says...
5:30pm Wed 16 Jan 08
I have to say our worrying down turn in form is linked to much of this I think as much as anything else.
My point though is that on a saturday our frustration with all of that should not manifest itsself in boos when things don't go to plan.
The players really hate playing at home at the moment and we have to do all we can to make the vic a horrible place to come for visiting teams.
There are questions that GS and the board and boothroyd need to address but on a saturday afternoon that is not the place.
I would like to see some sort of Fans forum set up so we get a chance to discuss this with the club so we can all get back to doing what we love supporting watford and pushing us on to promotion.
yellowskiddy, bicester says...
5:33pm Wed 16 Jan 08
i dont know about the rest of you but i have more question than answers. I dont care what people say but there is somthing wrong going on with in the club...I think Adiy is looseing the plot
Ben, WATFORD says...
6:26pm Wed 16 Jan 08
Samuel Defriez, Watford says...
6:48pm Wed 16 Jan 08
Most of the people against Boothroys i ask you this - what do you expect? How big a club do you think we are? Do you think after one season in the prem we have a god given right to be there straight away again?!
My responses to those questions - 1) At the start of the season i expected the min of a top ten finish and would have been happy with the playoffs - were 3rd and have been top for ages. 2) We are a low championship club in terms of fan base - we will always be that so we are currently over performing. Enjoy the good times while they last. 3) No we have nooooooooo right to expect the premiership, we have a right to expect a relegation battle in the championship thats the size of club we are. Fullstop bottom line.
One more rant - please sack Kevin Affleck Watford Observer, hes gutter press, let him go work for the sun with his sensationalist writing i've had enough of it. Lets get this paper back to some decent reporting
jon, watford says...
7:15pm Wed 16 Jan 08
Ben wrote:Well done Ben: finally a post that makes sense!! The way some of these "supporters" have been moaning you'd think Watford were Newcastle in disguise!!
Things are not going right, that is apparent. But we are 3rd in the league people not bottom!! YOU LOT ARE SO FICKLE! Its the first real time we have had a \'proper\' dodgy patch and you all calling for aidys head. Unbelievable. You call yourselves Watford supporters? When we\'re winning Boothroyd is a god, but when we\'re losing suddenly he is apparently \'losing the plot\'. Just be thankful that we have a football club at all because just five or so years ago we were nearly in the same situation as our near neighbours. Start supporting Aidy Boothroyd and Watford to help stop this rut. I don\'t want us to lose the finest, young English manager in the league because of all you idiots who feel it is right to slag off the team when ever there is the slightest hint of a problem. Your almost as bad as the newcastle fans. Pathetic
Yes, they finally have their "messiah" back in place, but what will they do once he
clears off again because he can't hack it? They'll be back in that trophyless black hole (although playing pretty football admittedly!) and back to square one again.
It's too easy to ditch managers these days when the going gets tough. Anyone who watched Watford prior to 2 seasons ago will know how lucky we were not to be relegated or bankrupt! We unexpectedly get promoted (after being dead certs for relegation) and everyone suddenly thinks we have a divine right to play Premiership football from there onwards! Count how many seasons we have been in the top flight since we were formed... Notts Forest, Coventry, Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday have greater claim than us to be amongst the big boys and I don't see any of their supporters moaning anywhere!!
Only 2 managers have led us to the promised land and you all seem hellbent on getting the 2nd one sacked because we're third in the League with half a season to play!! The mind boggles.....
Erik, Lincoln says...
8:37pm Wed 16 Jan 08
Ben, WATFORD says...
9:07pm Wed 16 Jan 08
The most important thing is that we are most definately not out of the promotion race and as soon as we all stop the booing and critisising the team, the better. thats all i have to say.
perry digweed, Macdonalds adjacent training ground says...
9:56pm Wed 16 Jan 08
dave, sandridge says...
10:49pm Wed 16 Jan 08
F***WIT FAN wrote:AND YOU OFFER WHAT? WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF YOUR POST REGARDING WFC? GET A LIFE!
Glad to see the hate & bile from colin & his chums--wot a sad bunch of NObodies
colin, says...
11:23pm Wed 16 Jan 08
More lower division trash from Boofer the clueless Hoofer!
bob, welwyn says...
11:43pm Wed 16 Jan 08
colin wrote:"Why would a lower league club loan us a player in the first case if he was any good?"
Does anyone know how much Ainsworth cost us? Why would a lower league club loan us a player in the first case if he was any good? More lower division trash from Boofer the clueless Hoofer!
A bit like Notts Forest loaning us Marlon King, before we bought him for £500,000 Colin?
Yes he was also lower division rubbish as well wasn't he you dimwit..!
WD18 Firm, Watford says...
7:57am Thu 17 Jan 08
This is the first season Aidy has started with a weight of real expectation on his shoulders.... Anything less than top six has to be considered a failure.
Despite our great start I have grave doubts about us achieving that.
There hasn't been a Plan B on the playing side for two months.
At Betfair you can get 5/2 on Charlton beating us tomorrow. Looks a good punt to me.
Sam, Watford says...
8:17am Thu 17 Jan 08
Ben wrote:Ben, have you been in a coma? The first time we have had a dodgy patch? ha ha ha, you're really funny. Did our relegation form only begin a week or so ago? No it didn't we've had weeks and weeks of dodgy patches, did you go to the Aidy school for spin?
Things are not going right, that is apparent. But we are 3rd in the league people not bottom!! YOU LOT ARE SO FICKLE! Its the first real time we have had a \'proper\' dodgy patch and you all calling for aidys head. Unbelievable. You call yourselves Watford supporters? When we\'re winning Boothroyd is a god, but when we\'re losing suddenly he is apparently \'losing the plot\'. Just be thankful that we have a football club at all because just five or so years ago we were nearly in the same situation as our near neighbours. Start supporting Aidy Boothroyd and Watford to help stop this rut. I don\'t want us to lose the finest, young English manager in the league because of all you idiots who feel it is right to slag off the team when ever there is the slightest hint of a problem. Your almost as bad as the newcastle fans. Pathetic
Then lets look at the money, how much revenue has been generated from the premiership season and sales of our prize assets? Then measure that against what we have invested in players, most of it sits on the bench week in week out. You're all deluded fools.
Come on , give Colin a nice big clap because he's a realist and youre dreamers who should wake up.
Oh and by the way at least Newcastle will see some good football being played now.
Gold, says...
8:45am Thu 17 Jan 08
However, it's fine and dandy for you to call for the sacking of Kevin Affleck is it?
To suggest he should lose his job and call him "gutter press" is outrageous.
Let's hope the next time you do something at work that other people don't agree with, that your employers don't take a similar approach eh?
pete, Guildford says...
9:30am Thu 17 Jan 08
Simon, Shepherds Bush says...
10:24am Thu 17 Jan 08
WFC & Proud, Watford says...
1:12pm Thu 17 Jan 08
colin wrote:So, colin, not part of Nick Owen's revolution at the Kennel yet?
Does anyone know how much Ainsworth cost us? Why would a lower league club loan us a player in the first case if he was any good? More lower division trash from Boofer the clueless Hoofer!
Ainsworth was on loan to us with a view to us buying him by the end of this season.
BTW, I remember several examples of "lower divison trash" making it via Watford: Blissett, Barnes, Bolton, Jenkins, Mo Johnston, the list goes on & on ... just like you!
Mark, Bushey says...
1:26pm Thu 17 Jan 08
James, welwyn says...
2:24pm Thu 17 Jan 08
Mark wrote:I think you'll find Mark, that anyone who bought the shirt or looked at the catalogue when it was launched knew it was for one season only, as it clearly states this on both.
More news for you, it's my sons 2nd B'day in February & have requested grandparents to purchase him a home replica kit. None for sale in the store, they asked when some in stock ? The reply was not until next season now when the NEW home kit is being launched....Wasn't it July 07 launch for the current strip which followed the 125 year 1 year only home shirt. I have just called The Buzz store and got the same story from a staff member. So now confirmed WFC are attempting to squeeze the supporters for another home shirt or are the sponsors pulling out ...???Hmmmm
You'll find nowadays that most clubs change their home kit every season to generate extra income - it's up to you whether you want to buy it or not!
By the way BEKO's deal runs out at the end of next season, so the shirt will change again in 2009!!
My best advice - buy a classic vintage Watford kit: they never go out of fashion!
Samuel Defriez, Watford says...
2:48pm Thu 17 Jan 08
Gold wrote:No no no i'm not saying sack Affleck because he doesn't agree with my opinion. I'm saying sack Affleck because in everything he writes all i see is HIS opinion. I don't buy the Watford Observer to read Kevin Afflecks sensationalist opinion. I'm looking for a sensible discussion of WFC rather than constant digs against Watford and Boothroyd. I really don't care if Affleck doesn't like Boothroyd as a manager or a person - that's his own issue don't pollute the paper every week, week in, week out with the same bloody tripe.
Samuel Defriez - so fans who criticise the manager or question whether he is up to the job are wrong and should be dismissed and ignored, largely because they do n\'t agree with your opinion.
However, it\'s fine and dandy for you to call for the sacking of Kevin Affleck is it?
To suggest he should lose his job and call him \"gutter press\" is outrageous.
Let\'s hope the next time you do something at work that other people don\'t agree with, that your employers don\'t take a similar approach eh?
I wouldn't mind sensible questioning alongside sensible reporting. Affleck fulfills neither, he strays heavily into sensationalist reporting and sensationalist questioning
Bomber, says...
6:10pm Thu 17 Jan 08
Samuel Defriez wrote:Is Samuel Defriez one of the unfortunates in our society that is backwards? Kevin Affleck is a serious football supporter who reports truthfully what he witnesses.To call for his dismissal epitomizes how lacking in common sense you are.What do you want reports such that Oliver Phillips penned after seeing a rubbish game? I used to wonder if I had been to the same match that ollie wrote about.Three cheers for Kevin.Keep up the good work in letting us read the truth.
Ah Ben you are one of the few people to make sense on this thread! recent poll taken on the GH forum shows 85% of people in favour of keeping Aidy at the helm. 85% - thank God is all i can say. Problem is only the moaners can really be bothered to post on an online forum. Most of the people against Boothroys i ask you this - what do you expect? How big a club do you think we are? Do you think after one season in the prem we have a god given right to be there straight away again?! My responses to those questions - 1) At the start of the season i expected the min of a top ten finish and would have been happy with the playoffs - were 3rd and have been top for ages. 2) We are a low championship club in terms of fan base - we will always be that so we are currently over performing. Enjoy the good times while they last. 3) No we have nooooooooo right to expect the premiership, we have a right to expect a relegation battle in the championship thats the size of club we are. Fullstop bottom line. One more rant - please sack Kevin Affleck Watford Observer, hes gutter press, let him go work for the sun with his sensationalist writing i\\\'ve had enough of it. Lets get this paper back to some decent reporting
DORSETHORN, DORSET says...
8:39pm Thu 17 Jan 08
COLLINS JOHN ?
Still £5m and a player who did'nt want to come to the vic , but instead went to a "Premiership" side , only to land up at the club who did want him .
Throw in £3m NOwe want £8m , O.K. £5m we will take .
Not a bad days trading .
See you next season Marlon !!!!
Gold, says...
11:20pm Thu 17 Jan 08
We were told we had plenty of money, they didn't want to sell, they didn't need to sell.
Five days later, they sell.
If you're looking for sensationalism, I'd suggest you look at those running our club who make such bold and brash statements. They were totaly unequivocal in their assuredness that King was not going.
That, in my opinion, really is the "bloody tripe" you refer to.
I cannot see any way anything the Watford Observer can do that can make the club look any more stupid, any more unbelieveable or any more untrustworthy than they do now.
I don't care if the fee was right, whether King wanted to go or stay, or if Collins John is a good signing.
That is all a matter of opinion.
However, what I do care strongly about is my football club making statements they simply cannot live up to - and probably knew so at the time of making them.
The Watford Observer published both statements verbatim.
So, Samuel, are you saying Kevin Affleck and the Watford Observer sensationalised those as well?
Or could it be the club that is in the gutter, and not the local press?
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Mark, Watford says...
5:28pm Tue 15 Jan 08
Somebody on GH says King has gone for 5.7 million.
So hope he is wrong!