How soon is now?

That’s one of the pre-programmed phrases muttered by Andy Gray in the latest edition of the FIFA series of football video games. Whilst yes, I know Andy Gray is a plank and yes, I understand I am too old to be playing video games, the phrase does mirror the thoughts that I was having ahead of the start of this season – for our relatively small and inexperienced squad, a good start would be vital.

Well, we’re undefeated away. No complaints there. However, we are of course yet to register a point here at Vicarage Road, giving rise to some concerned chatter among fellow Watford fans. My voice is not among them. Naturally I would have loved us to get the win we deserved against Derby and any sort of victory over West Ham is always treasured, but losing these two games doesn’t mean we’re in trouble. It’s worth remembering that Sky’s Saturday morning football TV show “Soccer AM” used to publish league tables at this stage of the season – as a joke.
Let’s look at the facts. We were unlucky not to beat Derby, a game in which we could still be playing in August next year and we still wouldn’t have scored. It was one of those games. Even the most staunch Hornet will admit we were outplayed by West Ham, but if they aren’t in the promotion shake up come April, I won’t be the only one who’s surprised. So four games in and the only time we’ve looked in trouble is against promotion favourites.
Add into the mix the fact that our Manager has now had a grand total of four games in charge at this level. Four. I don’t know about you, but on my fourth day in a new job I’m still learning and I expect to be cut some slack. If you don’t think Sean Dyche is committed to doing his best for this football club as quickly as possible, then please feel free to go and discuss it with him, just make sure I’m at least two counties away when you do.
A number of our playing staff are equally new to the club. They, like our Manager, are finding their footing in new roles and surroundings. I think the majority of Hornets fans were happy with our summer transfer dealings and I see no reason for us to change that point of view just yet. We need to score goals. We need to win matches, of course we do, but we all need to work at it. Stick together, support each other and earn those wins. We’ve got the talent, we’ve got the desire and passion, we’ve got the time.
It took Alex Ferguson three years to win anything at all with Manchester United. Three years. We’ve had four games. Keep the faith and get behind the team. Together we’ll nail it.
Come on You Horns

25 Years of the Rous Stand

We may be season ticket holders in the younger Rookery End, but we have respect for our elders and to celebrate the stand turning 25 we’ve grabbed these photos of the stand being built which were published in the matchday programme from that day.

Leftorium – Watford’s Left Backs

I was gutted when Robbo left. He was easily my favourite player at the time. A Watford boy by his upbringing, if not as a fan. He made his debut against L*t*n in ’96. Nothing like going in at the deep end. His tough tackling, no fear attitude, endeared him to the Vicarage Road faithful. He grew as a footballer during the climb from Division 2 to the Premier League, survived the Vialli season & was a key man in Ray Lewington’s side. But as is now the norm for a club like ours, the vultures were circling and our star left back was picked off for Albion on the cheap.

WHAT’S IN A NAME

Imagine my delight then when we signed the superbly named Prince Bauben. With a name like that he could score a hat-trick of own goals in the FA Cup Final and he’d still be loved. Add to this the capture of Scottish international Chris Iwelumo and all of a sudden we’ve got two of the best names in the division. Tremendous stuff.

A WHOLE LOT OF LLOYD

So here we are again then, 104 days after we saw QPR clinch their Championship title, it’s all beginning again. Exciting isn’t it? I’d like to begin by saying well done and thanks for not joining Cardiff City over the summer – at one stage it looked like all but the East Stand was going to up sticks and head down the M4, so congratulations on sticking with the Hornets.
Of course, in reality there is never any question of us deserting our club. Players, managers, staff and even stadiums come and go, but us supporters are always here. We’re loyal. Occasionally, players do come along that match our dedication and devotion. We’ve all heard of the phrase “One club man”, but it isn’t too often we get to use it. As Watford fans we are lucky enough to have one such player in our midst.
Since coming on as a substitute against Birmingham City on Wednesday 26 September 2001, he has played under six different managers, played over 300 games for the Hornets and has scored a single, memorable goal. Ladies and gentleman, I give you Lloyd Doyley.

Lloyd still has the skills to pay the bills

In an age that sees the likes of Carlos Tevez demanding to move club each time the weather changes, having a player in his testimonial season on the books is something to be proud of. In many ways, Lloyd sums up Watford. Whilst I’m sure the great man will be the first to admit an England call up is unlikely, his dedication, professionalism and commitment are up there with the best that football has to offer. Like the club he represents, Lloyd is a community ambassador – only too happy to do his bit with the fans – I’m sure many of you reading this will have had the pleasure of meeting him.
Like most footballers, Lloyd has put up with his fair share of criticism, left out of the team by Brendan Rodgers, he worked hard, battled back and eventually proved him wrong. Proving people wrong. Sound familiar? Look through any of the multitude of pre-season previews and you’ll pick up a common theme. Watford are going to struggle. Again. With one game gone though, the Hornets are already giving the “experts” cause to reconsider – a 2-2 draw away at Burnley an admirable way to kick off the season.
So. The 2011/12 season is under-way and along with the football, there will be a number of events to mark Lloyd Doyley’s testimonial. He’s done a lot for our club and will no doubt continue to do so, so let’s take this opportunity to show our appreciation by supporting him as he celebrates ten years as a hornet.
You can still listen to our 30 minute interview with Lloyd where we discuss his 10 years playing in Watford’s first team. Download it via iTunes or listen now by press play below

Get your views on the podcast – Audioboo

We’re going to use a website called audioboo.fm. We’re on there audioboo.fm/rookeryend. On our page, on the right you’ll see a button that says “Send rookeryend a message”. Click on that and if you’ve got your microphone plugged into your computer you can record up to 5 minutes and send it to us.

Ex-girlfriends

I spent the first Saturday night of the season talking like a jealous ex-boyfriend. I wasn’t talking about a ex-girlfriend I want to get back together with. Just one where things ended well, but my jealous side didn’t want her to do as well as me in the future. I could have been talking about Heidi (2003-2004), but I was talking with a Brighton fan and my ex-girlfriend was Will Buckley.

Interview – Lloyd Doyley Testimonial

Do you have a bloke at work who’s worked there for an awfully long time? He might not be the high flier or go looking for the attention of the boss every 5 minutes, but he gets on with his work and if he disappeared you’d wonder how the place would keep running.

Mike in the Guardian – Watford 2011-2012 Preview

Nothing is ever straightforward when it comes to supporting Watford. Flamboyant chairmen, the turning of a much loved ex-manager into a vegetable, constant criticism of our style of play and a three-sided ground have all been used as proverbial sticks to beat us. Now, us Hornets fans have another thorn in our side. Wales.

Watford’s Top Goal Scoring Defender 2011-2012

Did anyone pick Marvin Sordell (total 15 goals)? No he had hardly played first team football at that point. Surely someone picked John Eustace (total 6 goals)? Again no, I mane who would pick an anchoring midfielder? Mike picked attacking winger Will Buckley (total 4 goals) and I picked Stephen “the playmaker” McGinn (total 2 goals). I had hoped for a late season charge from McGinn to take over Danny, but alas his knee injury got in the way – how different things may have been.