My Watford XI 2005-present

With The Hornets not in action this weekend I decided that I would create my a Watford XI from my time of supporting The Hornets. Don’t take players positions too seriously, it was hard to fit the players I wanted to into the squad. 

Goalkeeper:

Ben Foster- Single handily kept us in games at times when we were in the Premier League in 2007. Also played a vital role in the promotion campaign of 2005/2006. The fact he played in a somewhat weaker squad means he edges it over Gomes.

Defence (Back 3)

Jay Demerit: Jay Demerit optimised everything that is great about a footballer, gave it his all every game no matter what position the club found itself in. His passion for the club carried through the team meaning he would also be my captain for this side.

Danny Shittu: Many will find this controversial but since ive been supporting Watford we haven’t been particularly blessed with amazing defenders. Shittu had all e characters of a solid centre back, he was strong, tall and importantly he popped up with goals which is always important in any team.

Gabriele Angella- The first player to make my team from the Pozzo era is another goal scoring centre back. At times he wasn’t particularly the best defender but he certainly blends in with the passionate side of my team. Scored many goals during his time at Vicarage Road and probably makes this team on the merit that we haven’t had many gifted centre backs since 2005.

Midfield (4):

Almen Abdi- By far the most gifted player I have seen in a Watford shirt. His dynamic midfield play under Gianfranco Zola in his first season was breath taking to watch at times. He could score goals from almost anywhere, pick a pass through the tiniest of gaps and he could score from set pieces. His versatile nature where he would slot in anywhere if it was to help the team matches the DNA of togetherness that stands at Watford Football Club. He is everything you want in a midfield player.

Nathaniel Chalobah: Another player he took The Vic by storm during the Pozzo era, albeit on loan from Chelsea. Chalobah is an all-round midfield player who could do the dirty work as well as the technical stuff. He played an instrumental role in getting us to the play off final and who can forget his thunderbolt against Leicester.

John Eustace A controversial pick to many but when times were tough at Vicarage Road, John Eustace always carried the team with his passion and commitment to the club. He again does all the dirty work and slots in perfectly to this team as he will break up the play, as well as offer something going forward. This would be the player that allows the creative players to do their thing. He can also can score an overhead kick if things aren’t going our way.

Ashley Young: Another technically gifted player and one of the best ive seen during my time as a Watford supporter. Young was an integral part to our promotion in 2006, he could score goals, as well as provide them. I had to have someone who’s “one of our own” in this team and there wasn’t a better fit than Young. Another set piece specialist too and he can score goals from various distances. I was absolutely devastated as a young 8 year old when Ashley left us in 2007.

Attack (3)

Troy Deeney: Some will say it’s unfair I haven’t made Troy captain because he is the life and soul of our club and has been since he was appointed captain in 2013. Deeney bully’s defenders and doesn’t give them a moments piece. Despite his off the pitch actions, any aspiring footballer should look up to Troy’s attitude and loyalty. Forgetting his attitude, the most important thing is that he scores goals and all different types of goals too. He is without the doubt the first name on my team sheet, he will leave a Watford legend no matter what.

Marlon King: Despite his off the pitch misdemeanours, Marlon King was my first footballing role model. The way he found the net in what felt like every game in 2005/2006 season made me adore him, he was the first name I got on my Watford shirt.  A natural finisher and another passionate player who in my eyes still goes down as an important player in the history of Watford Football Club.

Matej Vydra: The most natural finisher I’ve seen in my footballing supporting life, when he went through it was always inevitable he was going to score. His ability from one on one opportunities was incredible, his goal against Leicester in that remarkable play-off game shows he also has a natural eye for where the goal is. The one player that I feel gutted didn’t make it with us in the Premier League. Him and Deeney playing in this side would be lethal to any team.

Subs (7)

Gomes: He could’ve easily made it into the number one role because he is an incredible goalkeeper and is someone that has really taken to the “Watford way”. His passion for the game is second to none and the connection he has with the fans is brilliant. On top of that he is a brilliant goalkeeper who has all the attributes a keeper needs. His reflexes are unbelievable and we all know what happens if he has to face a penalty.

Malky Mackay: Despite his managerial departure from the club, Malky made quite an impact at Vicarage Road, on the pitch he was a commanding centre back who very much guided Jay Demerit in his younger years and was part of the side that were remarkably promoted to the Premier League. As manager he did at times play some fantastic football and consolidated our place in the championship with a shoestring budget.

Lloyd Doyley: Okay he wasn’t one of our best players but no one can take anything away from “Mr Watford” until recent years he was a constant reminder of what Watford were all about in terms of bringing players through. He has seen and played through it all at Vicarage Road so for this reason he makes my team. Also at times he was a consistently decent player for us and other than Almunia was one of our best performers at Wembley in that forgettable play off final

Tommy Smith: You can play Tommy Smith in a number of roles and he is another player who will always have a special place amongst many Watford fans memories. In his second spell with us between 2006-2009 he scored 27 goals. My memory of him would be when he used to cut in and fire into the far corner, he was another one that when he had the ball you knew he was capable of something.

Odion Ighalo: Despite his Watford career finishing on a sour note, he was a remarkable player for us baring in mind his record before he joined The Hornets. His goals firstly fired us to the Premier League, then without his goal we most certainly wouldn’t have stayed in the league last season. Another player who changed did the important thing of finding the goal.

Fernando Forestieri: The little Italian absolutely loves the club and he is loved back by the fans. At times he would drift through games but when he got the ball an air of excitement would go round Vicarage Road. Some of the things he did with the ball were sublime and he will always be remembered for his skill and some of the world class goals he scored.

Danny Graham: The scot rounds off what is a very attacking bench! Graham was another player who could win points on his own with the goals he scored, lets be honest some of the goals he scored kept us in the championship back in the 2009/2010 season when things looked bleak. A likeable character and an all-round hard worker, the partnership he formed with Helguson will always stick as one of my favourite strike partnerships.

Manager: Gianfranco Zola: Gianfranco played some of the best football I have ever seen Watford play in that 2012/2013 season where he led us to a play off final at Wembley. The quick passing and some of the goals we scored were world class. It is a shame how it ended with him but he has provided some games that I for one will never forget.

I would love to hear your all time Watford team and what you think of my team. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Manchester United 2-0 Watford

Manchester United at Old Trafford was always going to be a difficult game for The Hornets and it proved to be the case, as the Red Devils took all 3 points.

As I headed north I was some what optimistic about what we could get from the game, but did accept that Man United are on a fine run of form meaning it would be very difficult. However hard the game is I don't think you can ever travel to a game willing to accept defeat.

This was my first ever trip to Old Trafford and it didn't get off to a good start as I broke my phone beyond repair on the way up. This meant I had to buy a new phone from the second hand shop, thankfully I had a sympathetic Dad who transferred the money!!

After the bad situation i'm going to name "iPhone gate" I headed for my usual pre match pint and made the journey to the ground. It is embarrassing to see just how many southern accents you could hear amongst the United fans. There were many that we saw on train from the south, makes you appreciate supporting your local team.

Old Trafford as a stadium is mammoth in size but I have to say it doesn't particularly caputre the imagination that I thought it might. It is just a big football stadium in fairness. I don't want this to come across bitter because the result doesn't effect my opinion on a club or their stadium!

The game it self was an open one with plenty of chances for both teams, particularly United. Watford started well in the opening 20 minutes and nearly found The opener through a long range Jose Holebas thunderbolt, however it flashed past the post. Mauro Zarate went for a spectacular overhead kick but it went straight at De Gea.

After a promising opening 20 minutes, the hosts came right back into the game and created numerous chances. Gomes made countless saves to keep Watford alive put the pressure proved too much as the hosts eventually took the lead. Martial's cut back was tapped home by Mata, it was more than deserved as United had so many clear cut chances.

I have to say we didn't at all respond to going behind and sort of let United play for the final moments of the half, there seemed to be a complete lack of belief. Something I find strange baring in mind are two previous games. The half came to a close with United only being one goal to the good.

The second half was much better with The Hornets moving the ball well at times but there didn't create too many clear chances. Mauro Zarate did force De Gea into a world class save as the Spaniard tipped round a free kick from roughly 25 yards out.

However United secured all three points when Capoue lost the ball and Martial slotted past Gomes following some neat build up play by the Man United midfield.

Deeney tested De Gea with a strong shot after superbly holding off Eric Bailly (who is superb by the way). Niang fizzed a ball into the six yard box but there wasn't a white shirt attacking the ball.

The game meandered to a close with United deservedly taking the points but left quite a few positives for Mazzari to take from our second half performance. All in all its 3 points against Man United this season most take absolutely none.

I write this as I watch a relegation six pointer between Swansea and Leicester, I feel grateful that for now we aren't in a dog fight. A couple more wins and I believe we are safe, with lots of winnable home games to come to!

All in all a good day and I know full well we will be returning to Old Trafford in the Premier League next season.

Onto West Ham in a couple of weeks- we best win that one a lot of my pals at uni are West Ham fans!!

You 'Orns!

Manchester United 2-0 Watford

Hornets man of the match- Gomes- made some superb saves to keep Watford in it.

Game rating- 5/10

Away day rating- 5/10

Iphones purchased- 1


@Adzrowe on twitter

Watford 2-1 Burnley

What a difference a week makes... this time last week our season was over and we all went into the week anxious of how it could be a week that ends us in more trouble.

Well weren't 99% of our fanbase wrong, after an excellent three points against Arsenal on Tuesday the mood was high for the home match against Burnley.

There was a sense of genuine optimism at Vicarage Road for the first time in a long time and things got better when we had an almost fully fit side for the vital Premier League clash.
 Mbaye Niang and Mauro Zarate both made home debuts and there was a good mix of attacking threat and defensive balance from Mzzarri's side.

After a strong opening five minutes, The Hornets were handed a further boost when The Clarets were down to ten men following a dangerous tackle from Jeff Hendrick. Michael Oliver made no mistake with his decision and all that was needed was the go ahead goal.

It didn't take long for the opener to come, Niang swept in a perfect cross and Troy Deeney climbed above the Burnley defence to power a header past Tom Heaton. It was the first time in a long time we've had a winger who could actually produce an end product, something im certain Deeney will thrive off.

Further chances came, with Niang coming closest when his long range strike was brilliantly saved by Heaton. Zarate also flashed a shot just passed the Rookery end goal. The Hornets were on top looking for a second goal that would end the game.

The second goal came in injury time at the end of the first half, Holebas crossed for Niang who superbly headed into the far bottom corner. It was a fantastic goal, for Niang to get enough power and accuracy to find the far corner. It was hopefully the first of many goals the Frenchman will score.

Strangely in the second half, The Hornets sat back and let Burnley back into the game. Several Clarets set pieces came and went without the visitors scoring but they were certainly a threat.

With 10 minutes left, Burnley were handed a lifeline (literally) when Sebastian Prodl was adjudged to handle Joey Barton's effort on goal. Ashely Barnes made no mistake from the spot leaving Gomes with no chance.

Thankfully the Golden Boys held on for all three points which relieves the pressure on Mazzari for the time being. However the game was a lot closer than it should've been and it could be said that in the end Watford could've been badly punished.

However it is six points in a week which is never easy in the Premier League, the confidence is back at Vicarage Road. As a result we now sit 10th in the league which is pretty remarkable considering our recent form.

Roll on United!

You 'Orns!

Watford 2-1 Burnley

Man of the match- Mbaye Niang

Match rating- 6/10

Next fixture- United at Old Trafford.

@adzrowe on twitter.

Arsenal 1-2 Watford

Football is a funny old sport, after a devastating defeat to Millwall in the FA Cup Sunday the last thing Watford needed was a trip to The Emirates to take on an in form Arsenal team. Well it seemed that way anyway!

A 9 am seminar wasn't the way I wanted to start what I perceived was going to be another miserable away day. I explained to the others at uni that we were probably going to spanked 4-0 (just to cover my back) but my mate who's a Gooner said he had a bad feeling about the game.

Anyhow as I made the relatively short journey to North London that sense of false optimism that all football fans get returned. Me and my mate made jokes of how funny would it be if we actually took 3 points. I was preparing to build myself up in belief to have football crush me back down again but as I walked down from the station a sudden belief came that we could actually get something from the game.

Boy what a start The Hornets made, we took the game to the hosts right from the off and were showing the fight and grit that was missing on Sunday. In the 10th minute we were rewarded. Cleverely laid his free kick to Kaboul who optimistically struck it at goal but a deflection sent it past Cech to send the away end into raptures. The almost 3000 Watford fans went crazy and it was no less than what we deserved.

Things got even better just three minutes later. A loose throw in was picked up by Capoue just inside the Arsenal half, he ran through a slack Arsenal defence and shot at Cech who could only parry it into the path of Troy Deeney who slotted into an empty net. If the place went crazy at 1-0 it went potty at 2-0 an air of disbelief swept round the away end.

The Hornets continued to take the game to the title challengers and could've been 3 up in truth if it hadn't been for the Arsenal keeper who saved from Prödl and Janmaat respectively. Its the best half of football I've seen us play in a long time. Arsenal as usual had a lot of the ball but didn't test Gomes once in the first half, we deservedly went in 2-0 at the break.

After 15 minutes of partying on the concourse, with a beer in hand of course, it was time to go back to watch the inevitable 45 minute onslaught that was going to follow from The Gooners.

Just 13 minutes into the second half Arsenal were back in the game, a delightful chipped cross from Sanchez found Iwobi unmarked at the back post and he made no mistake with the finish. So just the 32 minutes to cling on to the three points.

There were some close moments particularly towards the end when Perez smashed the ball against the underside of the Watford crossbar. But even though we rode our luck we played with unity, passion and determination which is exactly what I and many others have been crying out for. Do you know what despite the pressure we still had a say in the game and were always a threat with the pace we had on the counter.

Thankfully the hosts didn't level the game and after 5 minutes of added time The Hornets recorded a 2-1 victory at The Emirates for the second time in two seasons. On the balance of the game we probably deserved it and it's a very welcome three points.

Thats our first top flight victory over Arsenal since 1988 and boy the team showed everyone what they can do when they play as a unit and not as individuals. Now we just need to back this up with another three points which would give us some daylight from the relegation battle.

I write this blog on the day of GT's funeral and last nights performance was one that he most certainly would've been proud of. The chants of 'one Graham Taylor' at the end said it all and how much we knew the win was for him as much as it was for us.

This ones for you GT!
You 'Orns!

Arsenal 1-2 Watford
Man of the match- Gomes- made some outstanding saves second half. Special mention for Capoue who was absolutely fantastic and controlled the game.

Away Day rating- 6/10- I don't particularly like going to The Emirates but tonight was good

Game rating- 9/10- fantastic performance

Next match- Burnley (H)

@Adzrowe on twitter