Victorious Hornets end season on a high (From This Is Local London)
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Watford beat Middlesbrough to secure Championship top half finish
2:49pm Saturday 28th April 2012 in Watford FC - Match Reports By Anthony Matthews, Group Sports Editor
A season that started with Watford being written off as strong relegation candidates by many has ended in style with Sean Dyche’s men beating Middlesbrough 2-1 to secure a top-half finish in the table and their highest points total in five campaigns.
With Cardiff City winning at Crystal Palace, Tony Mowbray’s side couldn’t have made the play-offs even with a win and they would have felt they deserved to be in front at the break, but could find no way past the returning Scott Loach, who made three or four excellent saves.
Watford offered more of an attacking threat after the break and took the lead with a moment to remember for Chris Iwelumo, who finally got off the mark at Vicarage Road with a lovely finish from a Troy Deeney centre.
It looked like Boro had done enough to earn a point when Marvin Emnes equalised with six minutes to go, but Deeney ensured the season ended on a high by starting and finishing a counter-attack two minutes from the end to seal an 11th-place finish.
The Hornets boss made just the one change following last weekend’s entertaining 2-2 draw at Peterborough United but it was for happy reasons. Tomasz Kuszczak’s partner gave birth to a baby girl this morning, meaning Loach returned to the starting line-up after a 13-game absence.
Middlesbrough went into the game knowing they needed a win to have any chance of making the play-offs and Tony Mowbray shuffled his pack somewhat by making three changes. Joe Bennett, Rhys Williams and Emnes all came into the side, Scott McDonald and Tony McMahon dropped to the bench but Merouane Zemmama missed out.
Both sides started positively but it was the Hornets who had the first attempt in the third minute when a partial block took the pace off Jonathan Hogg’s long-range effort and Jason Steele gathered comfortably.
Nicky Bailey tried a strike from a similar range at the other end soon after but sliced it harmlessly off target. Faris Haroun had the visitors’ next attempt, which was hit more cleanly but that also went wide from around 20 yards.
Neither team was finding it easy to get their passing going on the rain-drenched surface but Nyron Nosworthy had to be on his guard in the 14th minute when Rhys Williams played in a dangerous cross from the right and the centre-half did well to clear under pressure from Lukas Jutkiewicz.
Bouyed by the noise from the travelling fans in reaction to the news that Crystal Palace had taken the lead against a Cardiff side occupying the last play-off spot, Joe Bennett hit a fine strike from 30 yards that Loach did well to parry away from danger.
Boro continued in the ascendency and the Hornets keeper again did well to push Marvin Emnes’ strike from the edge of the area around his near post after the striker hit it with the outside of his right boot.
Another big cheer went up from the Boro army in the 24th minute as the match went through a fairly quiet spell but the Hornets did muster another effort from their first corner of the afternoon a minute later when Prince Buaben’s shot from the left side of the 18-yard box was blocked following Iwelumo’s lay off.
Hogg chanced his arm from distance again in the 29th minute but was again wayward after John Eustace had won two excellent tackles in the centre of the park. But it took another excellent save from Loach to prevent his side from going behind soon after when he turned a Barry Robson strike from 12 yards around his left-hand post after Jutkiewicz had burst into the area from the right and pulled the ball back.
The next shot went Watford’s way in the 37th minute when Carl Dickinson dragged an effort wide from 25 yards after Steele had struggled under pressure to get much distance on a clearing punch from Sean Murray’s hanging free-kick.
Loach proved equal to the test again three minutes later when he got down sharply to his left to push away Faroun’s downward header back across him from Justin Hoyte’s right-sided cross.
Emnes was the next to try his luck with a low drive from the right side of the area following a free-kick but the Hornets keeper held well at his near post.
But the hosts missed a fine chance to take the lead two minutes before the break when Buaben rode a challenge on the right side of the area and drew Steele towards the near post as he cut the ball back from the byline but Iwelumo slipped at the key moment and could only bundle the opportunity wide.
The first incident of note in the second half was a booking for Stephen McManus for a crunching challenge on Hogg that prematurely ended his season as he had to be helped from the pitch following an injury to his left knee. Craig Forsyth took his place, with Buaben moving into the middle alongside Eustace.
The Hornets though, made a promising start to the second period by winning two early corners but it took a tremendous block from Dickinson to deal with a dangerous low Jutkiewicz cross driven in from the left after Nosworthy had been caught trying to play his way out of potential trouble near the edge of his area.
More good defending, this time from Lloyd Doyley, saw a Robson strike from the left side of the area before the Hornets survived a scare when a Jutkiewicz shot inadvertently flicked off the heel of Haroun and went narrowly wide of Loach’s right-hand post as the keeper scrambled to get there.
That was to be Haroun’s last involvement though, as he made way for McDonald in the 58th minute, with Curtis Main also coming on for Jutkiewicz.
Murray had a free-kick blocked behind for a corner at the other end but things had now quietened down at the Boro end as news filtered through that Cardiff were now 2-1 in front at Selhurst Park.
Watford were on top at this stage and they finally managed their first on-target attempt of the afternoon in the 68th minute when Iwelumo forced Steele to go to ground to save his shot. Within a minute, the Hornets had registered their second but this was far more significant.
Deeney did the initial damage by winning a battle with Seb Hines on the edge of the area before breaking into space and playing the ball into the near post where Iwelumo got across and flicked a lovely back-heeled finish beyond the keeper to make it 1-0 and score his first goal in yellow at Vicarage Road.
Bailey, who had spent much of the game complaining about various things, was booked before play restarted for dissent and Eustace joined him on a yellow card a few minutes later for dissent.
Robson forced Loach to save at his near post before Iwelumo tried an ambitious half-volley from the edge of the area that he sliced wide.
But the Hornets could have doubled their lead with eight minutes remaining when Deeney led a counter-attack from the centre circle. With options left and right in the form of Iwelumo and Murray, Deeney skipped past one man but then chose to carry on himself but dragged the shot wide from the edge of the area.
It was to prove a costly miss as, with six minutes remaining, Boro equalised when they attacked down the left side of the area and the ball was pulled back to Emnes, who finished emphatically with a shot that bounced up into the top of Loach’s net.
The visitors weren’t level for long though, as this time Deeney did make the correct decision – and in quite some style.
The striker picked up the ball on the left side of midfield and wrong-footed one opponent before turning Robson inside out as he continued to advance forward. At this stage, the Hornets had a four-on-two situation and Deeney slipped the ball to Forsyth to his left before moving into space in the area to receive the pass back and find the back of the net with a first-time finish in off the far post.
Newly-crowned Watford Observer Player of the Season Adrian Mariappa was given a run out for the closing stages in place of Iwelumo, but there was still time for Boro to almost equalise for a second time when the ball was worked to the right side of the area where a Hoyte shot beat Loach but was scrambled off the line.
Even then, the visitors might still have nicked a point in the fourth minute of injury time when Robson’s deep cross to the back post was headed back across by McDonald but Hoyte wasn’t quite able to get there in time.
The win ensured Watford finished on 64 points, their best tally since reaching the play-offs in 2007/08.
Watford: Loach; Doyley, Nosworthy, Taylor, Dickinson; Eustace; Buaben, Hogg (Forsyth 49), Murray; Deeney, Iwelumo (Mariappa 89). Not used: Gilmartin, Whichelow and Garner.
Middlesbrough: Steele; Hoyte, Hines, McManus, Bennett; Haroun (McDonald 58), Williams, Bailey, Robson; Emnes, Jutkiewicz (Main 58). Not used: Thomson, Arca and McMahon.
Bookings: McManus for a foul (46); Bailey for dissent (70); Eustace for a foul (74).
Attendance: 14,022.
Referee: Simon Hooper.
Comments(70)
Bush Hornet
says...
3:20pm Sat 28 Apr 12
Bush Hornet
says...
3:25pm Sat 28 Apr 12
mrbankrupt
says...
3:27pm Sat 28 Apr 12
Good season in the end.Well done SD and the boys
Yes Loach had a good game
What was that idiot bassini doing on the pitch at the end.Its the players we want to see not Him.
any one see strummerjoe?
kevhenderson
says...
3:41pm Sat 28 Apr 12
Hornet1970
says...
3:41pm Sat 28 Apr 12
So nice to hear big chris being sung and song and i won £50...all in all a great end to the season.
Well done boys and SD, if only we could have won a few more we would have been in the playoffs.
Next season...You orns
Prpwfc
says...
3:42pm Sat 28 Apr 12
Y do u bother !!!
mrbankrupt
says...
3:49pm Sat 28 Apr 12
Prpwfc wrote:to keep mugs like you away from my club.
Mr Bankrupt
Y do u bother !!!
Hornet23
says...
3:56pm Sat 28 Apr 12
Hornet1970
says...
3:58pm Sat 28 Apr 12
Mickey Quinn, not so thin
says...
4:13pm Sat 28 Apr 12
mrbankrupt wrote:...and you plan to keep "mugs like you away from my club" how exactly ?? Your usual, sensible, fully reasoned, rational arguments no doubt.
Prpwfc wrote:to keep mugs like you away from my club.
Mr Bankrupt
Y do u bother !!!
We won, we finished top half, yet still you find a way to have a go at Bas ?
Grow up.
Lloydinio
says...
4:13pm Sat 28 Apr 12
Hornet1970 wrote:If we had correct refereeing decisions, we would be in the playoffs.
Great win, murray skill and distribution great to see and was impressed with the passing today.
So nice to hear big chris being sung and song and i won £50...all in all a great end to the season.
Well done boys and SD, if only we could have won a few more we would have been in the playoffs.
Next season...You orns
Skully84
says...
4:28pm Sat 28 Apr 12
Eastsussexhornet
says...
4:34pm Sat 28 Apr 12
strummerjoe
says...
4:38pm Sat 28 Apr 12
mrbankrupt wrote:tragic.
Prpwfc wrote:to keep mugs like you away from my club.
Mr Bankrupt
Y do u bother !!!
Paul_watford
says...
4:48pm Sat 28 Apr 12
strummerjoe
says...
4:50pm Sat 28 Apr 12
lutondown
says...
5:07pm Sat 28 Apr 12
strummerjoe wrote:well done Bas?
On a more positive note, good to be a Hornet today - Loach man of the match for me, could do nothing about the goal, kept us in it first half. Can't think of one bad display. Well done the team, SD, and yes LB too.
So every win is down to him? Daft.
But well done to the manager and team, far exceeded expectations.
So have a good summer all, especially the much hated pressure group of SAH HC Buck Mr Bankrupt Mercs Big thunder Edl and everyone who talks sense!
Hope to see Ilovbas released from his restraints for next year
Feff
says...
5:12pm Sat 28 Apr 12
Frankie Frazer
says...
5:23pm Sat 28 Apr 12
I think we will lose mapps but with 2 or 3 signings we could make the play offs next season... Personally would like to see some young lads being brought through and perhaps we could sign a couple of Watford old boys who cost little but will help with experience and passion!! I know u won't all agree but I would like to see Paul Robinson & Tommy Smith or maybe Kevin Phillips !!! Plus signing Kuszack perminantly .... I think Troy Deeney will get better next season as will Murray, Hogg & Bauben ....
Last thing, it's been a great season and although Baz has had little to do with the spirit he still backed Dyche with the signings he wanted although Nos & Hog seem the only real successes ... He still has a lot to prove but let's not jump on the bandwagon and moan about him, let's just hope he backs Dyche for next season and keep our fingers crossed! Remember it could have been worse, we could be Coventry or Portsmouth !!!!
buckler
says...
5:56pm Sat 28 Apr 12
bigthunder
says...
6:00pm Sat 28 Apr 12
I am not fooled though and know and see this man is not good for our club , none of his money is being invested just using the club money generated by player sales , the man has done nothing off the field to improve the stadium and those of you taken in by him by saying he has done nothing wrong are in cloud cuckoo land , he has done nothing so hard to get much wrong
more players will be sold , Murray next i expect as will be marriappa , we will not have a prayer of signing kuschak , but hey dyche has got him out of jail
Well done sean you have done your job let's see messrs Bassini, taylor,timperley and fransen finally do theirs and sort out that shambles of a ground , will not hold my breath
good summer to you too lutondown , yes the pressure group goes on , hope you can produce more miracles dychie next season , think you will need too as see no help coming your way from the board in fact no doubt you will have your better players sold from beneath you again as sordell was .
and to all the bassini supporters just a question , if dyche had not produced those miracles and kept us up would you all be happy with the efforts of Bassini and his board
i will leave you with that thought .
Casterbridge
says...
6:08pm Sat 28 Apr 12
I too had my doubts, but you've delivered on everything in your power, so you were perfectly entitled to share in celebrating a truly excellent season.
It was good to see Watford doing their best to play football on a quagmire of a pitch. What will they achieve on the new one?
All in all, great performances all round from a team that is really starting to bed in. For that Dyche must take enormous credit. It is not only what he has achieved but doing so having picked up the pieces that he inherited.
The Horns are going up! So now you've gotta belie-eve us! The Horns are going up!
WFC4ever
says...
6:09pm Sat 28 Apr 12
Loach kept us in it 1st half as Middlesborough put the expected pressure on us but we came back into the game 2nd half and as happened in many games this time created 2 well taken goals.
smeg
says...
6:48pm Sat 28 Apr 12
buckler wrote:That was big of you!
Good result and good season! Spoke to loach after in the legends lounge and told him if he plays like that he can stay, otherwise pack your gloves and bye! Well done Dyche knew you would come good.
Frankie Frazer
says...
7:51pm Sat 28 Apr 12
The rest of the real fans who don't overreact may have been concerned but still supported Dychey (we have earned the right to call him that!!!) even when things didn't go too well for him and certain groups called for his head!! U know who u r & so do we ....
So before u start posting your normal drivel please remember others on here recall how quickly u change your mind ....
If Baz does come good on his promises the same people will be posting on here in 10 years saying how they wish the new terrible owner was like that legend Baz !!!!!!
cthorn
says...
8:15pm Sat 28 Apr 12
Frankie Frazer
says...
8:20pm Sat 28 Apr 12
COGGDAVE1
says...
8:22pm Sat 28 Apr 12
mrbankrupt wrote:Now lets see...what gives Bas the right to go onto the pitch .. hmmm .. hard one ... could be that he owns the damm place ... unlike you mrbankrupt...its more his club than yours .. trust me
Prpwfc wrote:to keep mugs like you away from my club.
Mr Bankrupt
Y do u bother !!!
cthorn
says...
8:33pm Sat 28 Apr 12
buckler
says...
8:43pm Sat 28 Apr 12
COGGDAVE1 wrote:Has Bas bought 2 season tickets year in year out, has he travelled all over the country supporting the horns? No, think not all he's going do is fleece our club! I would rather see a real supporter like mrbankrupt on the pitch rather than that fat fool!
mrbankrupt wrote:Now lets see...what gives Bas the right to go onto the pitch .. hmmm .. hard one ... could be that he owns the damm place ... unlike you mrbankrupt...its more his club than yours .. trust mePrpwfc wrote: Mr Bankrupt Y do u bother !!!to keep mugs like you away from my club.
stevyweavy
says...
9:33pm Sat 28 Apr 12
lutondown
says...
9:42pm Sat 28 Apr 12
cthorn wrote:The Bogside eh? I too remember them days, and remember my loo roll hitting Bonser after relegation to Div 4 (a night game v Walsall)
have bern reading all these negative coments all season,I now live in Cape Town but follow my team on the net so many of you talk complete shi..te you are an embarresment to the club I have supported since my dad took me in1968 slater williams eddey garvey walley hale owen garbett lowe scullion I know ive missed a few but they wete and are stiill my horns.Jim Bonser was the chairman and got all the crap but he kept the club going.I was one of the fans trying to get to the board room after a night game,but you learn stop slagging and start supporting you older fans will know who this is THE BOGSIDE
Could this be Barry Oshea or even Ginger Kerry in Cape town.
But Bonsor did nothing for the club after his initial investment and we were well rid of.
And mate you talk as if you were the Bogside itself, instead of one of the breakaways who opted to stand on the Red Lion side of the Vic than the relative omfrt of a covered Rookery.
cliff46
says...
9:58pm Sat 28 Apr 12
Had Baz done what they wanted we would almost certainly have been relegated.
So well done Sean but lets give just a little credit to Baz for ignoring the early season
depressives.
We will be able to judge Baz more fairly next season because by then we should hopefully have seen some of the promised
improvements -----or not!
In the meantime have a happy clapping summer.
There was only one Scully
says...
10:05pm Sat 28 Apr 12
I am disappointed that a few of the regular pundits cannot accept that this has not just been about the team but is also the support Bassini has done this season. I remember when we were in hock with Ashton & Simpson we never seemed to have the confidence and belief that our future was secure.I do not think Baz will do what those cash cows did to this club and leave us in a serious near bankrupt situation. Get behind him. This season has been a wonderful achievement on and of the pitch.
lutondown
says...
10:09pm Sat 28 Apr 12
There was only one Scully wrote:Last word. Simpson was a fan and that didnt stop him letting the club throw money away, Bas is a Gooner, a so called business man, so why should he be any different.
A great end to the season. First half Loachey kept us in the game and second half also supported by our reliable defence. Two great goals by our strikers and great to to hear the chant for big Chris.
I am disappointed that a few of the regular pundits cannot accept that this has not just been about the team but is also the support Bassini has done this season. I remember when we were in hock with Ashton & Simpson we never seemed to have the confidence and belief that our future was secure.I do not think Baz will do what those cash cows did to this club and leave us in a serious near bankrupt situation. Get behind him. This season has been a wonderful achievement on and of the pitch.
Rumours are he was watching the game with one of the Russo's!
Just saying
Could of been discussing some lettuce for his mums Deli!
garston edl
says...
10:49pm Sat 28 Apr 12
bigthunder wrote:Good post.
very well done to dychie and his backroom team, considering he lost DG 3.5M , Cowie from a behind the scenes screw up , Sordell 3.5m, and buckley for 1m and was given next to nothing to spend which is a disgrace , he has worked miracles and kept the real heat off bassini and his board of directors I am not fooled though and know and see this man is not good for our club , none of his money is being invested just using the club money generated by player sales , the man has done nothing off the field to improve the stadium and those of you taken in by him by saying he has done nothing wrong are in cloud cuckoo land , he has done nothing so hard to get much wrong more players will be sold , Murray next i expect as will be marriappa , we will not have a prayer of signing kuschak , but hey dyche has got him out of jail Well done sean you have done your job let's see messrs Bassini, taylor,timperley and fransen finally do theirs and sort out that shambles of a ground , will not hold my breath good summer to you too lutondown , yes the pressure group goes on , hope you can produce more miracles dychie next season , think you will need too as see no help coming your way from the board in fact no doubt you will have your better players sold from beneath you again as sordell was . and to all the bassini supporters just a question , if dyche had not produced those miracles and kept us up would you all be happy with the efforts of Bassini and his board i will leave you with that thought .
KeithMercer
says...
11:17pm Sat 28 Apr 12
Frankie Frazer wrote:Pathetic as usual from the mad one !
Funny as I can remember quite a few of the so called fans who r congratulating SD now (or is it Dychey now!!!!!! Purlease) r the same people who criticised Baz for taking the easy route and not spending money on a so called proper experienced manager !!!! dammed if u do, dammed if u don't ...
The rest of the real fans who don't overreact may have been concerned but still supported Dychey (we have earned the right to call him that!!!) even when things didn't go too well for him and certain groups called for his head!! U know who u r & so do we ....
So before u start posting your normal drivel please remember others on here recall how quickly u change your mind ....
If Baz does come good on his promises the same people will be posting on here in 10 years saying how they wish the new terrible owner was like that legend Baz !!!!!!
derry pigweed
says...
11:42pm Sat 28 Apr 12
I was fortunate enough to bump into the Watford squad on their day at the races and enjoyed their company and team spirit!
I am still unsure on the owner but from what I witnessed at the races the management think a lot of him and so do the players.
I spoke to the owner in a pub after the races and he was very positive about Watford ! he didn't know I was a fan.
Didn't think I would say this but Baz is growing on me..!
strummerjoe
says...
1:14am Sun 29 Apr 12
KeithMercer wrote:Why?
Frankie Frazer wrote:Pathetic as usual from the mad one !
Funny as I can remember quite a few of the so called fans who r congratulating SD now (or is it Dychey now!!!!!! Purlease) r the same people who criticised Baz for taking the easy route and not spending money on a so called proper experienced manager !!!! dammed if u do, dammed if u don't ...
The rest of the real fans who don't overreact may have been concerned but still supported Dychey (we have earned the right to call him that!!!) even when things didn't go too well for him and certain groups called for his head!! U know who u r & so do we ....
So before u start posting your normal drivel please remember others on here recall how quickly u change your mind ....
If Baz does come good on his promises the same people will be posting on here in 10 years saying how they wish the new terrible owner was like that legend Baz !!!!!!
Frankie Frazer
says...
7:08am Sun 29 Apr 12
garston edl
says...
8:38am Sun 29 Apr 12
SAHornet
says...
8:41am Sun 29 Apr 12
I think that summer will be defining moments for both men. Will bas give Sean enough dosh to strengthen the team for a play-off push and will he also make good on the pitch and some construction work?
As importantly, will Sean have learned valuable lessons from his mistakes of last summer regarding new player input. I think he will have as he's not the same rookie manager now as he was then.
Whatever side of the fence you sit on, I wish you ALL a very good summer over there. From Port Elizabeth, South Africa....go well guys and COYH's for next season.
lutondown
says...
10:29am Sun 29 Apr 12
SAHornet wrote:And to you Buddy
As I have said before and most of you regular posters know, I was one of the biggest detractors of both Bas and Sean. I have already eaten humble pie over Sean and have chosen to wait until at least this time next season over Bas. I still have bad vibes over him but will keep my mouth shut and hope for the best.
I think that summer will be defining moments for both men. Will bas give Sean enough dosh to strengthen the team for a play-off push and will he also make good on the pitch and some construction work?
As importantly, will Sean have learned valuable lessons from his mistakes of last summer regarding new player input. I think he will have as he's not the same rookie manager now as he was then.
Whatever side of the fence you sit on, I wish you ALL a very good summer over there. From Port Elizabeth, South Africa....go well guys and COYH's for next season.
Give the Red Roses a cheer when they arrive For their three test tour
Happy hunting
SAHornet
says...
10:49am Sun 29 Apr 12
Dunderdale Pinner
says...
1:14pm Sun 29 Apr 12
lutondown
says...
1:17pm Sun 29 Apr 12
Dunderdale Pinner wrote:Chopper Welbourne, John Williams, Mickey Mickey Walker,
An enjoyable end of season game. Well done to everybody concerned. For me Loach MOM, still weak on the punch but a good shot stopper. SD has proved all his doubters wrong, including me, and I still reserve final judgement on Baz until Christmas, which gives him time to do all or most of the things he has promised. With a new pitch I hope we will play a passing game much more because the group of players we have , and those coming through, seem more suited to that sort of play. Also it is more pleasing to watch. Re Mr. Bonsor I too was one who thought the money should be spent on new players and not on the extension to the East stand. However over the long term he was right (extra revenue) and I was wrong, and his part is still standing! cthorn how dare you forget Duncan Welbourne. Happy hols to all and here's to next season.
LUGG, Franks, Johnny Farley
Now we're talking legends
Dunderdale Pinner
says...
1:38pm Sun 29 Apr 12
lutondown
says...
1:45pm Sun 29 Apr 12
Remember Endean and his header when we beat Liverpool 1-0 in fa cup 1970 ( still shown on Espn classic)
And Wilf was the greatest conversion I ever witnessed, infact his sending off at Luton in 1984 along with Taylor's strange decision to play Neil Price over Pat Rice Cost us the cup
SAHornet
says...
3:05pm Sun 29 Apr 12
lutondown
says...
3:09pm Sun 29 Apr 12
SAHornet wrote:One of my customers is Ken Furphys sister in law
Ah, I remember that goal from Barry Endean well. I was right in front of that diving header in the Rookery about 6 barriers back. I was also one of the first on the pitch afterwards. Battered sausage and chips never tasted so good from the chippy near the ground on the way back to Exchange Road to catch the 321 bus home in Harpenden. Ahhhh, such fond memories !
Apparently Ken is own too well, he lives Devon way, he ended up owning a sports shop.
Just saying as we're talking about legends!
Bush Hornet
says...
6:20pm Sun 29 Apr 12
lutondown wrote:Pat Rice wears a wig nowadays
Agreed
Remember Endean and his header when we beat Liverpool 1-0 in fa cup 1970 ( still shown on Espn classic)
And Wilf was the greatest conversion I ever witnessed, infact his sending off at Luton in 1984 along with Taylor's strange decision to play Neil Price over Pat Rice Cost us the cup
lutondown
says...
7:11pm Sun 29 Apr 12
Bush Hornet wrote:So If I see him I'll whip out my secuteurs and sort the syrup out!
lutondown wrote:Pat Rice wears a wig nowadays
Agreed
Remember Endean and his header when we beat Liverpool 1-0 in fa cup 1970 ( still shown on Espn classic)
And Wilf was the greatest conversion I ever witnessed, infact his sending off at Luton in 1984 along with Taylor's strange decision to play Neil Price over Pat Rice Cost us the cup
I'm sure there's a relevance to your post!
SAHornet
says...
8:05pm Sun 29 Apr 12
lutondown wrote:Presume you meant "not" too well. Hope he is ok...another legend?
SAHornet wrote:One of my customers is Ken Furphys sister in law
Ah, I remember that goal from Barry Endean well. I was right in front of that diving header in the Rookery about 6 barriers back. I was also one of the first on the pitch afterwards. Battered sausage and chips never tasted so good from the chippy near the ground on the way back to Exchange Road to catch the 321 bus home in Harpenden. Ahhhh, such fond memories !
Apparently Ken is own too well, he lives Devon way, he ended up owning a sports shop.
Just saying as we're talking about legends!
lutondown
says...
8:07pm Sun 29 Apr 12
SAHornet wrote:I did SAH! Looks like te prediction tool got it wrong
lutondown wrote:Presume you meant "not" too well. Hope he is ok...another legend?
SAHornet wrote:One of my customers is Ken Furphys sister in law
Ah, I remember that goal from Barry Endean well. I was right in front of that diving header in the Rookery about 6 barriers back. I was also one of the first on the pitch afterwards. Battered sausage and chips never tasted so good from the chippy near the ground on the way back to Exchange Road to catch the 321 bus home in Harpenden. Ahhhh, such fond memories !
Apparently Ken is own too well, he lives Devon way, he ended up owning a sports shop.
Just saying as we're talking about legends!
FriscoHornet
says...
8:26pm Sun 29 Apr 12
strummerjoe wrote:Yes ... so let's get this straight. When things were going badly at the start of the season it was all Baz's fault. So now things have turned around its all down to the players (not even Dychy) and Baz shouldn't be allowed to go on the pitch and celebate with the players for a job well done. I agree with Strummer ... everyone should get their chanc to take ashareinthe credit for what has been a great season ... and with the majority of this group being so young, the chance to move onwards and upwards if the youngsters don'tget overambitious too soon and the club can fend off the big offers!
KeithMercer wrote:Why?
Frankie Frazer wrote:Pathetic as usual from the mad one !
Funny as I can remember quite a few of the so called fans who r congratulating SD now (or is it Dychey now!!!!!! Purlease) r the same people who criticised Baz for taking the easy route and not spending money on a so called proper experienced manager !!!! dammed if u do, dammed if u don't ...
The rest of the real fans who don't overreact may have been concerned but still supported Dychey (we have earned the right to call him that!!!) even when things didn't go too well for him and certain groups called for his head!! U know who u r & so do we ....
So before u start posting your normal drivel please remember others on here recall how quickly u change your mind ....
If Baz does come good on his promises the same people will be posting on here in 10 years saying how they wish the new terrible owner was like that legend Baz !!!!!!
Johnny Ryden
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8:51pm Sun 29 Apr 12
Dunderdale Pinner wrote:Dunderdale, I'm with you on Wilf, and the players were absolutely gutted for him when he got sent off at L***n and missed the Cup Final; you mention Duncan Welbourne in an earlier post and he started out as a right half before moving to full back and setting a record for the number of appearances; for me, the best conversion was moving Kenny Jackett from full back to left midfield where he was so successful with Les Taylor.
If you are going back, I do not expect many posters will remember these true stars for the then "Blues". Frank Mitchell, Tommy Harmer, Jimmy Bowie, Taffy Davies and of course Big Cliff Holton and what about Barry Endean? Some weeks ago a poster was asking who the best player was that changed his playing position. How about Wilf Rostron, left winger into an excellent left back.
Mad Mo
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9:37pm Sun 29 Apr 12
Whilst the jury is out still for me regarding Mr Basini's motives for taking on Watford, anyone who runs a football club must be mad to take it on and suffer all the personal abuse, I do not understand why people think he is making millions out of the club. When he took the club over it was in debt and these have to be paid off on a regular basis. Player sales came to approx 8 million and some was spent on the players that were brought in in the summer. Gate receipts do not run into millions as we have a small regular crowd.
It costs millions not thousands to run the club and pay wages to players, backroom staff and admin staff. Monies from sale of players are often paid in installments. This together will servicing the various outstanding debts I am sure there is not much money left in the kitty. Also the banks are reluctant in the current climate to lend money to clubs like ours.
So I think we have to be patient when it comes to ground improvements - we cannot blame Mr Bassini for the incompetence of previous regimes. Sensible spending at the right time will prevent us from going into administration
corbindallas
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9:27am Mon 30 Apr 12
Mad Mo wrote:Don't bother trying to explain facts to the muppets on here they are not interested even if it's in front of them black and white. The club has run a lose every year between 4 and 6 million and the accrued debt on Bassini's take over was 13 million, how any of the muppets on here can suggest that he is pocketing the money with those overheads and running costs is beyond reason, even if he takes a good cut he still has a running current debt which is monthly paid and so far he has made these payments without failure, I would say to all the best thing is to support someone fully who has shown best interests in the club and wait till the accounts are published next year covering his full term in ownership before making assumptions on his desires. I again point out that someone fleecing the club will not keep investing into it as much as Bassini already has, not only on the player side, but equipment, pitch, and support of Watford Ladies, our Academy etc etc, easy things to cut back on when he took over and we were facing administration, and no one would have battered a eye lid knowing how dire the finances were then. So Mr Bassini as owner and custodian of the club you are fully deserving of a lap of the ground and the muppets and doom merchants on here can chastise me IF you put a foot wrong, but until then should shut up and actually try supporting the full team instead!
Well done to the team and Sean for what turned out to be a good season with small resources. Amazing what good team spirit and hard work can do.
Whilst the jury is out still for me regarding Mr Basini's motives for taking on Watford, anyone who runs a football club must be mad to take it on and suffer all the personal abuse, I do not understand why people think he is making millions out of the club. When he took the club over it was in debt and these have to be paid off on a regular basis. Player sales came to approx 8 million and some was spent on the players that were brought in in the summer. Gate receipts do not run into millions as we have a small regular crowd.
It costs millions not thousands to run the club and pay wages to players, backroom staff and admin staff. Monies from sale of players are often paid in installments. This together will servicing the various outstanding debts I am sure there is not much money left in the kitty. Also the banks are reluctant in the current climate to lend money to clubs like ours.
So I think we have to be patient when it comes to ground improvements - we cannot blame Mr Bassini for the incompetence of previous regimes. Sensible spending at the right time will prevent us from going into administration
ab11uk
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11:22am Mon 30 Apr 12
According to gloryhorns the 4 posters are all the same person with some wierd obsession with everything negative they can imagine posting.
I was at game clapped and shook Bazzini's hand again. he is very happy with developments and has promised more.
Dyche was again in fine form and cant wait till next season he is mr motivator and has incredible drive and determination. Hodson has been rested will be back next season where i believe this will be doyleys last full season at club. TK has been approached, Ipswich have gone for Doyle after agent said he was happy where he is. Loach may have been playing for a move Saturday but he has been good just not consistent I think he lost his way after he thought he was irreplacable. yeates has gone. dickinson has done enough and we will be looking at a loan winger for next season. Mariappa is likely to go but we will look for a loan defender for season to replace or Bennett will come in depending on development over summer. Eustace will be staged out with hogg taking his place and buaban stepping up. Murray will not leave until the season after next if he progresses at this rate and we do not go up. Pitch is done deal, East stand will come down. Bazzini will not sell he loves this club and to be quite frank the fans love him.
Hornet Cornet
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12:11pm Mon 30 Apr 12
Lloydinio wrote:If Loach had been dropped when we said he should've been, we'd be in the play-offs.
Hornet1970 wrote: Great win, murray skill and distribution great to see and was impressed with the passing today. So nice to hear big chris being sung and song and i won £50...all in all a great end to the season. Well done boys and SD, if only we could have won a few more we would have been in the playoffs. Next season...You ornsIf we had correct refereeing decisions, we would be in the playoffs.
Andrew1963
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1:11pm Mon 30 Apr 12
lutondown
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7:27pm Mon 30 Apr 12
Andrew1963 wrote:Agreed, but I'm a rugby man
A big close season on and off the pitch. We will do well to improve on this years points total IMHO. Squad needs restructuring. Clearly Murray has turned out to be a genuine young player worth playing in the first team. time for others to join Jamie Hand and Dominic Blizzard and to move on to playing regulaly at a lower level, as they are not going to make it in the championship. Both keepers could go, along with Mirfin and Yeates for footballing reasons. Perhaps a few will go because the fees received represent good value. Off the pitch, the ground repairs and rebuilding must start at SW Corner. Get that done and the East Stand can follow in future years. With rarely more than 13,000 at a match i see little point mortgaging the club for a 4th stand when precious resources needed to maintain Championship status. Fine if the new stand generates extra match and non-match day income. But until the Hospital is redeveloped and the M1 link road extended to Vicarage Road i see little prospect of the club making lots of non match day revenue from the stadium. Personally i never understand the anti rugby feeling. Reading just won the Championship and share the Stadium and pitch with London Irish! Fine get rid of Saracens but get Wasps in - a proper NW London Rugby club. with the Croxley rail link you will get lots more fans for Wasps at the Vic than they manage in Wycombe. With the prospect of cross over code support with properly marketed joint season tickets. Build Vicarage Road into a great place to watch professional sport, rather than a run down venue for 23 90 minute events.
And also felt that Watford Wasps was the more natural pairing
I would like to see that stand or a safe terrace built
lutondown
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7:34pm Mon 30 Apr 12
Sometimes I think some people come on here to wind up, and sometimes posters like Ilovbas ( yes he's back as ab11uk) bring out the worst in people with his downright lies.
Also perhaps it is sometimes the so called clappers that can't accept differing views
More than enough said
luther blissett
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7:42pm Mon 30 Apr 12
lutondown wrote:LD, you seem a lot more reasoned on here compared to your conversations with Buckler & Boycey on Twitter. I prefer reasoned debate rather than asking for a 'meet'.
Loofer
Sometimes I think some people come on here to wind up, and sometimes posters like Ilovbas ( yes he's back as ab11uk) bring out the worst in people with his downright lies.
Also perhaps it is sometimes the so called clappers that can't accept differing views
More than enough said
lutondown
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7:47pm Mon 30 Apr 12
luther blissett wrote:When cowards tell lies it makes me less than reasonable.
lutondown wrote:LD, you seem a lot more reasoned on here compared to your conversations with Buckler & Boycey on Twitter. I prefer reasoned debate rather than asking for a 'meet'.
Loofer
Sometimes I think some people come on here to wind up, and sometimes posters like Ilovbas ( yes he's back as ab11uk) bring out the worst in people with his downright lies.
Also perhaps it is sometimes the so called clappers that can't accept differing views
More than enough said
And as for the meet, Im just saying I'd back myself to say face to face what I write on here.
Anyway my beef is not with you
Dunderdale Pinner
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10:00pm Mon 30 Apr 12
corbindallas
says...
7:04am Tue 1 May 12
Dunderdale Pinner wrote:And a good one, it is nice to see people pick up on the Taylor change, obviously SD and co will be aware and hopefully this means they will be thinking twice about letting AM go as him and Nosworthy are our 1st choice. I really was please to hear Bassini state we need to invest in the squad for next season, now we need to see how much and if TK is top of the list I have no complaints here.
Agree other comments re Jackett and Welbourne changing position but think you will agree it is a matter of personal choice. On another post it is commented that the distribution of Tiny Taylor leaves a lot to be desired, and since his return he does not seem comfortable on the ball and gets rid as soon as he can. I could not agree more and have commented on it in the past. Let's hope a few weeks r and r will bring out the best next season. Nosworthy on the other hand is in a different class re ball control and distribution. Purely my opinion of course.
SAHornet
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6:52pm Tue 1 May 12
lutondown
says...
7:11pm Tue 1 May 12
SAHornet wrote:Sadly for us SAH Kightly was one of the few performing Wolves players.
What about a bid for Kightly now Wolves are down? Or is he genuine Prem? I really like his style and we were soooo much stronger with him.
I really think hes Prem material, and I think his wages are more than we can afford.
I really do hope I'm wrong here
SAHornet says...
3:14pm Sat 28 Apr 12