Watford FC Zola press conference live blog (From This Is Local London)

Is Bassini serving drinks and nibbles ?

buckler wrote:
Is Bassini serving drinks and nibbles ?

LIKE

Please, out of politeness, could you now remove immediately the fact that 72% of the supporters preferred Sean Dyche to Zola!

Zola and his new backroom people are in. Now let's get behind him as well as the team, that most of us do anyway. Not perhaps the best quote I can come up with but "The King is Dead. Long live the King." Things will take a wee while to settle of course.

has it started yet?

this dyche business is boring lets look to the future!!!

So glad McGinn is staying. Onwards and upwards. Presume Zola's done his homework there and recognises a quality player

the pitch looks good,are you getting rid of saracens?

Can you sign Kightly please Mr Zola, Wolves will listen to offers

Bush Hornet wrote:
Can you sign Kightly please Mr Zola, Wolves will listen to offers

Would love that but think they want +/- 3m. We wont pay that.

Wonder if Bassini has purchased a Season ticket?

We re multi millionaires now. First ever £4mill loanee to arrive.
The Days of Endean we will buy your miners football team a new kit are over!!!

Well that was a bit of a let down....

One aspect that has not been appreciated so far is that when we are trying to sell players in the future, because of our sounder financial position, we will be in a much stronger position to get a realistic price.

Will they finish the Graham Taylor stand Bas started

24 minutes more than Lorenzo Bassini did.

rubbish...waited all day for nothing

3CR opted to talk to two local businessmen about tobacco advertising rather than cover the press conference! How pathetic!

also sky just replayed the boring news about john terry its only been on 5 times today...joke

Just heard Zola live speaking on 5live. Probably covered more in 5 minutes than the whole of the press conference.

They dont even let s few fans in to hear what he had to say the press stand outside like numb zombies, Didnt even ask a lot of the qs we wanted to hear! So much for a family club!

Just herd on twitter Watford FC legend Tony Coton is recovering from a heart attack.. I would like to wish Tony a very speedy recovery... Zola give him a job when he's better...

Sounds like a typical first press conference.

Like the comment about starting from a good base and I would to dampen enthusiasm BUT Mr Zola we finished up so well mainly due to having th Seagulls new signing in goal for us. He had two pluses..he was a talented keeper and did not have Chamberlain as his coach.

Other than that a great decision to keep Chamberlain and that you have such a strong base.

Furthermore Mr Zola you may have decided that Sean was wrong to want Tom Heaton and maybe you have someone better in mind which would be great but please dont listen to your chosen goalkeeper coach because we would have been in the play offs except Scott cost us eight to ten points. If you have not got a keeperinmind though the decision not to sign Heaton may well prove to be a desperate mistake.

Anyway welcome and be lucky.

Also best of luck to Tony Coton, make a swift recovery.

http://link.brightco
ve.com/services/play
er/bcpid761333525001
?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAAAnV
5Z0~,xyoxShbYDLGSh2y
u4XruBQh1N8XmHpc9&bc
tid=1729032596001

More hear...in some detail.

Sorry *here

We're on the march with the Fonzie army, we're on the march to Premier league!!

Forza Goldzzuri!.........(
sorry our Italian fans, don't know what's Golden boys in your lingo)

watford1881 wrote:
Just herd on twitter Watford FC legend Tony Coton is recovering from a heart attack.. I would like to wish Tony a very speedy recovery... Zola give him a job when he's better...

Get better soon Tony.....you are a legend mate.
I'm sure we would have got to Wembley in '87 had you been in goal for the Spurs semi-final that season.
Talking of jobs for legends, there must be a role for Super Luther, FFS??!!

Hornet73 wrote:
Please, out of politeness, could you now remove immediately the fact that 72% of the supporters preferred Sean Dyche to Zola!

I agree!!!!!

When are they going to take that survey off, stupid of the site!!! Move on and so stupid to keep that survey on for so long!

Dis respectful for the new management and board!!

peter10531089 wrote:
3CR opted to talk to two local businessmen about tobacco advertising rather than cover the press conference! How pathetic!

That's because all their employed presenters/newsreade
rs in the week are luton fans. Simon Oxley used to work for the scummers in the ticket office a few years ago when luton could sell tickets for a game LOL

derry pigweed wrote:

peter10531089 wrote:
3CR opted to talk to two local businessmen about tobacco advertising rather than cover the press conference! How pathetic!

That's because all their employed presenters/newsreade

rs in the week are luton fans. Simon Oxley used to work for the scummers in the ticket office a few years ago when luton could sell tickets for a game LOL

can't stand listening to 3cr for that reason, all seem so bias and pleased if we lose. It would be so good to have a Watford station cover the club. Thought there was a radio station in Watford a while back.

Persoanlly very happy with the way things have started, although I do feel the need to pinch myself at times! It really does feel odd right now having (with all due respect) higher calibre players coming to our club. On a seperate point for those who are not keen on Alec Chamberlain I would like to say this. Firstly his heroics end of season, play-offs and Final in 1999 are a big part of why we won. Secondly, I wrote to him in 2002 as my son was a young GK and big fan, he arranged to meet us directly after a game, came out in his full kit with a signed personal photo for my son and then sat with him in the players dug out for 15 minutes to share questions. The man is an absolute gent and I would really like it if people on here would be good enough to remember that. Class is class.

first time I've ever commented on here....always seems too depressing, but for once I'm excited and proud to be a watford fan. Been a watford fan since i was born and even though i now live in Canada, I still get over for 3-5 games a year....will definitely be coming over to watch a few games this season.....even got my license plate...WATFORD....d
oubt anyone in the UK has that! I didn't mind Baz but it definitely felt like a scamming wank3er was in charge...now we have owners who can keep us finacially secure for years to come...doesn't feel very Watford at the moment but I'm sure I'll get used to it! lol
Anyway, so far so good....Forza Watford!

I've only just found out that Duxbury and Nani have slithered into Watford, as a Hammer you have my deepest sympathies.

In the two years Nani was with us he produced a couple of decent players in Behrami and Diamanti but other than that his "discoveries" were over-priced embarrassments.

His worst crime against football was Savio Nsrenko, the £9m 19 year old wunderkid from Brescia, a club which by happy coincidence owned by Mrs. Nani’s father, who was so poor it is beyond my poor ability to describe.

Henry VIII wrote:
Persoanlly very happy with the way things have started, although I do feel the need to pinch myself at times! It really does feel odd right now having (with all due respect) higher calibre players coming to our club. On a seperate point for those who are not keen on Alec Chamberlain I would like to say this. Firstly his heroics end of season, play-offs and Final in 1999 are a big part of why we won. Secondly, I wrote to him in 2002 as my son was a young GK and big fan, he arranged to meet us directly after a game, came out in his full kit with a signed personal photo for my son and then sat with him in the players dug out for 15 minutes to share questions. The man is an absolute gent and I would really like it if people on here would be good enough to remember that. Class is class.

Spot on, he is a real gent and also reckon people do not give him the credit he deserves, his tenure at Watford should be without question, what he has done in the past is good enough, you cannot polish a turd that's a fact and Alec needs the caliber of pupil that can adapt and improve and in all leagues it is a issue, just look how many goal keepers have moved around in the last few weeks tells you that!

I attended the press conference tonight and here were my impressions as a fan :

ZOLA :
He had several offers both in UK and in Italy to manage, he was aware of the Pozzo's interest, but nothing was definate until last week. He held out for the Watford job over the other opportunties as he see's this as the biggest challenge and opportunity, he has a lot of respect for the Pozzo's and they were key to him coming to Watford .

He is very excited, seems very humble, but admitted he was tired this evening as its been a whirlwind few days, and he only met the players today. He is relishing the challenge, said if he didnt have anything to prove he wouldnt be here, hence he says he has alot to prove, and after two years out the game, and the learning experience at West Ham good and bad, he is in a strong place to take team forward.

He knows the team needs strengthening, however wants to assess what he has got before anything radical (hence stopping the Heaton signing), however the two Czech boys were positions that were a MUST and they were training today.

He has been assured that Watford wont be a feeder club for Udinese or Granada, but obviuosly the value of having 3 clubs in the family has advantages and the Pozzo'z scouting network, one of the best in the world will be a huge advantage to Watford

He will identify which positions he needs to improve, and the skill sets and type of player he wants, and GianLuca Nani who he will work closely with should be able to offer 4 or 5 players to bring in, so the ability to attract and secure new players should be an easier process

He is excited about the challenge, has said he will make mistakes, however will give 100% of himself to make it work, he is very passionate about football and the way its played, and he will NOT compromise on that.

He asked fans to be patient ...............

When asked about Vialli, he said that was along time ago under different circumstances, Zola said he felt more prepared. He mentioned he is very good friends with Roberto DiMatteo, and was also delighted for Mancini in winning the title.

He would love to meet Elton John and would love SEJ to come to training or a match soon, likewise Graham Taylor, Zola certainly seems respectful of people of love the club and also stated he bought into the community element and wanted this to continue

He was full of respect for Sean Dyche and said he has been left a good legacy, which he hopes to build on ......

In my opinion, I think he is gonna be good if we give him time :-)


Gian Luca Nani :

I didnt get a chance to speak with him, but it was clear Zola and GLN will be working closely together on the squad and new entrants


Scott Duxbury :

After reading the negativity of some West Ham fans, I was intrigued to meet Scott. He was very self assured and looks calm and measured. He didnt say much during the conference, however did say that talks have started with Marriappa's agent to try to get him to stay, however Zola added that if Aidy wants to move to the Prem, Zola will respect that, to date only Reading have made an offer.

I then had an informal chat with Scott after the conference, he confirmed that it was him and Nani who presented the plan/project/opportu
nity to the Pozzo's who were looking to acquire an English team. Scott and Nani chose Watford because it fits the Pozzo's model for size and culture, and felt it had the potential to emulate a Fulham, Wigan, Bolton etc

The Pozzo's are hear for the long term, the want the club to break even in the mid to long term, and will fund the losses between now and when that happens. They will invest in the infrastructure, ground and playing staff to help get to that even keel point.

The club was very close to admininstration, he wouldnt say how much debt the club is in on top of the £8M to bondholders, but I guess it aint peanuts, but the Pozzo's will clear those debts and take over the bonds.

He asked what the fans think of having the Happy Egg Company on the shirts, I said for me personally its a PR disaster, he smiled, it was done by previous regime. He did say that they could now attract much larger sponsorships, it that too late now ? crack an egg to make an omlette ....... I would rather start season with blank shirts and get a larger sponsor, and let the Happy Eggs sponsor the chicks in the academy.

He also asked for ideas on what we could put in front of main stand to stop in looking so ugly, ideas on a postcard .......

Scott summarised that he has been working on the Watford proposed project since February, he is also very excited and here for long term. He chose Watford and has been selling that vision for past 5 months

I say lets get behind them, Forza Watford

Like · · Unfollow post · 7 hours ago
Chris Patterson, Terry Nuttyboy Sweeney and 11 others like this.
Tony Bailey after reading that i think we should all give zola the respect he deserves for comming to watford good luck to him
7 hours ago · Like · 2
Neil Hensby In Zola we trust
7 hours ago via Mobile · Like

Paul Holden thats me standing up on left white shirt listening to the written press ask questions after the formal conference. (apologies for the spelling mistakes and grammar in main article).
7 hours ago · Like
Neil Hensby Who was there tonight
7 hours ago via Mobile · Like
Tony Bailey you done well to get that close. did thay offer a cup of tea paul
7 hours ago · Like

Paul Holden and sandwiches .... attendees were sky, bbc, all the tabloids, evening standard, watford observer etc, plus some club staff. more details on wobby site
7 hours ago · Like · 2
Tony Bailey nice
7 hours ago · Like
Neil Hensby was there talk of more players coming in or leaving
7 hours ago via Mobile · Like
Nicholas Smith Here, here
7 hours ago · Like
Tony Bailey do you think the players will get on with him ok
7 hours ago · Like

Paul Holden Yes, but he wants time to assess whats he has got, which is fair. Zola will decide who stays or goes, when he wants a new player he tells Nani what he wants, and hopefully Nani will have 4 or 5 per position to offer Zola, who will then make final decision. Zola will not compromise on his style of play (effective passing). Swansea and Blackpool were mentioned as teams who played football and got promoted.
7 hours ago · Like · 2

Paul Holden Zola was relieved there is a new pitch ....
7 hours ago · Like · 2
Chris Patterson Looking forward to this season sooo much.!! You ornsssssss
7 hours ago via Mobile · Like · 1

Paul Holden He is passionate, if the players show passion they will get on fine
7 hours ago · Like
Colin Edwicker all sounds good to me, heres to the future.
7 hours ago · Like · 1

Paul Holden I am very optimistic, feet on ground, there is no miracle, but get the impression these guys will work hard, and all need to be successful, then in 5 years we can have a german member of the pozzo family too. the EPL has the greatest rewards ...
6 hours ago · Like · 1

Paul Holden The Watford Observer will publish more details in coming days. I told Scott that we have a uge forum army, and the Wobby was essential for the club to have a good relationship with ... as most fans turn to the wobby site first for news
6 hours ago · Like
Tony Bailey that is true
6 hours ago · Like

Paul Holden Can't believe some people are being negative on Wobby forum ! Can't please all the people all the time !!!!!
6 hours ago via Mobile · Like
Terry Nuttyboy Sweeney Move over Alan Raymond Palmer..Paul's filling ya boots..;-)...great article mate!
6 hours ago via Mobile · Unlike · 1
Roy Moore gutted there isnt 2,000 photo's from tonight. #mrpalmer
5 hours ago · Like · 3
Sam Street Ill give Bas at least has a quality sense of humour if he gave us Happy Egg as a parting gift.
4 hours ago · Like

Paul Holden Roy, Palmer is away in Spain "TF"
14 minutes ago · Like

Paul Holden I think Scott was concerned that shirt sales will be low as Adults especially won't buy one due to Happy Eggs being n shirt, not that anyone has anything against the Tring based company, but its like putting ketchup on your weetabix, they just don't go together. Maybe at the time this was our best offer, not sure of the value, but with Zola's profile and the interest in Italy we could get 10 times more now !
about a minute ago · Like

Paul Holden Maybe we could have a large "Banksy" in front of East Stand until its done LOL
11 seconds ago · Like

Zola interview Sky : http://www.skysports
.com/video/inline/0,
,12606_7888008,00.ht
ml

Holly68 wrote:
I attended the press conference tonight and here were my impressions as a fan : ZOLA : He had several offers both in UK and in Italy to manage, he was aware of the Pozzo's interest, but nothing was definate until last week. He held out for the Watford job over the other opportunties as he see's this as the biggest challenge and opportunity, he has a lot of respect for the Pozzo's and they were key to him coming to Watford . He is very excited, seems very humble, but admitted he was tired this evening as its been a whirlwind few days, and he only met the players today. He is relishing the challenge, said if he didnt have anything to prove he wouldnt be here, hence he says he has alot to prove, and after two years out the game, and the learning experience at West Ham good and bad, he is in a strong place to take team forward. He knows the team needs strengthening, however wants to assess what he has got before anything radical (hence stopping the Heaton signing), however the two Czech boys were positions that were a MUST and they were training today. He has been assured that Watford wont be a feeder club for Udinese or Granada, but obviuosly the value of having 3 clubs in the family has advantages and the Pozzo'z scouting network, one of the best in the world will be a huge advantage to Watford He will identify which positions he needs to improve, and the skill sets and type of player he wants, and GianLuca Nani who he will work closely with should be able to offer 4 or 5 players to bring in, so the ability to attract and secure new players should be an easier process He is excited about the challenge, has said he will make mistakes, however will give 100% of himself to make it work, he is very passionate about football and the way its played, and he will NOT compromise on that. He asked fans to be patient ............... When asked about Vialli, he said that was along time ago under different circumstances, Zola said he felt more prepared. He mentioned he is very good friends with Roberto DiMatteo, and was also delighted for Mancini in winning the title. He would love to meet Elton John and would love SEJ to come to training or a match soon, likewise Graham Taylor, Zola certainly seems respectful of people of love the club and also stated he bought into the community element and wanted this to continue He was full of respect for Sean Dyche and said he has been left a good legacy, which he hopes to build on ...... In my opinion, I think he is gonna be good if we give him time :-) Gian Luca Nani : I didnt get a chance to speak with him, but it was clear Zola and GLN will be working closely together on the squad and new entrants Scott Duxbury : After reading the negativity of some West Ham fans, I was intrigued to meet Scott. He was very self assured and looks calm and measured. He didnt say much during the conference, however did say that talks have started with Marriappa's agent to try to get him to stay, however Zola added that if Aidy wants to move to the Prem, Zola will respect that, to date only Reading have made an offer. I then had an informal chat with Scott after the conference, he confirmed that it was him and Nani who presented the plan/project/opportu nity to the Pozzo's who were looking to acquire an English team. Scott and Nani chose Watford because it fits the Pozzo's model for size and culture, and felt it had the potential to emulate a Fulham, Wigan, Bolton etc The Pozzo's are hear for the long term, the want the club to break even in the mid to long term, and will fund the losses between now and when that happens. They will invest in the infrastructure, ground and playing staff to help get to that even keel point. The club was very close to admininstration, he wouldnt say how much debt the club is in on top of the £8M to bondholders, but I guess it aint peanuts, but the Pozzo's will clear those debts and take over the bonds. He asked what the fans think of having the Happy Egg Company on the shirts, I said for me personally its a PR disaster, he smiled, it was done by previous regime. He did say that they could now attract much larger sponsorships, it that too late now ? crack an egg to make an omlette ....... I would rather start season with blank shirts and get a larger sponsor, and let the Happy Eggs sponsor the chicks in the academy. He also asked for ideas on what we could put in front of main stand to stop in looking so ugly, ideas on a postcard ....... Scott summarised that he has been working on the Watford proposed project since February, he is also very excited and here for long term. He chose Watford and has been selling that vision for past 5 months I say lets get behind them, Forza Watford Like · · Unfollow post · 7 hours ago Chris Patterson, Terry Nuttyboy Sweeney and 11 others like this. Tony Bailey after reading that i think we should all give zola the respect he deserves for comming to watford good luck to him 7 hours ago · Like · 2 Neil Hensby In Zola we trust 7 hours ago via Mobile · Like Paul Holden thats me standing up on left white shirt listening to the written press ask questions after the formal conference. (apologies for the spelling mistakes and grammar in main article). 7 hours ago · Like Neil Hensby Who was there tonight 7 hours ago via Mobile · Like Tony Bailey you done well to get that close. did thay offer a cup of tea paul 7 hours ago · Like Paul Holden and sandwiches .... attendees were sky, bbc, all the tabloids, evening standard, watford observer etc, plus some club staff. more details on wobby site 7 hours ago · Like · 2 Tony Bailey nice 7 hours ago · Like Neil Hensby was there talk of more players coming in or leaving 7 hours ago via Mobile · Like Nicholas Smith Here, here 7 hours ago · Like Tony Bailey do you think the players will get on with him ok 7 hours ago · Like Paul Holden Yes, but he wants time to assess whats he has got, which is fair. Zola will decide who stays or goes, when he wants a new player he tells Nani what he wants, and hopefully Nani will have 4 or 5 per position to offer Zola, who will then make final decision. Zola will not compromise on his style of play (effective passing). Swansea and Blackpool were mentioned as teams who played football and got promoted. 7 hours ago · Like · 2 Paul Holden Zola was relieved there is a new pitch .... 7 hours ago · Like · 2 Chris Patterson Looking forward to this season sooo much.!! You ornsssssss 7 hours ago via Mobile · Like · 1 Paul Holden He is passionate, if the players show passion they will get on fine 7 hours ago · Like Colin Edwicker all sounds good to me, heres to the future. 7 hours ago · Like · 1 Paul Holden I am very optimistic, feet on ground, there is no miracle, but get the impression these guys will work hard, and all need to be successful, then in 5 years we can have a german member of the pozzo family too. the EPL has the greatest rewards ... 6 hours ago · Like · 1 Paul Holden The Watford Observer will publish more details in coming days. I told Scott that we have a uge forum army, and the Wobby was essential for the club to have a good relationship with ... as most fans turn to the wobby site first for news 6 hours ago · Like Tony Bailey that is true 6 hours ago · Like Paul Holden Can't believe some people are being negative on Wobby forum ! Can't please all the people all the time !!!!! 6 hours ago via Mobile · Like Terry Nuttyboy Sweeney Move over Alan Raymond Palmer..Paul's filling ya boots..;-)...great article mate! 6 hours ago via Mobile · Unlike · 1 Roy Moore gutted there isnt 2,000 photo's from tonight. #mrpalmer 5 hours ago · Like · 3 Sam Street Ill give Bas at least has a quality sense of humour if he gave us Happy Egg as a parting gift. 4 hours ago · Like Paul Holden Roy, Palmer is away in Spain "TF" 14 minutes ago · Like Paul Holden I think Scott was concerned that shirt sales will be low as Adults especially won't buy one due to Happy Eggs being n shirt, not that anyone has anything against the Tring based company, but its like putting ketchup on your weetabix, they just don't go together. Maybe at the time this was our best offer, not sure of the value, but with Zola's profile and the interest in Italy we could get 10 times more now ! about a minute ago · Like Paul Holden Maybe we could have a large "Banksy" in front of East Stand until its done LOL 11 seconds ago · Like

holly68 2hours 25mins ago. like

Lets put this argument re Alec Chamberlain to bed.

Nobody denies he is a gent and was a great keeper for us in his time.

But is he a good man manager and coach?

It cannot be denied that once Foster went back to Man U, Scottie was first team keeper and doing well. He replaced Joe Hart as U 21 keeper and even was selected for the senior squad.

Then instead of developing further his performances fell away, his ability with crosses disappeared and as a team we sufferred. Where was the coach when all this happened.

Then there was Richard Lee, dumped out of Watford by Malky having reached a state of mind where he did not want to play football. Read his book.

Not sure Alec bears up as a coach just as GT was not a chairman but in no way does that undo his legendary status at the club but we cannot be great at everything. So Henry V111
and Corbindallas over the last few months I have had more than one go at Chamberlain as a coach but never as a gent or a player and we are talking about his coaching abilities not the whole person.

Chris the Vic wrote:
Lets put this argument re Alec Chamberlain to bed. Nobody denies he is a gent and was a great keeper for us in his time. But is he a good man manager and coach? It cannot be denied that once Foster went back to Man U, Scottie was first team keeper and doing well. He replaced Joe Hart as U 21 keeper and even was selected for the senior squad. Then instead of developing further his performances fell away, his ability with crosses disappeared and as a team we sufferred. Where was the coach when all this happened. Then there was Richard Lee, dumped out of Watford by Malky having reached a state of mind where he did not want to play football. Read his book. Not sure Alec bears up as a coach just as GT was not a chairman but in no way does that undo his legendary status at the club but we cannot be great at everything. So Henry V111 and Corbindallas over the last few months I have had more than one go at Chamberlain as a coach but never as a gent or a player and we are talking about his coaching abilities not the whole person.

The best post I have read on here in months! Objective,and where critical balanced and well argued - more of the same please Chris :-)

Dr,Oftaw wrote:

Holly68 wrote:
I attended the press conference tonight and here were my impressions as a fan : ZOLA : He had several offers both in UK and in Italy to manage, he was aware of the Pozzo's interest, but nothing was definate until last week. He held out for the Watford job over the other opportunties as he see's this as the biggest challenge and opportunity, he has a lot of respect for the Pozzo's and they were key to him coming to Watford . He is very excited, seems very humble, but admitted he was tired this evening as its been a whirlwind few days, and he only met the players today. He is relishing the challenge, said if he didnt have anything to prove he wouldnt be here, hence he says he has alot to prove, and after two years out the game, and the learning experience at West Ham good and bad, he is in a strong place to take team forward. He knows the team needs strengthening, however wants to assess what he has got before anything radical (hence stopping the Heaton signing), however the two Czech boys were positions that were a MUST and they were training today. He has been assured that Watford wont be a feeder club for Udinese or Granada, but obviuosly the value of having 3 clubs in the family has advantages and the Pozzo'z scouting network, one of the best in the world will be a huge advantage to Watford He will identify which positions he needs to improve, and the skill sets and type of player he wants, and GianLuca Nani who he will work closely with should be able to offer 4 or 5 players to bring in, so the ability to attract and secure new players should be an easier process He is excited about the challenge, has said he will make mistakes, however will give 100% of himself to make it work, he is very passionate about football and the way its played, and he will NOT compromise on that. He asked fans to be patient ............... When asked about Vialli, he said that was along time ago under different circumstances, Zola said he felt more prepared. He mentioned he is very good friends with Roberto DiMatteo, and was also delighted for Mancini in winning the title. He would love to meet Elton John and would love SEJ to come to training or a match soon, likewise Graham Taylor, Zola certainly seems respectful of people of love the club and also stated he bought into the community element and wanted this to continue He was full of respect for Sean Dyche and said he has been left a good legacy, which he hopes to build on ...... In my opinion, I think he is gonna be good if we give him time :-) Gian Luca Nani : I didnt get a chance to speak with him, but it was clear Zola and GLN will be working closely together on the squad and new entrants Scott Duxbury : After reading the negativity of some West Ham fans, I was intrigued to meet Scott. He was very self assured and looks calm and measured. He didnt say much during the conference, however did say that talks have started with Marriappa's agent to try to get him to stay, however Zola added that if Aidy wants to move to the Prem, Zola will respect that, to date only Reading have made an offer. I then had an informal chat with Scott after the conference, he confirmed that it was him and Nani who presented the plan/project/opportu nity to the Pozzo's who were looking to acquire an English team. Scott and Nani chose Watford because it fits the Pozzo's model for size and culture, and felt it had the potential to emulate a Fulham, Wigan, Bolton etc The Pozzo's are hear for the long term, the want the club to break even in the mid to long term, and will fund the losses between now and when that happens. They will invest in the infrastructure, ground and playing staff to help get to that even keel point. The club was very close to admininstration, he wouldnt say how much debt the club is in on top of the £8M to bondholders, but I guess it aint peanuts, but the Pozzo's will clear those debts and take over the bonds. He asked what the fans think of having the Happy Egg Company on the shirts, I said for me personally its a PR disaster, he smiled, it was done by previous regime. He did say that they could now attract much larger sponsorships, it that too late now ? crack an egg to make an omlette ....... I would rather start season with blank shirts and get a larger sponsor, and let the Happy Eggs sponsor the chicks in the academy. He also asked for ideas on what we could put in front of main stand to stop in looking so ugly, ideas on a postcard ....... Scott summarised that he has been working on the Watford proposed project since February, he is also very excited and here for long term. He chose Watford and has been selling that vision for past 5 months I say lets get behind them, Forza Watford Like · · Unfollow post · 7 hours ago Chris Patterson, Terry Nuttyboy Sweeney and 11 others like this. Tony Bailey after reading that i think we should all give zola the respect he deserves for comming to watford good luck to him 7 hours ago · Like · 2 Neil Hensby In Zola we trust 7 hours ago via Mobile · Like Paul Holden thats me standing up on left white shirt listening to the written press ask questions after the formal conference. (apologies for the spelling mistakes and grammar in main article). 7 hours ago · Like Neil Hensby Who was there tonight 7 hours ago via Mobile · Like Tony Bailey you done well to get that close. did thay offer a cup of tea paul 7 hours ago · Like Paul Holden and sandwiches .... attendees were sky, bbc, all the tabloids, evening standard, watford observer etc, plus some club staff. more details on wobby site 7 hours ago · Like · 2 Tony Bailey nice 7 hours ago · Like Neil Hensby was there talk of more players coming in or leaving 7 hours ago via Mobile · Like Nicholas Smith Here, here 7 hours ago · Like Tony Bailey do you think the players will get on with him ok 7 hours ago · Like Paul Holden Yes, but he wants time to assess whats he has got, which is fair. Zola will decide who stays or goes, when he wants a new player he tells Nani what he wants, and hopefully Nani will have 4 or 5 per position to offer Zola, who will then make final decision. Zola will not compromise on his style of play (effective passing). Swansea and Blackpool were mentioned as teams who played football and got promoted. 7 hours ago · Like · 2 Paul Holden Zola was relieved there is a new pitch .... 7 hours ago · Like · 2 Chris Patterson Looking forward to this season sooo much.!! You ornsssssss 7 hours ago via Mobile · Like · 1 Paul Holden He is passionate, if the players show passion they will get on fine 7 hours ago · Like Colin Edwicker all sounds good to me, heres to the future. 7 hours ago · Like · 1 Paul Holden I am very optimistic, feet on ground, there is no miracle, but get the impression these guys will work hard, and all need to be successful, then in 5 years we can have a german member of the pozzo family too. the EPL has the greatest rewards ... 6 hours ago · Like · 1 Paul Holden The Watford Observer will publish more details in coming days. I told Scott that we have a uge forum army, and the Wobby was essential for the club to have a good relationship with ... as most fans turn to the wobby site first for news 6 hours ago · Like Tony Bailey that is true 6 hours ago · Like Paul Holden Can't believe some people are being negative on Wobby forum ! Can't please all the people all the time !!!!! 6 hours ago via Mobile · Like Terry Nuttyboy Sweeney Move over Alan Raymond Palmer..Paul's filling ya boots..;-)...great article mate! 6 hours ago via Mobile · Unlike · 1 Roy Moore gutted there isnt 2,000 photo's from tonight. #mrpalmer 5 hours ago · Like · 3 Sam Street Ill give Bas at least has a quality sense of humour if he gave us Happy Egg as a parting gift. 4 hours ago · Like Paul Holden Roy, Palmer is away in Spain "TF" 14 minutes ago · Like Paul Holden I think Scott was concerned that shirt sales will be low as Adults especially won't buy one due to Happy Eggs being n shirt, not that anyone has anything against the Tring based company, but its like putting ketchup on your weetabix, they just don't go together. Maybe at the time this was our best offer, not sure of the value, but with Zola's profile and the interest in Italy we could get 10 times more now ! about a minute ago · Like Paul Holden Maybe we could have a large "Banksy" in front of East Stand until its done LOL 11 seconds ago · Like

holly68 2hours 25mins ago. like

Thanks for this

Good post Chris the Vic, I do tend to agree with a lot of your posts and u do put a good argument across regards Alec ! However I do feel that it is a little harsh to blame him for the lack of progression made with RL & SL, it's a common thing for keepers of a young age to go through dodgy spells and although he can assist them in their return to form there is little they can do to get inside their mind if they start to doubt themselves, all they can really do is encourage and advise. Alec wasn't the most agile keeper at the Vic but in general he was a good all rounder and generally unflappable!
I know for a fact that at West Brom Robbo didn't like playing in front of TK as he felt he wasnt always vocal enough when he was younger! But look at him now!! As time goes on though a keeper develops and reaches his peek in his 30s, Maybe the games came at an age when SL & RL are just too young and maybe a change of scenery will do him the world of good (it certainly worked for RK even tho it's at a slightly lower level) ! I remember plenty of praise coming Alec's way from Foster and if Fergie trusts someone to look after his players then he has to have something going for him! I personally think it would be good for continuity to keep Alec in the fold, but hey I fully understand everyone has the right to their opinion !!

Frankie not sure fergie's achilles heel is his inability to pick young keepers..he has been through a few!

Also not sure Fergie trusted us after Aidy played Ben when he was injured and he lost the best part of a season when he returned to Man U, but Alec is staying so I had better lump it.

i am sure over the next few months I will have better targets in Zola,Duxbury and Nani. Albeit I like what the Pozzos appear to bring to the club and have to give the three aforementioned a chance. Cant wait for the season to start and before that we can thank Lloyd for his services to the club.
Last year i fully expected us to stay up and finish mid way but this year I haven't a clue. I look at the teams that came down, Brum, a stronger Brighton, Forest, Blackpool, Boro, Leeds, Wednesday and wonder how we compare with loans from Spain and Italy...what a season it could be.