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Duxbury explains why the Pozzos bought Watford (From This Is Local London)
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Former West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury explains why the Pozzos bought Watford
10:20am Saturday 14th July 2012 in Local Sports
By Frank Smith, Deputy Group Sports Editor
Scott Duxbury sat down with the Watford Observer's Frank Smith this week. Picture: Holly Cant
The Pozzos may be the family with their name above the door but it will be former West Ham United duo Scott Duxbury and Gian Luca Nani who will be running the club on a daily basis.
The Watford Observer caught up with the Hornets’ new chief executive this week to discuss how he arrived at Vicarage Road.
Duxbury has spent most of his adult life involved in football after qualifying as a lawyer. He worked with former Manchester United director Maurice Watkins at James Chapman and Co and was seconded to the Red Devils.
He ended up moving to West Ham and worked his way from legal advisor to chief executive, when he worked closely with Nani and Gianfranco Zola.
After leaving the Hammers in January 2010 following the club’s takeover, Duxbury joined Sydney Rovers as the newly-founded club attempted to secure a spot in the A-League, unsuccessfully.
Duxbury returned to England to head up a sports practice and it was then that he met Gino Pozzo.
The Pozzos were keen to buy an English club following the success of Granada and after discussing several possibilities, the family decided Watford were the “perfect project”.
Duxbury said: “It is exactly the model the Pozzos were looking for. It can be considered a London club, it has great history and - ironically as it annoys the fans - the fact the stand has not been developed is seen as a positive because they know they can make a big impact.
“The family can develop the club, they can increase revenues and can help Watford grow.”
Talk of buying Watford began around six months ago and negotiations started in March.
The suggestion that Watford is a London club is something of a touchy subject with a lot of supporters, considering the side are based in Hertfordshire, but the link with the capital was a huge positive for the Pozzos.
Duxbury explained: “The Pozzos were quite clear that they wanted a London club because they saw that as a real attraction in terms of signing players and growing.
"There were other clubs they spoke to but none really had the history of Watford and quite frankly the potential.
“If you look at the balance sheet of Watford, what people would see as a negative – in terms of certain incomes being low – Gino sees as a positive, because he believes with the club’s fan base, Watford can grow.
"He has done it before. He has seen it at Udinese and he has seen it at Granada. It is quite reassuring for me, and it should be for the Watford fans, that he knows the template for success. That is why he chose Watford.
"The Pozzos are here for the long term and they just don't fail. Also what the Pozzos don't do is just sign an influx of foreign players. They try to keep the identity of the club, so I think Watford fans should be really encouraged.
“I know there is always caution when there is change and there is always caution with foreign ownership, but the Pozzos really get the individuality of clubs.
“Udinese is a really small town on the outskirts of Italy. It is unfashionable and it is small. They should not be competing in the Champions League but it is only because of the expertise of the Pozzos and the infrastructure they have developed that they are doing it year in and year out.
“They have bought Watford solely so it can become an established Premier League club. They are not putting a time frame on that, but I am extremely confident it is just a matter of when, and not if. That is what we are all working towards.”
Duxbury has assumed a similar role at Watford to the one he held at West Ham, where he was criticised for his part in the Carlos Tevez affair.
The Pozzos are the club’s owners and son Gino will be the one who is more involved than his father Giampaolo.
But it will be the trio of Duxbury, Nani and Zola who will run the club, on and off the pitch.
Duxbury said: “Their whole philosophy is that they believe in the men they put in place and they are there to provide support.
“If we need their support with regards to money, we will get it. If we need their support with scouting networks, players and commercial know-how, then they are very much there for us in a supporting function, rather than interfering in the day-to-day running of the club.
“They leave the management to myself, Gian Luca and Gianfranco, but we know they are always there if we need help and support.”
There will be more from the Hornets’ new chief executive in next week’s Watford Observer.
Comments(49)
Holly68
says...
10:57am Sat 14 Jul 12
Maybe this should be :
New Watford CEO Scott Duxbury explains why the Pozzos bought Watford
Hate references to people's past !
Bush Hornet
says...
11:04am Sat 14 Jul 12
Bringe
says...
11:08am Sat 14 Jul 12
KL Massive
says...
11:14am Sat 14 Jul 12
Boxhorn
says...
11:18am Sat 14 Jul 12
Frank's obsession with 'the former, this the former that' is so irritating.
Frank even called Mariappa the former Academy graduate the other day!....
apatters
says...
11:39am Sat 14 Jul 12
Bassini scared the hell out of me as he thought it was his club, but really the power was with the bond holders and the Pozzos know this; during the takeover Baz was a bystander while the P's negotiated with Ashcroft and Simpson.
This sort of change is what WFC has needed for years. I just hope the pitch will be ready for our silky smooth football.
No longer Lloydinio - now Ballodoyley.
Forza Watford (or something)!
luther blissett
says...
11:42am Sat 14 Jul 12
Holly68 wrote:It increases the chances of people fining this website through internet searches. e.g. instead of searches for just Watford finding this, searches for Watford & West Ham will find it.
Former West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury explains why the Pozzos bought Watford
Maybe this should be :
New Watford CEO Scott Duxbury explains why the Pozzos bought Watford
Hate references to people's past !
More hits on the website = more advertising money!!!
londomollari
says...
12:03pm Sat 14 Jul 12
Bringe wrote:Agree with your comment---as far as it goes. The global banking crash, however, was not the cause of the Carlos Teves mess up, and the 20 million payment to Sheffield Utd. It should be remembered that that was held up, certainly by some parties, as Duxbury's responsibility. Not was the banking collapse responsible for the West Ham influx of dodgy, overpriced players---Nani's responsibility. One of the worst and most overpriced being purchased, I understand, from Nani's father's club---who, I understand, were virtually broke at the time. I make haste in emphasising that this is just hearsay, and not fact. But ask any West Ham supporter for their opinion.
Everybody except Hammers fans know that the cause of their demise was the global bank crash hitting their Icelandic banking owners at a time the club was particularly exposed in a hunt for a CL spot. Their world exploded and to lay blame on middle management for not extinguishing the resulting fires quickly enough is grossly unfair. That would include Zola as his team got sold around him.
Bringe
says...
12:15pm Sat 14 Jul 12
londomollari wrote:All of it can be attributed to Landbanski ... they wanted Teves at all costs, Nani brought him in, had to even. Lawyers advise to settle, Duxbury follows advice.
Bringe wrote:Agree with your comment---as far as it goes. The global banking crash, however, was not the cause of the Carlos Teves mess up, and the 20 million payment to Sheffield Utd. It should be remembered that that was held up, certainly by some parties, as Duxbury's responsibility. Not was the banking collapse responsible for the West Ham influx of dodgy, overpriced players---Nani's responsibility. One of the worst and most overpriced being purchased, I understand, from Nani's father's club---who, I understand, were virtually broke at the time. I make haste in emphasising that this is just hearsay, and not fact. But ask any West Ham supporter for their opinion.
Everybody except Hammers fans know that the cause of their demise was the global bank crash hitting their Icelandic banking owners at a time the club was particularly exposed in a hunt for a CL spot. Their world exploded and to lay blame on middle management for not extinguishing the resulting fires quickly enough is grossly unfair. That would include Zola as his team got sold around him.
Players throwing dolls out of prams etc. And if you don't mind, a West Ham fan is the last person I'd ask about anything.
Bringe
says...
12:20pm Sat 14 Jul 12
holtonian
says...
12:20pm Sat 14 Jul 12
I really have good feelings about the Pozzo family they are shrewd people who know what they want and if we stay calm as supporters and give our new management fair time feel sure within a few seasons will grace the premiership.
londomollari
says...
12:25pm Sat 14 Jul 12
Bringe wrote:Asking a West Ham fan about anything but the Nani-Duxbury-Zola period is certainly to be avoided.
londomollari wrote:All of it can be attributed to Landbanski ... they wanted Teves at all costs, Nani brought him in, had to even. Lawyers advise to settle, Duxbury follows advice.
Bringe wrote:Agree with your comment---as far as it goes. The global banking crash, however, was not the cause of the Carlos Teves mess up, and the 20 million payment to Sheffield Utd. It should be remembered that that was held up, certainly by some parties, as Duxbury's responsibility. Not was the banking collapse responsible for the West Ham influx of dodgy, overpriced players---Nani's responsibility. One of the worst and most overpriced being purchased, I understand, from Nani's father's club---who, I understand, were virtually broke at the time. I make haste in emphasising that this is just hearsay, and not fact. But ask any West Ham supporter for their opinion.
Everybody except Hammers fans know that the cause of their demise was the global bank crash hitting their Icelandic banking owners at a time the club was particularly exposed in a hunt for a CL spot. Their world exploded and to lay blame on middle management for not extinguishing the resulting fires quickly enough is grossly unfair. That would include Zola as his team got sold around him.
Players throwing dolls out of prams etc. And if you don't mind, a West Ham fan is the last person I'd ask about anything.
Don't get me wrong---I would rather have my intestines removed with red hot pliers that go back to the days of Bassini. I just wish to point out that the Nani-Duxbury regime leaves me a little uneasy. However, the Pozzo's, I am sure, know all about their West Ham adventures, and have wagged heavy Italian fingers in their faces about financial probity and responsibility.
SAHornet
says...
12:28pm Sat 14 Jul 12
londomollari wrote:Well my good mate Peter is a big Irons fan and he reckons that had they stuck with GZ, they would not have been relegated. He said many fans would prefer GZ to big Sam....this for what it's worth.
Bringe wrote:Agree with your comment---as far as it goes. The global banking crash, however, was not the cause of the Carlos Teves mess up, and the 20 million payment to Sheffield Utd. It should be remembered that that was held up, certainly by some parties, as Duxbury's responsibility. Not was the banking collapse responsible for the West Ham influx of dodgy, overpriced players---Nani's responsibility. One of the worst and most overpriced being purchased, I understand, from Nani's father's club---who, I understand, were virtually broke at the time. I make haste in emphasising that this is just hearsay, and not fact. But ask any West Ham supporter for their opinion.
Everybody except Hammers fans know that the cause of their demise was the global bank crash hitting their Icelandic banking owners at a time the club was particularly exposed in a hunt for a CL spot. Their world exploded and to lay blame on middle management for not extinguishing the resulting fires quickly enough is grossly unfair. That would include Zola as his team got sold around him.
lutondown
says...
12:43pm Sat 14 Jul 12
Bringe wrote:Agreed
Everybody except Hammers fans know that the cause of their demise was the global bank crash hitting their Icelandic banking owners at a time the club was particularly exposed in a hunt for a CL spot. Their world exploded and to lay blame on middle management for not extinguishing the resulting fires quickly enough is grossly unfair. That would include Zola as his team got sold around him.
bushey tales
says...
12:46pm Sat 14 Jul 12
lutondown
says...
12:53pm Sat 14 Jul 12
If the WO really are trying to curry favour with the new club, then perhaps they do need to reassess how they present the facts.
I'm with Bringe, Holly and the majority who are really excited at what is now a reality rather than a dream.
Can't wait to get going, and will be happy for some adversity along the way as Zola gets the balance right.
lutondown
says...
12:54pm Sat 14 Jul 12
bushey tales
says...
1:05pm Sat 14 Jul 12
lutondown
says...
1:46pm Sat 14 Jul 12
bushey tales wrote:I think they had already agreed in principle for this prior to the Pozzos arrival. I think the new grass should withstand five games or so, it hasn't affected Readings state of the art pitch and if ours is of that quality, well should be the same.
One thing I'd suggest the new owners could do very quickly to gain support would be to finally get shot of Saracens. I see in the papers this morning that their new ground will be ready in mid-February (have we not heard this before?) and that prior to that time they'll be playing five matches at The Vic plus a few at other, more prestigious, venues. Can you imagine if they played on the new surface in today's weather? Go on Pozzo's - tell 'em to clear off!
I am a Rugby fan and an ex player but I think this non partnership has run its course, and Sarries seem more intent on attracting Anglo South Africans than paying respect to the fanbase they have picked up in Watford.
So as they say, no sad songs when they go
rousman 2
says...
1:48pm Sat 14 Jul 12
smalon
says...
1:49pm Sat 14 Jul 12
lutondown
says...
1:52pm Sat 14 Jul 12
rousman 2 wrote:My concern is your potty!
My one concern Duxbury remind's me of Mark Ashton
Look at the Pozzos, look whose chairman, look at their track record, these people are proven and they're not fools.
I think some of you people are as guilty as I was in not giving Dyche a fair bat. So go and get your hats tenderised, for I think youll be eating them.
Dunderdale Pinner
says...
1:56pm Sat 14 Jul 12
G_Whiz
says...
2:08pm Sat 14 Jul 12
lutondown
says...
2:09pm Sat 14 Jul 12
G_Whiz wrote:That was going about last night as well, perhaps it has legs?
Now talksport are saying we are being linked with Filippo Inzaghi! What's that all about.?
At least we are being noticed again!
Happy days
allgood
says...
2:34pm Sat 14 Jul 12
Holly68 wrote:Former is Frank Smiths favourite word he uses it in nearly all his reports. He likes to list players past clubs even though we already know them. It pads the story out a bit.
Former West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury explains why the Pozzos bought Watford
Maybe this should be :
New Watford CEO Scott Duxbury explains why the Pozzos bought Watford
Hate references to people's past !
allgood
says...
2:41pm Sat 14 Jul 12
Boxhorn wrote:Could be worse I thought he might refer to Mariappa as something like the former Neasden 3rd Cub Scouts defender!
Well said Holly68!
Frank's obsession with 'the former, this the former that' is so irritating.
Frank even called Mariappa the former Academy graduate the other day!....
bushey tales
says...
2:42pm Sat 14 Jul 12
rousman 2
says...
6:38pm Sat 14 Jul 12
lutondown wrote:Read it again mate I mention Duxbury no one else & what this space as regard him.
rousman 2 wrote:My concern is your potty!
My one concern Duxbury remind's me of Mark Ashton
Look at the Pozzos, look whose chairman, look at their track record, these people are proven and they're not fools.
I think some of you people are as guilty as I was in not giving Dyche a fair bat. So go and get your hats tenderised, for I think youll be eating them.
rousman 2
says...
6:41pm Sat 14 Jul 12
lutondown
says...
6:50pm Sat 14 Jul 12
rousman 2 wrote:Lol, but still condemning the guy. I'm saying the Pozzos are no ones fools and will be keeping tabs I suspect
Sorry watch this space my spelling may be sh&t but I am not "potty
Just good to focus on the many positives than a few negative possibilities? No?
rousman 2
says...
7:04pm Sat 14 Jul 12
Casterbridge
says...
7:05pm Sat 14 Jul 12
Hope they're not going to do a Glazer and price the ordinary fan out of the market when we get to the Prem.
lutondown
says...
7:20pm Sat 14 Jul 12
Casterbridge wrote:We haven't exactly got a fan base that would break the bank for a ST (yet!) probably safe for now.
Pleased that my OAP early-bird season ticket could turn out to be the bargain of the century, but does anyone know what the Pozzo's record is the season after they take over a club?
Hope they're not going to do a Glazer and price the ordinary fan out of the market when we get to the Prem.
But I think they've made money by identifying talent, developing and selling on for decent profit. I hope that's the plan anyway and would hate to see fans priced out
cliff46
says...
7:22pm Sat 14 Jul 12
That shows confidence in their own ability to identify valuable talent/ investments. It probably also means the club doesn't find itself as so many others do, scurrying around having to
unload players because their contracts are in their final year.
bushey tales
says...
7:32pm Sat 14 Jul 12
toria.php if you're interested in how they run the club. If their behaviour in Italy is any sort of precedent, we can expect a new coach every season. It sounds like they sacked Roy Hodgson for giving an interview to an English newspaper!
mrbankrupt
says...
7:46pm Sat 14 Jul 12
bushey tales wrote:That's because they asked him to say round the rugged rock the rugged rascal run
I've no idea about season ticket prices but I'd heartily recommend www.udinese.it/ENG/s
toria.php if you're interested in how they run the club. If their behaviour in Italy is any sort of precedent, we can expect a new coach every season. It sounds like they sacked Roy Hodgson for giving an interview to an English newspaper!
lutondown
says...
7:49pm Sat 14 Jul 12
mrbankrupt wrote:Ha ha ha so cruel!
bushey tales wrote:That's because they asked him to say round the rugged rock the rugged rascal run
I've no idea about season ticket prices but I'd heartily recommend www.udinese.it/ENG/s
toria.php if you're interested in how they run the club. If their behaviour in Italy is any sort of precedent, we can expect a new coach every season. It sounds like they sacked Roy Hodgson for giving an interview to an English newspaper!
They might have also asked him if he could get his players to try and win.
But forgive me if I'm right, haven't they qualified for Europe over the last several seasons! So whatever they're doing it's successful!
akureyri
says...
9:03am Mon 16 Jul 12
Bringe wrote:You are incorrect. Björgólfur Guðmundsson used Landsbanki money (he was an owner) to finance WHU; not Lansdbanki asking for one player to be bought or another to be in the team, it was the inflated ego of a man who nobody says no to. And Eggert Magnússon was little better. Do not blame Landsbanki for WHUs problems. The mens eyes were bigger than their wallets.
londomollari wrote:All of it can be attributed to Landbanski ... they wanted Teves at all costs, Nani brought him in, had to even. Lawyers advise to settle, Duxbury follows advice. Players throwing dolls out of prams etc. And if you don't mind, a West Ham fan is the last person I'd ask about anything.Bringe wrote: Everybody except Hammers fans know that the cause of their demise was the global bank crash hitting their Icelandic banking owners at a time the club was particularly exposed in a hunt for a CL spot. Their world exploded and to lay blame on middle management for not extinguishing the resulting fires quickly enough is grossly unfair. That would include Zola as his team got sold around him.Agree with your comment---as far as it goes. The global banking crash, however, was not the cause of the Carlos Teves mess up, and the 20 million payment to Sheffield Utd. It should be remembered that that was held up, certainly by some parties, as Duxbury's responsibility. Not was the banking collapse responsible for the West Ham influx of dodgy, overpriced players---Nani's responsibility. One of the worst and most overpriced being purchased, I understand, from Nani's father's club---who, I understand, were virtually broke at the time. I make haste in emphasising that this is just hearsay, and not fact. But ask any West Ham supporter for their opinion.
garston tony
says...
10:45am Mon 16 Jul 12
lutondown wrote:Like (for once).
I also note the only letter printer was a blast at the new owner over Dyches treatment. Well I think these Chat boards and the social networks such as twitter does not reflect this view. Most of us are very happy with the take over, glad of the promise of football on the ground, happy with the Pozzos wealth and business acumen. Delighted there is a substantial plan in place instead of empty promises etc. If the WO really are trying to curry favour with the new club, then perhaps they do need to reassess how they present the facts. I'm with Bringe, Holly and the majority who are really excited at what is now a reality rather than a dream. Can't wait to get going, and will be happy for some adversity along the way as Zola gets the balance right.
londomollari
says...
11:14am Mon 16 Jul 12
garston tony wrote:Also in complete agreement. My only doubts (as in my previous postings) are the uncertain reputations of Duxbury/Nani. But I am very happy to give them a chance, as, after all, without them the takeover would not have taken place. And I am certain that the Italians will be keeping a very sharp eye on their work----.
lutondown wrote:Like (for once).
I also note the only letter printer was a blast at the new owner over Dyches treatment. Well I think these Chat boards and the social networks such as twitter does not reflect this view. Most of us are very happy with the take over, glad of the promise of football on the ground, happy with the Pozzos wealth and business acumen. Delighted there is a substantial plan in place instead of empty promises etc. If the WO really are trying to curry favour with the new club, then perhaps they do need to reassess how they present the facts. I'm with Bringe, Holly and the majority who are really excited at what is now a reality rather than a dream. Can't wait to get going, and will be happy for some adversity along the way as Zola gets the balance right.
As for Dyche---sorry for him, but new owners always want their own man (as just happened at Forest).
stronzoassoluto
says...
11:48am Mon 16 Jul 12
What do I think about the words of Your Lord Scott Duxbury?! Hope for him that I don't find him alone in London's alley...
Chris the Vic
says...
1:16pm Mon 16 Jul 12
Despite hugely enthusiastic support the WFC fianacial model will not be easy.
Over a short period of time we will need to balance the books which would be helped by a hike in ticket prices if the club do well in the Championship. It will also be enhanced by us still selling players like Mariappa and this wont be a bad thing as lonf as we can have players of our own or loan players of a better quality. For sure Forest have richer owners and our guys are not likely to finance higher paid or expensive players unless the model allows and with our support base that will be difficult.
However, on the plus side I suspect for the first time for years we appear to have owners we can trust and a future that is stable and not without hope. I look forward to the season ahead it should be interesting if not wonderful but if we are seen to be moving ahead that will be excellent. As for Zola and co, a year down the line we may have a clearer idea but so will the Pozzos who I am sure will act in the best interests of the club. If we do improve then ticket costs will reflect our progress after all they will look for stability
Wembley84
says...
8:21pm Mon 16 Jul 12
florio56
says...
9:57pm Mon 16 Jul 12
In Zola we trust
says...
5:19pm Tue 17 Jul 12
Boxhorn wrote:It is irritating but I asked one of my mates who works at a national paper once why papers do it and he said it is because they could receive an extra 10,000 hits if they use the right headline with key words in it. So whilst it is annoying, I can understand why they do it as the number of hits effects the price of adverts and money raised. Which ultimately effects whether people keep their jobs. They do over-use it though I think
Well said Holly68!
Frank's obsession with 'the former, this the former that' is so irritating.
Frank even called Mariappa the former Academy graduate the other day!....
Jole33
says...
9:07pm Tue 17 Jul 12
lutondown
says...
9:40pm Tue 17 Jul 12
Jole33 wrote:Agreed 100%
Rather than moan let's support them! Bassini has finally gone and is no longer taking from the Club. We now has a chance!! Let's be grateful for that and judge the trio on results and success rather than red top stories..... Without Duxbury and Nani we would be in administration, so let them get on with their project. They have my support. Also not interested in anything WHU fans have to say.
Some people here will miss the perrenial message of austerity and gloom.
londomollari says...
10:43am Sat 14 Jul 12
Am delighted at the takeover. Although I am dubious about Duxbury and Nani's past record, lets give them time, as it seems without them the takeover would not have happened. However, there is a column inside this weeks Wobby, by, I think (adam?) Parsons. (Sorry, paper not in front of me). Read the article---it says it all. Check Duxbury's past record--it hardly inspires confidence.
But, at the end of the day, the new owners, I am sure, will stand for no nonsense, and will not permit failure.