Watford boss Gianfranco Zola backs Jonathan Bond to fill the void left by Manuel Almunia

8:00am Sunday 24th February 2013 in Latest Sport Photograph of the Author By Frank Smith, Deputy Group Sports Editor

Jonathan Bond celebrates yesterday's win with Joel Ekstrand. Picture: Action Images Jonathan Bond celebrates yesterday's win with Joel Ekstrand. Picture: Action Images

Gianfranco Zola insists Jonathan Bond can fill the shoes of Manuel Almunia following the Watford number one’s injury yesterday.

Almunia was forced off with a hamstring problem during the first half of the Hornets’ 2-1 victory over Derby County.

His replacement Bond could not stop Jamie Ward’s penalty but the 19-year-old Academy graduate made a good stop almost immediately after coming on and claimed several crosses during an accomplished performance, which was his sixth outing for the Golden Boys.

Zola said: “He didn’t do anything wrong and I liked the way he was calm and comfortable with the ball. I was pleased with him.

“I have no problem with Jonathan and I know he can do a good job for us.”

Almunia missed the Manchester City FA Cup tie in January due to a hamstring injury but Zola was unsure whether it was a reoccurrence of the same problem when he spoke in the post-match press conference yesterday.

Zola said: “Unfortunately he picked up a problem in his hamstring but it is too early to say how bad it is. We need to assess and see what will happen.”

“To be honest I don’t know if it was the same leg or not,” he added.

Comments(44)

mellow yellow says...
8:29am Sun 24 Feb 13

If Bond has to play a few games then good for him. He looked pretty good against Man City, looked calm and assured against Derby, and I'm sure will be an adequate replacement if needed for the home stretch (or part of it). Talking of hamstrings, Abdi (subdued by his normal standards) was clutching his left hamstring a lot yesterday. Hope that's not too worrying.

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The BestTrip2011 says...
8:31am Sun 24 Feb 13

Well it was his left leg yesterday.

Hopefully it is not too bad for Manuel, but I'm looking forward to seeing Bond in between the sticks as I think he has huge potential and is going to seize this opportunity.
Did I see Almunua pass the Captain's armband to Nozzy when he went off? I would've expected it to go to Lloydiniho?

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mattymashup says...
9:04am Sun 24 Feb 13

I don't think loyd would make the best temp captain. Think it should be given to cassetti instead.
Bond is a full youth international so fingers crossed he is better than butter fingers loach!

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oxheypaul says...
9:18am Sun 24 Feb 13

No, no, no...we can't have another homegrown talent as keeper - it means that dimwit at Selhurst Park has nothing to whine about...

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Mark-H says...
9:20am Sun 24 Feb 13

Bond has looked good whenever I've seen him play. Good luck to him, I'm sure he can do well in Almunia's absence.

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watford1881 says...
10:00am Sun 24 Feb 13

We really need players at the top of there game at this point in the season.. Bond looks Ok.. Hope that is enough...

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Boosey says...
10:09am Sun 24 Feb 13

Bond is more than capable, I have only seen him a couple of times but can see what a great player he will become.

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The BestTrip2011 says...
10:31am Sun 24 Feb 13

mattymashup wrote:
I don't think loyd would make the best temp captain. Think it should be given to cassetti instead.
Bond is a full youth international so fingers crossed he is better than butter fingers loach!
That kid that almost saved Nicky Wright's half-time penalty would be better than butter-fingers Loach.

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Colin West's mullet says...
11:05am Sun 24 Feb 13

it's a tricky one - young players always need first team action to help them develop, and this time of the season is about right to give them that opportunity.

However, at this point of the season we are not usually in with a real chance of the title. Fortunately, our form is not exactly based on a rock solid defence (about 6 clean sheets or so all season? and is more based on averaging 2 goals a game, so this balances out my concerns a little.

Nothing against JB, have no concerns at this point re: his ability, just not the ideal time to blood a young keeper.

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BobT44 says...
11:10am Sun 24 Feb 13

The situation is what it is... Just get behind him regardless!

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Bush Hornet says...
1:15pm Sun 24 Feb 13

Colin West's mullet wrote:
it's a tricky one - young players always need first team action to help them develop, and this time of the season is about right to give them that opportunity.

However, at this point of the season we are not usually in with a real chance of the title. Fortunately, our form is not exactly based on a rock solid defence (about 6 clean sheets or so all season? and is more based on averaging 2 goals a game, so this balances out my concerns a little.

Nothing against JB, have no concerns at this point re: his ability, just not the ideal time to blood a young keeper.
Good post.

I didn't like the way Loach got slated by some people on here. But I think Bond looks better than SL, whose confidence was shot in the end.

So as Bob says, just back him. That's our job.

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hornet88 says...
1:20pm Sun 24 Feb 13

I think he will have learnt a lot from almunia and chamberlain this year and I'm confident he will step up. Maybe even put some pressure on almunia reclaiming his spot. Only time will tell. But lets get behind him and not tut if he makes a mistake, he's a young keeper and he needs to build some confidence. Don't let him become the next loach!

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jasonwatford says...
3:02pm Sun 24 Feb 13

David James was thrown in when we had no choice and he did quite well !! JB looks good and would have learnt from almunia plus he would have watched the rise and fall of loach. He played very well at man city in front of 46000 fans so i dont think championship holds much fear. Plus the defenders didnt seem to change or panic when he came on so no fears from me.

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hogweed says...
3:06pm Sun 24 Feb 13

We need a top keeper on loan. Someone like Cudicini. Bond is too inexperienced for such an important time with promotion in our grasp.

Hog out

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andyhooked says...
3:30pm Sun 24 Feb 13

Have to go with what we have for a goal keeper. JB did not look out of place yesterday but teams will try and put him under pressure knowing that he is a bit of a rookie. Our defence needs to protect him so no silly back passes please. Best of luck JB this is your chance to prove yourself

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dolly33 says...
3:36pm Sun 24 Feb 13

Give Bondy a cheer when he comes out of the tunnel and a big cheer

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DuffmanWFC says...
4:04pm Sun 24 Feb 13

Maybe it's a good thing that Bond gets a few games especially as thy will be against teams that are struggling upfront in Wolves, Wednesday and Blackpool!
Almunia has been ok this season but he has made a few mistakes. Bond however has played well so far and hopefully he may take this opportunity and shine!
I disagree with getting a has been keeper of the Cudicini mold as Bond is big, athletic, young and hungry to do well.
We have played well recently and still have the likes of Hall and Hoban to come into the match day squad!
I can't see Eustace playing again this season unless we get injuries and Bauban and Munji Bai when fit may only get a few token bench games? We are blessed with a great squad and hopefully a good young keeper who rises to the occasion over the next few games?

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mellow yellow says...
4:38pm Sun 24 Feb 13

Cudicini?? Maybe ten years ago. Honestly,some people do spout some claptrap. Bond is too inexperienced for big games like this? Says who? You hogweed?! And what happens next year if we do go up...sends out a great message that does. Back your own.

Hog out, indeed. Yawn.

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straightnochaser says...
5:14pm Sun 24 Feb 13

Hehe! Hogwash from hogweed! :-)

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lutondown says...
5:38pm Sun 24 Feb 13

Boosey wrote:
Bond is more than capable, I have only seen him a couple of times but can see what a great player he will become.
I agree, but we will need another GK as cover at the very least if Almunia is out..surely?

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jasonwatford says...
6:00pm Sun 24 Feb 13

maybe we can loan a keeper ??? who would loan us such a player ?

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Wotfud says...
6:33pm Sun 24 Feb 13

Lewis Price is an experienced international keeper, Currently at Palace I think...

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The BestTrip2011 says...
7:28pm Sun 24 Feb 13

jasonwatford wrote:
maybe we can loan a keeper ??? who would loan us such a player ?
Um......?

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dmuz says...
7:54pm Sun 24 Feb 13

The BestTrip2011 wrote:
jasonwatford wrote:
maybe we can loan a keeper ??? who would loan us such a player ?
Um......?
Not Udinese being that the transfer window is shut....

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EltonForever says...
8:31pm Sun 24 Feb 13

I agree with those who think JB should get his chance now. It is up to WFC fans to support him and not repeat what they did to Loach!

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KeithMercer says...
9:04pm Sun 24 Feb 13

EltonForever wrote:
I agree with those who think JB should get his chance now. It is up to WFC fans to support him and not repeat what they did to Loach!
What was that then ? put butter on his gloves and turn him into a bumbling idiot ? He hasnt exactly turned it around at his beloved Ipswich so we cant be entirely to blame. Good luck to JB you have our respect and support now go show us how good you are .

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FelixTheHorn says...
9:33pm Sun 24 Feb 13

hogweed wrote:
We need a top keeper on loan. Someone like Cudicini. Bond is too inexperienced for such an important time with promotion in our grasp.

Hog out
Were you there?
I thought he looked calm and assured.
Unlike some people who might be prone to rash thinking and panic-driven outbursts.
Hog Wash indeed.
COYH!

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EltonForever says...
9:37pm Sun 24 Feb 13

No, Keith Mercer.

As you so correctly put it, not entirely!

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Mangoputney says...
10:47pm Sun 24 Feb 13

KeithMercer wrote:
EltonForever wrote:
I agree with those who think JB should get his chance now. It is up to WFC fans to support him and not repeat what they did to Loach!
What was that then ? put butter on his gloves and turn him into a bumbling idiot ? He hasnt exactly turned it around at his beloved Ipswich so we cant be entirely to blame. Good luck to JB you have our respect and support now go show us how good you are .
Yes I confess. I tied Loach's shoe laces together just before every kick off and I also painted a clown face on him.Hands up it was my fault!

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Bush Hornet says...
12:26am Mon 25 Feb 13

Mangoputney wrote:
KeithMercer wrote:
EltonForever wrote:
I agree with those who think JB should get his chance now. It is up to WFC fans to support him and not repeat what they did to Loach!
What was that then ? put butter on his gloves and turn him into a bumbling idiot ? He hasnt exactly turned it around at his beloved Ipswich so we cant be entirely to blame. Good luck to JB you have our respect and support now go show us how good you are .
Yes I confess. I tied Loach's shoe laces together just before every kick off and I also painted a clown face on him.Hands up it was my fault!
So what are you going to be saying when Bond makes his first mistake? Almunia gets a bit of dispensation because we all know he's an experienced keeper who can do it at the highest level.

But Bond is young and unproven. Are you going to be boo boys or will you back a young goalkeeper?

By the way Hogweed, I just want to say how good it is that you only contribute occasionally. What you say is consistently pointless.

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Bringe says...
2:43am Mon 25 Feb 13

Catch 22, we need cover but will never get better than another clubs 3rd choice and no doubt we'd end up with another Mart Poom who only came on condition he was guaranteed to play. So long as Bond plays it looks like we'll have a certain Mr J. Bonham on the bench ... Maybe he can drum up some noise :D

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The Not-so-enlightened one says...
7:22am Mon 25 Feb 13

I have every faith in Bond, he's looked both capable and calm whenever I've seen him. Yes, he's young and inexperienced, the two go hand in hand particularly for 'keepers and he will only improve with game time. His big pluses are that, as a youngster, his reactions should be razor sharp compared with us old codgers and his agility should also be top rate.

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Mickey Quinn, not so thin says...
8:02am Mon 25 Feb 13

Question will be how do we, and he, react when he makes a mistake, which he will.

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davesol says...
10:48am Mon 25 Feb 13

Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:
Question will be how do we, and he, react when he makes a mistake, which he will.
exactly what i was going to post. How well he does will depend on the crowd when he makes the inevitable mistake at some point - if everyone stays behind him regardless then he's got a chance of doing well

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KeithMercer says...
11:15am Mon 25 Feb 13

Bush Hornet wrote:
Mangoputney wrote:
KeithMercer wrote:
EltonForever wrote:
I agree with those who think JB should get his chance now. It is up to WFC fans to support him and not repeat what they did to Loach!
What was that then ? put butter on his gloves and turn him into a bumbling idiot ? He hasnt exactly turned it around at his beloved Ipswich so we cant be entirely to blame. Good luck to JB you have our respect and support now go show us how good you are .
Yes I confess. I tied Loach's shoe laces together just before every kick off and I also painted a clown face on him.Hands up it was my fault!
So what are you going to be saying when Bond makes his first mistake? Almunia gets a bit of dispensation because we all know he's an experienced keeper who can do it at the highest level.

But Bond is young and unproven. Are you going to be boo boys or will you back a young goalkeeper?

By the way Hogweed, I just want to say how good it is that you only contribute occasionally. What you say is consistently pointless.
Bush did you not read all my post ?
I said JB has our respect and support and FYI I never boo Watford players ! I might give them a right slagging off when I am in the pub after or maybe on a forum such as this but that I am entitled to do. Just the same as if I dont do my job properly or without the required effort believe me someone will tell me about it in no uncertain terms.

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Wimbledonhorn says...
12:03pm Mon 25 Feb 13

If your good enough your old enough. He's one of our own so get behind him and watch him prosper!

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N Joydegame says...
12:22pm Mon 25 Feb 13

I was at Man City and JB did very well, so give him a chance. Bringing in a replacement could undermine the team's confidence, who train with JB daily.

I certainly wouldn't go to Palace and ask Holloway for a loanee as being suggested. Can you imagine the outburst from the Great Whinger.

Also, it gives us a chance to appoint an outfield Captain - for me it should be Deeney.

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Colin West's mullet says...
12:53pm Mon 25 Feb 13

for the record, I never said anything about not getting behind him. I merely pointed out that the timing isn't great as we go into the most important few months our club has ever known.

And yes, I do mean ever known. Previous promotion pushes have never had the future commitment of most of our key players at stake like this one does.

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hornet88 says...
1:15pm Mon 25 Feb 13

Personally I think the timing is perfect to throw bondy in. Games with that added pressure will suit him. I think he will rise to the occasion, he might be young with a lot of pressure on his shoulders but these guys are paid big wages and carry a lot of self confidence around with them...so he will be confident in his ability just like Zola is. I'm not sure we are allowed an emergency loan keeper are we? Thought you were only allowed one if you only had 1 fit keeper. Still....we don't need one....give bond his chance and he will take it. Look at how well hoban has done this season with experienced defenders around him. I'm sure they will all help JB settle in to the side.

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Harry's Bar says...
1:43pm Mon 25 Feb 13

The players on Saturday didn't seem too perturbed to have Bond between the sticks, they seemed quite happy about it. I'm still unconvinced about Almunia, certainly as a communicator.

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JamieWFC says...
6:46pm Mon 25 Feb 13

Everyone has to be inexperienced at some point... that's how you gain experience!
I feel like I've heard him being talked about for years and years and what I have heard has always been good. Get behind him and I'm sure he won't let us down.
youuuuuuuu oorns

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Wotfud says...
10:41pm Mon 25 Feb 13

N Joydegame wrote:
I was at Man City and JB did very well, so give him a chance. Bringing in a replacement could undermine the team's confidence, who train with JB daily.

I certainly wouldn't go to Palace and ask Holloway for a loanee as being suggested. Can you imagine the outburst from the Great Whinger.

Also, it gives us a chance to appoint an outfield Captain - for me it should be Deeney.
I was being ironic about asking Holloway for a loan!

I would play Bond, it's a great chance for him to prove himself. The Pozzo model is based on developing players so I hope that this is what happens.

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Harry's Bar says...
12:41pm Tue 26 Feb 13

N Joydegame wrote:
I was at Man City and JB did very well, so give him a chance. Bringing in a replacement could undermine the team's confidence, who train with JB daily. I certainly wouldn't go to Palace and ask Holloway for a loanee as being suggested. Can you imagine the outburst from the Great Whinger. Also, it gives us a chance to appoint an outfield Captain - for me it should be Deeney.
Not sure about Deeney as Captain, I'd be suprised if that happened.

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Harry's Bar says...
12:46pm Tue 26 Feb 13

davesol wrote:
Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote: Question will be how do we, and he, react when he makes a mistake, which he will.
exactly what i was going to post. How well he does will depend on the crowd when he makes the inevitable mistake at some point - if everyone stays behind him regardless then he's got a chance of doing well
Yes, and chanting for players to come on is counter productive.

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