Hornets tight-lipped on John-Joe O'Toole's likely Bramall Lane switch
5:26pm Friday 3rd July 2009 in
Watford are not commenting on claims that John-Joe O’Toole is close to finalising a move to Sheffield United.
Reports out of the Steel City are suggesting that the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, who joined the Blades on loan last season, is at the club today to discuss personal terms, with a fee already said to have been agreed.
If the deal goes through it could mean three Hornets are heading to the Yorkshire club this summer in the wake of Lee Williamson’s move to Bramall Lane and confirmation that it is the Blades who have made the £1.8m move for Tommy Smith.
Comments(76)
The Rover
says...
5:36pm Fri 3 Jul 09
Spencer Hutchinson
says...
5:38pm Fri 3 Jul 09
a1derek
says...
5:56pm Fri 3 Jul 09
Security word "must-save" ummm!
herts hornet
says...
5:58pm Fri 3 Jul 09
jasonwatford
says...
6:00pm Fri 3 Jul 09
djwatford
says...
6:01pm Fri 3 Jul 09
Thank God for The Russos saving our club!
They appoint a manager whose cheap(and not very good),they sell all our better players,but still tell us they are doing everything they can.
What they are doing is ensuring our relegation.We are going to be a laughing stock in this division.I hope they are willing to give us some refunds on the season tickets we have purchased because the product on the pitch will be more like division 3 than Championship.
hogweed
says...
6:09pm Fri 3 Jul 09
Hog out
Hexham Hornet
says...
6:23pm Fri 3 Jul 09
the sniper
says...
6:25pm Fri 3 Jul 09
Always to sell the soul of OUR club to Sheffield United and thier supporters and to hell with our own!
Graham Gimpson
says...
6:30pm Fri 3 Jul 09
How about you grab a pen and a piece of paper, write down all the money the club generated over the past three seasons (around 80m at the last count) and then write another column and see how messrs Boothroyd, Simpson and Ashton managed to blow a staggering amount of money that should have set the club up for years to come. Or are you two of the clowns, along with Graham Sterry, Harry (Ramsden) Rowson and most of his merry men at the Trust, who failed to realise the damage the unholy trinity were doing to our club at the time and just sat back and chanted Boothroyd's name from the back of the stand despite the dross that was being served up on the pitch? Amazing to think that Rodgers is being subjected to more vitriol than was ever aimed at the previous regime.
The Russos inherited this complete an utter mess - it was not their creation.
the sniper
says...
6:37pm Fri 3 Jul 09
djwatford
says...
7:05pm Fri 3 Jul 09
I was never a fan of Hoofers(even after that miraculous promotion)and his two fellow a-holes deserve our complete contempt.
However The Russos lost our prized asset(Rodgers)and have continued to sell off our only valuable assets.They have,apparently,kept us from administration for what?I think it's an odds on certainty we will be relegated next season and we will be in an awful situation come next year.No money,no decent players(the remaining ones will be sold either this summer or in January),crap manager(I have zero confidence in MM,and with his hands tied he will "achieve" even less) and the prospect of less crowds because of div 3 football.
I understand that times are tough for us which is why BR being sold will turn out to be the worst thing that happened this summer.At least with him we could have attracted decent(on loan) players from PL clubs and the style of football was very entertaining.
The Russos shout and scream to show how much passion they have but all it really shows is how out of their depth they are.
I don't think they are strong enough to turn our fortunes around and things will go from bad to worse.
However I've paid my money so will be cheering on whoever wears the yellow shirt next season.I hope I'm,at least,pleasantly surprised.
busheyhornet
says...
7:28pm Fri 3 Jul 09
Rant over
Johnjones1959
says...
7:28pm Fri 3 Jul 09
Graham Gimpson
says...
7:33pm Fri 3 Jul 09
So you would have kept Rodgers, would you, even though he wanted out, was just using Watford as a step-stopping and the fact that Watford will get the best part of 900k for him? Seemed like shrewd business to me, excellently negotiated by Jimmy. The money will ensure another player might not have to be sold or given to MM to spend on new players. And you are claiming the Russos out of their depth on what basis? What would your business plan for making up for a shortfall of around 8m in the club's accounts be then? Keep all the high-earning players and let the club go bust? The Russos have seen their investment pi**ed up the wall by the previous regime and were left with little option but to perform a troubleshooting job after the heat in the kitchen got a little too much for Andy Wilson and his master to stand. I think Southampton and Leeds would both be falling over themselves to avoid administration, a situation the brothers are working tirelessly to avoid as well as trying to run a hugely successful business in the process. They have walked the walk and are putting their money where their mouth is. Do you think GT and EJ would have thrown their support being the Russo if they were out of their depth? No, I didn't think so. About time you got behind them and realised any choppy financial waters the club gets itself into will have been down to Captain Simpson and his crew. It's just a shame you are so vocal now and didn't say anything when the people who were actually out of their depth were pi**ing your season-ticket money up the wall. Guess you are just another one jumping on the bandwagon.
BigDawg
says...
7:47pm Fri 3 Jul 09
bownie
says...
7:58pm Fri 3 Jul 09
Feff
says...
8:01pm Fri 3 Jul 09
The Club was abused by Boothroyd, Ashton, and that very weak Chairman, Simpson, who agreed to everything the other two suggested. There is no money left. We have to sell. We cannot buy anyone but cheap players. Don't blame the players who are leaving. Don't blame Rodgers. He quit because he saw what was happening. We are in real trouble because we "ain't got no money". For all you lot who call Rodgers "Judas" think of Boothroyd and ask yourselves what printable name you can call a complete idiot who bought and paid big money to so many lousy players, many of whom are back with us because nobody else wants them.
There was only one Scully
says...
8:10pm Fri 3 Jul 09
Zorg the Leveller
says...
8:12pm Fri 3 Jul 09
As for your dismissal of the Trust, the last I saw that was a democratic body with elected officials. If you prefer to voice your disatisfaction under a pseudonym on a website than influence the trust's position then more fool you. Or perhaps you just don't think anyone would take you very seriously?
djwatford
says...
8:23pm Fri 3 Jul 09
I find it amazing that they are praised to the hilt for achieving nothing.
BR had a contract and if we really wanted to keep him we should have shown the ambition needed to do it.
The Russos are on the board with one of Britain's richest men.There job is to ensure Watford prospers and that requires investment/ambition.
Appointing managers who say little but "I love the club" etc doesn't impress me.The fact that they shout/complain alot just shows how inexperienced they are.There only job should be to get Mr Tory to invest some more in our club.I'm sure Mr Tory doesn't want us to go into admin as he would lose all the money he has invested in the club.A little investment would have ensured BR stayed and then we would have been able to attract better PL junior/reserve players(these players tend to be cheap so that would be a major plus for us.)Under The Russos we will be left with a relegated team full of players signed for free.An over the hill jock and a striker who hasn't scored for 6 months hardly inspires.
I also complained about Simpson and Co but that seems to be conveniently forgotten here.
I'm a great believer in actions rather than words and The Russos are shouting alot without saying anything,while their actions are to rid the club of anything valuable.I see this as a recipe for disaster and certainly aren't going to support such lunacy.
I realise that we need to sell and have to rely on youth.If that is the case why sell a player who has prospered in the lower divisions this year and replace him with one who hasn't scored?The dealings of our new manger indicate to me that he doesn't know what he is doing.He seems to only be interested in players in or very near Scotland.Perhaps his knowledge of the Championship(he stated that he had great knowledge of this division when appointed)isn't as great as he thinks.
Why should I just sit back and allow our club to slowly turn into a laughing stock?I renewed my s/t expecting to see continued progress but since that purchase I've only seen the best things about our first team leave(or about to leave.)
Yes GT and EJ are Watford legends and they did,originally,give the new board some credibility but until I see the board actually improving the club then I don't share their optimism.
Chris the Vic
says...
9:00pm Fri 3 Jul 09
To balance the books this sale was going to happen. At present we have slightly weakened the squad excluding Smithy but have got close to achieving a future.
Those critics save it for Hoofers Ashton and Simpson.
As for Sheffield Utd buying the players..In many of the cases they were players wanted by Blackwell when he had no money at Leeds which is why Hoofers stepped in and looked good until the premier div when Blackwells ideas were no longer available to Aidy.
As for this club being run into the ground that had already occurred by the EGM that didnt take place.
Face facts, get behind the board and support the team.
Many of your comments here are so bad they could come from the disgraced trio.
Feff
says...
9:02pm Fri 3 Jul 09
VoR
says...
9:15pm Fri 3 Jul 09
I'm suddenly seeing a split in the ranks and too right too, I've voiced my concerns from the moment the "R's" bribed their way back in, they had an agenda from previous years, not WFC supporters, only intent in making money, weakening the playing staff which you just can't do, success is based from the team, the manager, the feel good factor, not the ground, not to the point that every other club can cherry pick the better player, not then to replace with lower league players without recent form in the hope they can perform as well as the outgoing ones.
MM was only appointed coz they knew no other manager would put up with it.
I think now is the time that JR stops riding on the sympathy vote and stands up on his own two feet and become accountable for these actions. He said he wanted transparency, I don't see too much talk on events until they've already happened.
Why have they taken the for sale sign off the door at the vic, do they not want more investment? do they not want to buy out our beloved old silver fox?
They should not be here if there only intent is to make money, that's not what it's all about, It should be for the love of the club in a lot of ways.
They've already lulled most of you into buying your SS early, they knew what was coming.
Old regime spent money for the love of the club, this one is stock piling for the love of himself and to get his own back.
I did warn you, you chose not to listen, until now.
For those that scream we are potless, how do you know, when does the time come when you can say, that's it, we have broken even, we don't need to sell anyone else?
I feel we will never be told until the day JR becomes involved with his number one team . . . . . Chelsea!!!!!!
No10Endean
says...
9:20pm Fri 3 Jul 09
Why don't they go the whole mile and buy Ellington, Sadler and Eustace and as a bonus will throw in Bangura as well !
rochdale away
says...
9:25pm Fri 3 Jul 09
,leeds and norwich. thus far we've sold a player who was constantly on loan, one was at best on the bench and a great player, albeit for a bucket of cash. was rodgers messiah or judas? given that we we were 105 mins from relegation in a VERY poor league, i struggle with messiah.Have faith,watch malky go.....reckon we are the dark horses for next season. Don't forget we have our talisman on board( the genuine messiah........GT!)s
o all will be well and joyful
debbyg76
says...
9:28pm Fri 3 Jul 09
Feff
says...
9:34pm Fri 3 Jul 09
rochdale away
says...
9:34pm Fri 3 Jul 09
ecency and FOOTBALL nous in his big toe than you(and me). thinks went t*t under simpson and aidy because they didn't quite cut the mustard.....give the new guys a chance!!!!
pstannard4
says...
9:37pm Fri 3 Jul 09
Kenny
Morgan Killgallon, Naysmith, bromby
Williamson JJOT, Speed, hendrie
Smith and Henderson up front
Andrew1963
says...
9:47pm Fri 3 Jul 09
VoR
says...
9:54pm Fri 3 Jul 09
My respect for GT has never wavered, even in his England days but I have to remind him that he's always said that you buy players, not for the league you are in, but for the league above.
I see no evidence of that and does that also not apply to the manager aswell?
I fear that his hands are now tied at this club and in truth has no influence? he knows better than most that times have changed, he came a cropper with that in relation for picking Steve Bold or whatever he name was from Wolves to the national side.
It's all a publicity stunt and john Ward isn't the answer either!!
I think a fans forum is in order, like we had before, or is there problem with that?
watford fan
says...
9:57pm Fri 3 Jul 09
I bought mine beacause I support Watford - 11 players, whoever they may be, in yellow shirts.
VoR
says...
10:06pm Fri 3 Jul 09
rochdale away wrote:You mis-interpret what
VoR, you are talking out of your a***hole, I know malky and if you think he is a yes man, i suggest you meet him one on one. the man has more integrity,strength,d
ecency and FOOTBALL nous in his big toe than you(and me). thinks went t*t under simpson and aidy because they didn't quite cut the mustard.....give the new guys a chance!!!!
i'm saying, I actually feel sorry for him and feel his 1st venture into football management is being severely hampered with not having the tools to succeed, he'll be the one carrying the can if things don't work with the new recruits, whereas is should be someone else.
He has my support in his very testing time, rochdale.
martin62
says...
10:48pm Fri 3 Jul 09
watford fan wrote:Spot-on watford fan. We should be judging at the end of the season rather than slaughtering the decision makers now. The pot is empty, the overheads too high, we may need to take some pain now rather than finish up like L*t*n T**wn. Lets keep out of administration cos there are gonna be worse teams than us in the Championship this season even without Smith and O'Toole. The home win last November against QPR was a great display of attacking football which we did'nt witness for the next 6 months so lets give MM a chance. Don't forget guys his incentive could be to do well so he can get the managers job at Sheff Utd!!!!
Am I missing something about the season tickets?
I bought mine beacause I support Watford - 11 players, whoever they may be, in yellow shirts.
worthing_hornet
says...
10:51pm Fri 3 Jul 09
derry pigweed
says...
11:53pm Fri 3 Jul 09
VoR wrote:Voice of a Retard quote"THE OLD REGIME SPENT MONEY FOR THE LOVE OF THE CLUB"
Ahhh........ I'm suddenly seeing a split in the ranks and too right too, I've voiced my concerns from the moment the "R's" bribed their way back in, they had an agenda from previous years, not WFC supporters, only intent in making money, weakening the playing staff which you just can't do, success is based from the team, the manager, the feel good factor, not the ground, not to the point that every other club can cherry pick the better player, not then to replace with lower league players without recent form in the hope they can perform as well as the outgoing ones. MM was only appointed coz they knew no other manager would put up with it. I think now is the time that JR stops riding on the sympathy vote and stands up on his own two feet and become accountable for these actions. He said he wanted transparency, I don't see too much talk on events until they've already happened. Why have they taken the for sale sign off the door at the vic, do they not want more investment? do they not want to buy out our beloved old silver fox? They should not be here if there only intent is to make money, that's not what it's all about, It should be for the love of the club in a lot of ways. They've already lulled most of you into buying your SS early, they knew what was coming. Old regime spent money for the love of the club, this one is stock piling for the love of himself and to get his own back. I did warn you, you chose not to listen, until now. For those that scream we are potless, how do you know, when does the time come when you can say, that's it, we have broken even, we don't need to sell anyone else? I feel we will never be told until the day JR becomes involved with his number one team . . . . . Chelsea!!!!!!
vOr hang your head in shame for that comment! They loved theirselves not the CLUB!
Emmer Green Hornet
says...
12:49am Sat 4 Jul 09
By the same reasoning, anybody making a judgement now that the Russo's are useless is a brain dead moaning, moron! Grow up and get a life, and SUPPORT YOUR TEAM!!
domgem
says...
2:05am Sat 4 Jul 09
Neither O Toole nor Williamson are good enough so these are good deals.
The Russos have shown true integrity throughout.
We have to sell due to all the money wasted in the past.The key is who we are able to bring in.
The view that Mackay and Dyche are yes men doesn't wash.This has been demonstrated by their commitment and leadership on the pitch.They deserve their chance.
In my view the Russos are doing everything right.From standing their ground on fees to putting together a top board.
Get behind the team and save your contempt for the guy who shafted us all by going to Reading and then trying to buy our players on the cheap.
Hornetboy84
says...
3:09am Sat 4 Jul 09
bottom line is that holding on to certain players or spending big money on others is not a sign of success - it might make you feel good short term (Ellington) but pretty soon you want players who will run their socks off even if not the best players. (Burnley!!!!)
That is and has always been the Watford way. If Smith has to go to stop us becoming a Southampton / L*ton so be it. we survived losing Blisset, James, Barnes, Helgerson, Young. King etc over recent years - okay sometimes rebuilding takes longer but we soon get back our soul... it will be tough but in Malkey we have a heart and soul WFC manager - that will do for me.
Henry VIII
says...
3:12am Sat 4 Jul 09
JoelCanning
says...
6:45am Sat 4 Jul 09
Bonsorout
says...
6:47am Sat 4 Jul 09
Stop moaning and pretending you can run a club better few of you can.
GrahamTaylor
says...
8:45am Sat 4 Jul 09
Bonsorout wrote:Errrrrrrr .... DARLINGTON
What most of you seem to forget is winning. In the last 40 years we have had many chairman and many players leave but we have always survived. Economic facts are simple go in to administartion and we are relegated (tell me a club that wasnt) Sell players and balance the books we stand as much as a chance a staying up as at least 12 other weaker teams. Over the years we have been up and down and believe me it is more fun to "sing when we are winning" than moaning when we are losing. Football today is a business and whether the Russo's can successfully run this one is not proven but is likely. Shareholders and some supporters may well be rich but it does not mean they need to become poor by investing in your entertainment. As has been said by some enlightened one on the site it is about 11 yellow shirts performing week in week out and hopefully winning. Winning streaks build confidence better players and better crowds. Stop moaning and pretending you can run a club better few of you can.
HOOF
says...
8:47am Sat 4 Jul 09
JoelCanning wrote:He's also a likes a drink or 5.Which is the reason he was loaned out in the first place.Nothing to do with football.
i for one would be dissapointed to see jjot leave, however, again we must sell to avoid ending up like Sounthampton and mm has started well in his mission. jjot scores but @ times was a liability. we now have severin, cowie, jenkins, useless and even bangura on our books and i think jjot can easily be replaced, but does need replacing.
Bonsorout
says...
8:58am Sat 4 Jul 09
Billie
says...
10:23am Sat 4 Jul 09
VoR
says...
10:47am Sat 4 Jul 09
You've forgotten to mention K.A
stevemag
says...
11:06am Sat 4 Jul 09
The fact is Aidy was lucky in our promotion season, we have Burkenshaw advising - doing well in the championship then as soon as KB departs we have clueless tactics and the most depressing football and set of results ever to be seen at the Vic.
Most of all the flops far outweighed the successes.
Sadler - I har he is on £7k a week. Not bad from warming the bench up.
Bromby, was on similar figures.
Ellington - say no more. Overweight, £3 million plus - we signed the player against advice from others at the club.
Collins John - chased him even tho there was no interest - more silly wages.
Kabba - shall i go on?
Those who continually slated Priskin must surely realise he was poor due to Boofers desire to play the ball at his throat. Clueless.
So thanks to some of the above we had players wages ruining the club, players nobody wants and now nobody wants Boothroyd.
Thank you Russos for trying to save our club
HOOF
says...
11:17am Sat 4 Jul 09
VINCE & JIMMY'S YELLOW ARMY!!
enlightened one
says...
11:21am Sat 4 Jul 09
Of all the old crap you've posted on here this really is the best and quite possibly will never be bettered.You are obviously a man(?)with a very troubled mind and no sense of the real world.
Its not really difficult,we all turn up to every game and support the manager,chairman and whoever the 11 players are wearing our shirt.
I'm glad i'm still pi$$ed from last night coz I can pretend I never read most of the twaddle written above,apart from your contribution VoR coz it was so monumentally toepuntish.
VoR
says...
11:38am Sat 4 Jul 09
enlightened one
says...
11:45am Sat 4 Jul 09
VoR
says...
12:25pm Sat 4 Jul 09
So you are happy shelling out on your season ticket early thinking that we were in for a good season then?
At least the last time we had an early SS sale was that we all thought we were going up, the silver fox gave us the opportunity but the supporters fooked it up for us.
I can't understand why you are happy with what's going on, they are simply asset stripping our club apart
sceptic
says...
4:11pm Sat 4 Jul 09
What about the bonuses for failure that Simpson and his gang took!!
enlightened one
says...
9:57pm Sat 4 Jul 09
Are the Russo's paying themselves half a mil a year salary,I think not.
Gimpson and his cohorts bled our club dry,fully supported by their cheerleader in chief Voice ofa know nothing imbecile.
WFC4ever
says...
11:15pm Sat 4 Jul 09
I expect nothing more than mid-table and the young players we have coming through might turn out to be very good.
Anyway from what I heard Smithy isn't keen to join Sheff United.
As for the Rodgers stuff..its in the past and well its better he walked away now than in the middle of the season.
Despite telling the Russos he would stay at first he quickly changed minds so whilst he did a decent job for us (although actually we weren't great at the start of his spell)
At least this board won't allow Mackay to waste money on big flops like Simpson and Ashton did with Aidy...
Remember we can only sell players teams want.
derry pigweed
says...
11:19pm Sat 4 Jul 09
VoR wrote:I would love to meet you voice of retard and discuss our opinions over a beer or soft drink? I am in watford most days do you fancy it?
Not my fault you've only just got back from hitch hiking on the handle bars of billie's mobility scooter now is it. So you are happy shelling out on your season ticket early thinking that we were in for a good season then? At least the last time we had an early SS sale was that we all thought we were going up, the silver fox gave us the opportunity but the supporters fooked it up for us. I can't understand why you are happy with what's going on, they are simply asset stripping our club apart
Bomber
says...
11:53pm Sat 4 Jul 09
nothing
says...
12:18am Sun 5 Jul 09
Feff
says...
12:19am Sun 5 Jul 09
Billie
says...
9:22am Sun 5 Jul 09
Feff
says...
12:07pm Sun 5 Jul 09
sceptic
says...
4:59pm Sun 5 Jul 09
Feff
says...
8:29pm Sun 5 Jul 09
VoR
says...
8:55pm Sun 5 Jul 09
VoR
says...
8:59pm Sun 5 Jul 09
Feff wrote:Purely bravado Feff together with wanting to get their own back!
Does Billie of Kings Langley know what the word "disrespectful" means? Judging by his histrionic posting - no. All I said was that to run a successful football club these days you need lots of money and the Russos clearly haven't got lots. So,instead, they have decided to bring down the wage bill and increase the bank account by selling any player that anyone wants. Saying that is not "disrespectful", it's the truth. So, tell me, Billie, (incidentally spelling your name that way I have to ask whether you're a man or a woman) why do you think the Russos wanted to run the club if not for self-aggrandizement?
watford fan
says...
10:00pm Sun 5 Jul 09
BELGIAN HORNET
says...
2:50pm Mon 6 Jul 09
Billie
says...
5:41pm Mon 6 Jul 09
To answer your last question, how can you be so judgemental when you do not know these guys. Did they crow about helping buy the ground back with 4 mill. They even kept a quiet dignity about Marlon when he fired us to the Premiership. Their money paid for him, others took the credit, and a heap of money besides. Do you know their circumstances? You rudely state they have no money and you question their motives. In the circumstances we are in I repeat that is disrespectful. You rightly point out I am dispespectful to you and vOr. I plead guilty as charged. It is purely because I really don't respect either of you.
I can take it as you think the Russo's have no money then you must be seriously wealthy and you are going to cough up and make a bid for the club. What is it with the man woman bit. There is vOr's ageism and your preoccupation with gender.
VoR
says...
7:51pm Mon 6 Jul 09
I find you great fun to wind up, unlike others that either want to meet up, or call me a tosser and retard.
To those, they'd have a nasty shock I can assure, but it has been all friendly banter on my part, I hope you understand that - old timer
enlightened one
says...
9:37pm Mon 6 Jul 09
derry pigweed
says...
12:45am Tue 7 Jul 09
VoR wrote:luv you voice of retard ,please shock me!
It's alright billie, I have never been offended with anything that you've said (honest) And I hope that you've taken most of the banter with a pinch of salt. I find you great fun to wind up, unlike others that either want to meet up, or call me a tosser and retard. To those, they'd have a nasty shock I can assure, but it has been all friendly banter on my part, I hope you understand that - old timer
Billie
says...
10:48am Tue 7 Jul 09
My main worry about meeting up is that it could be an ambush, in that with me being an adult, cultivating relationships with children over the internet is a serious offence. Will your guardian come with you? It could be of course that you have got all excited at Feff's assumption of my gender...is this your best chance of a date? For the record...I will give you a clue...I still work, am not of pensionable age, and do not have a mobility scooter.
To be fair I quite like the banter too, and recognise a wind up merchant when I see one. I have a feeling it may be you that is shocked more than I if we did meet, and I strongly suspect we have met already. If Feff is out there I strongly recommend psychosexual counselling, it could be a gender change will sort out all of his issues, other than respect for his/her superiors of course.
VoR
says...
4:54pm Tue 7 Jul 09
Is everything alright, do you want me to call someone to help you?
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MikeS says...
5:34pm Fri 3 Jul 09