Pozzo associate Raffaele Riva is Watford's new chairman
1:54pm Thursday 5th July 2012 in Latest Sport
By Frank Smith, Deputy Group Sports Editor
Former chairman Graham Taylor left the club at the end of May
Graham Taylor's replacement as Watford chairman is a man called Raffaele Riva.
Hornets legend Taylor resigned as chairman at the end of May, with former owner Laurence Bassini taking on the interim position.
But following the Pozzo family's takeover of Watford, business associate Raffaele Riva has been named as the club's new chairman.
Scott Duxbury, who we expect to operate in a chief executive-like role, and Gianluca Nani are both executive directors.
Former Watford chairman Stuart Timperley and Hornets fan David Fransen, who is one of the club's bondholders, are non-executive directors.
It was reported that Sean Dyche was removed as manager on Monday, to be replaced by Gianfranco Zola, but Watford have yet to confirm that is the case.
This morning we reported that former Napoli coach Adolfo Sormani is set to become Zola's assistant at Watford but it is currently unclear what will happen with regards to the rest of the backroom staff.
Comments(68)
Supporter in Spain
says...
2:21pm Thu 5 Jul 12
CroxleyTandoori
says...
2:28pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Mickey Quinn, not so thin
says...
2:34pm Thu 5 Jul 12
peter10531089
says...
2:51pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Colin West's mullet
says...
2:51pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:well, he speaks the language - and he has Championship experienzzzz...
I'm amazed they didn't just leave Bas in place as chairman - ensure good continuity etc etc.
lutondown
says...
3:07pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:This is where we part the ways Quinny!
I'm amazed they didn't just leave Bas in place as chairman - ensure good continuity etc etc.
Lol
Looks like they are doing the announcements from the top down. Happy with that.
Toshhorn
says...
3:10pm Thu 5 Jul 12
peter10531089
says...
3:17pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Toshhorn wrote:Is that official?
NO ANNOUNCEMENTS have been made
McHornet
says...
3:59pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Alex Hillcroft
says...
4:05pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:What has happened to our former Great Helmsman? Unusual that he is not mentioned in the statement. I wonder if he did something wrong?
I'm amazed they didn't just leave Bas in place as chairman - ensure good continuity etc etc.
lutondown
says...
4:22pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Alex Hillcroft wrote:Something to do with saying the Pozzos never paid 12m direct into his Santander account
Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:What has happened to our former Great Helmsman? Unusual that he is not mentioned in the statement. I wonder if he did something wrong?
I'm amazed they didn't just leave Bas in place as chairman - ensure good continuity etc etc.
Funny that....
Looks like the bobbles are going to find fault with these guys no matter.
Hornet Cornet
says...
4:28pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Supporter in Spain wrote:That was named after me that was...
And we will all be singing 'Just one Hornetto'
Mickey Quinn, not so thin
says...
4:35pm Thu 5 Jul 12
lutondown wrote:Probably caught up in this Nat West banking software problem. "Honestly Bas, the £12m has left our account. £12m honestly. It'll appear on your statement any day now...."
Alex Hillcroft wrote:Something to do with saying the Pozzos never paid 12m direct into his Santander account
Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:What has happened to our former Great Helmsman? Unusual that he is not mentioned in the statement. I wonder if he did something wrong?
I'm amazed they didn't just leave Bas in place as chairman - ensure good continuity etc etc.
Funny that....
Looks like the bobbles are going to find fault with these guys no matter.
Toshhorn
says...
4:37pm Thu 5 Jul 12
lutondown
says...
4:40pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:I can just imagine!
lutondown wrote:Probably caught up in this Nat West banking software problem. "Honestly Bas, the £12m has left our account. £12m honestly. It'll appear on your statement any day now...."
Alex Hillcroft wrote:Something to do with saying the Pozzos never paid 12m direct into his Santander account
Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:What has happened to our former Great Helmsman? Unusual that he is not mentioned in the statement. I wonder if he did something wrong?
I'm amazed they didn't just leave Bas in place as chairman - ensure good continuity etc etc.
Funny that....
Looks like the bobbles are going to find fault with these guys no matter.
Lol
andyhooked
says...
4:43pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Dr,Oftaw
says...
5:01pm Thu 5 Jul 12
andyhooked wrote:try re reading about the new owners their clubs and scouting network, don`t think we`ll be short of players
What worries me is how the heck we are going to get replacements up front whilst all this is going on. Take away the guy in jug and the lack of fire power and creativity will we be at the worng end of the league early on and hope and prey for the January tranfer window or find loanees. Sir Alex help please. Yet we are not the club that Sir Alex trusted?
Toshhorn
says...
5:03pm Thu 5 Jul 12
tommy gunn
says...
5:05pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Back from Hammerau
says...
5:08pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Dr,Oftaw wrote:Will the recruitment model they use at Udinese and Granada work for Watford?
andyhooked wrote: What worries me is how the heck we are going to get replacements up front whilst all this is going on. Take away the guy in jug and the lack of fire power and creativity will we be at the worng end of the league early on and hope and prey for the January tranfer window or find loanees. Sir Alex help please. Yet we are not the club that Sir Alex trusted?try re reading about the new owners their clubs and scouting network, don`t think we`ll be short of players
If it's based upon finding raw talent in places like South America, we may struggle to get work permits for them because they have to be regular internationals if they don't have EU passports.
sherlock65
says...
5:29pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Back from Hammerau wrote:Not just South America, also many from smaller leagues (Swiss, Poland, Slovenia). And many that are from S.America but with double passport. You can check the full Udinese roster with nationalities at http://www.transferm
Dr,Oftaw wrote:Will the recruitment model they use at Udinese and Granada work for Watford?
andyhooked wrote: What worries me is how the heck we are going to get replacements up front whilst all this is going on. Take away the guy in jug and the lack of fire power and creativity will we be at the worng end of the league early on and hope and prey for the January tranfer window or find loanees. Sir Alex help please. Yet we are not the club that Sir Alex trusted?try re reading about the new owners their clubs and scouting network, don`t think we`ll be short of players
If it's based upon finding raw talent in places like South America, we may struggle to get work permits for them because they have to be regular internationals if they don't have EU passports.
arkt.co.uk/en/udines
e-calcio/kader/verei
n_410.html
Of course too long a roster 'cause most loans are still to be decided, so it's likely you'll end up having 3-6 players on loan taken from this list.
lutondown
says...
5:33pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Look come join us happy clappers from the good happy egg and co.
cliff46
says...
5:52pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Throughout most of those years Watford have mostly struggled financially and I guess I have become comfortable with that fragile condition.
The fact that we are now supposedly financially secure is alien to me and I am finding it difficult to be as euphoric about the takeover by a group of Italians many on this forum.
At the moment until I see otherwise I feel we are Watford in name only.
I can't believe that hard nosed businessmen are being honest when they say they are not seeking a financial return.
Don't get me wrong of course I am happy that Baz has gone but I am hoping that the next few months will convince me that all is well and that my club is indeed alive and actually prospering and that I am still able to pronounce some players names.
Hopefully John Eustace can become the new Andrea Pirlo????
watford1881
says...
5:54pm Thu 5 Jul 12
The Rover
says...
5:59pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Back from Hammerau wrote:If they can fix football matches they can probably fix passports as well
Dr,Oftaw wrote:Will the recruitment model they use at Udinese and Granada work for Watford?
andyhooked wrote: What worries me is how the heck we are going to get replacements up front whilst all this is going on. Take away the guy in jug and the lack of fire power and creativity will we be at the worng end of the league early on and hope and prey for the January tranfer window or find loanees. Sir Alex help please. Yet we are not the club that Sir Alex trusted?try re reading about the new owners their clubs and scouting network, don`t think we`ll be short of players
If it's based upon finding raw talent in places like South America, we may struggle to get work permits for them because they have to be regular internationals if they don't have EU passports.
andyhooked
says...
6:06pm Thu 5 Jul 12
akureyri
says...
6:11pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:In place of one almost Italian why not have two? The Russo brothers, Giacomo and Vincenzo, could make a return.
I'm amazed they didn't just leave Bas in place as chairman - ensure good continuity etc etc.
ralear49
says...
6:27pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Alex Hillcroft
says...
6:39pm Thu 5 Jul 12
lutondown
says...
7:02pm Thu 5 Jul 12
cliff46 wrote:Cleef, well come clap with this born again clapper. You are sir one of the most reasonable posters on here so I would implore that we give the new guys a chance.
Having attended Vicarage Road for 56 years I am generally something of a clapper.
Throughout most of those years Watford have mostly struggled financially and I guess I have become comfortable with that fragile condition.
The fact that we are now supposedly financially secure is alien to me and I am finding it difficult to be as euphoric about the takeover by a group of Italians many on this forum.
At the moment until I see otherwise I feel we are Watford in name only.
I can't believe that hard nosed businessmen are being honest when they say they are not seeking a financial return.
Don't get me wrong of course I am happy that Baz has gone but I am hoping that the next few months will convince me that all is well and that my club is indeed alive and actually prospering and that I am still able to pronounce some players names.
Hopefully John Eustace can become the new Andrea Pirlo????
Eustace the new Pirlo! That's funny unless we change our sport to Rugby! With his high hoof he'd make a great fly half! Might even drop us a few goals.
Remember Cliff, don't hold back with the garlic on the prawns!
cliff46
says...
7:03pm Thu 5 Jul 12
So alleged involvement in illicit deals resulting in Giampaolo Pozzo being forbidden to hold social positions obviously doesnt count??
ralear49
says...
7:10pm Thu 5 Jul 12
lutondown wrote:Hey Lutondown.. you and I may be the senior members of this group! Forza Bobby Bell and George Catleugh, my early heroes!
cliff46 wrote: Having attended Vicarage Road for 56 years I am generally something of a clapper. Throughout most of those years Watford have mostly struggled financially and I guess I have become comfortable with that fragile condition. The fact that we are now supposedly financially secure is alien to me and I am finding it difficult to be as euphoric about the takeover by a group of Italians many on this forum. At the moment until I see otherwise I feel we are Watford in name only. I can't believe that hard nosed businessmen are being honest when they say they are not seeking a financial return. Don't get me wrong of course I am happy that Baz has gone but I am hoping that the next few months will convince me that all is well and that my club is indeed alive and actually prospering and that I am still able to pronounce some players names. Hopefully John Eustace can become the new Andrea Pirlo????Cleef, well come clap with this born again clapper. You are sir one of the most reasonable posters on here so I would implore that we give the new guys a chance. Eustace the new Pirlo! That's funny unless we change our sport to Rugby! With his high hoof he'd make a great fly half! Might even drop us a few goals. Remember Cliff, don't hold back with the garlic on the prawns!
lutondown
says...
7:11pm Thu 5 Jul 12
cliff46 wrote:Nah Cliff the Latinos are different!
Alex Hillcroft
So alleged involvement in illicit deals resulting in Giampaolo Pozzo being forbidden to hold social positions obviously doesnt count??
Lol
Double standards are now my standards
Ron Hubbard the second
cliff46
says...
7:18pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Thank you for your encouragement I will take your advice and try to be more positive, not too sure about the garlic though!
I think I might have been a bit unsettled when I read your recent post about our crowd being more passionate. Having
thought about it more carefully I realise the likelihood of the upper rouse becoming loud and passionate is about as likely as me winning the lottery, so I feel more relaxed about it now.
Graze, amico mio, buona fortuna!
D.unstable
says...
7:24pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Apparently his Italian was not up to scratch.
cliff46
says...
7:27pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Surbiton
says...
7:31pm Thu 5 Jul 12
cliff46 wrote:Well done Cliffe 46, my sentiment exactly. Only time will tell if we have sold our soul to the devil. Strangely I also have also supported the Horns for 56 years, so we have probably stood near each other in the Rookery in our earlier days? However, not so sure about Eustace being another Pirlo, as much as I like him!
Having attended Vicarage Road for 56 years I am generally something of a clapper.
Throughout most of those years Watford have mostly struggled financially and I guess I have become comfortable with that fragile condition.
The fact that we are now supposedly financially secure is alien to me and I am finding it difficult to be as euphoric about the takeover by a group of Italians many on this forum.
At the moment until I see otherwise I feel we are Watford in name only.
I can't believe that hard nosed businessmen are being honest when they say they are not seeking a financial return.
Don't get me wrong of course I am happy that Baz has gone but I am hoping that the next few months will convince me that all is well and that my club is indeed alive and actually prospering and that I am still able to pronounce some players names.
Hopefully John Eustace can become the new Andrea Pirlo????
cliff46
says...
7:34pm Thu 5 Jul 12
lutondown
says...
7:38pm Thu 5 Jul 12
cliff46 wrote:No Cliff no mistake you are simply turning Udinese, I think your turning Udinese, I really think so!
The e on the end of Rous was my IPad's fault!!
Swap the prawns for mussels in garlic bud, live a little
lutondown
says...
7:41pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Surbiton wrote:Cliff in the old terraced Rookery doing knees up mother Brown? Lol, I don't think so, unless he could sleep on his feet!
cliff46 wrote:Well done Cliffe 46, my sentiment exactly. Only time will tell if we have sold our soul to the devil. Strangely I also have also supported the Horns for 56 years, so we have probably stood near each other in the Rookery in our earlier days? However, not so sure about Eustace being another Pirlo, as much as I like him!
Having attended Vicarage Road for 56 years I am generally something of a clapper.
Throughout most of those years Watford have mostly struggled financially and I guess I have become comfortable with that fragile condition.
The fact that we are now supposedly financially secure is alien to me and I am finding it difficult to be as euphoric about the takeover by a group of Italians many on this forum.
At the moment until I see otherwise I feel we are Watford in name only.
I can't believe that hard nosed businessmen are being honest when they say they are not seeking a financial return.
Don't get me wrong of course I am happy that Baz has gone but I am hoping that the next few months will convince me that all is well and that my club is indeed alive and actually prospering and that I am still able to pronounce some players names.
Hopefully John Eustace can become the new Andrea Pirlo????
But he's a top guy despite his inclination towards a librarial kind of stadium.Yep Grammatists just made that word up. So there
buckler
says...
8:03pm Thu 5 Jul 12
cliff46
says...
8:15pm Thu 5 Jul 12
So you are 56 years as well, I'm not sure if we are daft or sad?
In our earlier days there will have been times when we were probably the only two in the
Rookery.
hornbob
says...
8:17pm Thu 5 Jul 12
JohnnyHornet wrote:Pucka Pies OUT
And Tonibell will be the official half time refreshment suppliers.
Spagetti
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
Alex Hillcroft
says...
8:30pm Thu 5 Jul 12
cliff46 wrote:Count for what? Wake up grandad
Alex Hillcroft
So alleged involvement in illicit deals resulting in Giampaolo Pozzo being forbidden to hold social positions obviously doesnt count??
mile high ron
says...
8:51pm Thu 5 Jul 12
cliff46 wrote:No, never only two, but nearer SIXTY NINE !
Surbiton
So you are 56 years as well, I'm not sure if we are daft or sad?
In our earlier days there will have been times when we were probably the only two in the
Rookery.
cliff46
says...
9:18pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Count toward your definition of "highly respected"
Come on get a grip sonny even you shouldnt have found it that difficult!!
Dunderdale Pinner
says...
9:49pm Thu 5 Jul 12
watfordman
says...
10:11pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Surbiton
says...
10:53pm Thu 5 Jul 12
cliff46 wrote:My first year Cliff Holton was the star player at the Vic. I walked home to South Oxhey regularly, as I couldn't afford the 346 bus both ways. Daft or sad? Probably both tbh. Over the years I have bought more of the stadium than Baz ever did!
Surbiton
So you are 56 years as well, I'm not sure if we are daft or sad?
In our earlier days there will have been times when we were probably the only two in the
Rookery.
YoKsHiRe.....HoRn!!!!!!!
says...
10:59pm Thu 5 Jul 12
...they'll all be paid off!
Surbiton
says...
10:59pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Dunderdale Pinner wrote:Dunderdale Pinner. 1955 I started, That's a tough one, don't remember tbh. The dog track was certainly there, as were the tea huts beside the Shrodells stand (ROUS now). You wouldn't believe what they called a toilet!
Cliff and Surbiton, were you in the old wooden stand or had that been knocked down before you started your support
COGGDAVE1
says...
11:24pm Thu 5 Jul 12
Surbiton wrote:Underwood/Linton - Bell - Niclolas - Catlaugh - Mcneice - Chung - Benning - Uphill - Holton - Hartle - Bunce ...
Dunderdale Pinner wrote:Dunderdale Pinner. 1955 I started, That's a tough one, don't remember tbh. The dog track was certainly there, as were the tea huts beside the Shrodells stand (ROUS now). You wouldn't believe what they called a toilet!
Cliff and Surbiton, were you in the old wooden stand or had that been knocked down before you started your support
ahhh ...those were the days ... anyone know what year ???
Dunderdale Pinner
says...
11:45pm Thu 5 Jul 12
holtonian
says...
11:49pm Thu 5 Jul 12
melbournehornet
says...
1:59am Fri 6 Jul 12
PeteBogHorrorHornet
says...
8:45am Fri 6 Jul 12
Dr,Oftaw
says...
9:14am Fri 6 Jul 12
lutondown wrote:"we make the standards and we make the rules and if you dont abide by us you must be fool"
cliff46 wrote: Alex Hillcroft So alleged involvement in illicit deals resulting in Giampaolo Pozzo being forbidden to hold social positions obviously doesnt count??Nah Cliff the Latinos are different! Lol Double standards are now my standards Ron Hubbard the second
garston tony
says...
9:30am Fri 6 Jul 12
Alex Hillcroft, I'm not finding fault with the new owners but have expressed surprise that now a week later and no actual official news despite it being an open secrect that Zola is the new manager, whathisname is the assistant etc. I've said it a couple of times that this is just a blip, the main 'fault' is with the anti LB lot who arent applying the same standards…
Alex Hillcroft
says...
9:53am Fri 6 Jul 12
garston tony wrote:I think most people are prepared to accept that the club is now in safe hands. Our new owners clearly know what they're doing and are happy to let them proceed as they see fit - whereas with Baz one never really felt that comfortable - can't think why. Perhaps
Ralear, I think teams are limited to 4 season long loans and a similar number of short term deals (one month/two month).
Alex Hillcroft, I'm not finding fault with the new owners but have expressed surprise that now a week later and no actual official news despite it being an open secrect that Zola is the new manager, whathisname is the assistant etc. I've said it a couple of times that this is just a blip, the main 'fault' is with the anti LB lot who arent applying the same standards…
corbindallas
says...
10:05am Fri 6 Jul 12
cliff46 wrote:Don't waste your time telling him anything goes in one ear out the other he only likes the sound of his own voice, and facts like that don't register. Still think the PR side needs sorting, changes like this should be properly announced and done rather than steam rolled, but guess they will do it their way now.At least we are seeing things start to take shape as mentioned above it would be nice to hear of the incomings and outgoings on the player side more so.
Alex Hillcroft
So alleged involvement in illicit deals resulting in Giampaolo Pozzo being forbidden to hold social positions obviously doesnt count??
lutondown
says...
10:24am Fri 6 Jul 12
I do think these guys know their eggs.
garston tony
says...
10:41am Fri 6 Jul 12
The head of the managers union (LMA) was on the radio a while back and he was talking about representing I think Phil Brown where it took over six months to negotiate his severance deal with Hull.
Yes clubs are just as bound by employment law as any other business but negotiating with SD does not stop them announcing Zola.
If they were THAT concerned about giving SD extra negotiating power maybe announcing Zola had agreed to manage Watford wasnt the best idea?
lutondown
says...
11:59am Fri 6 Jul 12
Seems some people just want to have a row...on paper
Ronald L Hubby
Serial cultist
tommy gunn
says...
1:59pm Fri 6 Jul 12
southernhornet
says...
11:31am Sat 7 Jul 12
Surely it would have been symbolically better to have had an English Chairman or even better a Watford connected figure head - GT invited back!?
corbindallas
says...
2:01pm Sat 7 Jul 12
lutondown wrote:It's confirmed no other new's now what clever dick!
Has it not occurred to you unhappy campers that the reason that certain announcements have not been made is out of respect and observing legalities of Dyches expected compromised agreement. As you will all know the unfair dismissal rule applies to all industries and sport is no exception.
I do think these guys know their eggs.
lutondown
says...
2:12pm Sat 7 Jul 12
corbindallas wrote:Oh Corby, I see your losing your silly little temper. It's Saturday, the great Pozzos are getting ready for tomorrow's mass just like your great hero is getting ready for his coming of year thirteen bar mitzvah.
lutondown wrote:It's confirmed no other new's now what clever dick!
Has it not occurred to you unhappy campers that the reason that certain announcements have not been made is out of respect and observing legalities of Dyches expected compromised agreement. As you will all know the unfair dismissal rule applies to all industries and sport is no exception.
I do think these guys know their eggs.
Get over it plod, you can console your self in his pub. But be quick it will be going ASAP.
JohnnyHornet says...
2:11pm Thu 5 Jul 12