Watford boss Gianfranco Zola asks fans for patience as he looks to excite

Picture: Holly Cant Picture: Holly Cant

Gianfranco Zola has asked supporters to be patient with his new management team as they try to create a Watford side which will "excite" the fans.

Zola was appointed Hornets manager a month ago today and it has been noticeable during pre-season that he wants his side to play 'a passing game'.

It was evident he had told his team to play from defence against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday and whilst his team kept possession well, the Golden Boys struggled to break down the Premier League side in the final third.

Sunday was Zola's first game at Vicarage Road and the Italian was pleased with the warm reception he received.

He said: "I was really pleased, the supporters were very encouraging with us.

"All we ask is for a little bit of patience with us, to give us a chance. Then it will be down to us to make them excited, but today (Sunday) was very encouraging."

Watford have their final pre-season game tonight away to Gillingham, with kick-off 7.30pm.

At the weekend Zola indicated that many of the players who featured against Spurs, two days ago, would not be involved tonight.

When asked whether it will be a first team game, he replied: "It will be a mix, I don’t think the players that played 90 minutes today will play on Tuesday as well."

Manuel Almunia, Martin Taylor, Nyron Nosworthy, John Eustace and Mark Yeates all played 90 minutes on Sunday. Whilst Lloyd Doyley , Carl Dickinson, Jonathan Hogg, Prince Buaben and Sean Murray featured for more than an hour, with Joe Garner playing for 58 minutes.

Comments(67)

jasonwatford says...
3:25pm Tue 7 Aug 12

Joe Garner played for 58 mins ??? must of missed that.

luther blissett says...
3:30pm Tue 7 Aug 12

jasonwatford wrote:
Joe Garner played for 58 mins ??? must of missed that.
Stop bloody moaning

jasonwatford says...
3:47pm Tue 7 Aug 12

Why would you pay to see him ?

Bush Hornet says...
3:53pm Tue 7 Aug 12

I'll be patient with Zola and impatient with anyone who moans about boring passing football. I've been waiting years for a Watford who will play properly. Bring it on

SAHornet says...
4:11pm Tue 7 Aug 12

I'm not expecting too many fireworks this season but I will be expecting every game to be a bit better than the last. Final 10 position for this first, transitional season will do me just fine.

Coach1 says...
4:16pm Tue 7 Aug 12

Patience is a must this season, possession football is great to watch & Zola has inherited a team/ players who are not used to playing that way.
Zola must spend time on getting the players to play a new formation, key players getting used to different roles in the team, then they have to build a understanding of when to keep the ball, playing around the back to give the front 3 a rest.. the players have to also build an understanding of when it is right to keep the ball to tire the opposition and also when to play at a higher tempo to penertrate the opppostion with the balls through or in behind the full backs for the 11 or 7 to run onto.
The championship will be a test to play this way, so dont be surprised if it doesnt come together for at least a couple of months

The new 443 formation, is easily the best formation when players can play, solid when attacking and you make a 5 in midfield when defender, high tempo to get the ball back, then when we have the ball back the players must keep it and move it quick, you keep the ball to try and draw the opposition out then once you do that you play high tempo around them and break quick with the 11, 7 and 9 as the front three.

If fans expect this to happen straight away I would stay away and moan at home till at least November..

It is exciting times and I for one cant wait to see Watford play this type of footbal.

the sniper says...
4:16pm Tue 7 Aug 12

luther blissett wrote:
jasonwatford wrote:
Joe Garner played for 58 mins ??? must of missed that.
Stop bloody moaning
Here Here Luther Blissett!!!
Got a feeling Garner will be ok if he listens to Zola...COYH

Boosey says...
4:22pm Tue 7 Aug 12

jasonwatford wrote:
Why would you pay to see him ?
Because he wants to play for the team i support.

jasonwatford says...
4:26pm Tue 7 Aug 12

You are all deluded..yes give him time ( zola )..yes lets see nice football...all i was saying Garner played 58 mins ?? did he ?? he wont score a handful of goals all season as long as his has a hole in his well you know the rest.

watford06 says...
4:27pm Tue 7 Aug 12

Coach1 says...


The new 443 formation, is easily the best formation


am i missing something here or are we going to play with 12 men

Watforddogs says...
4:29pm Tue 7 Aug 12

Jason - why don't you start following Luton - none of us will miss you and you clearly don't understand the meaning of "support"

Coach1 says...
4:34pm Tue 7 Aug 12

I agree with all on the Garner situation, He is a player who could do well under Zola, but he is a striker who needs to play up top with a big number 10, I think he will be a bit part player this season as he will struggle playing the 9 role on his own.

Coach1 says...
4:37pm Tue 7 Aug 12

watford06 wrote:
Coach1 says...


The new 443 formation, is easily the best formation


am i missing something here or are we going to play with 12 men
Have you not seen the new rule, 6 subs- 12 players..

typo, fingers to big for iphone..

lutondown says...
4:38pm Tue 7 Aug 12

Watforddogs wrote:
Jason - why don't you start following Luton - none of us will miss you and you clearly don't understand the meaning of "support"
Yeah Jason, you'd suit Orange!
Lol

lutondown says...
4:40pm Tue 7 Aug 12

Bush Hornet wrote:
I'll be patient with Zola and impatient with anyone who moans about boring passing football. I've been waiting years for a Watford who will play properly. Bring it on
Me too Bush, it's been ugly for too long now, and anyone who don't give GZ the Time he needs are frankly mad

AngelHornet says...
4:45pm Tue 7 Aug 12

Coach1 wrote:
Patience is a must this season, possession football is great to watch & Zola has inherited a team/ players who are not used to playing that way.
Zola must spend time on getting the players to play a new formation, key players getting used to different roles in the team, then they have to build a understanding of when to keep the ball, playing around the back to give the front 3 a rest.. the players have to also build an understanding of when it is right to keep the ball to tire the opposition and also when to play at a higher tempo to penertrate the opppostion with the balls through or in behind the full backs for the 11 or 7 to run onto.
The championship will be a test to play this way, so dont be surprised if it doesnt come together for at least a couple of months

The new 443 formation, is easily the best formation when players can play, solid when attacking and you make a 5 in midfield when defender, high tempo to get the ball back, then when we have the ball back the players must keep it and move it quick, you keep the ball to try and draw the opposition out then once you do that you play high tempo around them and break quick with the 11, 7 and 9 as the front three.

If fans expect this to happen straight away I would stay away and moan at home till at least November..

It is exciting times and I for one cant wait to see Watford play this type of footbal.
Good post

holtonian says...
5:01pm Tue 7 Aug 12

A proper side that passes would be great after some of the rubbish i have had to watch the past 60 years or so. As far as i am concerned we have been very lucky in our new found management team, if we as true supporters give Gianfranco the fair time needed i am certain we will be the envy of other clubs.Excuse the pun but" Rome was not built in a day." 2 or 3 seasons then we may be ready to compete in the Premier League on a real level. If it arrives earlier then that would be a bonus in my eyes.

jasonwatford says...
5:23pm Tue 7 Aug 12

Watford dogs ur the kind of person who thinks everyone should get a lollypop on sports day arent you. Dont ever disgrace me about being a supporter and dare to mention that team in orange and white. Get real with Garner...Sometimes you aint got it and he hasnt...i dont think he will score goals playing in a football side. I guess you would have been telling us liam henderson will come good coz he scored so many in the reserves. Garner is like Steve Butler was for Watford..will run around all day but has no genuine goals in him. Strikers can score from anywhere with feet head etc can you tell me from what you have seen of him he will score goals ?? Forest fans will tell you as well he was terrible for them. Good young lad who cant cut it at this level. Watforddogs.........
smell the coffee..or should it be cappacino ???

harry uk says...
5:30pm Tue 7 Aug 12

im looking forward to seeing if Zola is brave enough to leave one or two players on the halfway line when we are defending a corner.!!

buckler says...
5:31pm Tue 7 Aug 12

jasonwatford wrote:
Watford dogs ur the kind of person who thinks everyone should get a lollypop on sports day arent you. Dont ever disgrace me about being a supporter and dare to mention that team in orange and white. Get real with Garner...Sometimes you aint got it and he hasnt...i dont think he will score goals playing in a football side. I guess you would have been telling us liam henderson will come good coz he scored so many in the reserves. Garner is like Steve Butler was for Watford..will run around all day but has no genuine goals in him. Strikers can score from anywhere with feet head etc can you tell me from what you have seen of him he will score goals ?? Forest fans will tell you as well he was terrible for them. Good young lad who cant cut it at this level. Watforddogs.........

smell the coffee..or should it be cappacino ???
Very true and not sure what's happening but have agreed with most of your recent stuff! These clappers will stand by rubbish whatever ! The same sort of supporters are currently **** kissing Liability Loach on twitter right now !

lutondown says...
5:33pm Tue 7 Aug 12

jasonwatford wrote:
Watford dogs ur the kind of person who thinks everyone should get a lollypop on sports day arent you. Dont ever disgrace me about being a supporter and dare to mention that team in orange and white. Get real with Garner...Sometimes you aint got it and he hasnt...i dont think he will score goals playing in a football side. I guess you would have been telling us liam henderson will come good coz he scored so many in the reserves. Garner is like Steve Butler was for Watford..will run around all day but has no genuine goals in him. Strikers can score from anywhere with feet head etc can you tell me from what you have seen of him he will score goals ?? Forest fans will tell you as well he was terrible for them. Good young lad who cant cut it at this level. Watforddogs.........

smell the coffee..or should it be cappacino ???
Jase, sounds like your seeing orange oops I mean red!
And what's wrong with lollipops on sports day? I like them everyday! But me Old nemesis your right, only winners should get lollipops, losers should go away and take up reading or skipping.
And when you said good strikers score with heads and feet, what about hands? Maradonna liked the odd 5 digit volley, and he wasn't bad for an Argie!

Toshhorn says...
5:40pm Tue 7 Aug 12

All parties will be patient until Christmas.
The Directors will be patient with Mr Zola, We will be patient with Mr Zola and Mr Zola must be patient with us.
After Christmas....... Hopefully we won't need to be patient

SAHornet says...
5:50pm Tue 7 Aug 12

If Garner is asked to leave by GZ then that's good enough for me. In the meantime, I will assume his continued presence in a Watford shirt will signify that GZ thinks there's a chance for him so let's give him that chance for now.

jasonwatford says...
5:53pm Tue 7 Aug 12

lol...Lutondown...Ga
rner has as much chance as loach as getting his hand to the ball..and if he did it would pop and not go in !!!! I have no issues with zola style of play etc just if you aint gonna make it then get rid.

rousman 2 says...
6:34pm Tue 7 Aug 12

Toshhorn wrote:
All parties will be patient until Christmas.
The Directors will be patient with Mr Zola, We will be patient with Mr Zola and Mr Zola must be patient with us.
After Christmas....... Hopefully we won't need to be patient
Christmas ?? I doubt the patients will last more than 3 or 4 games if the results do not go well.

cliff46 says...
6:55pm Tue 7 Aug 12

jasonwatford
Garner is only just 24 and just under four years ago Forest paid over £1M for him.
I hope Zola gives him a chance and that decent football will help rebuild his confidence.

BecauseOfBoxingDay says...
7:00pm Tue 7 Aug 12

I'm fine with the passing game if it works. Bit boring but if we get the wins while looking like Spain I'll sit back and enjoy it. But if it's pretty triangles and bottom half at Xmas (which I suspect will be nearer the truth) I'm just hoping GZ will be honest with himself and realize that 4-2-4 with courageous balls into the channels is a more likely route to the top flight for us.

jimbuctu says...
7:03pm Tue 7 Aug 12

the sniper wrote:
luther blissett wrote:
jasonwatford wrote:
Joe Garner played for 58 mins ??? must of missed that.
Stop bloody moaning
Here Here Luther Blissett!!!
Got a feeling Garner will be ok if he listens to Zola...COYH
Fully agree. Can't understand the moaning about players - particularly those who have seemingly had good pedigree in the past and lost their way. They are the ones who need support and encouragement. See youtube videos of Garner for proof he's got a bit about him. Some PEACHES on there!

I play better when I'm confident at all the sports I take part in. Everyone does. It's obvious.

Another who seems to get slated is Yeates. He had more assists than anyone last year. And scored a few too. Can't really see what the issue is with him. He's not a burst of pace winger but he's better than plenty we've had and have got.

Lets just be supportive and excited for a bit and let them get on with it eh? PLEASE don't do what we've done the last few seasons and end up with half the Rookery having a go after two minutes of a match. We've GOT to make more of an effort for our club. Our fans at home, on the whole, have been dire for the last few years and it would be nice to think we can crank it up a notch and enjoy ourselves in the stands a bit more wouldn't it?

Some will say the team needs to be better, the ground needs to be better etc but I say that's rubbish and it;s up to us to create the environment the players love playing in.

I for one am massively looking forward to the season and love the look of all our signings. Come on you Orns!

JohnnyHornet says...
7:04pm Tue 7 Aug 12

holtonian wrote:
A proper side that passes would be great after some of the rubbish i have had to watch the past 60 years or so. As far as i am concerned we have been very lucky in our new found management team, if we as true supporters give Gianfranco the fair time needed i am certain we will be the envy of other clubs.Excuse the pun but" Rome was not built in a day." 2 or 3 seasons then we may be ready to compete in the Premier League on a real level. If it arrives earlier then that would be a bonus in my eyes.
As long as we don't have to endure the same tippy tappy back passing durge that England churn out, I'll be happy with a good mix of craft , skill passing and a few cultured 60 yard passes, Oh yeah that's media talk for long ball stuff.

jimbuctu says...
7:14pm Tue 7 Aug 12

jasonwatford wrote:
Watford dogs ur the kind of person who thinks everyone should get a lollypop on sports day arent you. Dont ever disgrace me about being a supporter and dare to mention that team in orange and white. Get real with Garner...Sometimes you aint got it and he hasnt...i dont think he will score goals playing in a football side. I guess you would have been telling us liam henderson will come good coz he scored so many in the reserves. Garner is like Steve Butler was for Watford..will run around all day but has no genuine goals in him. Strikers can score from anywhere with feet head etc can you tell me from what you have seen of him he will score goals ?? Forest fans will tell you as well he was terrible for them. Good young lad who cant cut it at this level. Watforddogs.........

smell the coffee..or should it be cappacino ???
For some reason I always had a soft spot for Stevie B. I have a feeling I just felt sorry for him though! I was a youngun at the time so anyone wearing a yellow shirt was god to be fair.

Cows ar8es and banjos spring to mind!

holtonian says...
7:23pm Tue 7 Aug 12

JohnnyHornet wrote:
holtonian wrote:
A proper side that passes would be great after some of the rubbish i have had to watch the past 60 years or so. As far as i am concerned we have been very lucky in our new found management team, if we as true supporters give Gianfranco the fair time needed i am certain we will be the envy of other clubs.Excuse the pun but" Rome was not built in a day." 2 or 3 seasons then we may be ready to compete in the Premier League on a real level. If it arrives earlier then that would be a bonus in my eyes.
As long as we don't have to endure the same tippy tappy back passing durge that England churn out, I'll be happy with a good mix of craft , skill passing and a few cultured 60 yard passes, Oh yeah that's media talk for long ball stuff.
I agree Johnny a mixture would be perfect , passing being the point.Some players will never see a pass and thats what Gianfranco will be wanting to amend. ts not nice to pick on individual players but we do have far too many on our staff that lack the type of vision that will be needed.

Watfordy2407 says...
7:48pm Tue 7 Aug 12

Bush Hornet wrote:
I'll be patient with Zola and impatient with anyone who moans about boring passing football. I've been waiting years for a Watford who will play properly. Bring it on
I'm with the Bush hornet however Jason be patient as it will all settle down.it will take a while to metamorphisise from the style we have known to the style Gianfranco will implement.It may take until November to get our rhythm going(it did in 1981-82 under GT) We would all be happy with 10th this season.promotion this season could result in a quick return as in the 2 previous occasions under GT and AB.
We will make it to the Premiership so
ENJOY THE RIDE
It's going to be good with a few understandable hiccups

jasonwatford says...
7:52pm Tue 7 Aug 12

u tube dont make me laugh...we can all look good on u tube showing 30 seconds of a game or 3 goals....dont show what you did for other 89 mins thou does it ?? Plus yes 1million for a prospect that looked good when younger but we can all name players that looked good younger..scored loads of goals at junior/reserve level but never made it..our own rod thomas was one..franny jeffers...another one...neil mellor at liverpool next robbie fowler they said...I am happy to bet he dont score more than 5 goals in this season for us and if he does i will give a charity of your choice £100.00

lutondown says...
8:03pm Tue 7 Aug 12

jasonwatford wrote:
u tube dont make me laugh...we can all look good on u tube showing 30 seconds of a game or 3 goals....dont show what you did for other 89 mins thou does it ?? Plus yes 1million for a prospect that looked good when younger but we can all name players that looked good younger..scored loads of goals at junior/reserve level but never made it..our own rod thomas was one..franny jeffers...another one...neil mellor at liverpool next robbie fowler they said...I am happy to bet he dont score more than 5 goals in this season for us and if he does i will give a charity of your choice £100.00
£100 to charity?
I want to be there Jase, just to see you in such pain!

cliff46 says...
8:17pm Tue 7 Aug 12

Jason you seem to have responded to comments posted by jimbucto and myself, does that mean if Garner scores more than 5 goals this season you are going to donate £100 to a charity of choice for one or both of us?

jasonwatford says...
8:22pm Tue 7 Aug 12

cliff46.....i wouldnt let you down, both of you..will you do the same if he gets less than 5 ?? if so i will let great ormand street hospital know they are in for a windfall come May next year !!!!

Kingswoodhornet says...
8:26pm Tue 7 Aug 12

jimbuctu wrote:
jasonwatford wrote:
Watford dogs ur the kind of person who thinks everyone should get a lollypop on sports day arent you. Dont ever disgrace me about being a supporter and dare to mention that team in orange and white. Get real with Garner...Sometimes you aint got it and he hasnt...i dont think he will score goals playing in a football side. I guess you would have been telling us liam henderson will come good coz he scored so many in the reserves. Garner is like Steve Butler was for Watford..will run around all day but has no genuine goals in him. Strikers can score from anywhere with feet head etc can you tell me from what you have seen of him he will score goals ?? Forest fans will tell you as well he was terrible for them. Good young lad who cant cut it at this level. Watforddogs.........


smell the coffee..or should it be cappacino ???
For some reason I always had a soft spot for Stevie B. I have a feeling I just felt sorry for him though! I was a youngun at the time so anyone wearing a yellow shirt was god to be fair.

Cows ar8es and banjos spring to mind!
Ah Stevie Butler, now there's a name. I remember telling some mates I'd dance naked on a table at McDonalds if he ever scored a hat-trick for us. Imagine how I was sweating when he was sitting on a brace one season at....Millwall away if I remember correctly?

jasonwatford says...
8:27pm Tue 7 Aug 12

By the way watford 3 - 0 Gillingham at half time......lets hope the new cze boy has got them

Watforddogs says...
8:29pm Tue 7 Aug 12

Jason is a hatter
Jason is a hatter
Na na na na
na na na na
Jason is a hatter
Jason is a hatter
Na na na na
na na na na

Kingswoodhornet says...
8:30pm Tue 7 Aug 12

jasonwatford wrote:
By the way watford 3 - 0 Gillingham at half time......lets hope the new cze boy has got them
Garner hat-trick? :)

Watforddogs says...
8:38pm Tue 7 Aug 12

He has - 2
Connor smith the other

How are the town getting on Jason?

jasonwatford says...
8:39pm Tue 7 Aug 12

lol garner hatrick !!!! no he is not playing or on the bence....prob told him to stay at home as they wanted to score goals tonight and he might get confused watching it !!! Im such a hatter watforddogs im following them at gillingham you butt pirate....Go away and leave this to tru watford fans that will praise and disagree when they need too..btw lutondown i thought of lollypop after seeing your head the other day.

Watforddogs says...
8:44pm Tue 7 Aug 12

Jason - you are either twelve (in which case i apologise for bullying you) or a bit slow (in which case i apologise as you can't help it).

What is a butt pirate - is that the vocab at Luton comprehensives - Watford Grammar taught me a finer level of insult - i find Hatter quite enough

jasonwatford says...
8:48pm Tue 7 Aug 12

Went to leggates way mate........so that should tell you how old i am....just think about it eh ??? watford grammer...defo a butt pirate,,,,lol, Cmon u horns

jasonwatford says...
8:56pm Tue 7 Aug 12

Jason is a hatter
Jason is a hatter
Na na na na
na na na na
Jason is a hatter
Jason is a hatter
Na na na na
na na na na”

And you said i was 12 ???? pmsl anyway wont be replying to you anymore.

Holly68 says...
8:59pm Tue 7 Aug 12

Watforddogs wrote:
He has - 2
Connor smith the other

How are the town getting on Jason?
Keep the score and scorers coming please ...... Is that correct Wvydra 2 goals ?

lutondown says...
9:00pm Tue 7 Aug 12

jasonwatford wrote:
Jason is a hatter
Jason is a hatter
Na na na na
na na na na
Jason is a hatter
Jason is a hatter
Na na na na
na na na na”

And you said i was 12 ???? pmsl anyway wont be replying to you anymore.
that explains why you kept trying to lick my head Jase! I thought it was a strange way to express yourself!
And by the way it was the Leggatts school it dropped the Way bit in 1971!
A fine upstanding school that taught you how to have a row and some very fine Anglo Saxon words
Grammar boys? All that rugby puts hair on your chest...!

jasonwatford says...
9:20pm Tue 7 Aug 12

No goals 2nd half !!!!! sack Zola.....Bring back Bas,,,,,,Garner should have played !!!! nite all !

Mangoputney says...
9:27pm Tue 7 Aug 12

I don't think Jason is a Hatter as he can write!

I see little point in arguing over other peoples opinions - I have enough of that at work.

I support Watford and anyone that wears our colours - Deeney , Garner or even big Chris.

There is nothing I can do about who wears our colours or what style of football we play.

I will back Zola and his efforts as he clearly knows more about tactics than me.

I can't wait until the new season and my own opinion is that a top half finish will be a fantastic achievement - the Pozzo's will know better than me that Rome was not built in a day.

londomollari says...
9:30pm Tue 7 Aug 12

jasonwatford wrote:
u tube dont make me laugh...we can all look good on u tube showing 30 seconds of a game or 3 goals....dont show what you did for other 89 mins thou does it ?? Plus yes 1million for a prospect that looked good when younger but we can all name players that looked good younger..scored loads of goals at junior/reserve level but never made it..our own rod thomas was one..franny jeffers...another one...neil mellor at liverpool next robbie fowler they said...I am happy to bet he dont score more than 5 goals in this season for us and if he does i will give a charity of your choice £100.00
Ummm. True. I also remember some other c++p players at Watford. Then a new manager took over. Jenkins, Downes, Joslyn, Pritchett, Luther (only plays with the sun on his back) Blissett.

Lets see if Zola has a similar effect on last seasons staff before we condemn out of hand.

lutondown says...
10:05pm Tue 7 Aug 12

Your spot mate all donkeys turned into very good players!
Alan Mayes? Could of been a legend

jasonwatford says...
10:17pm Tue 7 Aug 12

Taylor is God and could have walked on water......Zola is a good person only re-incarnation could make Garner better, however he is so bad he proberly come back as himself !!!

corbindallas says...
7:31am Wed 8 Aug 12

I will give Zola the time as long as he gives/shows us a team capable of moving forward, to that end we need new strikers, if he sticks by what he has said Chris wont feature yet he played at Gillingham so sort of sends out the wrong message, Deeney should never wear a Watford shirt again and be sold off, Forsyth and Garner need to start producing and I can't comment on the loan strikers or potential new striker yet€, but as he is 30 he clearly has a up hill struggle as a unknown and it looks like our set up will mean players in different positions to what they were in last year which obviously means we will need more time to sort out our starting eleven positions. I have been dissapointed with the set up so far in the pre seasons as it has been a big jumble of players moving around but guess with the training that will show who's in the mix and capable of stepping up, also we do seem to have a team of unfit and injured players who will need to get up to speed very quickly for us to hit the ground running, like others eventually gave Dyche the benefit till Christmas Zola has like wise from me, if we are not on an even keel to Dyches record then I will be very dissapointed with the investment made to improve the club so far.

jimbuctu says...
9:10am Wed 8 Aug 12

londomollari wrote:
jasonwatford wrote:
u tube dont make me laugh...we can all look good on u tube showing 30 seconds of a game or 3 goals....dont show what you did for other 89 mins thou does it ?? Plus yes 1million for a prospect that looked good when younger but we can all name players that looked good younger..scored loads of goals at junior/reserve level but never made it..our own rod thomas was one..franny jeffers...another one...neil mellor at liverpool next robbie fowler they said...I am happy to bet he dont score more than 5 goals in this season for us and if he does i will give a charity of your choice £100.00
Ummm. True. I also remember some other c++p players at Watford. Then a new manager took over. Jenkins, Downes, Joslyn, Pritchett, Luther (only plays with the sun on his back) Blissett.

Lets see if Zola has a similar effect on last seasons staff before we condemn out of hand.
Nah, forget waiting - Jasonwatford you're on. I'll match it the other way. Providing he stays that is. All bets are off if he's moved on. If he stays and doesn't get 5 goals I'll pop £100 into the good fund of your choosing. All competitions, league and cup. Still game? I'll put my money where my often wrong mouth is :)

Bright 1 says...
9:22am Wed 8 Aug 12

I'll definitely get behind GZ and give him time but Jason is right. JG doesn't have what it takes to be successful at this level

jasonwatford says...
9:33am Wed 8 Aug 12

ok jimbuctu..your on my old foe...my charity is great ormand street by the way,,you can have league games cup games..even bloody training !!!

northofwatfordpete says...
9:50am Wed 8 Aug 12

Ross Jenkins (1970s), Danny Graham, Troy Deeney were all given plenty of time to prove that they could hit the back of the net on a regular basis. GZ might yet get the best out of Garner. Forest payed over £1m for him.

jimbuctu says...
10:04am Wed 8 Aug 12

jasonwatford wrote:
ok jimbuctu..your on my old foe...my charity is great ormand street by the way,,you can have league games cup games..even bloody training !!!
Done! Mines the Peace Hospice. I'm off to watch them train with my counter...

Everyone's a winner with this bet. If he scores a hatful we'll all be happy with the goals, you'll have to eat yours, and the Peace Hospice get a nice bit of bunce. If he doesn't at least he'll have contributed to a good cause!

jasonwatford says...
10:18am Wed 8 Aug 12

Jimbuctu forget the counter take one hand with you and that will be too much..peace hospice no problem.
I read twice now that forest paid over a million for him...yes then sold him to us for 250,000...we paid 3.25 million for ellington...ipswich paid 1.8 million for priskin..so dont give me that argument please.

lutondown says...
3:03pm Wed 8 Aug 12

corbindallas wrote:
I will give Zola the time as long as he gives/shows us a team capable of moving forward, to that end we need new strikers, if he sticks by what he has said Chris wont feature yet he played at Gillingham so sort of sends out the wrong message, Deeney should never wear a Watford shirt again and be sold off, Forsyth and Garner need to start producing and I can't comment on the loan strikers or potential new striker yet€, but as he is 30 he clearly has a up hill struggle as a unknown and it looks like our set up will mean players in different positions to what they were in last year which obviously means we will need more time to sort out our starting eleven positions. I have been dissapointed with the set up so far in the pre seasons as it has been a big jumble of players moving around but guess with the training that will show who's in the mix and capable of stepping up, also we do seem to have a team of unfit and injured players who will need to get up to speed very quickly for us to hit the ground running, like others eventually gave Dyche the benefit till Christmas Zola has like wise from me, if we are not on an even keel to Dyches record then I will be very dissapointed with the investment made to improve the club so far.
So Corby, your one of very few here. Your posts are now null and void.
You are the weakest link
Byeeeee!

londomollari says...
4:42pm Wed 8 Aug 12

lutondown wrote:
Your spot mate all donkeys turned into very good players!
Alan Mayes? Could of been a legend
Yeah! Forgot Mayes (which says it all). If he had stayed at Watford (Taylor wanted him to) he would have been a legend---not forgotten.

JohnnyHornet says...
7:58pm Wed 8 Aug 12

holtonian wrote:
JohnnyHornet wrote:
holtonian wrote:
A proper side that passes would be great after some of the rubbish i have had to watch the past 60 years or so. As far as i am concerned we have been very lucky in our new found management team, if we as true supporters give Gianfranco the fair time needed i am certain we will be the envy of other clubs.Excuse the pun but" Rome was not built in a day." 2 or 3 seasons then we may be ready to compete in the Premier League on a real level. If it arrives earlier then that would be a bonus in my eyes.
As long as we don't have to endure the same tippy tappy back passing durge that England churn out, I'll be happy with a good mix of craft , skill passing and a few cultured 60 yard passes, Oh yeah that's media talk for long ball stuff.
I agree Johnny a mixture would be perfect , passing being the point.Some players will never see a pass and thats what Gianfranco will be wanting to amend. ts not nice to pick on individual players but we do have far too many on our staff that lack the type of vision that will be needed.
Well I shall attend on Saturday, been absent for a while due to illness, let's hope it doesn't send me into relapse LOL, lets hope it's better than my last visit, a drab 0-0 (?) against Gillingham on a blooming windy day. Hope the term jinx doesn't apply at 16:50

BooRaider says...
12:39am Thu 9 Aug 12

All I will say about players and their abilities/attitudes is this.......a few years ago a certain player was referred to as 'Eusless' on here by many. What happened to him when we had a new manager?

Watford Man says...
8:16am Thu 9 Aug 12

Coach1 wrote:
Patience is a must this season, possession football is great to watch & Zola has inherited a team/ players who are not used to playing that way. Zola must spend time on getting the players to play a new formation, key players getting used to different roles in the team, then they have to build a understanding of when to keep the ball, playing around the back to give the front 3 a rest.. the players have to also build an understanding of when it is right to keep the ball to tire the opposition and also when to play at a higher tempo to penertrate the opppostion with the balls through or in behind the full backs for the 11 or 7 to run onto. The championship will be a test to play this way, so dont be surprised if it doesnt come together for at least a couple of months The new 443 formation, is easily the best formation when players can play, solid when attacking and you make a 5 in midfield when defender, high tempo to get the ball back, then when we have the ball back the players must keep it and move it quick, you keep the ball to try and draw the opposition out then once you do that you play high tempo around them and break quick with the 11, 7 and 9 as the front three. If fans expect this to happen straight away I would stay away and moan at home till at least November.. It is exciting times and I for one cant wait to see Watford play this type of footbal.
This is how the likes of Southampton and Swansea played last season and look where it has got them.

Watford Man says...
8:33am Thu 9 Aug 12

Watfordy2407 wrote:
Bush Hornet wrote: I'll be patient with Zola and impatient with anyone who moans about boring passing football. I've been waiting years for a Watford who will play properly. Bring it on
I'm with the Bush hornet however Jason be patient as it will all settle down.it will take a while to metamorphisise from the style we have known to the style Gianfranco will implement.It may take until November to get our rhythm going(it did in 1981-82 under GT) We would all be happy with 10th this season.promotion this season could result in a quick return as in the 2 previous occasions under GT and AB. We will make it to the Premiership so ENJOY THE RIDE It's going to be good with a few understandable hiccups
Even if we did get promoted we would be rejected by the Premier League because of the three sided, gap-toothed ground.

Watfordy2407 says...
9:15am Thu 9 Aug 12

jimbuctu wrote:
the sniper wrote:
luther blissett wrote:
jasonwatford wrote:
Joe Garner played for 58 mins ??? must of missed that.
Stop bloody moaning
Here Here Luther Blissett!!!
Got a feeling Garner will be ok if he listens to Zola...COYH
Fully agree. Can't understand the moaning about players - particularly those who have seemingly had good pedigree in the past and lost their way. They are the ones who need support and encouragement. See youtube videos of Garner for proof he's got a bit about him. Some PEACHES on there!

I play better when I'm confident at all the sports I take part in. Everyone does. It's obvious.

Another who seems to get slated is Yeates. He had more assists than anyone last year. And scored a few too. Can't really see what the issue is with him. He's not a burst of pace winger but he's better than plenty we've had and have got.

Lets just be supportive and excited for a bit and let them get on with it eh? PLEASE don't do what we've done the last few seasons and end up with half the Rookery having a go after two minutes of a match. We've GOT to make more of an effort for our club. Our fans at home, on the whole, have been dire for the last few years and it would be nice to think we can crank it up a notch and enjoy ourselves in the stands a bit more wouldn't it?

Some will say the team needs to be better, the ground needs to be better etc but I say that's rubbish and it;s up to us to create the environment the players love playing in.

I for one am massively looking forward to the season and love the look of all our signings. Come on you Orns!
Some very good points there Jimbuctu.Garner may prove to be a lost cause at Watford.some players simply don't fit in however GZ is implementing a new style of play.let's give our wholehearted support now and possibly Garner will be on his way ALONG with several others who I'll not name as they may prove me wrong like Ross Jenkins did all those years ago.

Watfordy2407 says...
9:15am Thu 9 Aug 12

jimbuctu wrote:
the sniper wrote:
luther blissett wrote:
jasonwatford wrote:
Joe Garner played for 58 mins ??? must of missed that.
Stop bloody moaning
Here Here Luther Blissett!!!
Got a feeling Garner will be ok if he listens to Zola...COYH
Fully agree. Can't understand the moaning about players - particularly those who have seemingly had good pedigree in the past and lost their way. They are the ones who need support and encouragement. See youtube videos of Garner for proof he's got a bit about him. Some PEACHES on there!

I play better when I'm confident at all the sports I take part in. Everyone does. It's obvious.

Another who seems to get slated is Yeates. He had more assists than anyone last year. And scored a few too. Can't really see what the issue is with him. He's not a burst of pace winger but he's better than plenty we've had and have got.

Lets just be supportive and excited for a bit and let them get on with it eh? PLEASE don't do what we've done the last few seasons and end up with half the Rookery having a go after two minutes of a match. We've GOT to make more of an effort for our club. Our fans at home, on the whole, have been dire for the last few years and it would be nice to think we can crank it up a notch and enjoy ourselves in the stands a bit more wouldn't it?

Some will say the team needs to be better, the ground needs to be better etc but I say that's rubbish and it;s up to us to create the environment the players love playing in.

I for one am massively looking forward to the season and love the look of all our signings. Come on you Orns!
Some very good points there Jimbuctu.Garner may prove to be a lost cause at Watford.some players simply don't fit in however GZ is implementing a new style of play.let's give our wholehearted support now and possibly Garner will be on his way ALONG with several others who I'll not name as they may prove me wrong like Ross Jenkins did all those years ago.

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