Watford FC 2019-20 Matchday Programme #16 – Southampton

SOUTHAM PTO N 28.06.20 / 4.30PM / £3.50

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WAT F O R D V S O U T H A M P T O N 2 8 . 0 6 . 2 0

HEAD TO HEAD LEAGUE FA CUP LEAGUE CUP TOTAL

DRAWN

15 1 2 18

18 4 1 23

LAST SEASON’S MEETINGS

12 1 0 13

TODAY’S OFFICIALS

Referee: Michael Oliver Assistant Referees: Stuart Burt, Dan Cook Fourth Official: Kevin Friend VAR: Chris Kavanagh Additional VAR: Sian Massey-Ellis

Southampton 1-1 Watford (Sat Nov 10, 2018)

Watford 1-1 Southampton (Tue Apr 23, 2019)

CLUB DIRECTORY & OFFICIALS

PEOPLE

OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

Contact Us Watford Football Club Vicarage Road Stadium, Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 0ER 01923 496000 (Reception) 01923 223023 (Ticket Hotline) 01923 496001 (Fax)

Owner: Gino Pozzo Honorary Life-President: Sir Elton John CBE Chairman & Chief Executive Officer: Scott Duxbury Non-Executive Directors: David Fransen, Professor Stuart Timperley Company Secretary: Peter Wastall

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E: yourvoice@watfordfc.com W: watfordfc.com T: twitter.com/watfordfc F: facebook.com/watfordfc On Socials: use #watfordfc

Head Coach: Nigel Pearson Assistant Head Coach: Craig Shakespeare Coaching Team: Hayden Mullins, Graham Stack (GK) Technical Director: Filippo Giraldi Head of Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation: Alberto Leon Herranz Head of Academy: Barry Quin Academy Manager: Richard Thomas Kit Manager: David Walter Football Secretary: Gayle Vowels

The views in this programme are not necessarily the views of Watford Football Club. Material in this programme is copyrighted and may only be reproduced with the written permission of Watford Football Club.

CLUB HONOURS Football League: First Division – Runners-Up 1982/83 Second Division – Runners-Up 1981/82, 2014/15; Play-Off Winners 1998/99, 2005/06 Third Division Champions 1968/69, 1997/98; Runners-Up 1978/79 Fourth Division Champions 1977/78; Promoted 1959/60 (4th) FA Cup: Runners-Up 1984, 2019 FA Youth Cup: Winners 1982, 1989; Runners-Up 1985

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Ad Sales Watford FC Sales Team 01923 496006 sales@watfordfc.com

Contributors Kevin Affleck, David Anderson, Katie Barr, Alex Bennett, Troy Deeney, Shea Duffy, From the Rookery End, James Garrett, Sam Gillings, Joel Goldman, Kristian Hitchins, William Hodgins, Paul Levene, Dave Messenger, Peter Morgan, Alan Palmer, Nigel Pearson, Matt Rowson, Danny Varsalona, Mike Walters, Helen Ward Programme Editors Steve Scott, Richard Walker programme@watfordfc.com Programme Design Paul Tait, Sol Tomlinson, James Wright Official Club Photographer Alan Cozzi Additional Photography Getty Images

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NIGEL’S N O T E S

“

“”

…IT’S ONLY GOING TO BE OUR PERFORMANCES – NEVER MIND WHAT’S HAPPENING ELSEWHERE – THAT WILL HOLD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON US RETAINING OUR PREMIER LEAGUE STATUS…

05

H

ello to all our great supporters reading these notes, however you’re doing that.

I’m glad the club have made the programme available to look at online, so I can continue to write personally to you with a few thoughts before each of our home games.

I’m sure you’ll have been watching or listening to our game at Burnley on Thursday night, and therefore you’re probably still reflecting on something of a missed opportunity for us.

I thought it was a very positive performance during the second half against Burnley, yet ironically that’s when we’ve conceded.

I’d argue we were somewhat fortunate to go into the break level and too often were guilty of unforced errors.

It’s been and gone now, though. We must look forward; there simply isn’t merit in dwelling on what’s happened for any longer than absolutely necessary.

I grant you it’s far more forgivable for supporters to still be frustrated by something that happened a few days ago, but a lot less so for us as a group of players and staff together.

By the time you read this, we will have been preparing for today’s challenge for a few days – simply because there isn’t time to dwell on the what-might-have-beens and ifonlys.

It’s a luxury you might get, I mean that time to fully look back at everything, when you’re right in the middle of a normal season – but there’s nothing normal about our current circumstances, so we’re not doing anything except focusing on the game against Southampton ahead of us.

What I know we’ll get from our group of players is a very honest and hardworking performance. That’s a really positive trait within the group of lads, and then you can add to that some real talent to perform and the ability to create match-winning

moments.

We’ve got to be sure we’re ready to capitalise on those moments when they come along, because it’s only going to be our performances – never mind what’s happening elsewhere – that will hold the greatest influence on us retaining our Premier League status.

I’d like to welcome Ralph to Vicarage Road today, along with his players and staff.

We would usually, of course, also extend a welcome to the supporters of the opposition – whom I know well from my time at the club. But alas the current situation means we are set to be dealing with empty stands for at least as long as this season lasts.

Let’s hope we can get people back into our stadiums before too long, to help recreate the kind of atmosphere that all players thrive on and that makes the Premier League as watchable as it’s been for very many years.

Take care and all the best for now,

9 06

DEENEY

T R O Y

07

H

ello to all of you lot out there, however you’re getting to read these notes.

I’m having to do them on the back of a frustrating night at Burnley, a really unusually warm evening for a game up there when it’s usually cold and raining.

And we’ve left knowing we could have come away with all three points, never mind just one.

The first half was too far below our best levels and the only surprise was we weren’t chasing the game before half-time, really.

“.” “”

…IT’S NOW ABOUT KEEPING OUR NERVE AND BEING READY TO TAKE THE NEXT CHANCE THAT COMES ALONG TO STAMP OUR AUTHORITY ON A GAME… Then to let a goal in massively against the run of play is the Premier League doing what it does best – teaching you a lesson for not taking the chances of your own by something happening out of nowhere at the other end of the pitch.

All the usual clichés were out in force during the interviews afterwards; about it being a missed opportunity and we don’t have long until the next game. It probably just makes things harder to accept when you hear people who’ve watched the game more or less reiterating what your thoughts are about it anyway.

We’ve got to take Thursday on the chin and be grown up about it. Everyone’s coming into this mini-season on the back of a long break and not necessarily perfectly prepared as you would usually be from a pre-season.

So I think it’s as much about the mentality of the squad of players, supported by the staff, as it is about the physical attributes of any individuals involved in the matches.

We have got some strong characters inside the dressing-room, and we know that it’s now

about keeping our nerve and being ready to take the next chance that comes along to stamp our authority on a game.

A bit like the Burnley second half, but with the addition of goals to really drive home a positive position that you’ve worked hard to earn. There really was only one team looking like scoring a goal for 20 or so minutes after the break and we know as players responsible for scoring that we’ve got to support the back four better by giving them something to get hold of and really defend.

It comes down now to the last seven games and we’ve still got a real battle on. We know that.

I don’t want to hear any mentions from anyone about playing teams who apparently don’t have much to play for.

It doesn’t work like that in the Premier League, and certainly not under these unusual conditions, so we’re going to be giving Southampton all the respect they deserve today but very much trying to put our own mark on proceedings.

Just before I finish, I want to reiterate my thanks to all of the Premier League captains’ group for getting the Black Lives Matter movement embedded into common parlance over these last few weeks.

It has made me very proud, and I know I speak for all the lads here as well, to see what can be achieved when it’s something that really matters deep down and is then driven from on the pitch. I’m not sure there’s been anything quite this significant happen in a very long time.

The challenge – as has been said many times over recent weeks – is to ensure that positive, long-lasting impacts are brought to life.

Expect me to be continuing that conversation wherever I feel I can make a difference.

Cheers for now,

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VOICE OF THE VICARAGE ALL THE LATEST CLUB NEWS FROM HERE AT THE VIC AND THE LONDON COLNEY TRAINING GROUND

>> THE HORNET

>>

FANS SHOW SUPPORT THROUGH ROOKERY BANNER

A group of Hornets fans who were desperate to be able to support the team in the critical final games of the season have created a banner which is being displayed in the Rookery Stand at all of our remaining home games.

Rookery season ticket holder Frances Lynn is part of a group which had previously produced banners for Watford’s play-off and FA Cup final appearances. Along with David Hyams, Simon Wheeler, Leo Mindel and Jon Sinclair, Frances was pleased to be involved in collating messages from her fellow fans once again.

“The news that the season would finish with games played behind closed doors was very disappointing,” said Frances. “When the request came to produce a fans’ banner, this

at least gave us something tangible to do to support the team.”

The banner, which includes more than 1,000 messages, now forms part of a vibrant and colourful display across all four stands of the stadium. Flags and banners have been provided by The 1881 Movement, along with a number of supporter groups and individual fans.

There are also banners promoting the club’s ‘We’ and ‘Watford Welcomes’ campaigns, along with support for ‘Black Lives Matter’, and the Sir Elton John Stand contains yellow and black banners featuring the names of every season ticket holder, as well as those who have bought match tickets in the past three seasons.

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MASINA: “IT’S COMPLETELY DIFFERENT WITHOUT THE FANS” Adam Masina says the Hornets are missing the ‘warmth’ of their supporters, but insists the players are learning to adapt to the unusual experience of playing in front of a near-empty stadium.

“It’s different, of course. If you don’t feel the warmth of the fans and the crowd, for us it’s completely different,” said the 26-year-old after last weekend’s draw with Leicester, Watford’s first behind-closeddoors match.

“I know it’s a very hard moment for

everybody and I have a massive amount of respect for everybody in this situation.

“For us, we have to play in another atmosphere and it’s strange. You can hear the coach and each other better so that is good, but we know it’s different and we have to deal with it.

“We have had very good performances with our fans [in the past] and we know when the Vicarage is full, we feel something more.”

DOUCOURÉ ADMIRES SAINTS ESCAPE ACT When Watford and Southampton met at St Mary’s in November, the two sides occupied the Premier League’s bottom two places.

A 2-1 Saints win acted as a catalyst for Ralph Hasenhüttl’s team, who have since risen to a comfortable mid-table position, and Abdoulaye Doucouré has been impressed by the south coast side.

“They have escaped from the relegation fight now and I think they are a very good side,” said the midfielder.

“We know Southampton will fight until the end of the game and we need to be ready.

It will be another tough game but with the confidence and strength we have in the squad, we can beat anyone.”

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IN THEIR OWN WORDS 11

IGNACIO PUSSETTO Winger on growing up in Argentina, cookery lessons and a new-found love for ‘The Great British Bake Off’

IGNACIO

PUSSETTO

Age: 24 Squad number: 33 Nationality: Argentinian Watford games: 0+6 Watford goals: 0

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SMALLTOWN BOY I grew up in a very small town in Argentina called Cañada Rosquín. I think there’s only around 5,000 people who live there, but it was a fantastic place to grow up as a kid. Everyone knew each other and we would all go out onto the street and play sports together. It was a very calm and nice area to grow up in. My parents still live there but my brother Alfredo also moved away for football. He plays for Club Atlético Unión back in Argentina, so he lives there now. We used to play football together

a lot because there’s not a big age gap between us – he’s only a little more than a year older than me – so we would play in local teams together. When I went to play for Atlético de Rafaela, he also joined them later on but we never got to play at the same time. We played so much in our house growing up and we would make such a mess kicking the ball around. I once kicked the ball and it hit my brother in the face and cracked his tooth, and he never lets me forget about that!

MY HEROES As a youngster I would love to watch the Argentinian national team and all the stars that we used to have. I enjoyed watching players like Javier Saviola and César ‘Chelito’ Delgado, who was my favourite player for Rosario Central, the team that I supported. He was a great player and he went on to play for Lyon too. Another player

I looked up to was Luciano Figuero, who was another striker for Rosario Central and he also had a short spell at Birmingham.

These were all players who I learnt so much from watching and who I aspired to one day be like. Obviously, there’s another player from Argentina who I’ve looked up to a lot as well…

>> THE HORNET

>>

SIMPLY THE BEST Lionel Messi’s a huge star back home in Argentina, just like he is all around the world. His height when he was younger meant he was told that he could not become a footballer, but against all the odds he did it and became one of the best players we’ve ever seen. He’s a hard worker and he left to go to Europe at such a young age when no-one knew if he’d become a professional. He had to leave his friends and family behind, but it’s paid off with him being able to show his incredible ability. I think that’s why people admire him so much, like I do, as he’s worked so hard to become the star he is today. I have been to see him play but I have never had the chance to meet him or play against him. I have, however, played against Cristiano Ronaldo in Italy and I can say he is an unbelievable player.

It overwhelmed me how good he was on the pitch, but for me, I do still have to say that Messi is the best player between them.

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“.” “”

IGNACIO

PUSSETTO

Since I was a child I always wanted to play in Europe, and I used to tell my father and friends that was my dream. I watched European football all the time, so it was perfect when I got that opportunity.

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STARTING OUT I began my career in the youth team of Juventud Unida, a team local to where I lived, and that is where I learned the basics of the game and how to play football. I discovered things such as the importance of my teammates, although I didn’t really start to learn properly about tactics, positioning and things like that until further down the line. I joined Atlético de Rafaela when I was about 16 and they were a team in the

Argentine Primera División, so it was a huge step up for me. I always dreamed of playing in the top division, so it was great to achieve it. I had a mix of good and bad moments there because I got injured a few times, but I always managed to come back stronger.

Then when I was 20, I moved to Huracán, another Primera División team where I stayed for a couple of years until I got my dream move to Europe.

ITALIAN JOB

>> THE HORNET

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Since I was a child I always wanted to play in Europe, and I used to tell my father and friends that was my dream. I watched European football all the time, so it was perfect when I got that opportunity nearly two years ago. Udinese wanted to bring me to Italy and when I spoke to Gino Pozzo he asked if he could count on me, and I told him how much I wanted to play in Europe. It was hard for me to adapt at first because the football in Europe is a lot more physical and tactical, but after the first

three or four games I was in the starting XI, so I think I did well to adapt quickly. Valon Behrami was very important in helping me when I first arrived in Italy, and I know he used to play here at Watford. He speaks a lot of languages, so I could speak to him in Spanish when I didn’t know any Italian, and that helped me a lot. On the pitch he would defend you right until the end and he always made sure that the players performed at their best, so I had a lot of admiration for him.

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PREMIER LEAGUE PLEDGE After 18 months in Italy I felt like I was ready to come to England, but I did not know I was going to be able to come to Watford at the time. When I was brought from Huracán to Udinese we discussed the possibility of eventually moving to Watford, so that interest was always there for me.

I had it in my head that if I was able to achieve certain goals then I would be able to come to Watford, but at the time I did not know it was going to happen. Thankfully it came around quicker than I expected

and I moved here in January this year.

Growing up, I remember I would wake up really early to watch the games in England.

At the time I liked watching Arsenal with Thierry Henry and all the great players they had. Sometimes I would also watch the Chelsea games because they had a great team too. I’m looking forward to playing against these teams soon as I hope I will finally be able to play in the stadiums I used to see on the TV. I also hope that we will beat them.

VISIT ENGLAND I have only been living in England for a short amount of time, and most of that has been spent in isolation. I would have liked to have seen much more of the country in this time, but I have managed to visit some places. I went to Oxford and I really enjoyed it there, especially learning about the history

MASTER CHEF When I was little, I used to love watching my mother make desserts and sweet treats. I wanted to learn how to do it, and I obviously wanted to eat them too! When I went to play for Atlético de Rafaela, they gave us a cooking course and I really enjoyed it. Since then I’ve picked up some skills and I watch cooking shows all the time at home with my partner. We really like to watch ‘The Great British Bake Off’. I love a barbeque, like all typical Argentinians do, but I also like to make any type of risotto. I’ve been told that Ben Foster is a very good cook too, but I’ve not had the chance to speak about that with him yet.

of the city. I have to say, I like the lifestyle I have here and the tranquillity of it all, even if the weather isn’t always very good! My dog Totito really enjoys it here too. I get to take him to all the big parks for walks, which I couldn’t do back in Italy.

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IGNACIO

>> THE HORNET

>>

PUSSETTO

When I was brought from Huracán to Udinese we discussed the possibility of eventually moving to Watford, so that interest was always there for me. I had it in my head that if I was able to achieve certain goals then I would be able to come.

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PEDAL POWER Something else that I know Ben Foster likes is cycling, but I’m afraid I don’t share that interest with him. In fact, I would actually say I hate it! I don’t mind going outside on a bike so much, but I don’t like doing it on a machine. Having said that, I quite enjoyed

doing Ben’s cycle class while we were in lockdown. It was really good fun and the atmosphere that we had among the players made it so much easier to do the training sessions. He was a little bit strict with us, but he was good fun.

TEE TIME Away from football, I really like to play golf, but I haven’t had the chance to play it in England yet. I particularly enjoy watching Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. I only got into golf more recently, but it is a good way to get away from everything.

My other passion is tennis. As a kid I

always played it, right up until I needed to decide between that and football. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are my favourite tennis players, and not just because some people say me and Djokovic look similar!

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In our game There’s always room for passion.

There’s room for rivalry.

There’s room for emotion.

But there is no room for racism.

If you see it, report it.

>> THE HORNET

>>

Download the Kick It Out app, or tell a police officer or steward in the stadium.

UNIFORIA UNIFORIA UNIFORIA UNIFORIA

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© 2020 adidas AG

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A SEASON IN PICTURES

WATFORD FC LADIES We asked Watford FC Ladies photographer Andrew Waller to pick out his top five photos from a memorable 2019/20 campaign….

Pic 1 “This is an unexpected composition! I had no idea that it would turn out like this and it just shows what can happen when three players compete for the ball from different angles.”

Pic 2

>> THE HORNET

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“This was a key goal in the match against Gillingham at Chatham FC’s ground. Helen Ward completely got the better of the defenders and headed the ball into the net.”

21 Pic 3 “Not a match moment, but a photo that shows the extreme dedication and effort that the team puts into practice and warm-ups.”

Pic 4 “One of two shots I’ve selected from the away match against Plymouth Argyle last December.

There were nine goals in all, and the frustration of the Plymouth defender can be clearly seen here as she holds back Adekite Fatuga-Dada.”

Pic 5 “Just after Andrea Carid scored the last-minute winner from a diving header in this 5-4 victory in Plymouth, their keeper (and captain) voices her disappointment.”

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RYAH VYSE

MY TEAMMATES Fastest?

Ade [Fatuga-Dada].

Gym freak?

Elle and her quads.

Funniest?

We’ve got quite a few candidates for this one, but I’m going to give it to Leggy Legs, my chat show partner.

Slowest?

Leggy [Katie O’Leary] – sorry!

Hardwoman?

>> THE HORNET

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Emily, our silent assassin.

23 Moodiest?

Ade when she skies it over the bar in training.

Best dressed?

Becks’ feet.

Person you’d most likely call in an emergency?

Helen for her motherly traits. If she doesn’t answer then Becks as second eldest member of team, and if she doesn’t answer then Alysha, as she doesn’t live far so she could hopefully get to me quicker than the others!

Worst dressed?

Chrissie and her all-weather wearing shades.

Always late?

I really don’t notice, I think we’re quite a punctual team to be fair! But, let’s go with the twins [Eshe Johnson-Davies and Afiya Johnson], because they always seem to be stuck in traffic on the M3 or M25. Or they keep just reusing the same motorway traffic picture for a cover up!

Person you’d least likely call in an emergency?

Myself!

Most vain?

It has to be Nina and her hairspray and perfect pony obsession, and in close second Ocean, with the light-up mirror she brings to the changing room. But, if you want to have a scroll through Instagram, then Ade has an array of selfies on offer that should keep you entertained for a while.

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>> THE HORNET

>>

STAY SAFE

© Sports Interactive Limited 2020.

Published by SEGA Publishing Europe Limited.

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LONG-SERVING FAN ‘ABSOLUTELY CHUFFED’ TO HEAR FROM TOMMY MOONEY DURING LOCKDOWN… As the Covid-19 pandemic took a grip of the country, Dave Froom – a Hornets fan for more than 50 years who had recently battled prostate cancer – found himself isolated from friends and family.

“I’ve been a fan since birth thanks to Dad’s influence,” said Dave’s son, Mike. “My earliest footballing memories are of being carried to The Vic on Dad’s shoulders and to this day, we attend matches together. Dad picks us up and we meet friends in the pub before the buzz of the walk to the ground.”

Dave, who names Tony Coton, Stuart Scullion and Richard Johnson among his favourite past players, desperately missed his matchday ritual.

“Watford is such a family thing for us,” he said.

“I have a young grandson who will hopefully be coming to his first game soon. Introducing another family member to our club will be great and we can’t wait to be back at The Vic.” Like so many other people in similar positions, Mike contacted the club as part of the ‘Hornets At Home’ scheme. Dave was then delighted to receive a phone call from Tommy Mooney.

“We spoke about how long I’ve been a supporter and my memories, what Tommy is up to now and the great team spirit that GT built,” said Dave.

“Tommy said a lot of the players still keep in contact and have kept that togetherness that the promotion-winning team was built on. I was absolutely chuffed to hear from him.”

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L CKDOWN LIFE Watford stars reveal how they’ve spent their time as the nation went into lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic…

ADRIAN MARIAPPA Who have you spent lockdown with?

I was in my house in Watford with my family: the missus and the kids.

How have you managed to keep the kids entertained?

We played football in the garden and tried to get as much exercise as we could. The kids kept me entertained throughout with the home schooling! I did my best with that. I wasn’t too harsh and didn’t dish out any detentions. I just tried to help them get it all done. It took a lot of concentration!

Which TV programmes or films have you enjoyed?

I didn’t end up watching any series, to be fair. We did watch all the episodes of Marvel Universe as a family though, so that was good.

Have you read any books?

I always like to read but my routine went completely out the window. I didn’t read or watch anything, really. I was reading a lot before lockdown, but everything was just spun on its head.

>> THE HORNET

>>

What music have you listened to?

Music is always on in my house. There is usually reggae on when the missus is cooking or I have some house music on when I’m in the gym. I like to have a good variety.

How did you manage to keep yourself fit?

I was on the bike a lot, virtual racing with

Fozzy. We had a good few rides together and that was really good for morale and team spirit. Fozzy keeps you on your toes with that. I was then going out running or using the gym, which I am very lucky to have at home.

Have you been doing any extra cooking?

No, I totally backed off from the cooking.

One of my daughters had me baking banana bread a few times, so that was nice.

Have you learnt any new skills?

I learnt to play chess. My son, who is nearly six, is the one who can play chess, so he was teaching us all.

Did you let your hair grow or cut it yourself?

I left the hair and cut the beard. I’m definitely leaving the hair longer now for the summer and I’ll rock it long for a bit longer.

Who have you missed the most?

I missed the lads, to be fair. I spoke to most of them quite regularly, though. My dad lives quite close, so he was dropping off food and stuff from a safe distance.

My eldest daughter doesn’t live with me and doesn’t drive so that was a tough one. I was on FaceTime and Zoom a lot, although I’m glad we now have more face-to-face contact with people.

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>> THE HORNET

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A CHANNEL DEDICATED TO THE

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You are why we fly.

We fly to bring hope. We fly to bring comfort. We fly because people need to get home and life-saving equipment needs to get to the lives that need saving. We fly for the same reason we always have and always will‌you.

American Airlines and the Flight Symbol logo are marks of American Airlines, Inc. oneworld is a mark of the oneworld Alliance, LLC. Š 2020 American Airlines, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Send your pic & a few words to programme@watfordfc.com ANTHONY FARQUHARSON, aged 12 from Manila in the Philippines, came to the Man United and Aston Villa games earlier this season. This was his first trip to The Vic along with his cousin JAMES FARQUHARSON, aged eight, who came from Stratford-upon-Avon. Anthony really enjoyed both games and is now an overseas Hornet. His favourite players are Troy Deeney, IsmaĂŻla Sarr and Ignacio Pussetto. James plays in goal for Stratford Colts and his favourite players are Troy and Ben Foster.

They wish Super Nigel and the players good luck for the rest of the season. Come on you Horns!

After 50 years of hard work, congratulations on your retirement to Watford supporter GRAHAM SPITTLES! Thanks for all you do for us all. So well deserved. Love from all your family.

Wishing ANDREW GODDARD a very happy belated birthday! Once a season ticket holder in the Rookery with his auntie, uncle and cousin, Andrew now resides in Canada.

Have a fab birthday! Love all your family.

A huge thank you to young Watford fan HARRY CURNOW for this poster dedicated to the team! Harry has been a Watford fan since the day he was born at Watford General Hospital in August 2012. His Dad, Matt, has been a dedicated supporter since 1979, when he used to watch matches with his Dad in the north west terrace. Matt is a season ticket holder and Harry joins him whenever he can. Harry is also a keen footballer himself, playing for Everett Rovers Under-8s and always practicing in the garden!

A very happy 60th birthday to STEVE FLETCHER, pictured here at the FA Cup final last year with his sister Diane and daughter Beccy, who are both also lifelong Watford fans. Have a great day Steve, love from all your family x

A new Hornet arrived on December 23, 2019!

JOSH PATRICK SHEEHY, born in Watford General Hospital, is son to season ticket holder Martin and Mum Katy. Here he is with his big sister and brother Kiera and Mitchell!

Happy birthday to TEDDY BRACEY, who turned 21 on June 26. Teddy has been supporting the Hornets for most of his life, having been at the play-off final in Cardiff when just six years old. He is a thirdgeneration supporter, with his grandfather, parents, uncles and brothers all avid fans. We hope the result today makes it a perfect few days for you.

In his birthday month, we wish a very happy 70th birthday to JONATHAN ARTHUR, a lifelong fan whose love affair with the Hornets began in the 1950s. From scaling water towers to watch the team and the great excitement as Vicarage Road got its first floodlights, to passing on the ‘curse’ to his son and family.

A true and loyal fan who taught me that your club is for life.

All our love to you on this special day. Truly the best father and husband anyone could be lucky enough to have. Even though I’m not there physically, my heart is with you cheering on the boys. Love from Nic xxx Congratulations to ANDY CASTLE, who celebrated his 65th birthday on March 28.

Andy has been a supporter of Watford since he went to his first match as a 12-yearold with his dad and uncle in 1967. Living in Bexhill-on-Sea, he is a long-distance season ticket holder and drives the 200-mile round trip to most home games. Most members of his family have received a Watford-related birthday or Christmas gift at some point!

Have a great day. Love from wife Rachel and sons Chris and Drew.

The club were saddened to hear about the recent passing of TOM SHARKEY, a season ticket holder in the Lower Graham Taylor Stand accessible seating. A member of the Watford FC Enables disabled supporters association and a regular attendee at their meetings, Tom was an absolute gentleman and will be much missed at both matches and meetings. Everyone at the club sends their best wishes to Tom’s family and friends.

Wishing a belated happy birthday to PAUL SCOTT, who celebrated his 70th on the day lockdown started in March.

A Hornets supporter since the 1980s, Paul used to sit in the old Family Enclosure but can now be found in the Lower Graham Taylor Stand. A firstgeneration Watford fan, Paul has passed on his love for the Hornets to his three children and some of his grandchildren have started cheering on the Golden Boys in recent seasons too. Hope you had a great day! With love from your family.

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IT WAS A DAUNTING TIME FOR US

>> THE HORNET

>>

Hornets fan Alice Leeming one of many supporters working on the frontline for the NHS, having graduated early from medical school to help…

When strict lockdown measures were first enforced back in March, life changed in an unprecedented way for millions living up and down the country.

Schools and workplaces closed, businesses were forced to adapt, and a heavy burden was placed upon key workers who were asked to put their own health at risk in order to provide essential services for a country in the midst of a deadly pandemic.

Playing her part in ways that would have seemed unfathomable just weeks earlier was Alice Leeming, one of countless Watford supporters who have worked tirelessly over recent months as part of the heroic NHS taskforce.

A lifelong Hornets fan, student doctor Alice graduated early from medical school and along with her friends Ashley, Jenna, Lisa and Sree, started work straight away as the coronavirus outbreak started to spread.

“Our graduation from medical school was brought forward so we could help out with the situation,” she explained. “It was a daunting time for us.”

With lockdown in place, Alice and her friends decided to customise their gowns for their virtual graduation ceremony in honour of the Hornets, donning homemade Watfordthemed mortarboards.

But time spent on shift was far more serious, with the harsh realities of the health crisis in evidence on a daily basis.

“The situation was changing so fast it was difficult to keep up,” said Alice.

“Everybody kept being moved to different

wards and different departments as more and more cases came in. The disruption was hard and everyone was having to get used to new roles and new ways of working very quickly.”

At least there was some respite though for Alice and her colleagues at Watford General Hospital, who were able to use the facilities on offer to hard-working NHS staff inside Vicarage Road Stadium, a venue that had already provided her with so many warm memories in the past.

“Coming to the stadium was especially good for me as I am a big fan of the Hornets,” said Alice, whose all-time favourite player is Lloyd Doyley.

“I’ve been a fan since I was tiny. My Dad brought me up in a Watford bib that said ‘I dribble better than the Hornets’. On a typical matchday I’d meet my family in front of Fry Days on Vicarage Road for some pre-game chips, often with my parents, my sister and both my grandmas.

“During my final-year medical school placement at Watford General I came to as many home games as possible with my Dad, so I already had good associations between the hospital and the football. But then I got to eat breakfast in the Graham Taylor Stand!

“We really appreciated having a place to relax away from the wards.”

All connected to the club continue to appreciate the efforts of Alice and the many other Watford supporters in the NHS working so hard for us all at this difficult time.

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The situation was changing so fast it was difficult to keep up.

NATURAL CAFFEINE ZERO SUGAR HYDRATION now available countrywide

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GOLDEN MEMORIES P36-37 PREQUELS XI

P44-45 FIRST TIME UP

P38-39 MARIAPPA: 10 YEARS ON

P46-47 YELLOW BRICK ROAD

P40-41 OVERSEAS OPPONENTS

P48-49 TEN YEARS IN THE ROOKERY END

Matt Rowson picks a team of players who’ve contributed significantly to games between Watford and Southampton

A season-long chat with the homegrown Hornet on his decade of service to the Hornets

Looking back at exhibition matches against overseas teams through programme excerpts and memorabilia

P42-43 THE NUMBER GAME

Find out which number 20s feature in our look back on 20 years of Watford squad numbers

See what was happening at The Vic and elsewhere as Watford achieved their first ever promotion 60 years ago

Daily Mirror sportswriter Mike Walters celebrates 50 years of albums by Sir Elton John

Highlights and memorable moments as fans’ podcast From the Rookery End marks its testimonial year

P50 STORY OF A SEASON

Using facts and stats from Trefor Jones’ watfordfcarchive.com, Matt Rowson looks back at the 2011/12 campaign

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N O S TA L G I A

PREQUELS XI

>> THE HORNET

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Matt Rowson picks a team from those who have contributed significantly to previous matches between the Hornets and today’s visitors…

An ambitious 4-3-1-2 formation for this week’s selection, starting with RICHARD LEE between the sticks. The soon-to-be Dragon’s Den entrepreneur made a memorable contribution to our trip to St Mary’s in October 2008, saving penalties from first David McGoldrick and then Paul Wotton to help the Hornets towards a 3-0 victory. He would complete a good week by saving another penalty from Cardiff City’s Ross McCormack three days later.

Two more Hornets in full-back positions. JAMES CHAMBERS was a versatile and willing asset to all the teams he turned out for, but prolific he wasn’t. His senior career comprised three goals, two of which coming against the Saints in a League Cup tie in 2004. Steve Wigley’s bedraggled side were beaten 5-2 on the night, Chambers’ brace coming early in the second half. He’d have to wait nearly a decade for his final career goal, a winner for Walsall against Sheffield United in League One. On the left, JOSE HOLEBAS featured prominently in two encounters at St Mary’s in 2018. The first, a cup tie and Javí Gracia’s first match in charge, saw the emotional full-back challenging supporters in the face of a 1-0 defeat. The second, 10 months later, was a decisive strike to level up an eventful Premier League game.

Two Saints men in the centre.

Dutchman JAN-PAUL SAEIJS spent six months on loan with the club who were on their way to relegation to the third tier. He scored twice in 20 games, both coming at Vicarage Road in a 2-2 draw which he levelled up with a 25-yard free-kick in the dying minutes. Alongside him is CHRIS NICHOLL,, a long-serving Saints NICHOLL centre half and later manager who didn’t have the best of luck on visits to The Vic. In September 1980 he gave away the penalty in a legendary cup encounter that pushed the second leg of a remarkable cup tie into extra-time at 5-1 on the night. Two years later he marked Southampton’s first top-tier visit with an own goal and a broken nose.

In midfield, NIGEL CALLAGHAN scored the first of his 52 senior goals for the Hornets in that same League Cup tie 10 days before his 18th birthday, coming off the bench to give the Hornets the lead in the tie for the first time in a game that would finish 7-1 on the night and 7-5 on aggregate. He’s alongside two players with a prolific history in these encounters. ABDOULAYE DOUCOURÉ found the net in three consecutive encounters in 2017 and 2018 – a 4-3 defeat here, a 2-0 win at St Mary’s and a 2-2 draw back at The Vic, two of

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• Chris Nicholl (below left) and Richard Lee penalty save (above).

which last-minute strikes. One hopes he has a hand in more this afternoon. He’s joined by JAMES WARD-PROWSE, whose 21 WARD-PROWSE league goals for the Saints to date include three against the Hornets; a brace in that 2-2 draw, and the winning goal in Hampshire earlier this season.

Floating with insouciance behind the front two is the charismatic XAVIER GRAVELAINE. GRAVELAINE Back from a three-match ban, Gravelaine’s brace secured the Hornets’ first win in 12 Premier League games back in 1999, the second a decisive strike shortly after Dave Jones’ side had recovered a 2-0 deficit. They were

T HE CO M B I N ED X I

LEE

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the nomadic striker’s only goals in a memorable seven games in a yellow shirt.

Ahead of Gravelaine, an all-Saints pairing of RICKIE LAMBERT and SHANE LONG. LONG Lambert played twice for Saints against the Hornets, both during Southampton’s charge to the Premier League in 2011/12. He scored two penalties in a 4-0 win at St Mary’s and an unanswered hat-trick at Vicarage Road.

Long, meanwhile, first faced the Hornets in the Premier League in December 2006 but his most memorable game in opposition came a matter of seconds into this fixture last season…

WARD-PROWSE CALLAGHAN

GRAVELAINE

LONG

LAMBERT

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N O S TA L G I A

ADRIAN MARIAPPA:

TEN YEARS ON

With 10 years’ first-team service now complete, during the 2019/20 season the homegrown defender picks out his most memorable moments for the Hornets so far…

15: THE ROAD TO WEMBLEY

>> THE HORNET

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Had you been to Wembley prior to playing in last season’s FA Cup semi-final and final?

I had, a few times actually. I played in the final for Palace against United [in 2016] and I went a few times as a kid. I went to watch England when I was 11. I can’t remember who they played but I do remember that Sol Campbell played left centre-back. My grandparents lived in Neasden so you could see the towers from their house and you could from my old house, too. I also used to go down to Wembley market when I got a bit older. Growing up so close to the stadium you dream of playing there in a cup final so to do it with Watford was a big dream.

You weren’t at the club for the Wembley play-off final in 2013 or the FA Cup semi-final in 2016, but you did see the Hornets in action at the famous old ground as a fan...

I was there in ‘99. I’ve still got loads of memorabilia from the day: the scarf, a t-shirt and everything. It was a massive day and I remember so much about it. We got the train down there with my mum and my brother. My mate Leigh Harrington was there as well. We were quite near the front in the corner, at the opposite end to that famous overhead kick [by Nick Wright]. We had such a good view. What a day it was.

Are there any FA Cup finals you clearly remember growing up?

One that really stands out in my memory is the Man United v Liverpool one in 1996 when Eric Cantona scored the winner. I was a big Cantona fan growing up so that one sticks out.

Coming through the ranks at Watford, were you aware of the ‘84 cup final against Everton?

It was something you couldn’t not be aware of at this club. It was a famous day in the club’s history. Even though there wasn’t that much footage around, as social media wasn’t a thing when I was growing up, you were made very aware of what was achieved back then. It just made you dream of wanting to do it yourself.

I’m guessing when the ball came out of the hat and you were drawn against Woking away in the third round, no-one was dreaming of a run to the final?

No, but there was a belief we could do well and a mindset to take the cups seriously. I’ve been at clubs and in teams where it was clearly evident the cups weren’t that important and that filters down to the performance. That wasn’t the case under Javi [Gracia]. We’d done well in the League Cup and were really unlucky to go out to Tottenham. The lads who had played in that were mostly those who hadn’t been playing in the league, so they were all chomping at the bit and had a real good attitude in the cup games.

You won the first three rounds, against Woking, Newcastle and QPR, all away from home, without even conceding a goal...

The performance at Newcastle was unbelievable. We were going into each round quietly confident and the momentum was building. We had real belief and the boys who

39 weren’t playing wanted us to do well and go further in the cup. There was a real good team spirit.

You didn’t play in the first three rounds, which we guess is a compliment as it meant you were a fixture in the Premier League side...

I wanted to play in all the games. That’s how I was and how I’ve always been. I was itching to play in the cup games and thankfully I ended up back in the side for the quarter-final against Palace. Miguel Britos had played in all the rounds and had done great against QPR. I’m sure he was disappointed to be left out as I know I would have been if I was him, but you have to go with the coach’s decision. Being against my old club Palace, I was determined not to let them get past us. It was a great win, a great day and it meant we beat them three times in the same season. That was a good achievement.

Then came the epic semi-final against Wolves.

Where do we start trying to discuss one of the best ever FA Cup semi-finals?

That was one of my best days in football. I was so looking forward to the occasion, going down Wembley Way and so on, and then we went two goals down. We weren’t playing poorly, that’s the thing, but we stuck at it and the boys showed their character. We turned it around and you couldn’t have written it any better. I was in tears after that. To be part of that game, for my hometown club, was emotional. That was something that you dream of as a kid, making a final and the way we did it. The fans were brilliant.

Plans for the club’s second ever appearance in the cup final then swung into action, including the all-important choice of club suits...

We all had a bit of input in that. We wanted to keep the FA Cup final tradition of wearing a suit but we wanted a modern-day twist. I wanted to wear a suit but we agreed no tie and that we would wear [white] trainers. The boys looked good. I’ve still got the suit as it was so nicely tailored. I’ve worn it a couple of times since.

Did you get many ticket requests?

My kids were there, my missus, my brother, my sister and my parents. I had a few friends there too, so there was a good following. My dad usually can’t come and watch as he gets too nervous, but he was there for this one. I think he had a couple of drinks to settle his nerves.

How was the build-up to the final against Manchester City? It was always going to be a tough ask wasn’t it, against the side going for the domestic treble?

I was excited but nervous. I genuinely thought we had a great chance. We hadn’t finished the season how we wanted to, but we had a clubrecord finish and the boys were confident. We needed to be at it, things to go our way and them to be slightly off to have a chance, but they were outstanding. City were bang on it and the result was devastating. It was absolutely devastating to lose 6-0 but I was so proud of our fans. When the fifth goal went in, all you could hear was them. I felt really bad for them.

It is a game you consign to the bin or have you watched it again?

I’ve watched it a few times, actually. You can’t change it so you just have to watch it, try and take some positives and learn from it. We lost to a very, very good team, but we need to be very proud that we got to an FA Cup final. It’s something that is incredibly hard to do. I’ve still got my shirt. It’s in a frame at my mum and dad’s house. They keep all the special shirts I’ve worn, like my debut one and the one from the play-off win at Cardiff. This cup final one sits next to them.

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N O S TA L G I A

OVERSEAS OPPONENTS Take a trip down memory lane as memorabilia and publication excerpts, lovingly supplied by Alan Palmer, help us reminisce about matches against overseas opponents from yesteryear…

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Main.indd 1

Saturday August 2, 2014 Pre-Season Friendly

>> THE HORNET

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WATFORD 2 UDINESE CALCIO 2 Clubs owned by Mr G Pozzo (snr) and Mr G Pozzo (jnr) met on a sunny August afternoon at Vicarage Stadium when Watford entertained Udinese for a game which would end in a 2-2 draw.

With Beppe Sannino in the Hornets’ dugout (for just August, as it would transpire), there was a strong Italian flavour to the fixture – although across the two line-ups the influence of the renowned global scouting network was apparent to over 11,000 spectators enjoying the pre-season sunshine.

Silvan Widmer’s firm header gave Udinese the lead, only for a stunning Lewis McGugan free-kick to restore parity early in the second half. Mathias Ranegie had to again equalise for the hosts after French striker Cyril Thereau had restored the away side’s lead.

Watford: Gomes; Angella, Tamas (Hoban), Ekstrand, Anya (Dyer), Abdi (Fabbrini), Andrews, McGugan (Battocchio), Pudil (Doyley), Deeney (Ranegie), Vydra (Ighalo).

Goals: Ranegie, McGugan.

Udinese: Brkic (Scuffet); Heurteaux, Danilo, Domizzi; Widmer, Pinzi (Badu), B Fernandes (Nico Lopez), Guilherme (Allan), Riera (G Silva); Di Natale, Muriel (Thereau).

Goals: Widmer, Thereau. Att; 11,085.

41 HEAD COAC

WATFORD

UDINESE

H BEPPE SAN NINO

YELLOW SHIRT BLACK SHORS WITH BLACK TRIM, TS, YELLOW SOCKS

ALMEN ABDI JAVIER ACUNA KEITH ANDRE WS GABRIELE AN GELLA IKECHI ANYA CRISTIAN BAT TOCCHIO ESSAID BELKAL EM JONATHAN BON D (GK) GEORGE BYE RS CRAIG CATHCA RT TROY DEENEY JOSH DOHER TY LLOYD DOYLE Y LLOYD DYER JOEL EKSTRA ND DIEGO FABBRIN I FERNANDO FORESTIERI HEURELHO GO MES (GK) TOMMIE HOBAN ODION IGHALO UCHE IKPEAZU IRINEY ALEX JAKUBI AK JORELL JOHNSO N LEWIS MCGU GAN BERNARD MEN SAH SEAN MURRA Y LUKE O’NIEN JUAN CARLO S PAREDES DANIEL PUDIL MATHIAS RAN EGIE CONNOR SMI TH GABRIEL TAM AS DANIEL TOZSER MATEJ VYDRA

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HEAD COACH ANDREA STRAM ACCIONI

BLACK & WHIT WHITE SOCKS E STRIPED SHIRTS, WHIT E SHOR

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MATCH OFFICIALS REFEREE MICHAEL BULL ASSISTANT REFE REES ROBERT WHIT TON LEE VENAMOR E FOURTH OFFICIAL WADE NORCOT T

UP NEXT AT VICARAGE ROAD: WATFORD v

BOLTON WANDERERS SKY BET CHAMPIONS HIP SATURDAY AUGUST 9, 2014 KICK-OFF: 3PM

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Owned by Giampaolo Pozzo, Udinese currently sit 15th in Italy’s Serie A, three points clear of the final relegation slot with 11 fixtures left to complete the 2019/20 campaign.

They have been a consistent present in their country’s top-flight, and, unlike other more glamourous names of the division, can boast of competing in both the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League in recent years.

A hotbed of young, emerging talent from

around the world, the Pozzo family’s celebrated global scouting network has meant some of the biggest names in European and world football have plied their trade in this ambitious corner of north-east Italy before being traded for sums far in excess of those which precipitated their arrival at a town which is roughly the same size as Watford in terms of population.

It’s nearly five years now since their Stadio Friuli home underwent a remarkable transformation to become the state-of-the-art facility it is today, known as the Dacia Arena.

Holding over 25,000 fans, it’s rightly acclaimed as an architectural thing of beauty and plays host to a team currently coached by Luca Gotti.

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N O S TA L G I A

JÓH ANN GUÐ MUN DSS ON

L LL DEL MAR VIN SOR DE

MAT ĚJ VYD RA

>> THE HORNET

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NUMBER 20s 1999-2001: Jóhann Guðmundsson 2001-2002: David Noble 2002-2005: Lloyd Doyley 2005-2009: Al Bangura 2010-2012: Marvin Sordell 2012-13: Matěj Vydra 2013-14: Diego Fabbrini 2014: Park Chu-young 2014-15: Matěj Vydra 2015-16: Steven Berghuis 2016-17: Mauro Zarate 2017-18: Dodi Lukebakio 2018-present: Domingos Quina

20

THE NUMBER GAME

JÓHANN GUÐMUNDSSON

There can’t be too many players who score two goals on their club debuts, but the Icelandic international did just that in October 1998. As a 20-year-old, Guðmundsson made his first start for the Hornets against Port Vale. Wearing the no.2 shirt but playing on the right wing, he scored two welltaken goals in a 2-2 draw. It was not enough to keep a first-team place though and he was on the bench for the next league game. Guðmundsson played a few more times for the team and made the Premier League squad the following season – handed shirt number 20 – but never scored again before swiftly departing to play for clubs in Norway, Sweden and then back home in Iceland, in a career that lasted over 20 years. Scoring two goals on your Watford debut doesn’t always ensure a long and successful career at Vicarage Road; just ask Ian Richardson, who scored two goals against Kaiserslautern in one of the club’s most famous wins in the UEFA Cup in 1983. Just like the Icelander, they were the only goals he scored for the club before quickly moving on.

MARVIN SORDELL

Born locally in Harrow, it wasn’t until the striker was 16 years old that he joined Watford on a twoyear scholarship. He made his debut in the 2009/10 season and continued to gain experience with a two-month loan stay at Tranmere Rovers. By the start of the 2010/11 season, Marvin had established himself alongside Danny Graham up front and had a fantastic season, scoring 15 goals, and showing his clear talent and finishing ability. As the Hornets were very much a selling club then it was not too long before other clubs became interested in a player who had already made his England Under-21 debut. On deadline day in January 2012, he signed for Bolton Wanderers, then a Premier League club. Being away from home proved to be a difficult experience and Sordell was also the victim of racial abuse while playing for Bolton. The striker struggled for form and spent brief stints at Burnley, Colchester and Coventry before a two-year

Twenty years since Watford first used squad numbers, James Garrett recalls some of the players to have worn a particular number since 1999/2000…

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stay at Burton Albion. Sadly, after a short loan at Northampton Town, Marvin decided to retire from professional football and now helps others with mental health issues. He also runs a production company, is a public speaker and poet, and has recently appeared in a BBC documentary about mental health in football. He is a true role model and Watford is proud of him.

MATĚJ ĚJ VYDRA Ě

It is difficult to remember sometimes that the Czech striker only played two full seasons with Watford, such was his contribution to the club.

Arriving in 2012 as an unknown 20-year-old, on loan from Udinese, he scored a debut winner in a 3-2 victory at Crystal Palace. In the autumn months he truly found his form and established a formidable partnership with Troy Deeney as the team pushed into the play-off places. In the semifinal second leg win over Leicester City, it is often forgotten that Vydra – who won Championship Player of the Season – scored two goals, including a world class left-footed volley to open the scoring.

Despite these heroics, he injured his ankle in the first half of the play-off final as the Hornets lost to Crystal Palace. Having moved on loan to West Brom in the Premier League for the 2013/14 season, in the summer of 2014 Vydra surprised Hornets supporters by signing again on a seasonlong loan, highlighting once more the club’s promotion ambitions. The arrival of Odion Ighalo, who was about to have the most inspired year of his career, meant that Vydra often played more of a supportive role but still found the net 16 times in the season.You might remember his thunder strike at home to Brentford, but for me, I can still see that glorious 94th-minute goal at Brighton, which I was watching from behind the goal, on the day that promotion back to the Premier League was confirmed. Despite signing a long-term deal in the summer of 2015, Vydra never made a Premier League appearance for Watford and joined Reading on loan, before signing permanently for Derby County. He now plays for Burnley.

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N O S TA L G I A

FIRST TIME UP Sixty years on from Watford’s first ever promotion – from Division Four in 1959/60 – Paul Levene looks at what was happening at Vicarage Road and elsewhere in the world in April 1960…

>> THE HORNET

>>

FROM THE VICARAGE

Going into April 1960, Watford had nine games left and were one place outside the automatic promotion places before hosting Aldershot. In an early setback, the visitors notched a 3-1 victory with former Watford player Bobby Howfield scoring to rub salt into the wounds.

Manager Ron Burgess made changes for the trip to Darlington and was rewarded with a 3-0 win, the first of four in a row taking in the Easter period, the goals coming from Cliff Holton,Tony Gregory and Dennis Uphill.

Good Friday saw a 4-2 home win against Chester, including a Holton hat-trick, and then Gateshead were demolished 5-0 the following day, also at Vicarage Road. Holton netted three times again, including two penalties.

The Easter Monday fixture was at Sealand Road against Chester and Gregory’s single goal was enough complete a holiday double.

As Watford travelled to Rochdale next, the reserve side were celebrating promotion from Football Combination Division Two with a home match against Fulham.

Rochdale were very strong at Spotland, so a point in

a 3-3 draw was a good one on paper. Uphill scored his 35th goal of the season and Rochdale only equalised again with a late free-kick.

Three-days later, Rochdale travelled to Vicarage Road for the return, with Watford one point behind Millwall in the final automatic place but, crucially, the Lions completed their season with a 1-0 defeat to Southport the day before. Northampton Town could also get promotion, level on points with Watford, having played a game more. A narrow 2-1 win against Rochdale, thanks to goals from Uphill and Holton, took Watford into an automatic spot with the away game vs Workington to follow, while the Cobblers were at Stockport County in their final fixture. Watford won 1-0 at Borough Park with a ninth-minute goal from Holton, but the result was not vital for securing promotion in the end as Northampton Town lost 3-0 at Edgeley Park.

The players and staff then celebrated with a dinner at the Central Hotel, Carlisle, and returned home later on the sleeper train.

The final match of the campaign was at home to champions Walsall on May 3 and ended in a 2-2 draw, Watford’s goals coming from Walker and a Holton penalty.

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Below Right: Dr Richard Beeching Left: Watford forward Dennis Uphill and singer Lonnie Donegan.

TOP OF THE POPS

Lonnie Donegan’s ‘My Old Man’s a Dustman’ was number one for almost the entirety of April 1960, replaced in the last week of the month by ‘Do You Mind’ by Anthony Newley. Another top-five single in the month was Max Bygraves’ ‘Fings Ain’t What They Used T’Be’. From an original play by Frank Norman, the music was written by Lionel Bart and Bygraves’ version of the title song was released the same year the production hit the West End. The early cast included Barbara Windsor and Yootha Joyce, later to find fame in the sitcom ‘George and Mildred’.

The Everly Brothers’ ‘Cathy’s Clown’ entered the UK charts at number 22 on April 14, and was destined to hit top spot the following month. It became Don and Phil Everly’s best-selling single, remaining at number one for seven weeks, only being deposed on June 23.

MAKING THE NEWS

Ominously for railway enthusiasts, Dr Richard Beeching was chosen to head a four-man task force looking into the state of this particular transport

mode. Beeching’s eventual recommendations resulted in major cuts to the network, some only just being reversed 60 years later.

Racing driver Stirling Moss, who sadly passed away in April 2020 aged 90, lost his driving license for 12 months due to a conviction for dangerous driving.

Over in South America, the city of Brasilia officially became the new capital of Brazil, while in South Africa, not only were there riots in the city of Durban, but in Johannesburg the country’s prime minister Dr Hendrik Verwoerd was shot by David Pratt, a 52-year-old farmer. Verwoerd survived and remained as prime minister until 1966 when his luck ran out, dying shortly after being stabbed by a parliamentary aide.

Famous people born as Watford were about to celebrate their first Football League promotion include broadcaster and journalist Jeremy Clarkson, athlete Linford Christie, cricketer and broadcaster Jonathan Agnew, former Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez and Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor.

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N O S TA L G I A

>> THE HORNET

>>

Daily Mirror sportswriter Mike Walters celebrates 50 years of albums

by Sir Elton John, Watford’s Honorary Life President…

The summer of 2005 is right up there in my top three since I started scribbling notes for a living.

All cardiologists’ leave was cancelled during a nerveshredding Ashes series, culminating in an opentopped bus ride to Trafalgar Square for the thirsty victors - and the prelude was memorable, too.

On a glorious weekend in June, Sir Elton John came ‘home’ to Vicarage Road and played a concert for his beloved Hornets.

It was originally billed as a fundraiser to help rebuild the dilapidated ‘main’ stand, a project for which there was to be “ring-fenced” capital. It would be almost another decade before Gino Pozzo brought the project to fruition and Elton christened the stand which bears his name today.

To the surprise of 23,000 spectators at the gig, most of them observing the stipulated yellow dress code, the great Rocket Man announced the proceeds – estimated at £1.3 million – would go directly towards financing new manager Aidy Boothroyd’s refurbishment of the squad.

It was music to the ears of Boothroyd, who was in the crowd (along with his predecessor Ray Lewington), when Elton announced the preferred destination of his concert’s profits.

Perhaps it is no coincidence that Boothroyd led

the Hornets to unexpected promotion after spending his windfall on Marlon King, Darius Henderson, Malky Mackay, Jordan Stewart, Matthew Spring and Clarke Carlisle for a total cost, give or take a few bob, of around £1.3m.

The gig itself, on a perfect midsummer evening, featured many of Sir Elton’s greatest hits and a dip into his latest album, Peachtree Road, which had first appeared the previous winter and would be re-released the following month.

Peachtree Road is in the northern part of Atlanta, Georgia, where one of his homes is located. For music connoisseurs, it was the only album in Sir Elton’s long career spanning half a century where he is credited as the sole producer.

The updated version included the hit single Electricity, from his score for Billy Elliot: The Musical, which reached No.4 in the UK charts.

As for the cricket, early the next day your correspondent headed to Bristol for a one-day international where Kevin Pietersen’s thrilling 91 not out off 65 balls carried England to victory against the Aussies – a violent and exhilarating foretaste of the entertainment to follow in the Ashes.

Elton knocking out the tunes on his home turf and KP knocking the Aussies out of the park... yep, that was a decent weekend.

47

48

N O S TA L G I A

Jon Moonie, Jason Bailey & Mike Parkin began Watford fans’ podcast From the Rookery End 10 years ago this season. To mark their testimonial year, the boys look back on an eventful decade for both the podcast and the club.

TEN YEARS IN

>> THE HORNET

>>

THE ROOKERY END Football is back, but From the Rookery End never went away!

During our 10 years of podcasting and sharing what life is like as a Watford supporter, we’ve covered some strange and challenging times.

Nothing could have prepared us for the events of this year however, with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing football to take an unscheduled hiatus.

Football has now resumed, but in the 104 footballless days, we continued to create podcasts, releasing a total of 25 shows.

The lockdown era forced us to be creative; we put together a super-player, combining the attributes of the best Watford players we’ve seen over the past 10 years. We put together the ultimate Pozzo-era XI. We hosted a quiz and ranked the past 10 seasons from best to worst. We also tried something that, even by our standards, was quite extraordinary.

Some of you will know that Colin, one of our cohosts, is an established actor (he recently appeared in the hit film Military Wives) and an in-demand voice artist. Shortly after football was brought

to a halt, Colin found himself badly missing his Saturday afternoon footie fix and decided to do something about it.

Many of you will have heard what happened next, while those of you that haven’t will perhaps raise an eyebrow at the absurdity of it - well, we’d urge you to delve into the archive and take a listen, because what Colin created was quite magnificent. Using his vivid imagination and seemingly endless vocal talents, Colin fired up his microphone and recorded completely imagined match commentaries on Watford’s ‘lost’ fixtures.

Complete with imaginary co-commentators (also voiced by Colin!) these unique podcasts provided listeners with the ability to hit play at just before 3pm on a Saturday afternoon and immerse themselves in a familiar soundscape, with (albeit completely fictitious!) commentary cascading from their speakers.

As you might expect, the results delivered a roller-coaster of emotion (today’s fixture with Southampton didn’t exactly go to plan, for example) with the outcome of the season all

49

Follow @watfordpodcast on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Listen to the podcast at fromtherookeryend.com

FROM THE ARCHIVES Episode 8.32 – Tired and Emotional (January 2018)

coming down to the final day of the campaign.

It’s at this stage that we ramped things up a bit.

On what would have been the final Sunday of the season, with Watford away at Arsenal, we not only had Colin’s fantastic commentary, but in addition, we also had reporters at the other games that involved teams in the relegation battle - step forward the brilliant Kelly Somers and magnificent Matt Rowson, neither of whom will be asked to do anything quite as bizarre again! In addition to the enhanced commentary, our IT specialist Jason created a replica of the famous ‘Soccer Saturday’ TV show, allowing us to broadcast events ‘as they happened’ via YouTube. Goal alerts and updates would flash up on the screen, with an as it stands Premier League table helping to add to the drama. We were delighted with the way it went (not least of all because, spoiler alert - the ‘Orns stayed up!) and the feedback we received from fellow supporters was that they enjoyed the experience.

Thanks to everyone that tuned in to the shows during the lockdown era; we had fun flexing our creative muscles and were hugely appreciative of the ongoing support and feedback we received.

Now though, it’s back to reality where we hope the team can replicate Colin’s imagined results and secure our place in the Premier League.

Come on you ‘Orns!

The boys travelled to Southampton in early 2018 to see Watford’s first game under Javi Gracia. The game started badly with the hosts going (and remaining) ahead after just four minutes, but the podcast, an audio diary of the day, serves as a welcome reminder that supporting your team through good times as well as bad is what it’s all about.

50

N O S TA L G I A

STORY OF A SEASON: 2011/12 Using facts and stats from the late Trefor Jones’ watfordfcarchive.co.uk, Matt Rowson looks back at notable campaigns from the Hornets’ history…

LEAGUE TABLE

Championship: 11th place | P46 W16 D16 L14 F56 A64 GD0 Pts50

OVERVIEW

An eventful season off the pitch provided a turbulent backdrop for Sean Dyche’s first season in management; the Hornets had said goodbye to manager Malky Mackay and chief executive Julian Winter the previous summer, and the club would change hands at the end of the season as Laurence Bassini gave way to the Pozzo ownership. On the pitch, Danny Graham, Will Buckley and Don Cowie had also left The Vic in the summer of 2011 and Marvin Sordell would depart at the very end of the January window. Dyche’s first Watford line-up included four debutants; two of them – Craig Forsyth and Mark Yeates – scored in a creditable 2-2 draw at Turf Moor that day but it was a slow start, with only two wins in the first 13 leaving the Hornets in the drop zone in late October. Form picked up though, particularly at home where Watford were unbeaten for four months. Sean Dyche picked 11 players under the age of 21 in league games, including the precocious Sean Murray who had turned 18 in the October but established himself in midfield in January, scoring seven goals before the end of the season to help the Hornets to an unlikely top-half finish, secured with a win at home to Middlesbrough on the final day.

ON THE PITCH MANAGER: Sean Dyche MOST LEAGUE APPS: Jonathan Hogg (40 of 46), Carl Dickinson (38), Adrian Mariappa (37) MOST LEAGUE GOALS: Troy Deeney (11), Marvin Sordell (8), Sean Murray (7) PENALTIES: Marvin Sordell (2), Troy Deeney (1) RED CARDS: Scott Loach at Portsmouth, Lloyd Doyley home to Leicester (rescinded), Adrian Mariappa home to Hull City PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Adrian Mariappa DOUBLES OVER: Ipswich Town, Millwall DOUBLES AGAINST: Crystal Palace, Southampton WATFORD DEBUTS: 17, including Jonathan Hogg, Nyron Nosworthy, Mark Yeates WATFORD FINAL BOWS: 16, including Scott Loach, Marvin Sordell, Matt Whichelow

SAME PLACE TODAY Eleven clubs who were in the Championship in 2011/12 remain in the second tier today: Barnsley, Birmingham, Bristol City, Cardiff, Derby, Hull, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Millwall, Nottingham Forest, Reading.

>> THE HORNET

>>

MOVED FURTHEST AWAY

Seven of the clubs in the second tier eight years ago are in the Premier League now, whilst six are in League One. Of the latter, four have been as low as the fourth tier in the interim only to bounce back – Blackpool, Coventry, Doncaster and Portsmouth, the latter three all relegated from the Championship in 2012.

ELSWEWHERE...

Roy Hodgson was confirmed as next England manager in succession to Fabio Capello. Brighton & Hove Albion moved into the Amex Stadium at Falmer, an event first planned in 1999. Dagenham & Redbridge’s FA Trophy tie with Leyton Orient went to penalties; the deciding penalty, the first not converted, was the 28th, resulting in a 14-13 win for Dagenham, the longest penalty shoot-out with consecutive scorers in the history of English football.

Rushden & Diamonds were expelled from the Conference for financial reasons and subsequently dissolved.

MORE NOSTALGIA NEXT TIME...

51 SOUTHAM PTO N 28.06.20 / 4.30PM / £3.50

CLUB LEGEND MAKES PERSONAL PHONE CALL TO LONG STANDING

SUPPORTER MAUREEN DURING LOCKDOWN… Maureen Wright has been a supporter of Watford FC for more than 50 years. She is a passionate supporter, holding a season ticket for much of that time. However, lockdown has been tough for Maureen, who lives opposite the stadium.

Her daughter Lynn, who also holds a season ticket with her daughter Grace, said: “The energy in the town on matchday and outside Mum’s house is something that raises the adrenalin, and the lack of competition and energy created by football makes things feel very flat.

“Mum’s week revolves around football, following the pundits and commentary. Saturdays for Mum are having multiple media of Sky Sports, Radio 5 Live Three Counties playing S and P I RI T O F THERadio HO RN ETS simultaneously in each room so as not to miss a thing.”

Particularly fond memories of Maureen’s are the FA Cup finals of 1984 and 2019. “The buzz in Watford, especially in 1984, was unbelievable, being the first time Watford reached the final,” recalled Lynn.

Maureen also remembers seeing Elton John’s pink Rolls Royce in Vicarage Road, the Chairman making his way to a match with hordes of people pushing to take a look.

“We have so many happy memories of Graham Taylor, Elton John and the glory days, standing on the terraces at Vicarage Road,” she said.

“There have been so many wonderful managers and players, too numerous to mention, although Aidy Boothroyd, Wilf Rostron, Stuart Scullion and Nigel Gibbs are particular favourites.”

Having called the club as part of the ‘Hornets At Home’ scheme, Lynn was delighted when one of those favourites contacted her Mum during the lockdown.

“Speaking to Nigel Gibbs was an absolute dream,” said Lynn.

“Mum could not believe that her favourite player had called her and a long conversation ensued about football in general, past managers, past players, current form and all the other things two passionate supporters have to talk about.”

Clearly on cloud nine, Maureen called her daughters immediately afterwards and has apparently been overjoyed by the call ever since.

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED FAN S ALWAYS AL I VE !

53

The Hornets welcome Southampton to Vicarage Road this afternoon in our third behind-closed-doors match since the restart, and our second at Vicarage Road.

The Saints will be looking to continue their climb up the table since Ralph HasenhĂźttl galvanised his side to turn around their miserable early season form, which included a record 9-0 home defeat against Leicester City.

Southampton have travelled well this season, winning seven of their 15 away games so far. The south coast side will arrive at Hertfordshire with confidence after comfortably dispatching Norwich in their last away fixture.

WELCOMING

THE SAINTS

54

THE MANAGER

RALPH HASENHÜTTL

THE HORNET

//

Age: 52 Previous clubs: Unterhaching (2005-2010), VfR Aalen (20112013), FC Ingolstadt (2013-2016), RB Leipzig (2016-2018) The Austrian began his managerial career in Germany’s lower tiers before catching the eye at FC Ingolstadt.

Hasenhüttl took the side to the top tier of German football for the first time and earned a mid-table finish after originally being among the favourites for relegation.

RB Leipzig then snapped up the sought-after Austrian, who led the club in their impressive debut season in the Bundesliga. The newly-promoted side took the league by storm with fast, attacking football, earning a secondplaced finish behind Bayern Munich. Hasenhüttl became known as the ‘Alpine Klopp’ for his similar attacking philosophy and approach to player development, having nurtured talents such as Timo Werner, Naby Keïta and Emil Forsberg. Now plying his trade in the Premier League, the Saints’ Head Coach is looking to build on his success in Germany with Southampton.

SQUAD LIST

55

NAME

POS

DOB

JOINED FROM

1

Alex McCarthy

GK

03.12.89

Crystal Palace (Aug 2016)

4

Jannik Vestergaard

DEF

03.09.92

Borussia Mönchengladbach (Jul 2018)

5

Jack Stephens

DEF

27.01.94

Academy

7

Shane Long

FOR

22.01.87

Hull City (Aug 2014)

9

Danny Ings

FOR

23.07.92

Liverpool (Aug 2018)

10

Che Adams

FOR

13.07.96

Birmingham (Jul 2019)

12

Moussa Djenepo

MID

15.07.98

Standard Liege (Jul 2019)

14

Oriol Romeu

MID

24.09.91

Chelsea (Aug 2015)

16

James Ward-Prowse

MID

01.11.94

Academy

17

Stuart Armstrong

MID

30.03.92

Celtic (Jul 2018)

19

Sofiane Boufal

MID

17.09.93

Lille (Aug 2016)

20

Michael Obafemi

FOR

06.06.00

Academy

21

Ryan Bertrand

DEF

05.08.89

Chelsea (Feb 2015)

22

Nathan Redmond

MID

06.03.94

Norwich (Jul 2016)

23

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg

MID

05.08.95

Bayern Munich (Jul 2016)

24

Kyle Walker-Peters

DEF

13.04.97

Tottenham (Jan 2020, loan)

28

Angus Gunn

GK

22.01.96

Man City (Jul 2018)

35

Jan Bednarek

DEF

12.04.96

Lech Poznan (Jul 2017)

38

Kevin Danso

DEF

19.08.98

Augsburg (Aug 2019, loan)

43

Yan Valery

DEF

22.02.99

Academy

45

Sam McQueen

DEF

06.02.95

Academy

54

Nathan Tella

FOR

05.06.99

Academy

56

STAR MAN

DANNY

INGS

9

FORWARD

2019/20 LEAGUE APPEARANCES: 24+6 2019/20 LEAGUE GOALS: 16

THE HORNET

//

*Stats do not include fixture v Arsenal (Jun 25)

The former Bournemouth, Burnley and Liverpool striker has shone since arriving at Southampton in the summer of 2018. Having been released from Southampton as a schoolboy, Ings joined the Cherries in 2008 before really rising to prominence during his time with the Clarets. His goals in the 2013/14 season helped Sean Dyche’s side finish second in the Championship, earning promotion to the Premier League, with Ings winning the division’s Player of the Season award. He went on to score 11 goals in his debut top-flight season and earned a move to Liverpool that summer. Ings struggled with injury over his three seasons at Anfield, making only 14 appearances and scoring three goals. He’s since found fitness and form again at Southampton and is becoming a serious contender for this season’s Golden Boot award.

57

ONE TO WATCH

PIERRE-EMILE

HØJBJERG

23

MIDFIELDER

2019/20 LEAGUE APPEARANCES: 28+1 2019/20 LEAGUE GOALS: 0 *Stats do not include fixture v Arsenal (Jun 25)

The Norwegian international has impressed for the Saints since joining from Bayern Munich in 2016. His physical prowess and technical ability have been evident as the midfielder has grown into an established Premier League player. Højbjerg was a major coup for the south coast side when he joined from the German giants, having impressed during loan spells at Schalke and Augsburg. He also caught the eye of Pep Guardiola during his time in Bavaria, earning a start in the 2014 DFBPokal final victory. His skill and physical qualities will prove to be a tough test for the Hornets’ engine room this afternoon.

58 own e lowd rom h t g in Gett ition f oppos he team r u o n o wt ho follo fans w week out… , week in

E H T E D I S IN E N I L JOHN BAILEY THE HORNET

//

SAINTS FC PODCAST

59 How happy are Southampton supporters with the team’s season so far under Ralph Hasenhüttl?

Well, the season has been a rollercoaster. Going from having the largest home loss in history and the season looking like a total disaster in the autumn to now being in relative mid-table obscurity has been a big relief. Most Saints fans are now happy with Ralph and pleased that he’s been given a contract extension. We still have some way to go, though. We don’t really do well when our game plan doesn’t work and there’s not much of a Plan B - thankfully our Plan A seems enough to keep us out of trouble, for now!

The Saints have gradually climbed the table since defeating Watford 2-1 in November – do you see that result as a turning point in your season?

The big turning point for Southampton was the international break in November, the games against Leicester and Everton were dreadful. The break was needed when it came, and Ralph has really done well at turning the team around since then. The first game back after that was at the Emirates, where we really should have won but succumbed to a 96th-minute equaliser, but the team were clicking at this point. Watford were unlucky to meet us shortly after, but the tide had already turned by then.

How do you feel Southampton have dealt with the mid-season lockdown break and how do you expect the team to cope with behindclosed-doors football?

Based on the first game back it looks as though the players have stayed fit and they are executing the manager’s plans well. Behind closed doors feels very strange but they coped with it against Norwich so hopefully they’ll continue to play well without the fans, although we can’t wait to get back to St Mary’s and support the team as soon as it is safe to do so.

Danny Ings is having his most prolific season in the Premier League with 16 goals so far – what’s the secret and just how vital has he been this year?

It’s the pressing. Danny Ings is great at putting pressure on defenders and keepers, and he also has an explosive shot and a quick eye for goal.

This combination can catch opposition keepers and defenders out. He’s made a lot of goals for himself this way. Now Redmond is back from injury and Armstrong is starting to show his worth, he’s getting more chances created for him as well.

Who has been the team’s unsung hero this campaign?

Probably Jack Stephens. He’s a central defender who has a mistake in him and had slipped out of the team. He’s managed to force his way back into the side and this has been during the time Saints have managed to get back up to a safer part of the table. He’s great on the ball and sometimes comes marauding forward to create chances for the front four. He still has his weaknesses though, a direct approach with an athletic striker can cause our defence problems.

We’re not looking forward to Troy Deeney!

After the 3-0 away win at Norwich in your first match back, do you feel more confident travelling to Vicarage Road knowing there won’t be 20,000 supporters cheering the hosts on?

It’s normally the referee that causes us problems at Vicarage Road! Remember that last-minute handball equaliser from two seasons ago? We still have a referee, so I’m not too sure it will make a huge difference for us. I generally feel that players feed off a good atmosphere and Vicarage Road is a proper old-style football ground, so it’s a shame we don’t get to take part in the atmosphere. Although last season there was a bit of a dodgy sing-song going on…what was that about?!

Who do you see as the key threats in Watford’s team?

For Southampton it’s the big athletic players that we fear. Deeney is who I’m personally most worried about, while Ismaïla Sarr is also a worry, and I’m always nervous when Abdoulaye Doucouré’s hand gets near the ball!

How do you expect Hasenhüttl to set his side up for the contest, and what are your predictions for the match?

We’ll set up in a 4-2-2-2 formation with a high press. The plan will be to force mistakes and get quick goals soon after winning the ball back. We don’t usually adjust our game plan too much for the opposition, so it will be Southampton’s usual line-up and tactics that you’ll see in this game.

Let’s go for a 2-2 draw with lots of entertainment.

60

Chairperson Chris Norton Vice-Chairperson Paul Clark Trustees Chris Luff, Dr Justin Davis-Smith CBE, Ed Coan, Emma Saunders, Gayle Clarke, Martine Gabbitass, Prof. Stuart Timperley, Simon Macqueen Patrons Baroness Dorothy Thornhill MBE, The Taylor Family

COMMUNITY CHAT LOCKDOWN BLOG : JAMES LINDSAY – ‘MAN ON’ PARTICIPANT

T

>> THE HORNET

>>

he last few months have been particularly challenging for me and I’m sure the same can be said for many others. I never thought I would have to go through anything like lockdown in my lifetime. It has made me realise how many enjoyable things I take for granted, and one of these is playing football with my good friends from the ‘Man On’ project at the Meriden Community Centre.

Every Wednesday, we would play a nice friendly session of football at 12.30pm for one hour, followed by 30 minutes of chatting with tea and biscuits, discussing all things mental health. This was easily one of the highlights of every week without fail.

Fortunately, for me and the other participants, this session has not disappeared completely, and has been replaced by a weekly Zoom call. Each week we have a proper good catch-up together, usually followed by a football or sport-related quiz (which I lose most of the time)!

I am very happy that I get to speak to the boys every week. It’s great to have something like this as part of a healthy weekly routine. I think it’s very important in general to stay in touch with people during these uncertain times. Otherwise the alternative option could lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation and maybe even some form of depression.

In my opinion, the sooner that our sessions at the Meriden are back, the better. I have been missing the weekly fun and exercise of playing football, as well as spending time with people in person and having a good laugh.

At least now we finally have the mighty Hornets back on our TV screens, so fingers crossed they finish the season strongly and do us proud. I can’t wait for my next visit to Vicarage Road, I’m sure it will be extra special. Come on you ‘Orns!

You can follow the Trust in between matchdays by searching and following @WFCTrust on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. To find out more about any of the above projects, including how you or someone you know can get involved, visit www.watfordfccsetrust.com

61 James Lindsay – ‘Man On’ Participant

62

ACADEMY NEWS BARRY QUIN

>> THE HORNET

>>

HEAD OF ACADEMY COACHING & DEVELOPMENT

Today our first team host Southampton, another important game in our ongoing fight to remain in the Premier League.

I have every confidence of a positive result today and I’m sure you will all join me in wishing the management and players the very best for today’s game.

We have thrown many different challenges the way of our young players of late, from ball manipulations skills and physical circuits, that keep them developing as young aspiring footballers, to life skills that promote their curiosity into trying new things. One of these challenges was a ‘Great Watford Bake Off’ with Adam Baletta, our Lead Foundation Phase Coach. We saw a fantastic variety, from the traditional scones, biscuits and muffins to recreations of our training dome in cake form, which you will see pictured.

Another one of their tasks was to try a DIY skill, and again the creativity was amazing. We had everything from the creation of a table tennis table and the painting of garden fences, to creating football rebound boards, goals and

targets, and the building of a very impressive treehouse.

Adam and his phase coaches are now at the stage where they are delivering training sessions via Zoom. These occur once a week for each age group and vary from technical, tactical or physical sessions as well as a team social to keep us all engaged, in touch and more importantly to check in on how the boys and their families are doing during the lockdown period.

As Academy staff we have continued to work hard. We are hugely grateful to the Pozzo family and Watford FC for allowing us to work from home, and during this time we have had a complete review of our Academy. Lots of work has gone on behind the scenes to ensure we have used this time to our benefit by really delving into the operation we run.

Finally, best wishes to all of you, your families and friends. Please stay safe, stay alert and enjoy the Premier League from the comforts of your own home.

63

64

SCHOL ART SPOTLIGH JACK

>> THE HORNET

>>

BROOME

65 ACADEMY TEAM? Under-18s.

MOST TALENTED TEAM-MATE? I think we have a really strong team and we’re all skilled in different aspects of our game, so I couldn’t pick just one!

POSITION: Defender.

FAVOURITE FOOTBALLER GROWING UP? My favourite footballer growing up was Lionel Messi. Just the way he plays football – there’s no-one quite like him.

FIRST EVER FOOTBALL MATCH? The first game I went to was at Molineux to see Wolves beat Manchester United a few years ago.

FAVOURITE FOOTBALL KIT? It has to be that blue Barcelona kit from 2007!

BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR CAREER? My Mum and Dad have had the biggest influence on me as they’ve supported me through all my decisions. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

MOST USED APP ON YOUR PHONE? I mainly use Instagram and Snapchat.

WHAT’S ON YOUR PRE-MATCH PLAYLIST? Usually the boys have the speaker on in the changing room, so whatever they’re playing really.

WHICH FOOTBALLER ARE YOU SIMILAR TO? I would like to compare myself to Achraf Hakimi at Borussia Dortmund.

I’ve been watching him recently and he is a very attacking right back, however he can do the defensive work also.

WHAT SPORT WOULD YOU PLAY IF YOU DIDN’T PLAY FOOTBALL? I would do boxing and table tennis I think.

DREAM STADIUM TO PLAY IN? Has to be Wembley!

MY DREAM 5-A-SIDE TEAM...

RONALDINHO RONALDO

BROOME

MESSI

RAMOS

WITH PLAYSTATION PLUS

PLAY A ONLINE AY

WITH PLAYSTATION PLUS

PLAY IT NOW

© 2019 Electronic Arts Inc. EA, EA SPORTS, the EA SPORTS logo and Ultimate Team are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. © FIFA and FIFA’s Official Licensed Product Logo are copyrights and/or trademarks of FIFA. All rights reserved. Manufactured under license by Electronic Arts Inc. “2” and “PlayStation” are registered trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. Also, “Ø” is a trademark of the same company.

67

PAUL ATKINS

MY FAVOURITE GOAL

Watford supporter PAUL ATKINS picks out his most cherished Hornets goal of alltime…

Well, how do I start to describe this goal?

First of all, the 1995/96 season was littered with great goals, as well as plenty of disappointment and ultimately relegation.

Having finished the previous season in seventh place, there was optimism going into this season, but when the home game against Oldham came around in March the Hornets were in a desperate fight to avoid the drop.

My dad, uncle, cousin and I took the familiar and short walk from High View to the ground in the hope a GT-inspired Watford would really kick on and give us a glimmer of hope for the remainder of the season. It was kids for a quid that day, the ground was busier than usual, and the players seemed to be up for the fight from the off. Craig Ramage – or ‘Rambo’ as many called him – had scored against Oldham with a header the previous season, down at the Rookery End, but we ended up losing the game 2-1.

Ramage is my all-time favourite player.

I can remember many special moments from the magician, and we were looking for that spark of magic in this match. Soon, it

came about. If there was one player in the Watford side who could score this sort of goal, it was Rambo. Most of his goals were elegant placed efforts and against Oldham he demonstrated this the moment he got the ball.

The goal came from a move that started with Tommy Mooney winning the ball on the left of the Watford penalty box. There was a quick short lay-off to Hessy, who firsttime poked the ball to Porter’s right boot, who then took a touch and hit a lovely channel ball with his stronger left boot down to Rambo. Tracked by an Oldham player, Rambo took two touches to control, cut inside the 18-yard box with his right foot and bent a classic weighted shot round the keeper’s right and into the bottom corner.

Lovely!

Would you like to tell us about your favourite Watford goal?

Email programme@watfordfc.com for details.

FIRST& WITH

LAST

68

>> THE HORNET

>>

TOM CLEVERLEY

69

CAR First

Last

It was a Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 litre in black.

I remember it well, some good memories there. I was 17 and started learning straight away. I took my test three months later and was driving by Christmas. It was a decent car back then!

MATCH WATCHED First

My first ever game was at Elland Road and it was Leeds against Nottingham Forest. My Dad was a Forest fan and I remember being in the home end and Forest lost 1-0. I can’t remember who scored but it would have been around 1994/95.

Last

The last time I actually walked through the turnstiles was for our game at Villa Park. It was nice walking through the concourses again – it’s a great stadium and a bit of a throwback for me to be in there.

I have a Range Rover. It’s a family car so we can get the kids in.

FILM First

When I was a kid I used to watch The Lion King. I also remember watching The Mask, which had Jim Carrey in.

Last

I watched The Gentleman at the cinema and I think it will be a classic.

CONCERT First

I never went to one until I was older to be honest, so it would be Drake’s concert when I was 20 in Manchester.

Last

I’ve not been to one for a while, but it was the Courteeners. I’ve been to about six or seven of them. I’ve not met them before but they’d be one of my dinner table guests. They always put on a great gig with a good atmosphere.

ALBUM First

It was probably Robbie Williams I think, the one with Angels and songs like that on it.

Last

That would be Ed Sheeran’s collaborations album.

COUNTRY VISITED First

The first holiday I can remember was in Lanzarote with my family when I was young.

Last

We went to Marrakesh in Morocco for the first time. If it was up to me we’d go to the same place every time, but my missus likes to switch it up.

GOAL First

My first professional goal was under the gaffer while I was at Leicester. We were away at Walsall and I think Troy might have been playing too. There was plenty of snow that day and I think I cut in from the right and slotted it in with my left foot.

Last

It was the Arsenal one at home in the 2-2 draw earlier this season.

BOOTS First I had Puma Kings with the flappy tongue on them. My parents would have got them for me.

Last I wear a pair of Nike boots now.

TROPHY OR MEDAL First

Last

Again, it was with the gaffer and we won League One that year. It was my first loan spell and my first games as a professional footballer. It was nice to start off my career with a medal.

That would have been the Community Shield in 2013 with Manchester United.

MEAL COOKED First

I’m a terrible cook so beans on toast or something awful like that!

Last

I help prepare the vegetables and wash up but I can’t do much more than that!

70

THE HORNET

Fun Fantasy League 2019/20

WILL SAINT HARRY BE FANTASY KING OF HERTS? Ryan Finn leads THE HORNET’s unique Fantasy Football League (FFL) – as one of a triumvirate pulling away from the pack.

All three chose Liverpool in their initial eight teams, so their other three teams still in action will essentially make the difference in the coming weeks.

Ryan has Man City, Charlton and Reading; Val Lawler has Leicester, Nottingham Forest and Swansea; whilst Harry Billimore has Leicester, Swansea and Charlton. Harry is trying to emulate his mother, Carol Brown, who won the FFL in 2016/17, yet despite living in Hertford and growing up in Gerrards Cross, he has followed the family tradition, being a fourth-generation… Southampton fan!

He competes against many friends who support the Golden Boys in the FFL, as well as his mother, sister Cally and father Chris.

Harry and his wife Megan have recently become parents with the birth of their son, Arthur Terrence Billimore, at The Lister Hospital in Stevenage. Megan is an Arsenal fan, so, to save a conflict of interest in future, our

suggestion is that Arthur should be brought up supporting the only Premier League team in the county in which he was born!

Harry’s first Southampton game was on 11th March 2000, when his father took him to Spurs, where the Saints led 2-1 after 33 minutes, only to end up losing 7-2. He’s not exactly a good luck charm! Pity he can’t be at The Vic today!

When asked his favourite Watford player, Harry chose Abdoulaye Doucoure, but then suggested he was particularly good at using his hands when there was no VAR!

Title-chasing Harry Billimore with young son Arthur.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR SCORE: Add up the points totals for each of your eight teams then +/- their goal difference for your Grand Total.

Player Ryan Finn

Score 632

21

Chris Billimore

570

42

David Evans

552

1

21

Graham Timms

570

42

Ian Simpson

552

2

Val Lawler

626

21

Ken Morgan

570

44

Alan Weller

549

3

Harry Billimore

624

24

Carolyn Mount

569

44

Chris Fleming

549

4

Shelley Burgess

613

25

Kirsty Delaney

568

46

Adele Morgan

547

5

Nicky Bracey

600

26

Jonny Popper

563

46

Gertjan Honig

547

6

Chris Gomm

595

26

Julian Bingham

563

46

Vanessa Clarke

547

6

Leo Fearnside

595

26

Matthew Bentote

563

49

Victoria Evans

546

8

Alex Ismeni

594

26

Paul Keeble

563

50

Peter Simpson

545

8

Cerys Collins

594

26

Tom Randall

563

51

Mark Bowen

543

8

Gerald Ahern

594

26

Trish Botten

563

52

Cally Billimore

542

8

James Willis

594

32

Jonathan Leigh

562

52

Michael Corston

542

8

Kevin Page

594

33

Clive Burrows

561

54

Derek Mitchell

540

8

Liz Fleming

594

34

Bill Clarke

560

54

Lawrence Samuels

540

14

Paul Russell

589

35

Christopher Clack

559

54

Matthew Fleming

540

14

Scott Biggerstaff

589

35

David Gentry

559

54

Oliver Phippen

540

>>

16

Kathryn Bocock

586

37

Mick Glassborow

558

54

Spencer Trigg

540

17

Sharon Evans

585

38

Leon Winsky

557

54

Sue Craig

540

>> THE HORNET

Table as at Sunday June 21, 2020

17

Trevor Bailey

585

39

Connor Carpenter

554

60

Francesca Paulley

538

19

Elliot Clarke

584

40

Alex McNicholas

553

60

Michael Phippen

538

20

Stuart Finn

578

40

David Binge

553

62

Joe Phippen

537

71 62

Peter Weller

537

156

Len Parker

483

255

Mike Coleman

428

62

Steve Spittles

537

156

Lester Ferguson

483

258

Ian Ayres

426

64

Steve Delaney

533

156

Nick Botten

483

258

Sarah Seymour

426

66

Daniel Clack

532

156

Steve Brown

483

258

Stephen Durrant

426

Stuart Biggerstaff

426

67

Andrew Holmes

531

156

Stewart Sharp

483

258

68

Benjamin Leigh

530

165

Colin Westlake

482

262

Annabel Russell

425

Judy Weller

425

68

Karl Campion

530

165

Denis Hunnisett

482

262

70

Mike de Jong

529

167

Alex Spittles

481

262

Ted Bracey

425

70

Tim Fox

529

167

Richard Winterton

481

265

Evan Munday

424

72

Daryl Allwood

527

169

Beverley Pollard

480

265

Kieran Chrastina

424

72

Hayley Nowley

527

169

Katie Lovedee

480

265

Sally Danks

424

72

John Poole

527

169

William Powell

480

265

Sandra Munday

424

75

Leila Coker

526

172

Daniel Westlake

479

269

Lexi Hunnisett

423

75

Mark Ferguson

526

172

Sylvia Durant

479

270

Jenny Weller

422

75

Roy Marino

526

172

Vince Moses

479

271

Chris Pollard

421

78

Chloe Cuthbert

525

175

Dylan Robertson

478

271

Paul Atkins

421

78

David Varley

525

176

Mark Thomas

477

273

Ros Ayres

420

78

George Grace

525

176

Richard Gentry

477

274

Jack Shepherd

417

81

Martin Grimsdale

523

176

Terry Smith

477

274

Lucy Morgan

417

Mark Kelly

417

81

Sue Hazleton

523

179

Harry Lewis

476

274

83

James Gates

522

180

Mark Nowley

475

277

James Hepple-Poole

416

Neil Stevenson

416

83

Saskia Pace-Bonici-Mompalao 522

181

Kerry Phippen

474

277

85

Guy Matthews

181

Peter Morgan

474

277

Ryan Dady

416

Joe Clayton

415

521

86

Ella Gentry

520

181

Roger Stock

474

280

87

Caleb Chrastina

518

184

Graham Hunnisett

473

280

Mark Marum

415

87

David Barton

518

184

Graham Smith

473

280

Martin Sellman

415

87

Josh Morris

518

184

Shona Thomson

473

280

Thomas Joseph

415

90

Bob Marum

517

187

Amanda Snowdon

471

284

Gerald Pepper

413

90

Jackie Westaway

517

187

John Cozens

471

284

Mark Valentini

413

90

Oliver Thomas

517

187

Mark Chrastina

471

286

Fred Pigham

411

90

Peter Westaway

517

187

Michael Lester

471

286

Philippa Wainwright

411

94

Bernie Hazleton

515

187

Valerie Stock

471

286

Veronica Eastwood

411

94

Charlie Hancock

515

192

Jessica Munday

470

289

Dan Riddick

410

94

David Arrighi

515

192

Michael Watkins

470

290

George Kelly

409

94

John Prentice

515

192

Phillippa Parker

470

290

George White

409

94

Thomas Ahern

515

195

Alan Allwood Theodore Robertson

469 469

290

Nigel Corbyn

409

293

Jane Thomas

408

Charlotte Morgan

468

293

Karen Durrant

408

Kaspar Campion

408

99

Gary White

514

99

Terence Ritchie

514

195 197

101

Andrew Aldridge

513

197

David Owsley

468

293

101

Carol Brown

513

197

Liz Brodie

468

293

Paul Squire

408

101

David Northcott

513

197

Val Berg

468

297

Emma Randall

407

101

Grace Clarke

513

201

Peter Watkins

467

297

Emma Squire

407

101

Katie Owsley

513

202

Steve Cook

466

299

Tanya Smith

406

106

Stephen Booth

512

203

David Fearnside

465

300

Ben Rowe

403

107

Caitriona Delaney

511

203

Stuart Hazleton

465

301

Carol Randall

402

108

Kevin Stock

510

205

Dimitri McNicholas

464

302

Brian Snowdon

399

108

Marc Watkins

510

205

Nicholas Smith

464

302

Irene Gibbins

399

110

Fraser Ritchie

509

207

Yvonne White

463

304

JakeOwsley

398

110

Sally Ferguson

509

208

David Cox

462

305

Joshua Clack

396

112

Graeme Bridges

507

208

Jemima Fearnside

462

306

Bernard Benham

394

112

Jack Munday

507

210

Dennis Green

461

307

Luke Johnson

392

Mark J Smith

460

308

Colin Thomas

389

Nigel Grace

460

309

Kezia Mount

388

Benjamin Gates

387

112

Noah Campion

507

211

112

Pippa Ayres

507

211

116

Andy Pulley

505

213

Jacqui Chrastina

459

310

116

Vanessa Paisley

505

213

Mandy Gomm

459

311

David Ward

385

Sam Westaway

383

118

Catherine Hazleton

504

215

Georgia Ayres

458

312

118

Jean Smith

504

215

Simon Lancey

458

313

Tobie Squire

381

118

Laura Gentry

504

217

Paul Stewart

457

314

Lucy Russell

379

118

Maggie Minty

504

217

Ryan Beck

457

314

Michael Lean

379

118

Robert Johnson

504

219

Mark Liddle

455

316

Matt Churchill

378

123

Cheryl Munday

503

220

Sabrina Dady

454

317

Lucy Valentini

376

123

Hugh Simpson

503

221

Emma Rowe

450

318

Tim Hume

371

123

Rachel Ferguson

503

221

Josh Gentry

450

319

Andrew Carberry

369

126

Angela Cox

501

221

Lucy Phippen

450

319

Jeff Seymour

369

126

Martin Coker

501

221

Sarah Gentry

450

321

Geoff Gough

366

126

Stephen Brooks

501

225

Joe Bracey

448

321

Maura Pigham

366

129

Jacob West

500

225

Michael Day

448

323

Felix Biggerstaff

365

129

Pete Randall

500

227

Eddie Owsley

447

324

Graham Gibbins

362

Henry Godwin

359

131

Anna Fleming

499

227

Mark Munday

447

325

131

Bob Bracey

499

229

Eddy Ferguson

445

325

Isabelle Mount

359

Stephen Ong

357 352 352

131

Evelyn Biggerstaff

499

229

Elliott Longman

445

327

131

Jonathan Winsky

499

229

William Gates

445

328

Gemma Simpson

131

Mike Puddifoot

499

232

Frank Manfield

444

136

Nigel Finn

498

232

Mike Heffernan

444

328 330

Gregory Douglas Elizabeth Hannaby

137

Alex Delaney

497

234

Kieran O'Mahoney

443

330

Mandy Morgan

349

138

Chloe Morgan

496

235

Derek Joseph

442

332

Barbara Sellman

348

139

Ben Clarke

495

236

Arthur Godwin

441

332

Richard Porter

348

140

Nick King

494

236

Karl Hepple-Poole

441

334

Charlotte Snowdon

346

141

David Gomm

493

238

Ethan Sweeney

440

334

Christine Gentry

346

142

Catherine Watkins

492

238

Yvonne Honig

440

336

Mary McCarthy

341

143

Jenny Sullivan

491

240

Amy Kadir

439

337

Colin Ward

339

143

Michael Barton

491

240

Gillian Russell

439

338

Emma Fearnside

335

143

Philip Smith

491

240

Olivia Gentry

439

339

Laura Clarke

326

146

Matthew Thomas

490

240

Sue Scally

439

340

Elliott Squire

325

147

Liam Brockhus

489

244

Ian Greaves

437

341

William Hazleton

318

Caroline Benham

312

349

148

Mick Rogers

488

244

Ian Greaves

437

342

149

Brian Bustard

487

244

Ian Woodward

437

343

Matt Rowson

309

Imogen Godwin

305

149

Carol Watkins

487

247

Lewis Hunnisett

436

344

149

Kelly Allwood

487

248

Maisie Gentry

434

345

Toby Munday

304

149

Paul Weller

487

249

Richard Mount

433

346

Pam Batchelor

297

153

Allan Flowers

485

250

Emily Westaway

432

347

Ethel Simpson

294

153

Beth Evans

485

251

Debbie Weller

431

348

Christine Gates

285

153

David Thickens

485

251

Joe Godwin

431

349

Juliet Cross

270

156

Alex Evans

483

253

Tom Hancock

430

350

Mark Carpenter

263

156

David Bocock

483

254

Sue Sykes

429

351

Belita Winsky

250

156

Jim Clarke

483

255

David O'Mahoney

428

352

Lynn Sharpe

80

156

Joe Clarke

483

255

Laura Thomas

428

353

Diane Ambridge

28

WATFORD FC PEN PICS NIGEL PEARSON

9 TROY DEENEY

1 HEURELHO GOMES

10 DANNY WELBECK

Position: Goalkeeper Joined From: Tottenham Hotspur (2014) Watford Debut: August 9, 2014 v Bolton Wanderers Date Of Birth: February 15, 1981

Position: Forward Joined From: Unattached (2019) Watford Debut: August 17, 2019 v Everton Date Of Birth: November 26, 1990

2 DARYL JANMAAT

11 ADAM MASINA

4 CRAIG DAWSON

13 ADALBERTO PEÑARANDA

6 ADRIAN MARIAPPA

14 NATHANIEL CHALOBAH

7 GERARD DEULOFEU

15 CRAIG CATHCART

Position: Winger Joined From: Barcelona (2018) Watford Debut: January 31, 2018 v Stoke City Date Of Birth: March 13, 1994

Position: Defender Joined From: Blackpool (2014) Watford Debut: September 19, 2009 v Leicester City Date Of Birth: February 6, 1989

8 TOM CLEVERLEY

16 ABDOULAYE DOUCOURÉ

Position: Head Coach Joined From: Unattached (2019) Watford Debut: December 14, 2019 v Liverpool Date Of Birth: August 21, 1963

Position: Defender Joined From: Newcastle United (2016) Watford Debut: August 27, 2016 v Arsenal Date Of Birth: July 22, 1989

Position: Defender Joined From: West Bromwich Albion (2019) Watford Debut: August 10, 2019 v Brighton Date Of Birth: May 6, 1990

Position: Defender Joined From: Unattached (2016) Watford Debut: August 23, 2005 v Notts County Date Of Birth: October 3, 1986

Position: Midfielder Joined From: Everton (2017) Watford Debut: August 18, 2009 v Nottingham Forest Date Of Birth: August 12, 1989

Position: Forward Joined From: Walsall (2010) Watford Debut: August 6, 2010 v Norwich City Date Of Birth: June 29, 1988

Position: Defender Joined From: Bologna (2018) Watford Debut: August 29, 2018 v Reading Date Of Birth: January 2, 1994

Position: Forward Joined From: Udinese (2016) Watford Debut: January 6, 2019 v Woking Date of Birth: May 31, 1997

Position: Midfielder Joined From: Chelsea (2017) Watford Debut: September 18, 2012 v Brighton Date Of Birth: December 12, 1994

Position: Midfielder Joined From: Rennes (2016) Watford Debut: August 20, 2016 v Chelsea Date Of Birth: January 1, 1993

17 JOÃO PEDRO

25 JOSÉ HOLEBAS

18 ANDRE GRAY

26 BEN FOSTER

Position: Forward Joined From: Burnley (2017) Watford Debut: August 12, 2017 v Liverpool Date Of Birth: June 26, 1991

Position: Goalkeeper Joined From: West Bromwich Albion (2018) Watford Debut: August 6, 2005 v Preston North End Date Of Birth: April 3, 1983

19 WILL HUGHES

27 CHRISTIAN KABASELE

20 DOMINGOS QUINA

29 ÉTIENNE CAPOUE

Position: Midfielder Joined From: West Ham (2018) Watford Debut: August 29, 2018 v Reading Date Of Birth: November 18, 1999

Position: Midfielder Joined From: Tottenham Hotspur (2015) Watford Debut: August 8, 2015 v Everton Date Of Birth: July 11, 1988

21 KIKO FEMENÍA

33 IGNACIO PUSSETTO

Position: Forward Joined From: Fluminense (2020) Watford Debut: January 4, 2020 v Tranmere Date Of Birth: September 26, 2001

Position: Midfielder Joined From: Derby County (2017) Watford Debut: August 22, 2017 v Bristol City Date Of Birth: April 17, 1995

Position: Defender Joined From: Alaves (2017) Watford Debut: August 12, 2017 v Liverpool Date Of Birth: February 2, 1991

22 ISAAC SUCCESS

Position: Forward Joined From: Granada (2016) Watford Debut: August 27, 2016 v Arsenal Date Of Birth: January 7, 1996

23 ISMAÏLA SARR

Position: Forward Joined From: Rennes (2019) Watford Debut: August 27, 2019 v Coventry City Date Of Birth: February 25, 1998

24 TOM DELE-BASHIRU

Position: Midfielder Joined From: Manchester City (2019) Watford Debut: August 27, 2019 v Coventry City Date Of Birth: September 17, 1999

Position: Defender Joined From: AS Roma (2015) Watford Debut: August 8, 2015 v Everton Date Of Birth: June 27, 1984

Position: Defender Joined From: Genk (2016) Watford Debut: August 23, 2016 v Gillingham Date Of Birth: February 24, 1991

Position: Forward Joined From: Udinese (2020) Watford Debut: January 18, 2020 v Tottenham Date Of Birth: December 21, 1995

35 DANIEL BACHMANN Position: Goalkeeper Joined From: Stoke City (2017) Watford Debut: January 4, 2020 v Tranmere Date Of Birth: July 9, 1994

37 ROBERTO PEREYRA

Position: Midfielder Joined From: Juventus (2016) Watford Debut: August 27, 2016 v Arsenal Date Of Birth: January 7, 1991

42 CALLUM WHELAN

Position: Midfielder Joined From: Manchester United (2019) Watford Debut: January 4, 2020 v Tranmere Date Of Birth: September 24, 1998

74

WATFORD 1 LEICESTER CITY 1 20.06.20 / Vicarage Road / Att: 0

WATFORD 35’

Foster (GK) Femenía (Mariappa, 77) Kabasele Dawson Masina (Holebas, 88) Capoue (Chalobah, 77) Hughes Sarr Doucouré (Cleverley, 77) Pereyra (Welbeck, 69) Deeney (C) Subs not used: Gomes (GK) Cathcart Gray Pussetto

90’

LEICESTER CITY

>> THE HORNET

>>

90+3’

Schmeichel (GK) (C) Justin Evans Söyüncü Chilwell Ndidi Albrighton (Iheanacho, 83) Rielemans (Choudhury, 76) Maddison Barnes (Gray, 65) Vardy Subs not used: Ward (GK) Morgan Pérez Mendy Fuchs

75

POSSESSION

32%

68%

MATCH STATS SHOTS

TOUCHES

8 15

459 760

ON TARGET 4

PASSES

2

254 555

FOULS

CORNERS

15 12

7

2

CARDS

0

0

1

0

76

BURNLEY 1

WATFORD 0 Thursday June 25 / Turf Moor / Att: 0

BURNLEY 32’

67’

Pope (GK) Lowton Tarkowski Mee (C) Taylor Brownhill Cork Westwood McNeil Rodriguez Vydra

(Pieters, 81)

Subs not used: Peacock-Farrell (GK) Jensen (GK) Bardsley Long Thompson Dunne Thomas Goodridge

WATFORD

>> THE HORNET

>>

73’

Foster (GK) Femenía Kabasele (Cathcart, HT) Dawson Masina Sarr Hughes (Chalobah, 82) Capoue Cleverley (Doucouré, HT) Deeney (C) (Gray, 85) Welbeck Subs not used: Gomes (GK) Mariappa João Pedro Pussetto Pereyra

77

POSSESSION

55%

45%

MATCH STATS SHOTS

TOUCHES

9 10

596 497

ON TARGET 5

PASSES

4

414 464

FOULS

CORNERS

13 15

7

1

CARDS

1

0

0

0

GAME CHANGER footballfoundation.org.uk

79

FIRST-TEAM

PLAYER STATISTICS

Premier League

01 GOMES 02 JANMAAT 04 DAWSON 06 MARIAPPA 07 DEULOFEU 08 CLEVERLEY 09 DEENEY 10 WELBECK 11 MASINA 13 PEŇARANDA 14 CHALOBAH 15 CATHCART 16 DOUCOURÉ 17 PEDRO 18 GRAY 19 HUGHES 20 QUINA 21 FEMENÍA 22 SUCCESS 23 SARR 24 DELE-BASHIRU 25 HOLEBAS 26 FOSTER 27 KABASELE 29 CAPOUE 33 PUSSETTO 35 BACHMANN 37 PEREYRA 40 DALBY 41 BARRETT 42 WHELAN 44 HUNGBO 46 WISE 45 BALOGUN 47 PARKES 51 SPENCER-ADAMS 53 HINDS 58 BENNETTS 72 JANJEVA DAHLBERG FOLIVI FOULQUIER JAKUBIAK NAVARRO OKAKA SEMA SINCLAIR WILMOT PRÖDL ZEEGELAAR Out on loan

Carabao Cup

The FA Cup

2019/20 Total

Watford Career

APP

SUB

GLS

APP

SUB

GLS

APP

SUB

GLS

APP

SUB

GLS

APP

SUB

GLS

0 7 19 13 25 9 19 4 15 0 9 27 29 0 7 20 0 19 0 15 0 11 31 20 26 0 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

0 1 3 3 3 3 1 7 4 0 8 1 1 0 14 3 3 2 4 5 0 2 0 1 0 5 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 1 0 4 1 6 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 2 1 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

3 2 0 2 0 0 0 2 1 0 3 1 1 0 2 1 3 1 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 2 0 1 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

3 9 20 16 25 9 19 6 17 0 13 28 30 1 11 21 5 20 2 16 2 12 31 23 26 0 2 18 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0

0 1 3 3 5 4 1 7 4 1 8 1 2 1 14 3 3 2 4 7 1 2 0 2 0 5 0 10 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 1 0 4 1 6 1 1 1 1 0 4 0 2 1 0 0 0 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

158 70 20 298 58 89 319 6 32 2 63 157 123 1 44 70 12 67 17 16 2 117 150 82 158 0 2 85 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 3 14 12 3 4 76 13

1 15 3 38 12 18 72 7 8 1 19 8 11 1 48 10 9 12 42 7 1 6 0 15 8 5 0 26 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 2 25 10 9 2 9 0

0 6 1 5 17 14 129 1 1 1 6 7 17 0 16 6 2 2 5 6 1 5 0 5 14 0 0 18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 1 1 0 3 0

No longer with club

OPPOSITION

Everton

West Ham United

Newcastle United

Sat 17

Sat 24

Sat 31

Manchester City

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Sat 21

Sat 28

Tottenham Hotspur

AFC Bournemouth

Sat 19

Sat 26

Norwich City

Burnley

Southampton

Fri 08

Sat 23

Sat 30

Manchester United

Liverpool

Sun 23

Sat 29

Sat 07

Crystal Palace

Brighton & Hove Albion

Sat 08

MARCH

Everton

Sat 01

FEBRUARY

L

W

L

D

L

L

0-1

3-0

0-2

1-1

2-3

1-2

0-0

17

17

19

19

19

19

17

25,461

21,634

73,347

30,443

21,229

40,867

21,366

Taylor

Oliver

Atkinson

Friend

Pawson

Atkinson

Oliver

Dean

Aston Villa

Hooper

Tue 21

D

10,384

20,548

21,348

Coote

Tottenham Hotspur

17

19

19

30,222

Sat 18

3-0

2-1

3-0

19

Mason

Marriner

Madley

W

W

W

1-1

21,488

53,711

Atkinson

Pawson

Oliver

Tierney

AFC Bournemouth

Aston Villa

Sat 28

D

20

20

20,164

31,763

26,929

19,711

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Sheffield United

Thu 26

0-2

W 2-0

L

20

20

20

20

Marriner

Taylor

Dean

Kavanagh

Marriner

Tierney

Dean

Taylor

Scott

Kavanagh

Mason

Pawson

Sun 12

Manchester United

Sun 22

0-0

0-2

1-2

0-3

27,074

21,011

20,821

58,754

20,811

30,711

54,273

21,360

44,157

20,035

39,066

20,245

Wed 01

Liverpool

Sat 14

D

L

L

L

18

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

20

18

REF

Madley

Crystal Palace

Sat 07

1-2

0-0

1-1

0-0

0-2

0-8

2-2

1-1

1-3

0-1

0-3

W 2-0

L

D

D

D

L

L

D

D

L

L

L

KO/RES POS ATT

JANUARY 2020

Leicester City

Wed 04

DECEMBER

Chelsea

Sat 02

NOVEMBER

Sheffield United

Sat 05

OCTOBER

Arsenal

Sun 15

SEPTEMBER

Brighton & Hove Albion

Sat 10

AUGUST 2019

DATE

Heurelho Gomes Daryl Janmaat 2

4

Craig Dawson

Sebastian Prödl

Adrian Mariappa Gerard Deulofeu Tom Cleverley 8

Troy Deeney 9

José Holebas

Tom Dele-Bashiru

Ismaïla Sarr

Isaac Success

Kiko Femenia

Domingos Quina

Will Hughes

Andre Gray

Joao Pedro

Craig Cathcart

Nathaniel Chalobah

Aldaberto Peňaranda

Ken Sema

Adam Masina

Danny Welbeck

• • • • •• • • •• • • •• •

• • • •

2

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1

Jayden Bennetts Kaylen Hinds

Bailey Spencer-Adams

Adam Parkes

Henry Wise

Jamal Balogun

Joseph Hungbo

Callum Whelan

Mason Barrett

Sam Dalby

Roberto Pereyra

Dimitri Foulquier

Daniel Bachmann

Ignacio Pussetto

Marvin Zeegelaar

Pontus Dahlberg

•

•

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1

• • • •

1

• • • •

• •• • • • •

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•• •• •

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10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30 32 33 35 36 37 40 41 42 44 45 46 47 51 53 58 72

Abdoulaye Doucouré

••• • •• •••• •• •• • ••• •• •• •••

7

Ben Foster

•••• •• • ••• •• •• ••••••• •

6

Christan Kabasele

• • •• • • •••• • • •• • • •••• ••• • •• • ••••

5

Étienne Capoue

••• ••• ••• ••• ••• •• •

••• ••• ••• •••

1

Andi Janjeva

Newcastle United

West Ham United

Manchester City

Arsenal

Coventry City

Swansea City

Everton

Tranmere Rovers

Tranmere Rovers

Sat 11

Wed 15

Sat 18

Sun 26

Aug 27

Sep 24

Oct 29

Jan 4

Jan 23

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Liverpool Man City Leicester Chelsea Man Utd Wolves Tottenham Sheff Utd Arsenal Crystal Palace Burnley Everton Newcastle Southampton Brighton Watford West Ham Bournemouth Aston Villa Norwich

P W D 31 16 0 31 11 2 31 9 4 31 8 3 31 9 5 31 6 7 31 9 3 31 7 3 31 7 5 31 6 4 31 8 2 31 7 5 31 6 7 31 4 2 31 5 6 31 4 6 31 4 3 31 4 5 31 5 3 31 4 3

L 0 2 3 5 2 3 4 5 3 5 6 3 3 10 4 5 8 6 7 9

before games of Wednesday June 17

0-2

R3

R4

R3

R2

F A W D 44 12 12 2 41 12 9 1 30 15 7 3 24 16 8 3 32 12 4 5 22 17 6 6 30 16 3 6 17 13 4 8 26 20 3 8 12 13 5 5 21 19 4 4 19 15 4 3 16 13 4 2 16 33 7 2 19 16 2 6 17 18 2 4 23 28 3 3 17 23 3 1 19 26 2 3 19 30 1 3

L 1 6 5 4 6 3 6 4 5 6 7 9 9 6 8 10 10 12 11 11

10,039

14,373

34,979

8,903

12,257

2

1

Craig Dawson 4

Sebastian Prödl 5

Adrian Mariappa 6

Gerard Deulofeu 7

Tom Cleverley 8

Troy Deeney 9

Danny Welbeck

Pontus Dahlberg

Nathaniel Chalobah

Aldaberto Peňaranda

Ken Sema

Adam Masina

•Sub Five

•Unused Sub

1

•• • ••• •• • •• • •

•Sub Four

•

Playing Thursday Sheffield United v Tottenham (6pm) Manchester City v Liverpool (8.15pm)

Playing Wednesday Bournemouth v Newcastle (6pm) Arsenal v Norwich (6pm) Everton v Leicester (6pm) West Ham v Chelsea (8.15pm)

Playing Tuesday Brighton v Manchester United (8.15pm)

Playing Tomorrow Crystal Palace v Burnley (8pm)

• •

Dimitri Foulquier

Daniel Bachmann

Kaylen Hinds

Bailey Spencer-Adams Adam Parkes Henry Wise

Jamal Balogun

Joseph Hungbo Callum Whelan Mason Barrett 1

1

Premier League Tuesday July 7, 6pm

Watford v Norwich City

UP NEXT AT THE VIC

* Opposition own-goal

• ••••• •• • •••••• ••••

1

••• ••• ••••

Sam Dalby 1 = Number of Goals •

WATFORD FC is committed to the principles of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and welcomes all supporters to Vicarage Road. Please be reminded that any racist, homophobic or discriminatory abuse, chanting or harassment is strictly forbidden and will result in arrest and/or ejection from the Stadium. The Club may impose a ban for one or more matches, at its sole discretion, as a consequence of any such behaviour. If supporters experience any form of abuse or discrimination inside the stadium, please help us eliminate it by texting us on 07825 535269 or by reporting it using the free reporting app created

by Kick It Out. The full Vicarage Road Ground Regulations can be found at watfordfc.com under the ‘Ticketing’ tab. They are also displayed at various points around the stadium. Thank you for helping make us a great club to be associated with.

1

1

Played Yesterday Aston Villa v Wolves (12.30pm)

•Sub Three

•

1

EQUALITY & RESPECT AT VICARAGE ROAD

•Sub Two

• •

1

• • •

Marvin Zeegelaar

PREMIER LEAGUE MATCHWEEK 32

1

• •

Jayden Bennetts

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30 32 33 35 36 37 40 41 42 44 45 46 47 51 53 58 72

Craig Cathcart

•• •••• • •• ••••• •••• •• •• • • • • •• •• ••• • ••• ••••

•Sub One

Harrison

Scott

Hooper

Bond

Ward

Oliver

F A GD PTS 26 9 +49 86 36 21 +44 63 29 14 +30 55 31 25 +14 54 16 19 +17 49 22 17 +10 49 20 25 +9 45 13 18 -1 44 17 21 +2 43 16 23 -8 42 14 26 -10 42 19 31 -8 41 13 29 -13 39 22 21 -16 37 15 25 -7 33 11 28 -18 28 12 26 -19 27 12 27 -21 27 17 33 -23 27 6 26 -31 21

•Played

L 1-2 aet R3R

D 3-3

L

W 2-1

W 3-0

TBC

3.00pm

8.00pm

12.30pm

6.00pm

8.00pm

HOW THEY STAND

Away

Norwich City

Tue 07

Home

Chelsea

Sat 04

4.30pm

Abdoulaye Doucouré

Southampton

JULY

••• •• • • •••• •••••• • • •••

Joao Pedro

Sun 28

1

• • • •••• • • • ••••

Andre Gray

Dean

Will Hughes

Pawson

Heurelho Gomes

0

Domingos Quina

0

Daryl Janmaat

16

Kiko Femenia

16

Isaac Success

0-1

Ismaïla Sarr

0-0

Tom Dele-Bashiru

L

José Holebas

D

Ben Foster

Burnley

Christan Kabasele

Leicester City

Étienne Capoue

Thu 25

Ignacio Pussetto

Sat 20

Roberto Pereyra

JUNE

Andi Janjeva

82

All the latest from Watford FC’s HR & Equality Lead Officer, Sam Gillings...

THE HORNET

//

No doubt Hornets fans are already aware of how the club supported the hospital next door during the peak of the pandemic, from washing 60,000 sets of scrubs, providing breakfast and lunch every day and offering space for counselling rooms, however we also wanted to share another example of brilliant togetherness throughout the town during these challenging times.

The One Vision Project provides a network for Watford-based voluntary organisations to exchange information, discuss priorities and co-ordinate activities, share resources and expertise, ensuring that members can access a supportive network with helpful contacts, useful events and opportunities for development.

Currently it includes around 38 small groups, charities and public services all working to make Watford a better place to live.

The current health crisis has drawn on its strengths and members have been working hard together to help meet the needs of the town’s residents. Having been allocated to serve the needs of the northern part of the town, a local Hub was established at Stanborough Park Seventh-day Adventist Church in Garston on April 30.

One Vision’s Chair, Enoch Kanagaraj, describes its work: “During this unprecedented time of COVID-19, together we are stronger to tackle this crisis. We are already reaching out to hundreds of families and 15 schools in Watford, providing 2,600 hot meals and just over

500 grocery food parcels each week. We are working shoulder to shoulder with Dean Russell MP and Peter Taylor, the Elected Mayor, and Watford Borough Council. I am pleased to say that One Vision is leading the way in Watford.”

We would like to thank all those who have helped at the Hub with food preparation, packing meals and grocery parcels, distribution, street marshals and in particular Watford Gurdwara and Stanborough church members for producing ready-to-distribute meals. Also, thanks for the active support of Watford’s Councillors, W3RT and especially Elected Mayor Peter Taylor.

If you’d like to know more about Watford Welcomes and our work in this area, please do drop us a line by calling 01923 496262 or emailing sam.gillings@watfordfc.com, and keep an eye out for the big screen messages.

Watford v Southampton Sunday June 28, 2020 Premier League

20 ingos Dom Quina

Player Poster

#16

lder Position: Midfie Date of birth: 1999 18, November : West Ham Previous clubs United

Autograph

Pull this section out for the following amazing features…

• • • • •

HUGE QUINA POSTER JUNIOR HORNETS’ MESSAGES WIN A SIGNED PROGRAMME! HARRY HORNET’S PUZZLE PAGE MATCH STAT SHEET

From Junior Hornets To The Players

With our Junior Hornets not currently able to cheer Watford on in person, we’ve been receiving lots of messages for the Golden Boys! Here’s a selection ahead of today’s game with Southampton…

Dylan (5) My first ever Watford game was last season’s FA Cup semi-final. I was really excited to see the team come back from losing in the game to making it to the final. Please use some of this magic in the games that are left. I will be watching (other than the 8.15pm kick-offs as my mum makes me go to bed)!

Daniel (11) Come on Watford! Looking forward to watching the team play on TV. I can’t wait for the day when I can come back to Vicarage Road to see my favourite team play. Good luck to all of the team throughout the final games that will see us stay up in the Premier League. Get well soon, Gerard Deulofeu.

Dylan (8) My name is Dylan Morton I am eight years old and I live in Tamworth, Staffordshire. My favourite players are Deeney and Deulofeu. I would like to wish Troy and all the Watford team the best of luck for the rest of the season, I know we will stay up! Looking forward to hopefully being able to come down to Vicarage Road next season and cheer you all on!

Arlo (8) Dear lads, I know this season hasn’t always been great, but think about when we beat Liverpool. How did you feel before and after the game? At the start you might have been nervous, but after it you will have been pumped! Try and remember that feeling for your next game, feel positive, and always stick with it.

Whether you win, lose or draw, never give up, don’t doubt and always believe in yourself. Give it your best, I know you can do it, I’m proud of you. Come on you ‘Orns! Love form Arlo

Elliot (10) I wish all of the Watford players the very best - especially Ben! Watford is strong and I am sure that you will do very well playing the football matches.

Ethan (9) & Abigail (10) We just want to say how proud we are of all the players and staff at Watford FC for the marvellous job you have done in these uncertain times. You are wonderful role models for people everywhere. We know you can work hard and keep us in the Premier League for many more seasons. Come on you ‘Orns!

Sam & Harry Good luck Watford...we are all behind you.

COYO

Jess (8) & Holly (5) Come on you Hornets! We miss watching the team play at Vicarage Road, but we are right behind you cheering you on. Keep playing well and scoring great goals!

Yellow Army! Yellow Army!

Jack (4) We love you Watford FC! Can’t wait to be back in the stands singing ‘Troy Deeney Watford’s no. 9’!

Come on you ‘Orns!

Ethan (8) Come on you ‘Orns! Even though we cannot all be there to support you at Vicarage Road, we are watching you and cheering you on from our front rooms. I know that you can all do it and work as a team to get some good results. About 10 points from the next few games will make us ok and keep us up where we belong next season. I have got some advice for you: always shoot to the other side of the goalkeeper, kick through your laces and go in for the tackle – but keep it clean as we do not want any red cards! Remember…Graham Taylor said at the start of the 1982 season in the top division…‘Of course I know there will be times when we will get our bottoms smacked’…so forget past losses, heads up and play strong, Golden Boys.

Send your message & photo to junior.hornets@watfordfc.com to be featured

THE KEY THREE Junior Watford supporter Will Hodgins chooses three games to keep an eye on over the next few days‌

BRIGHTON v MANCHESTER UNITED Tuesday June 30, 8.15pm

After a late winner against Arsenal, Brighton have shown their fight and desire to keep clear of the relegation zone. Manchester United, however, needed a penalty to get them back into the game at Tottenham, where they earned a point. Paul Pogba looked in fine form in that game and will be looking to carry that on. A great game to watch, as this could go either way.

ASTLE UNITED

BOURNEMOUTH v NEWC Wednesday July 1, 6pm

d the second best urites here, having smashe The Magpies will be favo Joelinton scoring and 3-0 ted ting Sheffield Uni defence in the league, bea th, meanwhile, mou rne goal since August. Bou d his first Premier League to Crystal Palace and nee e hom at at defe 2-0 r were disappointing in thei p. dro the id avo to are a huge improvement if they

ARSENAL v NORWICH Wednesday July 1, 6pm

Having lost to Man City and Brighton, Arsenal had a very poor restart and if they want any chance of European football next season, they need to win this type of game. Norwich remain bottom of the table and still have the likes of Chelsea and Man City to play after this. However, with so much to play for, could there be an upset on the cards?

r 0-15-year-olds

Junior Hornets is FREE fo Visit

atfordfc.com juniorhornets.w . to sign up!

Competition Time!

WATFORD

1.

I made 443 appearances for the Hornets and I now play for Kings Langley.

Think you know all the answers?

Take a photo of your completed quiz sheet and email it to junior.hornets@watfordfc.com with the subject line ‘Who Am I competition’.

3.

I recently signed a contract extension with the Golden Boys to further my stay until 2022.

One lucky winner chosen at random will receive a signed programme!

5.

2.

I scored a rocket from 25 yards in a friendly match against Brentford before the restart of the Premier League.

I sustained an injury in Watford’s 3-0 win over Liverpool earlier this year.

4.

I scored Watford’s only goal when we last played Southampton back in November.

SOUTHAMPTON

1.

I made Tuttosport’s Golden Boy shortlist after my successful season so far, making 20 appearances and scoring three times.

2.

I have been at Southampton since the age of eight, and since then I’ve made 223 appearances and contributed 21 goals.

3.

I joined Southampton from Crystal Palace in 2016.

4.

This season I have scored 19 goals for the Saints, 16 of which were scored from inside the box.

5.

I am a Spanish professional footballer and play in the number 14.

WATFORD v SOUTHAMPTON

Watford

Southampton Starting XI

Final Score:

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Yellow Cards:

Used Subs:

Used Subs:

............................................

............................................

............................................

............................................

............................................

............................................

Shots:

Shots:

Corners:

Corners:

Free-Kicks:

Free-Kicks:

Penalties:

Penalties:

Starting XI

Watford Goalscorers: ............................................ ............................................ ............................................

Southampton Goalscorers: ............................................ ............................................

............................................

Red Cards: ............................................

My Man Of The Match: ............................................

Referee: ............................................

Attendance: ............................................

Position: Midfielder Date of birth: November 18, 1999 Previous clubs: West Ham United

Domingos Quina

20 Player Poster #16

Autograph