From The Rookery End

The Beer Drinking Pie Eater

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 14:19:37 PST

I know this won't go down well with some Watford fans, but I wouldn't have begrudged Malky Mackay victory in the Carling Cup Final this afternoon. I was quite apathetic towards the game. I didn't really know who I wanted to win. I don't like Cardiff that much. Not so much over last summer. More to do with when they took Terry Burton & Neal Ardley from us, yet apparently didn't have any money and were supposedly close to going into administration. However, the way that Liverpool have conducted themselves during the much discussed Suarez affair doesn't sit well with me. They were the greatest team in Europe when I was growing up and their recent behaviour doesn't seem becoming of them. I hadn't planned my day so that I could get to watch the final, but it panned out like that anyway.

Don't get me wrong, it would have hurt to see “our manager” winning a trophy with another team, just as it did when Brendan Rodgers won the play off final with Swansea City last season. But Malky's a good manager and having been lucky enough to talk to him through our podcasts, he is a thoroughly nice chap to boot. So had he been celebrating whilst I write this piece, somewhere inside, I'd have felt happy for him. Now at this point, many of you are listing the reasons why I shouldn't even give him the time of day, let alone feel sorry for him.

“He's a Judas \ traitor.” Why? There's no loyalty in football these days. Lee Clarke's recent sacking is testament to that. Had Malky not done as well as he did during his time at Watford, fans would have called for his head. In fact, towards the end of last season, there were some fans that didn't think he was good enough. We didn't finish the season too well and was oft criticised on forums for his resistance to making substitutions when things didn't seem to be going to plan. I attended one of the At Your Place sessions where a few fans expressed their disappointment at his tactic of keeping all outfield players back when defending corners. Yet when he left, we were all disappointed.

“But we gave him his chance.” We did, eventually. But who's we? There's only one consistent at football clubs. And that's us, the fans. By the time Malky left, the man responsible for running the club at the time of his appointment, Julian Winter, had seen most of his control removed and Laurence Bassini was slowly putting into place his plans for domination at Vicarage Road. What did Malky owe Big Baz? Not much at all.

“So, what about us fans?” The lack of a goodbye & thanks for your support when he moved west, did wrangle a bit. We've since been told he wasn't allowed to comment about his time at the club in the aftermath, but I'm not sure how that prevented him from showing his gratitude. As football fans we often feel it's us versus the world. But sometimes we need to take a step back and remember whilst Watford FC may be near the centre of our worlds, we're not the only team in the footballing arena. We have to appreciate that if one of our players, manager or staff get the opportunity to better themselves and earn more money in doing so, then they are likely to take it. Let's not kid ourselves, Cardiff City is currently a better stage for Malky to display his talents on than Watford FC.

“And then to top it all off, he came back and took Don Cowie, backroom staff & transfer targets.” And that was very hard to swallow. Hurting more and more as each headline was revealed. Who knows, it may not have stopped. Marvin could have ended up there and I was thankful he didn't. What happens in the summer will be anyone's guess. The Bluebirds may have their eyes on other Watford based targets. But why shouldn't he have done that? He had staff he enjoyed working with. Players who he knew he could get the most out of. Why should he worry about Watford's prospects for the season over and above whether he could make a fist of it in South Wales? How would he have explained to his employees that he passed up on his first choice players because he felt sorry for the people that used to pay his wages? I didn't particularly feel sorry for Pompey or Ipswich when Sean took members of their staff to fill his backroom either.

Like I said, I don't like Cardiff. And now I don't mind admitting I'm jealous of them too. They have a good manager. If things were different, that may have been us at Wembley today. But we couldn't give Malky want he wanted to move forward in his managerial career and someone else could. I don't dislike him for it and I wish him luck. And now I've got that off my chest, I can concentrate on the team I support again. Come on you 'Orns.

Jason

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Ebb and Flow of My Mood

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:50:56 PST

I was in the pub, chatting to a mate the other day. He asked me "How are Watford doing?". I always find it hard to answer this. Yes, it's easy to rattle through some recent results, however it's hard to paint the full picture of my current mood as a Watford fan. Recent results do effect this, but there are many reasons, from many games that have resulted in my mood at any given point. I don't have the time to say a thousand words to paint the picture I want... not after a couple of beers.

So... I had a go at painting a picture, well a graph. I call it my 'Football Fan Mood Graph'.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Here's how it works.

If we win we go up 1, if we lose we go down 1 and if we draw we stay where we were.

You'll notice it's a continuum and doesn't distinguish between league or cup. My mood doesn't change just because we won or lost in the cup - a win is a win and a lose is a lose.

Of course there are other ways I could present my mood. I could generate a win percentage (PCT) like american sports:

Wins = 10 = 0.322

Total No Games 31

Of course I should also times that by 100 to get a percentage, but for some reason Americans don't do it. And they don't do draws and my positivity is definitely higher than 32% (Yes, I have timed it by 100 and rounded to 2 decimal places - it doesn't take long Yanks!).

I could track the clubs league position throughout the season. The new BBC Sport website has some great new features and this is one of them:

Again this doesn't reflect my mood as well as my 'Football Fan Mood Graph'.

So here it is, my new invention, a 'Football Fan Mood Graph'. Is it interesting and useful? Probably just for me!

Cheers

Jon

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LDX: Lloyd Doyley's Gameshow Extravaganza

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 12:54:39 PST

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We've all got heroes. We've all got people we look up to and admire. Not all of us get to meet them, and those that do are often left disappointed – the reality is usually that the sportsmen, musicians and actors we idolise are at best just like us, and at worst rude and boring. It's not always the case though. I'm proud to report that I've met one of my heroes and that he was as much of a star as I'd hoped. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Lloyd Doyley.

Having met and interviewed Lloyd for the 'From the Rookery End' podcast on a number of occasions, me and the rest of the team were delighted when we were invited to play a part in the organising of Lloyd's testimonial year – LDX 2012. Watford's versatile defender and part-time goal machine is as likeable off the pitch as he is hard working on it, funny, generous, warm and delighted to be representing the Hornets for a living. Lloyd also has a young family and is proud of the way Watford are so welcoming to supporters of all ages so it seemed fitting that the first event of his testimonial year (the first of many by the way – watch this space!) should be one that will provide a day to remember for Hornets fans of all ages... The Lloyd Doyley Gameshow Extravaganza!

The idea was born when a Watford supporter with a familiar face agreed to play a part in Lloyd's big year. TV presenter and comedian Andy Collins has presented television shows such as Family Fortunes and Garden SOS, as well as being a pantomime regular, but when not in front of the camera he loves nothing more than watching the Hornets and was only too happy to bring his expertise and infectious energy to proceedings.

With an experienced gameshow host on board it seemed sensible to explore the idea of a gameshow themed event and it quickly became clear that it wasn't a good idea, it was a great one! Andy has been working closely with Lloyd and the organising committee to come up with a great event, one that is suitable for all ages and that will give you the chance to play alongside Watford FC players and staff in a range of different, exciting and fun gameshow style events. You'll also be able to win one-off, money can't buy prizes as well as meeting your Hornets heroes!

The event will take place on Sunday 18 March 2012 between 2:30pm and 5:30pm and will be hosted at 'Area' in Watford town centre. Usually a nightclub, for one day only the venue will be open to Watford fans whatever your age, providing a unique and fun way for you and your family to see Lloyd and his team-mates as they have never been seen before.

We can’t wait!

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WFC in 100 Objects 16#: A Cool as Craig T-Shirt

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:13:10 PST

PODCAST: Hear our interview with Craig and the other Watford Legends - CLICK HERE

After a brief break to prepare for and then recover from all the Christmas and New Year festivities, we’re delighted to be able to bring you the next in the series of our ‘Watford in 100 objects’ list. This object, whilst never the height of fashion, should bring a smile to the faces of Watford fans of a certain age. Ladies and gentlemen, we bring you the limited edition, the unique, the original ‘Cool as Craig’ t-shirt.

21 February 1994. John Major was Prime Minister, East 17 were top of the charts with the unforgettable (unforgettably dire) ‘It’s Alright’ and ‘Forrest Gump’ was about to take the cinema-going public by storm. Elsewhere, somewhere in Hertfordshire, Craig Darren Ramage was signing for Watford.

Craig. Not a name that will have instantly given Watford fans cause for hope or great excitement, especially considering that under Glenn Roeder the Hornets were putting on some pretty average displays. A £90,000 signing from Derby, as I remember it there was no real fuss about the arrival of ‘Rambo’. That soon changed.Ramage made his debut in a game against Charlton and his performance left Watford fans exhilarated enthralled, but also exasperated as to how we’d landed such a skilful player for such a paltry fee. No matter, he was ours now and Ramage proceeded to delight the Vicarage Road faithful with his swaggering style of play, his ability to beat a man and his penchant for blatant showboating. After some fairly dire times at WD18, Craig Ramage was a breath of fresh air and largely thanks to him Watford finished seventh in his first season with the club.

The night we met Craig he and the Watford Legends had won the London Masters Cup

If we’re honest, that’s as good as it got with Craig. Our hero returned from the summer break having clearly enjoyed himself a bit too much and he found himself out of the side at the start of the season. When he did force his way back into the side, it briefly looked like he was going to conjure up another memorable season , marking his return to the side with two goals and a memorable belly rubbing celebration. Many fans will also remember his ‘cigar smoking’ celebration when scoring away at Southend and despite the club getting relegated that year and Ramage departing for Bradford, he remained something of a cult hero. So much so in fact, that he was immortalised in a t-shirt, created by Dave Messenger, Matt Bentote and Stuart Brown from legendary fanzine ‘Clap Your Hands, Stamp Your Feet’. The t-shirt, featuring a Terry Challis cartoon depiction of Ramage, bore the slogan ‘As cool as Craig’ and like the player, was a hit amongst fans. The slogan was a reference to the nonchalant way in which Ramage seemed to skip round defenders – he used to make the game look so easy (when he wanted to!) and it summed him up perfectly.

The fact that his flame burned so bright for what was a relatively short time means he is still fondly remembered and that his tribute t-shirt was a must have inclusion in our Top 100 list.We were lucky enough to meet Craig recently, when he turned out for Watford’s victorious London Masters side. I’m delighted to report that he is everything we hoped he would be. Confident, friendly, funny, and for those who saw him in action at Wembley last July will testify – still pretty good with a ball at his feet.

If only everyone was as cool as Craig.

PODCAST: Hear our interview with Craig and the other Watford Legends, Derrick Payne, Kevin Miller, Micah Hyde, Marcus Gayle, Steve Palmer and Tommy Mooney - CLICK HERE
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TO ‘B’ OR NOT TO ‘B’

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:59:55 PST

Mike explains why he’s got issues with the current Chelsea manager…

Not content with upsetting his own supporters (and perhaps more worryingly for him, his billionaire Russian boss) by creating one of the most ineffective Chelsea teams for a decade, Andre Villas-Boas also lost any friends he may have had in lower league circles when he suggested that Premier League ‘B’ or reserve teams should compete in the Football League.

The problems with such a suggestion should be apparent to all, but in a season that has already seen Premier League clubs suggest that there should be no relegation or promotion, Liverpool decree that they should have a separate, more lucrative TV deal and initial approval being granted for the controversial Elite Player Performance Programme (EPPP) – AVB’s proposals provide yet more damning evidence that the welfare of clubs outside the top tier is deemed of less importance than ever before.

The first issue with this latest hair-brained scheme is surely the most obvious one. If Premier League outfits are going to enter their reserve teams into the npower league, what happens to the clubs currently occupying those places in the three divisions? Will they be relegated? Kicked out altogether? Or would an existing club be morphed into a mini version of a more illustrious neighbour? Would Stockport become ‘Manchester United B’? Would Tranmere become ‘Liverpool Lite’? Would QPR become ‘Watford Reserves’? Simply relegating or removing clubs from their existing league position would surely be a bridge too far, even for the notoriously self-important Premier League, and I can’t see many supporters readily agreeing to relinquish their club’s identity in exchange for providing a decent run out for another clubs youngsters and fringe players. Can you?

Logistics also provide a compelling argument against this particular proposal too. Something similar is in operation in Spain, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona having reserve teams competing in the Segunda División and the rules state that neither team can face their ‘B’ team in the league, but are permitted to do so in the Cup. Fine, perhaps. Let’s imagine for a minute Aston Villa take over struggling Coventry, turning the sky blues into the claret and blues, operating in the Championship. The next season Villa struggle (they never really recovered from losing Ashley Young), finish bottom and are relegated. All of a sudden, they find themselves in the same division as their reserve team. They obviously couldn’t play each other, so what would happen? Would Villa not be relegated? Would Villa reserves be forced to drop down a division? If so, who would replace them? Would a team be spared relegation from the Premier League or would an additional team be promoted form League One? Questions, questions, questions. All with unsatisfactory answers.

So, in the space of around 500 words I’m pretty sure I’ve made a pretty good case against Andre’s idea. It doesn’t take a genius to see the numerous pitfalls and complications, neither is it hard to see how such a suggestion threatens the integrity and ethos of football in this country. It’s an idea founded solely to ensure the big and wealthy get bigger and wealthier, whilst lower league clubs are marginalised still further and if it’s the best you can come up with Mr Villas-Boas, then I for one won’t be shedding too many tears when you inevitably lose your job at Stamford Bridge.

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Laurence Bassini: Five Questions. Five Answers?

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:40:23 PST

Well, it’s finally happened. After periods of prolonged silence, a couple of false starts and dubious excuses, the owner of Watford Football Club, Laurence Bassini has at long last responded to supporters. Following the publication of an interview between the evasive businessman and the Watford Supporters Trust, the official club website has published details of a question and answer session, in which Mr Bassini answers fans questions.

Let’s start with a positive. He has answered all the questions sent in. We’ve been crying out for responses, so to answer each query – the club have confirmed that none were omitted or censored - is welcome. On the downside, adding up the questions asked, it appears (I say appears – my maths is dreadful!) that there were just 32 questions sent in by supporters. Now a session in which an individual asks 32 questions may initially sound quite impressive, but with around 8,000 season ticket holders, that means around 0.4% of that number took the time to get in touch. 0.4%. That’s pitiful by anyone’s standards – and if Watford fans are serious about finding out what is going on at our club, if they are serious about making sure the club is in safe hands, then these are the kind of opportunities that shouldn’t be passed on. There is nothing more deadly than apathy. Have a quick chat with Darlington fans if you think that who is in charge doesn’t matter…

As regular listeners to ‘From the Rookery End’ will know, we’ve had some questions for our mysterious owner from the start. We made a list of five simple questions that we felt, if answered, would provide us with an understanding of our new owner and what his plans were. Nothing more, nothing less – just an understanding of why Mr Bassini was here and what he planned to do. Fair enough, right? Well, as regular listeners (and readers!) will also know, getting these answers has been hard, giving rise to increased concern about his motives and plans.

The club’s question and answer session has helped. We reckon he touched on answers for each of our questions, which are listed below:

1)Why did you decide to 'invest' in football?
2) Why Watford?
3) As owner, what will represent a successful tenure?
4) What are your plans for the Stadium redevelopment and the timescale for completion?
5)Where is the money for bond repayments, stadium redevelopments and future player purchases going to come from

The full transcript of the questions asked and the answers given is available on the official club website but we’ve been through the detail and here at FTRE, we think that it’s a start.

The answers provide a brief outline of what Mr Bassini hopes to achieve, his aims, hopes and dreams for our beloved club. In short, they are; promotion, a completed Vicarage Road Stadium and a profit. I think we can all agree that if the first two come to fruition, then no-one will begrudge Mr Bassini making some money out of the project – he’ll have earned it, having succeeded where businessmen the world over have failed – making money out of a football club.

In terms of our questions – the first two were answered quite clearly. Why football? Simple, this one. As mentioned above - to make a profit. Mr Bassini has made it clear he sees it purely as a business venture. Whilst people may be sceptical about just how he is going to make money out of a club such as ours, at least he has admitted this isn’t just some sort of philanthropic gesture. On this score, it feels like he is being honest – which is something. As for Why Watford? His main answer is locality. Having lived relatively locally to the club for much of his life, Mr Bassini states that it is his proximity to WD18 that encouraged him to get involved. I think the initial way in which Mr Bassini dealt with both the club and it’s fans shows that he didn’t have a deep understanding of football, so I’m not buying the fact that he has ever been a fan of the club or indeed football in general, but at least as a local(ish) resident, he should have some understanding of the way Watford works and what it means to the fans. Having said that, would anyone who understood the ‘Watford way’ choose to pick such a public fight with Graham Taylor?...

Our third question, what will represent a successful tenure? received a three pronged answer. 1) Stability for the club, 2) a completed Vicarage Road stadium and 3) success on the pitch. Mr Bassini’s answers did seem to make it clear that he isn’t underestimating the task he has undertaken in delivering these three targets. Each of them will take time, a considerable amount of money and no little luck along the way. Ultimately, it will be against these three targets that Bassini as an owner will be judged, but I think in identifying these aims, he has at least shown that he shares the same hopes of us, the fans. Let’s hope he can deliver.

In response to question four, What are your plans for the Stadium redevelopment and the timescale for completion? He stopped short of providing actual timescales, but did explain that the East stand is the third priority out of three major building projects, falling in line behind The Red Lion and the fit-out of the South West corner. Questions remain over the viability of The Red Lion as a pub and so as a fan, I have to ask why this would be deemed a priority ahead of the corner of the Rookery and Rous – currently a concrete shell after work was suspended a few years ago. As home to a number of vital facilities, including the dressing rooms, completion would enable a move away from the East Stand – obviously no longer fit for purpose. Would this have been a more suitable focus than the refurbishment of a pub that will see little custom on non-match days? Only time will tell.

As is to be expected, in his answer to our question number 5 - Where is the money for bond repayments, stadium redevelopments and future player purchases going to come from? -there is no mention of exactly where the money is coming from, but in fairness, that’s nobody’s business but his. However, in talking about the scheduled bond repayments, a large amount of money still owed to former owner Lord Ashcroft, he did say that he is planning to pay all of them off in one go, meaning that for the first time in a long time, Watford Football Club would be in effect, debt free.I don’t think there can be a Watford fan on earth who wouldn’t be pleased with that particular outcome.

So. we’ve been asking questions and finally, we’ve got some answers. They are by no means extensive, in depth or conclusive, but at least it’ something. At least we understand our new owners aims, why he's here and what he hopes to achieve. It's a start.

As fans, there is no way we should have had to wait this long to hear from the owner. Supporters are the lifeblood of any club, never more so at relatively small, community focussed clubs such as Watford. Mr.Bassini misjudged this and as a result was met with scepticism and mistrust, whilst his appallingly handled withdrawals from two events at which he was due to speak lead to a combination of anger and ridicule. Hopefully these experiences will have highlighted to Mr Bassini the need for open and honest communication with fans – his meeting with the supporters trust and the Q&A session would seem to indicate this is the case. Let’s hope it continues.

In his interview with the Supporters Trust, Mr. Bassini made it clear that he wanted to be judged on what he achieves for this football club. Our football club. Well, the time to deliver is upon us. Over to you Mr.Bassini. Over to you.

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Pod 2.7: Live and Interactive... Sort of!

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:12:31 PST

DOWNLOAD - iPhone and iPod

DOWNLOAD DIRECT - Blackberry and Android

Scientists claim that Monday was the most depressing day of the year, (‘Blue Monday’ is the third
Monday in January) there is good news for Watford supporters as the latest edition of the fans
podcast ‘From the Rookery End’ is now available for download and will lift you out of the depth of depression.

The bulk of the latest episode was recorded during Watford’s home game with Reading and in
a unique twist, saw the podcast hosts interacting with listeners during the recording. Podcast
presenter Jon Moonie explained:

“The Reading game was live on TV, so we knew there would be more people than normal watching
the game and we wanted them to be a part of the show. We posed questions via our website, Twitter
and Facebook and discussed the responses in the podcast. We were delighted with the number of
people that got involved and whilst the game was a disappointing one, our interactive experiment
was a definite success.”

“We asked the questions that we felt most fans will be talking about at the moment, for example
– who are you most worried about losing in the transfer market. In the light of some high profile
players returning to their clubs, we also asked who they would most like to see back at Vicarage
Road. Listeners came up with some great answers, which can all be heard in the show.”

The podcast also features an interview with Hornets striker Chris Iwelumo, a song for new singing
Nyron Nosworthy and a fascinating chat with the new Chair of the Watford FC Supporters Trust,
John Fawell. In talking about the interview with Mr Fawell, host Jon Moonie said:

“The Supporters Trust is a really important organisation who works hard to ensure the views of
Watford fans are represented. Like us, they have been keen to talk to Watford owner Laurence
Bassini about his plans for the club, and recently they managed to organise a meeting with him. John
was able to fill us in on what Mr. Bassini had to say, as well as explaining the way the Supporters
Trust works and what its aims as an organisation are. It was fascinating and ‘m sure listeners will
agree.”

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Happy Returns

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:39:50 PST

Whilst Watford were busy dismantling Bradford City in the FA Cup last weekend, a few hundred miles up the M6 Sir Alex Ferguson was busy planning a move that to steal all the third round headlines. The inclusion of recently retired midfielder Paul Scholes as a substitute caught the footballing world by surprise. His performance in a memorable win over fierce rivals Manchester City was only overshadowed by Thierry Henry scoring a late winner for Arsenal on his first appearance for the club after his controversial return on loan. Both men have made a mockery of the oft held belief that ‘you should never go back’.

Here at Watford we’ve had our fair share of returning heroes – Luther Blissett, Tommy Smith and of course the one and only Graham Taylor have all made triumphant returns to WD18, and as Scholes and Henry completed their triumphant comeback this weekend, Henry with a bit more Va Va Voom, I couldn’t help thinking about which names from Watford’s past I’d like to see make a return…

GT and Ross Jenkins at the Doncaster game - we'd have them back in a second.

Every cloud has a silver (yellow?) lining...

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:42:02 PST

It's fair to say that Watford's televised fixture with Reading didn't go quite as we'd hoped. A 1-2 home defeat wasn't what we needed, and the team will have to bounce back quickly if we are to continue pulling away from the dreaded relegation zone.

HOWEVER, it wasn't all bad...

As you may have noticed, we at From the Rookery End used the Reading fixture as a bit of an experiment, recording the podcast before, during and after the game and asking you for your input, thoughts and comment throughout the evening -with the aim of featuring as many of your opinions on the podcast as possible. We were delighted with the response, with many of you sharing your thoughts on the topics and questions we posed on Twitter and Facebook.

We also did some live updates here on the blog, along with a few photos, hopefully providing those of you who couldn't make the game with a feel for how things are going. See how the game unfolded, live, here on the blog.

Here are a few of the questions we put out there, along with a selection of your great responses:

Which player are you most concerned about losing in the transfer window, and which former Hornet would you most like to see return?

In terms of who you didn't want to see go, it was a toss up between Marvin Sordell and Adrian Mariappa, some of you keen to keep it tight at the back by hanging on to Aidy, whilst others feared for our goal scoring capability should Marvin leave for pastures new. Fair play to Luke Fox (@lukefox88 on Twitter) who was the only one worried about hanging on to Mark Yeates. Congratulations on having a unique suggestion, Luke!

There was an overwhelming consensus that the best player to have back would be Tommy Smith, with a few votes for Ashley Young, Danny Graham and everyone's favourite puffin muncher - Heidar Helguson. My favourite response came from Jason Chapman on Facebook who called for the return of Paul Robinson. Great shout Jason - Is there anyone out there who wouldn't like to see 'Robbo' back in a yellow shirt?

Podcast co-host Jason missed the first goal as he was answering the call of nature. We asked what Watford moments you have missed, and why?

On Facebook, Rob Bennell remembers missing most of the Cardiff game last year - "Because it was foggy!" You and the rest of us Rob! Several of you have missed crucial goals following in Jason's steps and going to the loo when you should have been watching the game, whilst Alex Stephenson proves that celeb spotting has no place at football. He told us:

"At the Play-Off Final in 1999, someone next to me said Lennox Lewis was in the stands with us. I looked over to try and see him and missed Nick Wright's goal".

Not to worry Alex, I'm sure there will be plenty of other overhead kicks scored by Watford players at Wembley! Our Facebook favourite though, came from Robert Bliss who missed the Play-Off Final in Cardiff:

"I missed the Final in Cardiff as I had to finish my dissertation which was due in the next day. When I say 'finish off' I actually mean write 10,000 words! I was pushed for time as I'd only had six months to write it..."

Shame on you Robert, but thanks for sharing and may it be a lesson to all those other Watford supporters currently at University!

Over on Twitter, we had some absolute belters.

Damian Owens (@demonskot) missed a couple of goals in a game with Brentford after taking a wrong turning en route, whilst Jordi Connor (@jordiconnor) missed our 7-2 demolition of Bradford in '89 as he went to see the Nutcracker Suite ballet instead! Come on Jordi - there is a time and place for culture, and that time is NOT when Watford are playing!

One man had a very good excuse for missing the entire 2002/03 season though. Step forward Matt Page (@matt_s_page) who spent that year out in Bosnia.

Ying and Yang - What have been the best and worst moments in the last month of watching Watford?

A pretty unanimous answer on this one. Michael Kightly.

The good? Seeing him in action for Watford.

The bad? Seeing him in action back at Wolves.

I'll leave you with another one.

The bad? Losing at home to Reading.

The good? Hearing from loads of fellow Watford fans and recording another great edition of 'From the Rookery End'!

The new episode will be out in the next couple of days and you can get it direct from this site, or download it from iTunes. Thanks to you all for taking part - let's do it again soon!

PS You can see a few pictures from our day over on our Facebook page. Don't worry, you don't need to be a Facebook member to see them!

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Watford v Reading - LIVE!

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:40:11 PST

We're always looking for new, fun and exciting things to do here at From the Rookery End so today we're trying something new...

We'll be tweeting and posing questions on our Faceb ook page throughout today's televised fixture with Reading and it is your responses that will help shape the podcast, which will be out in the next couple of days. Get involved as you watch the game, tweet us, facebook us and if you see us at the game tell us!

We'll also be posting pictures and comment as the game goes on right here on the website, so keep refreshing this page to see our updates as the game goes on!

Enjoy!

Watford V Reading - As it happens...

4:00pm - The camera's are in place. What sort of performance will the watching millions

see from the Hornets today?

4:30pm - Jon and Jason, two-thirds of the From The Rookery End team are in place...

4:35pm - The teams are in...

Disappointing to see that Jonathan Hogg is missing from the sta

rting line up. Perfect opportunity for John Eustace to stake a claim or his first XI place back. Good to see you back Johnny...

INTERACTIVE-TASTIC

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:49:22 PST

For the 22nd From The Rookery End podcast, out in Mid-January, we are going to try something out, something that may or may not work, but we need you to get involved and be part of it.

This Saturday (14th January 2012) Watford take on Reading at Vicarage Road. The game is live on the TV (Sky Sports 2 / HD2 from 5pm) and 10,000 of Watford fans around the world will be watching the game live on. To capitalise on this mass community experience we thought we would record the podcast during the game asking you to send us your comments and thoughts via our Twitter and Facebook accounts as you watch along either in the ground or at home (wherever in the world that might be).

At points through out the afternoon we will tweet/post a question or observation about something specific that we want you to comment on. It could be about the line up, a specific player or an on pitch incident. We’ll put it out there, wait 10 minutes for your response and then record our chat including your input. We get so many of you sharing their thoughts and passions via email, Twitter and Facebook but we're not able to get it into our pre-recorded podcast. In the first 21 editions of FTRE you’ve helped us write songs for players, suggest objects for our Watford in 100 Objects list and write comedy PA announcements. Due to the way we record the podcast you've not been able to mould our chat.

If you’re on Twitter then make sure you follow three of us - @RookeryMike, @RookeryJon and @JasBailey – and during the game use the hastag #FTRE in tweets and responses. And on Facebook make sure you like our page – www.facebook.com/rookeryend and you can comment on the wall and on anything we post up.

We can't wait to see what you've got to say!

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REVIEW / INTERVIEW: Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:59:17 PST

I'm not quite sure where my dream to become a professional footballer went wrong. Perhaps it was in my moody teenage years, but whatever happened I didn't follow my childhood dream. So when I was offered the chance to watch "Rise and Shine: The Jay Demerit story", a documentary about Jay Demerit's journey from Wisconsin to the the World Cup via his big break at Watford, I was interested to see what Jay did that I didn't?

It's only been 18 months since Jay last played for Watford, which in the grand scheme of things isn't that long ago. I has half thought that it was still too soon for a biographical film when Jay is only32 years old and got a few years left him in being a professional footballer. I was very wrong.

Most football fans will find Jay's story interesting and enjoy watching it, but two groups I think will LOVE it.

Firstly, young lads who still have 'the potential', something I lost about 15 years ago. A lot of young footballers could still be in a position where they might make it as a footballer. Are they in the Watford Academy with a mapped out journey into the first team? No, but nor was Jay. He had the vision to keep banging on doors, playing whatever game of football he could get involved with to get his break. He played organised college soccer, but was unsuccessful getting into the Chicago Fire development scheme. So off he went over to Europe to realise his American Dream. He went from not making it in a juvenile football league to trying it in some of the most competitive countries in the world. In fact I think it was his battle to get just one game of non-league football and his traveling around Europe begging for a trial was a big part in his preparation for his role in getting Watford into the Premier League and being an on pitch leader for the club. Jay made it with hardwork and determination.

The other group who will love it are Watford fans. I finished watching the film having not only with the biggest grin on my face having seen clips of the Play Off winning side of 2005-2006, but my other lasting feeling was of pride. Pride in the fact that Ray Lewington and his team had the guts to take a risk on a comparatively inexperienced yank. Our club has played a big part in developing young talent that has always been, and continues to be, something that makes me proud to be a Watford fan. Lewington giving Jay his first professional contract and giving his a major bump on his way to representing his country at the 2010 World Cup finals. The club helping the development of another player, but in a very different way from the normal Academy graduate.

So I never made it as a footballer or fulfil my childhood dream, however, as a life long Watford fan, watching Jay fulfil his dream of playing professional football was FANTASTIC.

What a day for Watford fans and one young American!

The film is co-directed and produced by Nick Lewis and Ranko Tutulugdzija and Nick was good enough to answer a few questions

1) How did you get involved with the project?

I met Jay when he was in college through a friend named Ranko. Ranko and Jay played soccer together in college and that is where I met Jay.

Around 7 months before the 2010 World Cup I called Ranko and said that we need to make a documentary, and do it now. When I talked to Ranko about it he agreed and called Jay the next day. We pitched it to Jay and he was a bit hesitant but ultimately realised it was a story with a bigger meaning, especially because he was heading to the World Cup. He was also interested in hearing what others had to say along the way, such as the guys at Watford who had a random American show up and play with the team before even training with them. That is how it all came about. Ranko and I actually had a professional director lined up but he had some family issues and couldn't do it at the last minute. So we were forced to do it or let it fade away... and we jumped in without really knowing what exactly we were doing. We knew enough about Jay's story and the game though to start and from there we never looked back.

2) Was it tough to get a film made about a Watford player?

I think getting a film done in general is tough! Then on top of that a documentary, and one about soccer, especially in this day and age where most films are big budget comic book remakes, sequels, etc. But with all that said the technology available makes anything possible, that and a lot of work. I feel like the film is actually blessed because it could have fallen apart many times along the way but at every hurdle something happened that allowed us to keep going. Interestingly enough I think it was easier having a film about a Watford player for one reason, because of Watford FC. We didn't come as professional filmmakers with a long resume or big film crew. However the entire club and its fans welcomed us with open arms, allowing us access to the players and the stadium and helping out wherever they could. The club realizes how special the story is and backed it 100%.

3) What was the most surprising thing you learnt about Jay and his rise out of no where?

There are many things that I learned throughout the process about just how crazy and amazing Jay's journey was. One "surprising" moment that stands out of the many is that in his try out game against Real Zaragoza (where Jay started and played the entire game even though he hadn't even practiced with Watford before) his cleats had busted before the game so he had to borrow some because he didn't have the money to buy new ones at the time.

4) Out of all the footballing characters you met making the film, who was the most 'interesting'?

Difficult question as everyone that we interviewed was articulate, passionate, and funny. Stu Holden is a great character. Aidy Boothryd is an extremely articulate and passionate guy and Ray Lewington is the same. However, I think the most "interesting" would be Jay's non-league coach at Southall F.C. who would pick Jay up and drive him and his team mates to games in the back of his van.. which he also used to sell women's underwear.

5) Is there one particular moment Watford fans should be looking out for during the movie?

Of course! The goal against Leeds in the Championship Play-Off game that helped push them into the Premier League. I won't say anything more...

6) Where can Watford fans see the film?

The film is playing at Odeon Theaters throughout the country on January 17 and January 29. It is a film for all ages and we highly encourage families, teams, and fans to go. There are a few theaters located very close to Watford that are showing the film. The entire list can be viewed at jaydemeritstory.com.

New Year, New Me

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 23:00:05 PST

Mike shares his plans for making his 2012 footballing experience a little less stressful... With Christmas done and dusted there are now two things occupying our minds. Dealing with the credit card bills we racked up whilst buying our families jumpers, socks and bubble bath – and new years resolutions. Every year we tell ourselves we won't bother, but I bet there isn't one of you reading this that hasn't said to themselves “I'm definitely doing that in the new year...” Well, never one to be left out, I've made a few resolutions of my own, each designed to make my life as a Watford fan more enjoyable.

As those of you who listen to the 'From the Rookery End' podcast (If you haven't listened to it it yet – there's your new years resolution right there!) will know, I don't have the sunniest of dispositions. Well, it's probably worse than you thought. I go to every Watford game expecting us to lose. Seriously. I'm so negative I make Jack Dee look like Santa Claus. I know why I do it – it's self preservation. John Cleese summed it up perfectly in the 1986 film 'Clockwise' when he said; 'I can take the despair, it's the hope I can't stand'. I want Watford to win so much, I daren't let myself believe it might happen. Well, I've decided that it's no way to be and 2012 is going to see me heading to Vicarage Road with a spring in my step and a grin on my face, full of positivity and the promise of goals and points.

My second resolution should have happened years ago. Like many sportsmen and spectators, I'm superstitious. If I've worn a particular outfit to a game we've won, I have to wear it to the next game. If we score and I have my hand in my pocket, my hand stays in my pocket until we score again. If we haven't conceded whilst I'm holding my bottle of drink, I can't put it down for fear of letting one in. Well, it's all going to end. Not only are my superstitions obviously completely ineffective – if they worked we'd be top of the league - but they get in the way of me enjoying the game. Instead of getting on my feet to applaud the latest Nosworthy wonder tackle, I'm too busy trying to stay still in case any movement results in a change of fortune on the pitch. Well no more! For 2012 there will be no superstitions – it's all up to you now lads...

My final resolution is a clear indicator that I'm getting old. I'm going to stop barracking referees. Whilst many would argue that a verbal volley towards a referee who has denied you yet another blatant penalty is an integral part of the football supporting process, for 2012 I'm going to side with the men in black. It's a tough job they have out there (although it would be easier if they just listened to John Eustace when he tells them what's what) and I'm sure they aren't completely useless on purpose.

So, there you have it. My 2012 New Years Resolutions. Ah. But it's still 2011 Isn't it? In which case; congratulations Doncaster on your inevitable win, keep that lucky clover close to hand and REFEREE – ARE YOU BLIND?!

Come on You Horns!

10 Great Watford Moments from 2011

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:00:01 PST

What's that, you've already seen 100 different Top 10's of 2011 in the media this week?

Yes, us too, but we (along with your suggestions on Facebook and Twitter) have put together a From The Rookery End - 10 Great Watford Moments from 2011. They aren't in order but they are all moments that make being a Watford fan enjoyable, 'interesting' and most of all proud.

Ashley Young signing for Manchester United - Thursday 23rd June
It may not have been a signing that is going to help Watford much now, well some cash from a sell on clause, but it is great to see a player who came through the Watford Academy play on the biggest stages football has to offer.

Tommie Hoban making his senior debut at Preston North End - Saturday 7th May
Why this player in particular, well he is the current Captain of the Under 18's, a future prospect and his debut meant he was the 22nd home grown player to play in the Watford first team in the 2010-2011 season. No homegrown players have made debuts so far this season, a clear policy change under Dyche, but our Academy players continue to grow out on loan playing regular competitive football.

Martin Taylor scoring an injury time equaliser at home to Birmingham - Sunday 28th August
Goals don't have to be spectacular over head kicks or even lead to a win. Martin Taylor's header was such a goal and it gave me the feeling of a win as I left Vicarage Road that day. It was the first home point we'd seen this season after 3 were professionally taken from us by West Ham and 3 were stolen by Derby with very little effort or grace.

Lee Hodson 1st goal at Leeds United ending 2-2 - Saturday 16th April
For the expression of sheer joy, excitement and happiness on his face as he ran towards the travelling Watford fans.

Adrian Marriappa's Bobby Moore style tackle vs Leeds - Saturday 10th December
Maybe liking it to Bobby Moore's tackle of Jairzinho in the 1970 World Cup is a bit too much, but it was one of those tackles where the defender makes the tackle, stops the ball dead and then calmly passes it out of defence. It's one of those moments where you feel that the player is in complete control or their game. And that sums up Mariappa this year - He's been fantastic!

The team announcement at home to Peterborough - Saturday 29th October
After our recent signings this current season we must have the greatest combination of first names and surnames in the entire world of football. At that game against Peterborough names on the Watford's team sheet included Marvin, Troy, Iwelumo, Hogg, Prince, Bauaben, Nyron and Nosworthy. Even Mariappa is a bit special, but we've got used to it in the last 6 years. What a wonderful ensemble of names we have at Vicarage Road.

Laurence Bassini taking over Watford Football Club - Friday 1st April
Is this a positive or negative things for the club has yet to be decided 100%. What we do know is that it's given us on the podcast, and many other Watford fans, plenty to talk/worry about. We hope for good and regular communication with Laurence in 2012, in whatever form it may come in.

Johnathan Hogg signing his Watford contract - Saturday 27 August
We've had far more signings at Watford this year then anyone would have imagined. Many of them have added a little something to this squad, but none more than Jonathan Hogg. He is able to defy Physics by being in every part of the pitch simultaneously and passes the ball like an American quarterback setting up a wide receiver to take the game forward. Oh and he's keeping Johnny Eustace out of the starting XI. The battle of player of the season has start early and Hogg and Mariappa are currently streaks ahead of the crowd.

Sean Dyche's 'COME ON' gesture after Ipswich 1-2 Watford - Saturday 3rd December
It wasn't our first away win of the season, but it was our first comeback away win and Sean's face and punching of the air summed up the feeling we all had after a battling win! It was also sort of aggression you'd expect from a man with a voice that sounds like he's eaten a few exhausts.

Danny Graham showing his vest - Saturday 1 January
Danny was the Watford star player of 2011 and he was pretty niffty at scoring goals (like you didn't know that), but he was also a dab hand at Table Tennis. So much so he won the "2010-2011 Watford FC Table Tennis Championship". Danny proudly showed off his win by lifting his shirt reveling a message, written with a black marker, on a his vest after scoring in the 69th minute vs Portsmouth on the 1 January 2011. A few months later when, after scoring against Millwall, he showed us that the Watford squad are a close squad and used another vest to hope Stephen McGinn a quick recovery from injury. It also inspired us to create 'Wear a Vest for Danny Day'. He may have moved on to greener pastures, but we will always thank him for the goals he scored in the 2010-2011 season and giving us a fun way to celebrate the season.

****

So there are our 10 Great Watford Moments from 2011. Thank you to Darren Lapthorne, Steven Wynbar and Luke Green for their contributions via Facebook and Twitter and if you have your own favourite moment then put it in the comments section below. It's not been a vintage year for Watford, but as always it's great to support a club that creates special moments like these!

Jon

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Hornets Half Term Report

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:12:36 PST

After contributing to the Guardian's championship pre-season preview, Mike has now contributed to their bloggers' half-term report. You can read how other Championship Bloggers are feeling about their team on the guardian website, but below is how Mike feels the first half of the Championship season has gone for the Hornets.

How's it going?
Following the departure of talismanic striker Danny Graham and the wholesale defection of our management team to south Wales it would have taken rose-tinted glasses of Elton John proportions to have viewed the season ahead as anything but a struggle. But after a shaky initial period, the team are starting to look cohesive and, crucially, hard to beat. Sean Dyche brought in 10 or 11 players pre-season and many fans questioned this approach, hoping instead to see more products of Watford's much-heralded youth setup. Dyche has stuck to his guns, though, and has done well to win over sceptical Hornets fans, who are heading into 2012 hopeful that Watford can achieve this season's goal – survival.

Who's been the star?
Home-grown defender Adrian Mariappa has again looked imperious at the heart of defence. With Watford's defending historically pretty madcap, he's a pleasure to watch. Special mention must also go to Nyron Nosworthy, who having endured a nightmare debut at Vicarage Road for Sheffield United a few seasons ago has conquered his demons to become an instant hit at WD18.

Biggest disappointment?
Our propensity for conceding last-minute goals shows no sign of abating and I'd have liked to see us score more ourselves. Also giving me cause for a furrowed brow have been the introduction of the elite player performance plan and the willingness of England fans to get excited about the European Championships so soon after the 2010 World Cup abomination.

Grade C+

Mike Parkin, From the Rookery End (@RookeryMike)
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He's Behind You!

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 04:12:12 PST

Mike looks at the transformation from hero to villain... With Christmas well and truly upon us, many of you will have a trip to the pantomime pencilled in a part of your festive itinerary. Even those of you not heading to the Palace Theatre to see Jack and the Beanstalk will know that an integral part of any such show is the pantomime villain, a character identifiable by his dastardly deeds and the chorus of boos that accompany his every move. Of course, such characters aren’t limited to the stage at Christmas, football is awash with characters that we all love to hate...

Malky Mackay is back at Vicarage Road for the first time since his departure for Cardiff, and I’d be disappointed if he wasn’t afforded a good reception by the Vicarage Road crowd this afternoon. The same can’t be said of his predecessor, Brendan Rodgers who also left Watford for Wales in more acrimonious circumstances. After cultivating a Watford side that was playing the best football seen at WD18 for many a year, Rodgers was the subject of much speculation linking him with jobs elsewhere. He was quick to publicly quash any rumours, boldly stating that anyone suggesting he would leave was “questioning my integrity”. Days later he was announced as the new Manager of Reading and his name was instantly chalked off the Christmas list of anyone connected with Watford.

Our club are rightly proud of the home grown youngsters we produce –there will be a number on display today and youth team graduate Lloyd Doyley is entering his testimonial year. Not all of them work out how we would have liked though, with David Connolly a prime example. Connolly burst onto the scene in 1996, a striker with a happy knack of being in the right place at the right time, with hat-tricks an apparent speciality – Connolly scored three in his short spell with the club. Watford fans quickly realised they had unearthed a potential gem, but sadly for them, it was opinion shared by the player himself who soon made it clear he wanted a move away from the club. A number of petulant and unnecessary statements from the player, combined with some forgettable performances on the pitch meant that his departure on a free transfer to Dutch giants Feyenoord left Hornets fans with a bitter taste in their mouth and Connolly assured of a hostile welcome should he ever return to the Vic.

Equally prone to a less than warm welcome from Watford supporters is one time fans favourite Lee Cook. That rarest of commodities - a left footed attacking midfielder, Cook flourished under Ray Lewington and was unplayable on his day, giving the supporters as much pleasure as he gave opposing defenders grief. Ultimately though it was the fans who were to feel hard done by as Cook departed for rivals QPR, a move that still rankles with the Hornets faithful.

There have been others of course. Midfield workaholic Andy Hessenthaler didn’t do himself any favours by announcing he wanted to leave to play at a bigger club only to drop a division to join Gillingham, whilst more recently Jamie Hand made sure my plan to rename the East Stand after him will never come to fruition by joining that lot up the M1 and proceeding to claim his new club are bigger than his previous employers. The buffoon.

For every villain there has to be a hero and the current crop will be out there in front of you this afternoon. As fans we have to make sure the bad guys know we’re on to them, but the good guys need and deserve our support too.

Merry Christmas and Come on You Horns!

TAKE 3: Laurence Bassini to answer fans questions

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:44:07 PST

Jason, Mike and I have talked at great length over the last few months about Laurence Bassini. It all started when, at the last minute, he pull out of a Fans Forum at Vicarage Road and a week or so later he pulled out of a Fans Phone In on BBC Three Counties. Like many fans we have a few questions for our new owner, in fact we have 5 simple questions we'd like to ask Laurence:

1. Why did you decide to 'invest' in football?
2. Why Watford?
3. As owner, what will represent a successful tenure?
4. What are your plans for the Stadium redevelopment and the timescale for completion?
5. Where is the money for bond repayments, stadium redevelopments and future player purchases going to come from?

Some listeners to the podcast may of thought of us as three overly worried Watford fans. And worried we were, however our worries aren't born out of paranoia, merely out of a lack of knowledge and understanding that comes from poor communication.

I, and my co-hosts, started to feel better when the Watford Supporters Trust published their notes from their one-on-one meeting with Laurence. Yes, we got some new information on the work at Vicarage Road, but we have begun to understand a little bit more about Laurence as the owner of Watford Football Club. And that is why we came up with our 5 simple questions. They weren't aimed to catch him out, ask him personal information or get to see his bank balance. We just wanted to get to know him better as a businessman. The WST meeting helps us to begin to see his aims and intentions during his tenure and I recommend all Watford fans have a read of the notes in full. For me his biggest issue seems to be the fact he isn't a limelight grabber and perhaps he isn't good in front of a crowd - not many people are.

The great news today is club has announced that Laurence will be doing an on-line Q&A in the new year. So this is ours and your chance to ask a question of our owner and get an answer to make us feel more positive about how our club is going to be run. Is it a public forum where I can ask my questions directly, no, but I for one hope we now have a way for fans to have a regular means to communication with the owner of Watford Football Club.

Fans wishing to ask a question of Laurence (one per person) should e-mail themediateam@watfordfc.com with the phrase 'Bassini Q&A' in the subject line. You have until 5PM ON FRIDAY 23RD DECEMBER to get your email in.

Jon

FTRE on the Telly

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:05:57 PST

A few weeks ago FTRE were asked to do a TV show for the new sports channel called 'Sports Tonight Live'. You can watch the station on-line at www.sportstonightlive.com or Channel 112 on Freeview HD.

Did we want to be on the telly? YES WE DID!!

So one Sunday morning we headed down to London and into the Sports Tonight Live studios near BT Tower, where we recorded a programme about why we love being Watford fans. The station is doing a series of programmes called 'Podcast takeover' and we were one of the first to take part.

So here, for your visual pleasure, is the FTRE (minus Jason as he had some plastering to do) Television debut

Blame in on the weatherman

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:00:04 PST

Mike Parkin of the ‘From the Rookery End’ podcast gives thanks for abnormally mild winter...

As we head towards December, meteorological experts are consistently telling us that we are set for one of the mildest winters on record. Bad news for polar bears and de-icer salesmen, but good news for us football fans, who spend much of the winter months traipsing up and down motorways to sit outdoors watching our beloved team in action. Not that it puts us off of course, quite the opposite in fact; attending football matches in abysmal weather conditions is seen as a badge of honour. A rite of passage. A means of sorting the men from the boys.

Often I’m a victim of my own poor planning – wearing just a school shirt to Oakwell on a cold Tuesday evening wasn’t one of my greatest moves. Sometimes though, no amount of planning or clothing can protect you from what the weather gods throw at you.

Take Torquay at home for example.

This January 1997 fixture was a game in the early stages of what was then known as the Auto Windscreens Shield. Only one stand was open – ironically the East Stand, and due to treacherous and unwelcoming conditions, the crowd was a low one. It was in danger of getting lower as the game wore on, with numerous spectators, myself included, feeling like death from hypothermia was a very real danger. As the game wore on, the pitch began to visibly freeze before our eyes; it was as if “Iceman” from the Fabulous Four comic had turned his attentions to the Vicarage Road turf. Oh what the assembled few would have done for a visit from his superhero companion “The Human Torch”. It was cripplingly cold and the game should never have been played. It was though and I am one of only a couple of thousand to be able to say I was there. Worth risking limb loss to frostbite for? You betcha.

Fast forward almost a decade to 2006 and Watford were hosting Italian side Chievo in a pre-season friendly. Despite being summer, rain was forecast and older and wiser following Barnsley and Torquay, I arrived at The Vic with an umbrella proudly in tow. It was a good umbrella too, a silver, space age looking creation, given to me by a friend. It was a real one-off and I was quite proud of it. So proud in fact that I left it in the Hornets shop before the game. Realising my mistake halfway through the first half, I rushed back to the shop, only to be told by staff there had been nothing handed in. Oh well, I thought. It probably won’t rain anyway. An hour later and we were in the midst of a rainstorm the likes of which I had never seen before or since. I couldn’t believe it. Walking back to the car some 40 minutes away in such weather without an umbrella would be suicidal. My brother and I cowered in the Rookery until we realised the rain wasn’t going to stop and made a run for it. The Hornet shop had just closed as we ran past, it’s staff heading out into the rain just in front of us. Then, mere metres in front of me an employee put up an umbrella. A silver umbrella. My silver umbrella! Luckily for the chap in question, my anger at this outrageous and brazen theft was instantly outweighed by the relief of having some form of protection from the unrelenting rain, and without breaking stride I took back my brolly and strode off, leaving the young man wondering why he couldn’t have nicked a plain black one...

So, we’ve had ice. We’ve had rain. What are we missing? Ladies and Gentleman, I give you the FA Cup Third Round. I give you Scarborough away. I give you a 0-0 draw. I give you snow. No further comment required, I’m sure you agree.

Despite these dark memories, with three home wins on the bounce, things are looking increasingly sunny here at WD18 so let’s get behind the team this evening and make sure it’s our friends from Bristol that leave under a cloud.

Come on you Horns!

A win is a win...

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 23:00:04 PST

Mike tries to work out what’s more important – style or substance?

Well, it’s nice to be back isn’t it? In my eyes, International football is no replacement for seeing the Hornets in action, even if we did see the National side beat the World Champions (Spain) and a Country we haven’t had a win against for over 40 years (Sweden). Give me a home win against Portsmouth any day of the week...

The game against the all conquering Spanish was the game that attracted all the pre and post match headlines, and whilst England’s victory was a welcome one, the lukewarm reaction to it was interesting. England were widely tipped to be on the wrong end of a footballing lesson by a Spanish team quite rightly rated as the best in the world, but Fabio Capello masterminded a rearguard action that saw England win the game despite seeing little of the ball. With a disastrous and depressing World Cup campaign still fresh in the mind, one could be excused for expecting a victory against a team of this calibre to be greeted with excitement and optimism. It wasn’t.

In the main, pundits and fans opted to focus not on the result, instead picking up on the apparently negative way in which it was achieved. Questions were asked in papers and pubs throughout the Country about whether England should be winning this way. It’s not often you’ll find me sympathising with Fabio Capello, but on this occasion I’m struggling not to side with him and his fellow managers. How often are bosses dismissed from their role after a run of poor form, then told by all and sundry that their sacking was inevitable as football is “a results based business”. Fair enough perhaps, until those very same managers grind out results, only to be met with dissenting voices claiming that football is actually “an entertainment business”. Winning with style is apparently now the only way to avoid criticism.

As I absorbed the post Spain fallout, it struck me that the modern football fan may be expecting too much. Do we all have a right to expect free flowing, expansive football AND results? Is anything less than a combination of these two aspects unacceptable?

I love overhead kicks, diving headers, back-heels and 20 pass moves that end with a sweetly struck volley into the top left hand corner. Do you know what I love more, though? Winning. As a football fan, nothing beats the feeling of leaving the ground knowing that 3 points are in the bag. No matter how the victory is secured, it is the victory that counts. Nothing more, nothing less. If today ends in a scrappy one-nil win, secured after the ball bounces of Nyron Nosworthy’s backside and in, I’ll be as happy as it’s possible to be.

Style and tactics can be debated all day long. Results can’t. Let’s get behind the team and make sure we get one today.

Come on You Horns!

This article was first published in the Matchday programme for Watford vs Pompey on 19th November 2011.

WFC in 100 Objects - #15 - Anatomically Correct Harry the Hornet

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:24:57 PST

[NO PHOTO - Do you have a photo of the original Harry The Hornet Costume? Please send us one]

This weeks object is The Anatomically Correct Harry The Hornet Costume from the mid-90's. Nick Young emailed us with the idea:

Hi guys,

Can I recommend the Harry the Hornet costume as one of the 100 objects? Specifically, I mean the mid-90s one that had the tail-section ('Harry's arse') and therefore actually looked like a hornet. Not the current one. Say what you like about mascots - I am not much of a fan if truth be told - but they have been a part of the footballing scene in this country for two decades now. And before being a wage-slave in a costume, Harry was a cartoon character in the programmes of the 80s, and can even claim direct descent from the mischievous-looking hornet who was the club badge before making way for the red hart/moose. So he's part of the club's history.

Thanks

Nick Young

Harry first appeared "in real life" in 1995 and legend has it that the original Harry the Hornet costume that Nick wants to put in the list was changed because the man who first played Harry pleaded "squatters rights" when he had a fall out with the club. Apparently he stole the head. We never had a Harry the Hornet when I was a kid and in some ways I very jealous of the young supporters who get to see him today. I know in my very early games my Dad would have liked him to keep me distracted when my mind wondered away from the on-pitch action and I'd run out of Panda Pop and eaten my Mars Bar.

We have a few more ideas for Harry The Hornet objects to do into the list, but if you have an idea or an idea for another Waford object taht is important to you or the clubs history then please email us - podcast@fromtherookeryend.com

Jon

ADDITIONAL:
Adam Cummings, former member of Radio Hornet, sent us the below email correcting the true age of Harry The Hornet:

Hi Guys

Just like to take issue with you regarding the age of Harry. He was certainly out and about in the early 90's during the final years of my time as Radio Hornet. There was one occasion at an open day when the normal Harry was still on holiday and my father somehow managed to put the costume on and use the skills he gained over 20 plus years in amateur dramatics in order not to disappoint the masses!

Thanks for the details Alan, we were wrong with the age, but the mid 90's Harry is still the version we're putting into the list
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Five simple questions...

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:36:34 PST

EXTRA PODCAST: Listen to an extra podcast we have produced to talk about our 5 SIMPLE QUESTIONS and the worrying week at board level since Laurence was a no show at the Fans Forum.

Listen on-line HERE or via iTunes

Some questions are destined never to be answered. 'Which came first, the chicken or the egg' for example, is a poser that will most likely never have a wholly satisfactory answer. Some questions are difficult to answer. As a parent, 'Daddy, where do babies come from?' are the six single words most likely to have me running for cover. Some questions are just plain daft; 'Would you rather be attacked by 1 horse sized duck, or 50 duck sized horses?' is one you have no doubt given careful consideration to after a few pints or glasses of wine. In the main though, questions are good. And answers are better. It is answers that allow us to learn and to understand. Answers empower us.
Since Watford's new owner was revealed as Stanmore businessman Laurence Bassini in April, there have been plenty of questions, but not many answers. The developments at the club this week; Mr Bassini's absence from the Fans Forum and subsequent statement of intent to leave his role as a Director of the club, have only served to provide yet more cause for confusion for fans. As owner of the Football Club, Mr Bassini is the one ideally placed to steady the ship and calm the frayed nerves of Watford fans worldwide. All he has to do is answer a few questions.

On the latest From the Rookery End podcast, recorded ahead of the Fans Forum, Jon, Jason and myself identified five simple questions that we wanted asked and answered at Tuesday's event at Vicarage Road. Needless to say, they weren't answered.

For those of you that haven't listened to the podcast (yet!) here are the five questions and a brief explanation as to why we chose them

1.Why did you decide to 'invest' in football?

Did you know the only way to make ANY money from taking part of the Europa League is to win it? All the other clubs involved will most likely make a loss. Whilst the Europa League has it's critics, what this does show is that making money from football, even at the top level, is hard. Some of the hardest nosed businessmen in the world have tried and failed. Why would a man who, by his own admission, has faced some challenging times as a businessman enter an industry in which it is almost impossible to make money?

2. Why Watford?

If it is hard to make money out of football, it is a colossal challenge to make any money out of Watford. An average Championship team with a three sided ground, shorn of it's star players hardly screams 'Business Opportunity' does it? Especially when you take into account that previous owner, Lord Ashcroft, a man with a business track record infinitely superior to that of Mr Bassini's failed to turn the club into a profitable operation. As he also isn't a Watford supporter, we think it is important to know why Mr. Bassini chose to get involved with our club.

3. As owner, what will represent a successful tenure?

Businessmen have targets. It's what business is all about. Build a brand. Buy something and sell it on for a profit. Come up with a new product. Whatever the business, there are always targets. Aims. As a businessman, Mr Bassini must have had a set of goals and aims when he purchase Watford Football Club. He paid £400,000 to buy the club, its implausible that anyone would part with this sort of cash without a clear set of aims and objectives. As fans who make a regular financial and emotional commitment to the club, we have the right to know what the owner has planned. Why would he not want to share, what one must assume are plans for success?

4. What are your plans for the Stadium redevelopment and the timescale for completion?

In Mr Bassinis's rare public statements, he has gone on record as saying that the redevelopment of Vicarage Road is a priority. Music to our ears. There is only so long that we want to see the dear old East Stand staring back at us, empty and condemned. What he hasn't done is tell us exactly what is going to happen and when. If it's going to take 5 years, fine, just tell us. Rome wasn't built in a day, there is no reason Vicarage Road should be. As the owner though, he must have a plan. Share it with us. There really is no need to keep us in suspense.

5. Where is the money for bond repayments, stadium redevelopments and future player purchases going to come from?

Let's be clear here, we don't expect figures. Mr Bassini has the same right to financial privacy as you or I. However, it's important that we understand how Watford are going to be steered out of what is still a hugely precarious financial position. Yes, Watford have made signings this year, but it doesn't take a mathematician to work out that the money spent is dwarfed by the money received following a swathe of high profile transfers, money from the Ashley Young deal, compensation following Malky's defection to Cardiff and the unexpected windfall of more rent money from Saracens. The summer purchases have been covered and then some. What is unclear is where the money required to keep Watford afloat and hopefully moving forward is going to come from. With no evidence of any personal investment from Mr Bassini at this stage, it's important to try and get an understanding of how our owner plans to meet the vast financial commitments and obligations faced by our beloved Hornets.

So. That's it. Five simple, yet as yet unanswered questions.

Imagine you own a football club. Imagine you own Watford. Read each of them back and ask yourself if you wouldn't want to answer any of them.

As supporters with Watford dear to our heart, we feel that it wouldn't just be nice to have these questions asked, we believe it is vital. Without these answers it is impossible to have any degree of faith in where the club is being taken and we will therefore be writing to, emailing and calling the club to request that Mr Bassini answers these questions as a matter of urgency. Whether he answers in person, over the phone or via email, we really don't mind. We just want and deserve answers.

Mr Bassini may own our club, but it is us who carry it in our hearts. We have a right to be heard.

We will be sending a letter and email directly to Mr Bassini containing these questions and inviting him to respond. We'll also call the club and leave the same message. We'll keep you posted. His answers, or lack of them, should tell us all we need to know.

WFC in 100 Objects - #14 - Elton John Album "Single Man"

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:49:22 PST

In our search for 100 Objects that define Watford Football Club we expected to put in a few Elton John related items. Our first Elton items was suggested by Gary Coster he emailed us:

Hi Guys

Don't know if you've got this but Elton John's 1978 album "A Single Man" should be in the Watford in 100 Objects list. The team do backing vocals on the song "Georgia" A classic! It was featured on "The Big Match" with Elton praising right back John Stirk. Stirk and Keith Pritchett were on my paper round when I was a kid!

Cheers

Gary Coster

It wasn't one of Elton's biggest hits, so if it doesn't ring a bell then below is the video of Elton singing with the players back in 1978. Listen out for the wonderful harmonies from the Watford players!

We only made one FA Cup final and we never had a cup final song. So this is as close as we have got so far! Thanks to Gary for emailing in the suggestion and if you have any other Elton John related Watford items we could put in the list then please email them in - podcast@fromtherookeryend.com.

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WFC In 100 Objects - #13 - A Watford Mug

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 02:44:48 PDT

Our search for 100 Objects that define Watford football club continues. As you may know the objects can be historic and relate to an important on pitch moment, or be related to a fans personal relation ship with the club. This weeks object is one such personal object. We had an email from Tim Turner. Tim writes a blog called "Albert McClenaghan's Throw In (And other stories)" and was inspired by our challenge and has done a run down of all the Watford memorabilia he has collected over the years. You can read his full list of Watford memorabilia here.

After his first email I asked Tim is there was one particular item he wanted to put in. This was his reply.

If I had to nominate one item for your list, it would a coffee mug that must be nearly 40 years old. It still gets used regularly - maintaining the link between the 11-year-old boy who got it as a present years before I ever tasted coffee or tea, and the 48-year-old me, still watching the same team at the same ground drinking out of the same mug.

Alternatively, as a symbol of the futility of football merchandise, I give you the ashtray. It's quite a smart one, as it happens, made of some sort of brushed metal. But, unlike the mug, it's never been used, since I don't smoke and never have. Presumably my mother was struggling to find something to buy me for Christmas in the club shop and this was all she could come up with.

All the best

Tim Turner

We have wanted to put a Watford mug into the list and Tim's mug seems the perfect one to put in. You can see how loved it is from the chip on the rim and the slightly faded paint work. I had contemplated putting in my Dad's unused Watford mug. I say unused because he had a theory that whenever he didn't drink out of it Watford won. He never drank out of it and Watford lost, drew and won many, many games. It lived on the top of a kitchen unit in our old house. I have no idea where it is and I hope we didn't forget about it when we moved out.

We still have a LONG way to go in our list. So if you fancy having a look through your own collections then you may find an object that means a lot to you that you want to put in the Watford in 100 Objects list. Please Email any of your ideas you have to podcast@fromtherookeryend.com

Oh, and here is the ashtray Tim's mum got him for Christmas as a child. Back then the Hornet shop couldn't of had the selection of child friendly merchandise it has today.

Jon

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POD 2.4 - Growing Up

fromtherookeryend@googlemail.com — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 03:48:09 PDT

Q: What do you get if you combine Two Scotsman, a Republic of Ireland international and an American Watford fan who has travels 4684 miles to watch the Hornets?

A: The latest edition of the From the Rookery End podcast!

After an enjoying back to back wins against Peterborough and Brighton, there is more good news for Watford fans as a bumper edition of the podcast ‘From the Rookery End’ is released.

The latest edition features interviews with two Watford players; summer signing Craig Forsyth and up and coming star Tommie Hoban. Craig Forsyth speaks about making the transition from Scottish football to the cut and thrust of the Championship, whilst U19 International Hoban talks about life as an Academy graduate, his debut at Preston and his hopes for becoming a first team regular.

As controversy continues to rage about the new ‘Elite Player Performance Plan’ (EPPP) the boys take a timely opportunity to talk to Watford’s Head of Football Business, Ross Wilson, about the impact the new scheme could have at Vicarage Road as well as getting an understanding of Wilson’s role in the day to day operations at the club.

Mike, Jon and Jason with Head of Football Business - Ross Wilson

Jason, Jon and Mike are also joined by special guest presenter Curtis Petiford, a Watford fan based in Denver, Colorado who had travelled to England with the sole purpose of watching the Hornets take on Peterborough.

This is an important podcast for us as there were some really big issues to discuss. Obviously the start to the month was tricky from a footballing point of view, and the news regarding the EPPP was of huge concern to many Watford fans, myself included. The interview with Ross Wilson was a perfect chance to discuss exactly how the proposals will affect Watford and hopefully the interview will help give fellow fans a better understanding of where the club stand.

Ross also provided a valuable insight as to the challenges he faces when dealing in transfers, the clubs stance on loans and his hopes for the future of Watford’s emerging talent. It was really encouraging to be reminded how big an emphasis is placed on bringing through youngsters.

It was a privilege to talk to Craig and Tommie and to have Curtis with us was tremendous. The fact that he’s travelled 4684 miles just to see Watford is a reminder as to how wonderfully bonkers football can be. Without football, and more specifically Watford, we’d never have met him and it’s great to make new friends through football. He’s also never seen Watford lose, so we’re working hard to get him back on a more regular basis. Perhaps Sean Dyche and the lads could chip in for his future flights!

The podcast, which also includes the usual chat about the months football and details on the latest objects to be added to the “Watford in 100 objects” list. It is available to download for free from iTunes or the website www.fromtherookeryend.com. And remember you can also interact with the podcast team by visiting facebook.com/rookeryend.