Rob’s subsequent success should bring into focus the fact that  unless there is significant change, any (unlikely) success will happen despite the way Watford is run, not because of it. Sacking RE wasn’t the problem. Creating a situation in which any HC is destined to fail, is.

Despite recent failures, I don’t think anyone seriously expected any introspection from Gino Pozzo, and the apparent retaining of Giaretta would seem to suggest that the Status Quo is set to continue. It therefore seems likely the same issues will persist.

We’ve spoken about culture on countless episodes of the podcast, but reality is that culture change requires a desire and commitment to want to do it, a desire that almost certainly isn’t there. Gino wants success, but will he change his ways to get it? Doubtful.

Even if Gino could be convinced that his “my way or the highway” approach was failing, the root and branch review and implementation of a new setup and subsequent improved culture would take time, money & effort.

 On recent evidence can you see Gino signing up for that? 

There were lots of responses and some very clear main themes.

We’re just supporters like you so we don’t have the answers, but we want to discuss the things that are important to fellow fans of Watford FC. First hand feedback from you – of which there was lots, thank you! – points to worry about these main issues.

MONEY MATTERS:

There’s a big question about finances, with some asking why we aren’t spending, and others asking if the financial situation is, after 2 relegations in 3 years, worse than anticipated. The different views illustrate one thing – no-one really knows.Understanding the financial situation provides context and helps with expectation levels, while it’s also perhaps important to recognise that finance is a sensitive issue. The bottom line is that there is no common consensus on the financial state of Watford.

BAYAT:

This is a name that came up a lot, with the recurring question being why is this man seemingly so entrenched at Watford FC. It’s evidently a cause for concern for many.

TRANSFERS:

Perhaps with half on eye on the Bayat issue, there are plenty of concerns about the transfer dealings and the current state of the squad. With the window open, a lot of water to go under the bridge, but there is work to do at Watford.

BACK THE BOSS:

Continuing the theme of the squad makeup, there were plenty of questions as to whether the squad being put together was suitable for the way it’s thought Rob wants to play.

It’s also fair to say that there are happy hornets out there, too. Plenty ready to wait to see how the season pans out and to simply enjoy the ride. Nothing wrong with that, just as there is nothing wrong with raising the concerns we’ve summarised here.

We all want the same thing, which is to enjoy supporting a successful, stable Watford. For us, that means voicing & discussing concerns – plenty of which have been raised here – as well as highlighting the positives. We’ll continue to do our best to do just that.

After a big weekend at Camp Bestival, Jon and Mike made it to Vicarage Road to see the Hornets’ first home win since November 2021, and it was magical to be in The Vic when the goal went in… oh the relief.

Post match, Jon, Mike and DCW gather to discuss the Hornets 1-0 win against the United team of Sheffield.

• The performance of our ‘current’ front three of Dennis, Sarr and Joao Pedro.

• Where Rob might still have work to do?

• Luther’s response to being awarded Honoury Life President

COME ON YOU ORNS

Day 1: The Top 10 Countdown of the last 10 seasons

Jon. Jason and Mike, the original trio, take a trip down memory lane and rank the ten Watford FC seasons we’ve seen while podcasting.

Day 2: Youth and Old Age – Nick Cox and Barry from Watford

We had a great chat with Nick Cox about his time with the Academy at Watford FC, looking back on why it was such an enjoyable time, despite some challenging circumstances. Nick is always worth a listen so you know what to do.

And then a complete change of pace and direction we also talk to the legendary Barry from Watford, who shares his thoughts on the red/black shorts debate, describes Watford FC as a biscuit and lets us know if he’s celebrated a Hornets win in the town centre pond.

Day 3: Super Danny Graham

As you might expect, Daniel Anthony William Graham was a joy to speak to and it was great to talk through his eventful, but short career at Watford and how life had been since he left Vicarage Road.

Day 4: The Best of FTRE

It had to happen at some point. We’ve been making podcasts for the last 10 years, published over 300 of them and this is our first clips show. You know, like the ones they always do on American Sitcoms.

This episode shows off just a little bit of what we have done as a podcast and shows off how its really a podcast about staying sane, celebrating triumphs and chatting to footballers.

This is 10 years of podcasting in about an hour.

Day 5: Troy Deeney – An Interview with Captain Sensible

In the ten years of doing From the Rookery End, Troy Deeney has been a name synonymous with our beloved Watford FC. It’s been five years since we last spoke in depth to Troy, where he memorably joined us for dinner a few weeks before promotion was secured.

We thought it was high time we caught up with the skipper again, and he kindly joined us to talk about how life has changed since those days in the Championship – including how he has changed not just as a player, but as a man.

He’s Watford’s number nine.
He’s a Watford legend.
He’s Troy Deeney.

Welcome to a brand new From the Rookery End, the first in a series of special episodes in which we attempt to define Watford in 100 objects.

Being a football supporter is about much more than what unfolds on the pitch, and this list is our attempt at showcasing just how diverse, entertaining and often unexpected, being a Watford fan can be.

In this episode we count down the first ten, featuring a South African’s stretcher, some knitting and a cardboard cutout supporter.

Welcome to Watford in 100 objects, welcome to From the Rookery End!

Football still isn’t back, but we, and you, loved the feeling you got from Colin’s live match commentary of Watford 1-0 win at home to Leicester so much that here is the commentary of Watford away at Burnley.

How will the hornets fair against Sean Dyches’s Clarets?

Well stick this commentary on, get on with your Saturday and imagine, as Colin has, the game which should have happened on March 20th 2020.

Keep sending in all your feedback and COME ON YOU ORNS!!

Are you missing football on a Saturday?
Of course you are and so are we. This podcast is very unique and we hope it till give you something of a normal Saturday afternoon, supporting Watford.

Colin Mace, professional actor (currently seen in Military Wives), FTRE co-host and Hornet Heaven narrator, has imagined and commentated on Watford v Leicester game… the whole 90 minutes. And he plays the part of both commentator AND pundit (Kenny McPhee).

It is spectacular and we think it will be the perfect company on a football-less Saturday. Put it on and get on with your jobs around the house and you will feel like there is a real Watford game going on.

Ever wondered what Pierre Issa is up to now? Want help in identifying the top three goals of the Pozzo era? Keen to hear how Gerard Deulofeu is doing as he recovers from injury? You do? You’re in luck!

Welcome to the latest from the Rookery End podcast in which Jon is joined by Mike and The Athletic’s Watford correspondent Adam Leventhal to discuss all of the above – and much, much more!

How much do the FTRE hosts REALLY know about the Hornets? Well in this week’s podcast you’re about to find out as two teams go head to head in a battle of Watford wits! Hear Mike and Kelly take on Jason and Colin, as they tackle a number of fiendish rounds as well as coming under the spotlight in an individual Mastermind challenge.

You can play along at home, too – we’d love to know how you get on.

There’s no football, but there’s still From the Rookery End! Enjoy, and Come on you ‘Orns!

Since Watford was taken over by Gino Pozzo, the club has enjoyed an exciting time of it, with supporters treated to a host of new players, some of which are still entertaining us now, some who made only fleeting appearances and others that we’d possibly rather forget altogether.

In this, the latest From the Rookery End, supported by The Athletic, two teams do battle to come up with the ultimate Pozzo-era XI. Who wins? You decide!

Listen now to see how the selection process unfolded and don’t forget to share your thoughts and team selections afterwards.

Stay safe and Come on You ‘Orns!