Is this as good as it gets under Pozzo?

Well, let's start with the good news, shall we? We have some areas of the squad where we can improve significantly without having to break the bank. On top of this, we'll always be tough negotiators in the transfer market, so we probably won't get raided (and if anyone does leave, you can bet we're getting top dollar for them anyway to try to bring in a replacement).

On the other hand, the stakes are getting higher, the top 6 are almost beyond comparison even if one or more of them have a poor season, and some of the so-called 'bigger' teams just below that list have far greater financial capabilities than us. I get the feeling after a period of decline (during which time Burnley took advantage to finish 7th), teams like Everton and Leicester are getting their act together, not to mention Wolves who look like they'll be competitive again next season. As much as we can improve, so can they, so it'll still be very difficult to achieve anything more than mediocrity in the league.

Ultimately, going forward, while the league is the bread and butter, we'll probably have to look towards the cups for a chance of any real highlights. I see absolutely no reason why we can't go on another run again, God knows far worse Watford sides have also gone far in the cups! With a bit of luck of the draw and simply turning up on the day, why can't we reach another final some time soon?

 

As long as we finish in the bottom 3 next season, I'll be happy.

 

I was just saying this, going to be bloody tough to pick the teams heads up after today and the last few games of the season. Injection of young hungry players could up the energy levels

 

Yes, but that was then, this is now. TV money and the top clubs' blackmailing of UEFA will ensure that the top clubs remain the top clubs.

People will eventually get fed up with TV football and TV money will be drastically reduced, but that won't happen soon. Before that, the top clubs will piss off into a closed-shop European League, which will give us a better chance in the English Prem.

 

That is an interesting point. I mean we don’t need to change the midfield. The defence you are right wont cost much.

Obviously attackers are different thing. I mean we could really do with improving our attack, which puts us in the same position as half of the league.

 

It's easy to criticise Deeney and Gray, but getting a good striker in is the hardest thing in football. If Gray cost £13m+ (no idea how much we've actually spend on him so far), how much would it be to get in someone who has the pace and workrate he does but with much better technique too? Would we be able to afford him?

 

I don’t think we’ll splash the cash on strikers. The Pozzo plan is to buy young strikers and bring them through. Time will tell if that works. To be fair, it is probably the only cost effective option

 

Yes it's as good as it gets. Within 5 years we will be back in the champ. Enjoy this league while we can but accept we will always lose more than we win so more sad days than happy days.

 

I wish we could keep the success and lose the scummy glory supporting asshats that seem to follow.

Such a shitte horrible experience today. Where are all these vile nasty shiitebags on a cold day in December v Huddersfield?

I'd trade in the success for a decent championship season and the club going back to being supported by the true fans.

I've actually stopped enjoying Watford games.

This is a sad day.

 

There was one complete muppet in my section. He spent the first 60 minutes berating everyone for not singing enough. I sang just as much as him. And if if I didn’t - hanging some drunk guy shouting at me to sing probably won’t change my opinion. apparently everyone else was not a real fan. During this berating I’m sure he saw virtually none of the game as he was never watching. then at 5-0 him and his friend just left! And missed the chance to support a battered team.

None of us wanted to lose 6-0. That was not the plan. But it happened , and it was always a distinct possibility.

 

Overall I have enjoyed the season but I think we have got away with having a rubbish defence for too long. Today just underlined the need to improve what is at best a championship level back 4. The better sides are just licking their lips when they see players like Maps who would not get anywhere near another Premier League side.

 

When a couple of my mates had gone to the back at half time a guy on the row behind us with 2 kids in tow gobbed on our floor. I said that it was disgusting. He said "ooh too many beers mate. Don't get in a mood support your team."

He tapped me on the shoulder a few times saying support the team.

He then left at 80 minutes.

Great support you vile disgusting scumbag.

 

Just imagine, every single time we ever make it to an FA Cup final again, we will be reminded on TV and in the press of our 6-0 hammering. It's really something to look forward to.

 

18th. Win that "best of the worst" league.

 

*furiously waves flag*

 

I just picked out your positive comments to post this link from yesterday which supports most Pozzotive views on the situation.
I would also add that we know he is hunting around for good investment to take us further but will only go with a safe option with deep pockets.
I think I saw the club now valued at 600+m? it would be easy for him to cash in and then buy Charlton or similar for peanuts and take them all the way but I believe he has his heart with us now (despite some numpty hangers-on that came to the semi and the final) and will be with us for 20+ years.

https://www.watfordfc.com/teams/first-team/owner-chairmans-statement-thank-you

 

Must have been same section as me. 541 ? Big guy about 30 with bit of a beard, worse for wear ? Constantly standing, facing away from the pitch and moaning that no-one was singing - then wanted a fight with a more elderly guy who asked him to sit down ??

 

That would delight me, if that was the case. It's incredible, but Gino still feels like a new owner to me. In fact he's owned the club for 7 years now!! Time does fly.

Of course you can tick off all the achievements in that time. SEJ stand, new hornet shop, SW corner completed, work on the NW corner, plans for stadium capacity increase, boxed in corners, the Sensory Room, a play off final, promotion to the Premier League, 5 years and counting in the top flight, an FA Cup final plus two FA Cup semi finals.

When you read it like that, from a club that was only hours away from administration the day he took over to now, it's bloody incredible.

Gino Pozzo is incrementally doing his best to improve Watford, but within what he considers a sensible budget. He's made mistakes, of course he has, but the path we are on is ever upwards in reality, when you take a step back and look.

The Pozzo family have been in football for 32 years. They've owned small clubs, but have taken each one to the highest league in that country and they have all survived. In 32 years not once have they had a club relegated. That's an incredible record, when you consider they do not throw big money at any project.

I find what they do is unique and understated. They are misunderstood, distrusted and undervalued by those from outside of Watford and it's fanbase. Maybe that is one of their greatest strengths, as so far no one is copying their model. However, their model is a lifetime of chipping away, making small improvements along the way. That's not attractive enough for most football owners and the impatience of most people in football with money would turn them off the Pozzo model. This is why they get a completely free run at what they do and how they do it.

I admit to falling into the trap of impatience myself. I want Watford to be as strong as they can be. We're not there yet and I find this frustrating because I don't think it would take too much to make us this. A couple of centre backs and a striker.....easy peasy right?

I just want Watford to avoid these of end season collapses, to put on a better show against the elite clubs, but at the same time, I'm delighted at how we start campaigns. I'm proud of being the best of the rest, in terms of points taken from clubs outside the top six. A run to the FA Cup final, and even though we were humiliated, we're still this season's FA Cup finalists and runners up.

At the end of the day it's all good. I'm glad I've written this, as it's cheered me up no end

 

A large proportion of our fans are financial advisers and book keepers who should be applauding the frugal Pozzo model.

After 7 years of ownership I’ve realised that we’re not going to be unearthing a Sanchez for £50 every summer.

 

The reality is Steve Leo Beleck after all!

 

Issac Sucks ess
Olarè
Penaranda
That bloke who came on in the 3-0 home win against Man U, took a free kick, then scored with his second touch
Wilmot
Neutron
The keeper from Udinese
Sinclair

And many many more

 

Yes that's right. He had clearly started drinking earlier than was wise!

 

New thread needed: ‘Mention a Muppet’

The tubby, bearded bloke in block 127 who waved money at the City supporters for each of the last three goals.

The ‘lad’ who was so wound up by the silent City fans he had to be escorted out by the stewards. Tw@.

He was followed later by two kids who had Bovvy market ‘Stoned Island’ jumpers on. Ha ha ha!

A bloke near us who became excited at 4-0. Talking about cashing out to his 10-year old son. Not quite sure who he supported.