Very promising but thought he was the bollock. Wanted a European campaign. Ended up wasting his career, but we did nazi it coming.
"Yeah look, I know I said that thing in the podcast but I got a bit carried away and all that. Any chance we can wait until the transfer window shuts before you release it, bit worried I might have to actually go there otherwise..."
Really good podcast. If only we had players with his ambition and discipline (and crossing ability). Encyclopaedic knowledge of Watford. Sadly I think, like Robbo, we had the opportunity to bring him back but it didn't quite happen.
So he wants to come back, does he? I haven't forgotten the way he celebrated like mad 2/3 seasons in front of the Rookery ago when he scored a brace. Do one, Ashley.
Just listened to the entire interview......1.5 hours...wow, but it was very interesting. I didn't realise how much affection he has for the club. He kept saying it's his home. Ok, that celebration, but I don't have a problem with it. He was not playing for Watford, and you can compartmentalise your feelings for the club when you're playing against them. I've done it myself, against Watford, in a friendly. I wanted to score and was desperate to beat them.....and I'm a huge fan of course. It's a weird thing that takes over you. You're a profession footballer, you love scoring, and it's against your old club. I do get it. So, it's very clear, he's ready to come back and play for us. Now he's 35, I don't think he really has too much time in order to do it, in all seriousness. That boat may already have gone. He's probably looking to maybe sign for us for next season? Only one year on his contract at Milan, which ends in the summer. Watford can sign a pre-contract with him in January if they so wished. I'd really like that, but it does depend on if he can still get around the pitch at 36. That's a tough position to play wingback at that age. But just imagine Young, Foster and maybe even Mapps all playing together for Watford all those years later. Mad.
Fun fact, I never ever scored a goal in a full game of football outdoors on grass. I'd be giving it the big 'un if I scored against Garston Boys let alone thee 'Orns in a pre-season friendly! Go on then, what's the story?
You've not been paying attention to Gino's business model have you? It's a three year contract from Gino.
Nah....not too much of a story. It was a charity match Watford Legends v All Stars.....and I got roped in for the All Stars. It's going back to around '94, so it was a while ago. In the Watford team were Luther, Jackett, Terry, Gilligan, Francis Cassidy, Price, Gibbs, Callaghan.....from what I can remember. Barnes should have played, but didn't turn up. I did score but we lost 7-4!! I did have a moment though.....on the pitch when Watford were awarded a penalty. Luther stepped up to take it and I remember thinking to myself "I can't believe I'm on the same pitch as this guy and he's going to take a penalty against my team"......but I really wanted him to score....which he did of course. It was a surreal moment in the life of HB1 for sure.
Christ if you played against Garston Boys when I was there you would have had no issue scoring. Somehow managed to fluke a cup though.
I played for Garston Boys lol, and we were terrible! I say 'we', the team magically started to win more as soon as I left, so it tells you a lot about my football abilities! Sadly, I believe they're no more?
Interesting symmetry that the second last thread on this forum is/was about Ashley Young, and the second one of the same forum is about him from 14 years ago - a very different era for him and the club!
Would he contribute to winning promotion this year? I think he would, so I would be delighted to see him back in the squad.
