It was the 88th minute when Troy Deeney converted Craig Forsyth’s cross and put the game to bed against Middlesborough on April 28th, 2012. Marvin Emnes had scored with five minutes to play, seemingly to steal an unexpected point against a Watford side that hadn’t won in the last five games; however it was to no avail. And so ended not only a forgettable season but also the Bassini Dynasty, opening a new chapter for the club and fans.
Bassini had left the club in mid-table obscurity. Hated by fans, he united the club against him and to this day continues to make the wrong headlines (‘Laurence Bassini, former Watford FC owner, declared bankrupt again’,). Nevertheless, Bassini signed eleven new players in his thirteen months in charge and astutely brought in Giampaulo Pozzo and family to succeed him as owners in June 2012.
Watford FC Turning the Tide in North London
Three years on, Watford’s long awaited return to the promise land: the English Premier League has been confirmed, largely thanks to the takeover which ushered in a new culture at the club.
The Pozzo family own three European clubs: Udinese in Italy, Granada in Spain, and Watford in England, and is headed by Giampaolo Pozzo. Giampaolo bought Udinese in 1986 having obtained his wealth in the power tool accessory ‘industry’, making his mark for establishing a vast scouting network with his son, Gino – the official owner of Watford – and a strong transfer strategy. This business-like approach to running a football club has drawn its fair share of criticism; however Udinese’s results and European qualification, along with Watford’s recent promotion have spoken louder than any words could.
But who/what is Watford? Famous for its golf courses and hotels – The Grove Hotel has hosted both the World Golf Championships and Bilderberg Conference – Watford is home to over ninety thousand people twenty-seven kilometres north of central London. Created in the 8th century, Watford has grown from a small Anglo-Saxon settlement through to a market town and now a truly metropolitan hub of the Home Counties, possessing the head-quarters of JD Wetherspoon, Camelot Group, and Bathstore (to name but a few). Places of interest in Watford include the home of Harry Potter – Leavesden studios, Watford Colosseum – used to film various film soundtracks including Lord of the Rings, and Cassiobury Park – a Green Flag park. Nevertheless, Watford’s biggest claim to fame is its personnel, which include George Michael and Elton John. The latter becoming the football club’s chairman in 1976 before selling it in 1987. Sir Elton remains an Honorary Life President along with Graham Taylor and both have stands named after them. Yet, even with such illustrious connections, the football club has been the archetypal yoyo club for years and have never won a major trophy.
Established in 1881, The Hornets – called as such because of the colour of their strip – moved to their current home, Vicarage Road in 1922. This was to be the only significant point of note until Graham Taylor took over as manager in 1977. Watford soon rose from the fourth division to Runners-up in the first division within five years. UEFA Cup qualification and a loss to Everton in the FA Cup final at Wembley soon followed with a team consisting of Kenny Jacket and John Barnes, with Luther Blissett being sold to AC Milan in 1982. However, following Taylor’s departure and another period of obscurity, Watford returned to the spotlight during Taylor’s second spell as they were promoted to Premier league in 1999, albeit only for one season. Watford did not then return to the Premier League until 2006 under Aidy Boothroyd after beating Leeds United 3-0 at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. Again, after one short spell in the top division, Watford returned to the second division, now called the Championship, and thus it is no wonder that Watford are already favourites for relegation next season. But things have changed in Hertfordshire, and with new owners at the helm, a new movement called the 1881, and a new culture around the club, fans have the right to be excited about the future.
In early 2013, the 1881 movement was created. It was a fan-run initiative to improve the atmosphere at Watford matches, and had support from the club itself. It was based upon increased participation on match-days and has seen around two hundred supporters actively improve the matchday experience through displays, singing, and a more communal environment. Whilst the Pozzo takeover has seen a greater professionalism behind the scenes. Players such as Troy Deeney have taken responsibility upon themselves for raising the squad’s standards, Head of Sports Science Gianni Brignardello has revolutionised how the players are looked after, and Slavisa Jokanovic, along with his coaching staff, have instilled a work ethic and ethos that has seen Watford climb into the Premier League and perform with flair, speed and commitment.
It may not be the fairy tale of Bournemouth or the rise and fall of Leeds United, but a revolution is taking place at Watford FC and the Pozzo family have revitalised a sleeping giant in north London. Watford FC have hit the big time and don’t be surprised if the Golden Boys make more than a few ripples next season.
The tide is turning.
