It was December 7th, 2009 and Lloyd Doyley’s 269th appearance in the golden colours of Watford FC when he rose like a salmon to nod in the equaliser against Queens Park Rangers in front of the Sky Sports cameras. It was Doyley’s first goal for the Hornets who went on to win the match 3-1, and was a just reward for a local hero who has given his heart and soul to the Hertfordshire club. But times are changing and such devotion to one club is largely a thing of the past.
After Watford FC were taken over by the Pozzo family in 2012 an influx of players from across the Pozzo club network joined on loan — to much anger and contempt from ‘traditionalists’ like Ian Holloway. Players such as Anya, Abdi, Vydra, and Forestieri were all brought in to add a bit of international flair to the Hornets. But by the time Slavisa Jokanovic had been brought in as the club’s fourth coach in five weeks come October 2014, Watford FC had a settled squad of growing experience. Lead by club captain Troy Deeney, Watford FC finished the 2014-2015 Championship season on 89 points, one point behind Champions AFC Bournemouth but more than enough to take second place and promotion to the top league of English football. Deeney finished with a tally of 21 goals and was accompanied by Odion Ighalo on 20 and Vydra with 16. It was a front line of speed, power, and class but the step up in class will mean that the past counts for very little, just ask Leeds United fans.
The off season has seen Watford FC again busy on the management front with Quique Sanchez Flores taking the hot seat. Flores brings with him a wealth of experience both on and off the pitch. As a former Spanish international, Flores amassed 15 appearances for his country and 344 for Valencia, Real Madrid and Zaragoza. After retirement in 1997, Flores managed at Youth Level for Real Madrid before moving on to Getafe, Valencia, Benfica and Atletico Madrid to name but a few. The 50 year old from Madrid has also been busy since taking the job, bringing in French international Etienne Capoue, Austria defender Sebastian Prodl, Greek international Jose Holebas, and Lithuania goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis, along with extending the contracts of Deeney, Gomes, Angella, and Vydra.
So what can we expect from the globe-trotting Watford side?
Firstly, entertainment. If you missed the play-off semi-final second leg versus Leicester City in 2013 where were you? The personnel may be different but the mentality and ethos remain the same. Watford FC will attack until Suarez’ reputation rises from the ashes because they simply don’t know how to defend. That is not meant as an insult, but rather a reality. The formation of Watford FC, as demonstrated in their recent pre-season friendlies with St. Albans City and AFC Wimbledon, presents an insight into the style and set-up Flores seeks to implement. With three forwards sitting behind a ‘lone’ striker, Watford FC will attack in numbers and look to get men in the box. In defence Flores will ask the wing-backs to join the attack with pace and width, adding another dimension to a side already looking to take the game to the opposition.
Secondly, surprises. Jokanovic was never afraid to mix things up with the Watford FC side, whether it was substitutions after 20 minutes or rotating strikers as if they were going out of fashion, Quique Sanchez Flores will be no different. He plans to create a “new team” that “the fans can connect with” through passion and commitment. But as he has previously shown through previous clubs, he isn’t afraid to make enemies for the benefit of the team (see 2010-11 feud with Diego Forlan at Atletico Madrid). Flores pushes his players to improve their performance and attitude, and Watford FC will reap the rewards if he is given time to shape the side.
Third and finally, we can expect Watford to do more than make up the numbers. Yes the Premier League has been monopolised by money in recent years but the playing field is being levelled by broadcasting rights and investment. The top three or four ‘big’ clubs will be brought back to Earth as the season goes by and it won’t only be Watford that picks up a point or two when expected to roll over. Yet I am getting ahead of myself. Watford FC will need to keep their feet firmly on the ground in order to achieve any sort of success.
The challenges ahead for the Hertfordshire club are somewhat predictable. How will they handle the step up in class? How will the squad gel? What impact will the results have on morale? The answers will come soon enough but, more than anything, Watford face a challenge in staying grounded. The squad, fans and staff are undoubtedly excited about the season ahead but will this transfer positively onto the pitch? Will the passion be sourced into commitment and dedication? Will Watford FC go gung-ho?
The Hornets are looking for a golden season but survival will be bigger than any trophy, any promotion, any cup-run could ever be.
