In all this excitement, it struck me that it may go unnoticed if we are not careful. On the 28/8/1982, 30 years ago, Watford FC played our first game in the 1st Division. Some of you may recall, a 2-0 win over Everton at the Vic. Pat Rice(ok maybe a Southall og), and Gerry Armstrong the scorers. This coming season is my 30th as a season ticket holder, hence my nostalgia, but it got me thinking about this new adventure we are now embarking on. With all the backing, what chance of us finishing runners up in the 'top tier' ever again? It would be great for our our supporters to experience that excitement again. I'm hoping for the best, and will try to get not to carried away, either way. Not sure what to do to mark the occasion. Should we mark the occassion as a group? It was the pinnacle of our success, but their again this is a new era. For my part, the nearest home game to the 28/8 is the Birmingham game(25/8), so maybe I'll try to squeeze into a very old footy shirt(it won't be pretty). Any suggestions?
The Pozzo's have taken Udinese almost right to the top, albeit over quite a long period of time, but repeating that in England? It's a whole new challenge. I don't honestly believe that the Pozzo's have the finances to do it. Premier League, sure, if they are smart and make the most of our youth academy, their own and their scouting networks.... but from there it would take another, far more wealthy owner to step in if we were ever to challenge. But let's face it... for such a thing to be sustainable, you need a massive, worldwide fanbase with a big stadium. Watford does not have the history or the fanbase to make that happen. I think what we can hope for right now is to emulate a team like Wigan..... then from there see how things go.
Not sure I remember that too well as I was preoccupied in the South Atlantic.... In answer to your question, to mark the occassion I would hope that all of the fans, especially those in the Rookery, make some noise and get behind the team. For too long now the painful silence at home games has been a negative factor, there is an opportunity starting on Sunday to change that. COYH.
http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/ldx-legends-details-265793.aspx Nice line up, most of the players I admired from when I was a teen going to the Vic are going. Mooney is still a god to me. Nick Wright's overhead looper is and will be my all time favourite Watford goal. Shame I can't go.
totally agree that the Rookery needs to start making some noise...if, as it seemed to have been claimed, that more season tickets were sold this season in the early stages, then hopefully a lot of those people will come down on Sunday and make some noise! I know a lot of Spurs fans coming, hopefully the Watford fans will be noisier!
I think we should feel comfortable at setting our sights a bit higher than Wigan! Okay so we aren't ever likely to really compete regularly with the likes of manyoo chavski or citeh but I think with the resources at the Pozzo's disposal and their knowhow and experience I do not see a lack of ambition in emulating a club like Fulham... and if they can reach the Europa League final... we can at least dream! Not that we'll get their attendances unless the East Stand is rebuilt and we get improved transport links and parking. The Pozzo's are here for Premiership football... nothing less will do- that is their raison d'etre... within 2 seasons followed by sustained and sustainable competition in the top tier- but the question remains: does the council have the stomach for the baggage that comes with it?
Sunday was a lovely atmosphere with most of the cheers going to Lloydihno which was right and proper. As I looked around the Rookery I have to say that the fabulous family orientated fan base is not one that would break into song. I'm hopeful that when the season starts and maybe , just maybe if there are early glimmers of possible progress, then the support will follow.
