So here's the thing. Jonathon was Man of the Match today says the press box, probably due in part to no stand out performances in a slightly disappointing all round display. At fault on Tuesday and again for their second today. Also made some really good saves in both games and did well at the Wolves. So what do we say at this point - Good keeper, just not yet ready? or Give him games to help him improve? or does he need another 6 months in League 1 playing every week. And what about Manuel? 35 and could see us through in the Prem next year unless we get an Italian loaner. Wilks from the u/18's is a real prospect I hear. So many options, what do you all think??
And the other option is? - get a keeper on loan? If you need to point the finger of blame at someone, take a look at a midfield that could not retain possession and had to resort to a long ball.
Exactly that WY. The midfield was not strong enough and you could see that from the off. But I dont blame Bond at all for either he was foulded as the corner was taken. I spoke to Alec Chamberlain after the match, and he said exactly that without me even asking. I simply said what did he make of the match.
the midfield were missing for large parts today...we can say they're too short, but really that's no excuse!
The weakest mid field I've seen all season Yeates can't cut it at this level and as for Hog, Jesus someone please tell Zola.........
Last season Eustace and Hogg were instrumental in our season but we are a totally different team this season! There is no place for either in our squad any more, which just shows IMO how far we have come. We no longer break down play we are generally far more creative! JE will always be part of our history for his manly efforts, when we have been in the mire but alas his and Hoggs days are numbered, which just shows how far Watford FC have come with GFZ at the helm
Haha, you have borrowed a whole team. It goes without saying that any team would improve. I applaud your management for putting on free travel to the Hull game though. They know that the rules will be changed at the end of the season and you will lose most of your (I mean Udinese B) players. Don't expect a pretty game of footy as u watch the Tigers tomorrow night at Burnley. I wont say good luck in your run-in cause everyone knows in this division that it is similar to the Chelski situation a few years back. The only question you have to ask is.....will the owners **** off if you don't get promoted.
Oh dear, you really are a bit off the mark this morning. Watch you play? I rather doubt it seeing as you think it will be rubbish.
You have to wonder where some people get their misinformation from, given that the situation at Watford is so well documented. Maybe 'over18' is really Martin Samuel's alter ego? Whatever, a name change would appear be in order - possibly 'under18' may better reflect the apparent IQ level.
Well, "under18 and illegal" it's true that the loophole may close at the end of this season but as Watford, Udinese and Granada are owned by the same people the subsequent transfer fees may only be £1 each. But it won't affect Dull City as we will be in the Premier League next season. PS Good luck in trying to stay in the play-offs
I can only assume that they look to their idols, Holloway and Samuels, before spouting whatever they say with no regard for truth or accuracy, and making no attempt to get the facts correct. I believe thats Paul Ince's favoured method of match preparation.
Bond is the best young keeper we've had since David James imho, is still a teenager in a position where most players do not mature for maybe another 7-10 years. Now he is by no means the finished article but with Almunia injured and only an even younger less experienced keeper to choose (this has been the way all season, so it would be a bit rich to start going for another loanee now)... so I suggest people stop whingeing about it and support the boy. 100%. As for Tuesday night, Sheffield Wednesday apparently had Meadowlark Lemon playing for them so their goal should not have stood - that Bond did not deal with the threat is disappointing but no one is perfect. As to Blackpools winner, on most pitches the keeper is king in the 6 yard box and will get the decision. Not today. A bit unlucky, a bit inexperienced and some, er, debatable officiating. He will learn, quickly....so, again, I suggest people stop whingeing about it and support the boy. 100%.
I reckon that over the last three games, Bond has let in the same amount of goals that Almunia would have in his place. A couple of them were soft (although I blame Cassetti for the midweek one), but he has also made two or three genuinely world class saves. So in answer to 2RJ's question, I don't think he's "ready", in the sense that he is making errors that I would expect a teenager to make, and it would be better for him if he learnt those harsh lessons at a lower level. But ready or not, the overall picture is very good: albeit with more peaks and troughs than most, he is doing the job to Championship standard. If he can get through the next few games with his confidence intact, this spell will have been fantastic for him.
I have a feeling that the management team know that Hogg and YEates arent good enough, i think they would have moved on in the Jan window had we found somebody as replacement.
How old is your young keeper? Could it be that although he may well have the ability, and the knowledge of what is expected of him, he actually lacks confidence. I don't mean confidence in his own abililty, but confidence about organising, or shouting at more senior players to get their act together when he is taking command of his area? I have seen young keepers, who when playing with the reserves have no problem commanding their area. As soon as they get a first team place, although their shot stopping and postioning still remains the same, they seem unsure about commanding the area with more senior players present. Just wondering if this could be a reason.
He's 19 Maestro, and honestly, a more confident 19 year old you're not likely to see. He seems to know exactly what he's doing, comes for the ball, calls for it...but...he's had 2 (or maybe 3, i've lost count on account of me being old and forgetful) starts...not including playing against Man City in the cup...and he's inexperienced. He makes some blinkin' incredible saves though...he has lightening reactions and already over the last couple of games he's made a couple of double saves that would make you...ooooh and ahhhh! lol
From what I saw last Tuesday, he shouted more in the whole of that game than Scott Loach did in all the games I saw him in last season. It wouldn't surprise me if Bond got his first cap for Wales U-21 in their friendly later this month.
