Yep, that's the bit. I don't think Bonham is recognised, as he's our 3rd choice goalkeeper, who made his debut on Saturday. Hopefully we will be able to sign someone quick.
Is it right that Almunia injured himself warming up ? If so how is that possible ? The basic stretching and limbering up exercises before a match are so routine - and they do these hundreds of times every season in a controlled and predictable way. All a goalkeeper needs other than these are to take a few crosses and simple shots to get his eye in. So why ? And this is not the first time with Almunia.
One caption was Jack and Spill. Apparently, he broke his nose, cheek, and jaw, with the jaw puncturing his lip. That dirty f****** Poleon.
Did any of your players go over to Bonham the kid was in bits . . from the TV footage he didnt have any of the old heads him , console him.
I think it was due to his previous hamstring injury - when warming up he felt a niggle and Zola decided it was not worth risking him - in hindsight a devastating decision They probably didn't but should have - he made mistakes but you can't really blame him - after all when he got to the ground he was not even in the squad and expected to watch a match. It was just bad luck and I hope the other players help him from here on - we may need him again
Hopeful news from WO Gianfranco Zola is hopeful goalkeepers Manuel Almunia and Jonathan Bond will be available for Watford’s Championship play-off semi-final against Leicester City on Thursday. Almunia pulled out of yesterday’s defeat to Leeds United shortly before kick-off with a hamstring problem – something which ruled him out for six weeks recently. Zola said: “Almunia had a problem in his left hamstring – the problem he had before. He didn’t feel right and it didn’t feel right to play him. It would have been too big a risk. He could have come off after a few minutes and he could have missed all of the play-offs.” He continued: “Almunia doesn’t look too bad and he may be fit for Leicester on Thursday. We are hopeful that he’ll be back.” Almunia was replaced by youngster Jonathan Bond but he was also forced off midway through the first half after a collision with team-mate Ikechi Anya. “I’m pretty sure Bond has a broken nose but he has been taken to hospital to be assessed and we still don’t know the results,” Zola said. “With Jonathan, if it is a broken nose so he should be OK. Nowadays you can play with protection so let’s hope it’s nothing more than that. . .. . “It was worrying when the paramedics were swarming around Jonathan because it didn’t look like he was responding. “The way he went down straight away looked bad.” The double injury blow meant 19-year-old Jack Bonham was forced to make his debut and he arguably contributed to both Leeds goals. But Zola stressed: “In football, you make mistakes and mistakes always make you stronger. It’s the way you react to the mistakes that makes the difference. “That’s what I told him. I’m not going to blame him for one second. I expect a good reaction from him; that’s what I’m asking for. “It was tough on him to come in at that moment. He was in the stand, then he’s on the bench and a few minutes later he’s on the pitch. “It wasn’t easy for him so I can’t blame him.”
That's what makes Zola so good - he does not try to pretend that Bonham did not make mistakes - but recognises the poor lad went from sitting down to watch a game to playing in what was in effect a cup final with zero preparation - I think Bonham will get a good round of applause from our fans when he does appear again - nobody will blame him
Good to see the reaction for the kid...saw it on the league show...hearts would have gone out to him from many...it had to happen in the most important game of your season...I can only imagine how he felt yesterday and how he must be feeling today. Now if the team can win the play offs he will be able to smile again. I cannot tell you how much I want you to get what you deserve and that is promotion along with us and Hull. my very best wishes to a decent side, jck
Cheers jck, and good luck next season. By the way, can you name the three Welsh sides in the Prem next season? Cardiff, Swansea and Gareth Bale.
That third one could well be abroad, he has all the attributes of a top European side, he's comfortable on the ball, scores lots of stunning goals and dives beautifully in the box!
If Almunia has just got a slight hamstring strain he can still play but you will just have to get a defender to take goal kicks Still a big risk though
Really sorry for the young lad - coming on unexpectedly as a substitute goalkeeper is always difficult and he was obviously very upset. It was a pity that some of his much more experienced team mates didn't seem to offer him any encouragement or consolation at the time. I'm sure you sensible Hornets supporters will get behind him in the future.
I hope the kid has better days in his career than yesterday. Commisserations again. And good luck for the playoffs. Zola's a class act and Deeney's congratulatory posts on twitter have been great. A top sportsman.
