Graham Taylor has said a few things. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13893121.stm Watford chairman Graham Taylor is expecting funds to be made available to new boss Sean Dyche. The Hornets have enjoyed recent windfalls through player sales, add-ons and compensation. "There has to be re-investment, I want people to be talking about the players we've signed, who we've brought in," Taylor told BBC Three Counties Radio. "This is a football club and there hasn't been enough talk about the football side of things." He added: "Hopefully we can change that by having some money available to go out and buy, we have to bring in some new players. "This will be up to Sean with Ross Wilson [new head of football business], who I rate very highly." Since new owner Laurence Bassini bought the club in April, the Hornets have taken fees for Danny Graham and Will Buckley from Swansea and Brighton respectively. They are also due compensation from Malky Mackay's departure to manage Cardiff and are poised to scoop 15% of any profit Aston Villa make on Ashley Young's move to Manchester United. And Dyche has been told he will have some, if not all, of the funds to add to his squad. "The club are realistic, the board are realistic, Laurence is realistic," he said. "He knows we need support, he knows there's certain players we want to target. "There is manoeuvrability, we need to use it wisely and make sure we don't go out of the club's business model." One of Dyche's first jobs will be to find a replacement for Graham, last season's 24-goal top scorer, whether that be internally, or from another club. "We'll be looking for somebody to take that mantle, possibly it's someone we acquire," said Dyche. "It's for somebody to come in and be their version of Danny Graham, score lots of goals and be a crowd hero. "It's up for grabs and it's an exciting prospect for anyone."
"And Dyche has been told he will have some, if not all, of the funds to add to his squad." Not so sure about that one, I say he'll probably be given around £1m-£1.5m to spend maximum
And whatever money Dyche gets will have to go a long way. And then there are the targets in year 2, 3 and on. This Summer has been a bit of a bonanza IMO, and Dyche will have to go some to equal these achievements in future years.
Tell me you can listen to those 2 interviews and not have, well, if not optimism, at least a large portion of reassurance.
A replacement for Buckley has arrived, and a replacement for Danny was a given. For me, the reassurance of Taylor talking is twofold. One, that he feels the need to talk. He felt very little need to speak publicly about Watford over the 18 months between Russo leaving and Bassini joining, but now he recognises that the fans have well-founded concerns that need to be addressed. Two, he believes what he's saying. But the real reassurance now would be for Bassini to issue a public hands off to anyone else, and to be prepared to follow through with that unless truly stupid money is on the table.
I was really pleased to see what GT had to say. I have the feeling that he has had a ring put through Mr.B's nose and is leading him along.
It's always a good feeling when you've been a bit concerned and someone you trust offers reassurance...definitely feel better for this!
Good article Zen thank you, If GT is ok with way things are going ,then I am massively re assured! Indeed nearly happy Frenchie your idea of GT leading along Baz conjures up some funny pictures!
Blimey! That is a very interesting interview! It sounds like GT requested the interview and he is setting out actively to rally the fans.he knows a big PR effort is needed. He wants to get the focus back on the football, and away from the concern about ownership and staff changes. Confirms that Mr B wants to be owner and manager, but that he knows nothing about football and needs football people around him--and strongly hints that he himself will be playing a stronger role. He says Mr B is learning, but made mistakes--I take this as a reference to the handling of the Cardiff approach, and the way the board was at first ignored. The interview suggests that GT played a large part in swiftly settling on Dyche as manager . Also interesting is the hint that he (GT) has considered leaving in the past and has been urged by some to do so--but that he feels an obligation to the 8500 season ticket holders to stay and preserve the "Watford Way" I do get the impression that Mr B can expect a strong guiding hand from GT,(whether he wants it or not) and GT will insist on freedom for Dyche to manage and proper investment in the football side. Encouraging if it does mean that GT is getting involved and is not content to be a figurehead for Mr B's enterprise, or just minder of Lord A's interests.
Hopefully GT realises just how much power he has - if Baz upsets him and he leaves then BAz will be left fighting a rearguard action - and even he cannot want to see us relegated
GT has done more for Baz`s pr image than the supposed company he has hired! and that all in the last couple of days!
GT still talking about looking across the pitch at the old East Stand and saying that it makes him want to cry. It will all take time he says, but I think that he still has it high on his list of things to be done before he retires.
If you go back and look over GTs last few chairmans reports, the offer document, assess what he's said and hasn't said and the timings and you should be very reassured. Look at the three pillars and how we're building on that and you find GT is so bought into the concept he'll be like a dog with a bone on it. That means on field performance, sustainability and community. Now nobody moan when we are balancing these remember if one pillar falls we fall as a club so back GT and Bassini in their effortsd to turn us around and into a dream club again. Yes I'm enjoying a GnT at Amsterdam airport GT GnT two of the finest things in life!!!!
I think you are right there. In his interview GT says, "The club are realistic, the board are realistic, Laurence is realistic," Now that sounds like the comments of a man who knows that things can only get better. Clearly he has not enjoyed the past two years.
Nearly home then Aberdeen! I think were still on the right lines , Frenchie , would be ace to make GT happy again on the pitch and with the finances! I think he is doing exactly whats needed , ie getting in Baz`s ear and making himself available to Sean ,both these things can only be good!
Interesting that Mr B used the phrase"I am learning about Watford" in a recent statement , and now GT uses the same formulation. I think GT has advised MR B that this is the way to present himself, to gain some credibility with the fans. Now we need the announcement of a credible no 2 for Dyche, a couple of inspirational signings and maybe an interview with Mr B himself to cement the good work.
