http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~2385905,00.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE HORNETS have this morning signed defender David Mirfin on a two-year deal. The ex-Scunthorpe United stopper joins Watford on a Bosman free transfer having let his contract run down at Glanford Park. And although the capture may not feel like a direct replacement for those that have left Vicarage Road this summer, manager Sean Dyche is pleased with his new recruit. "He's got experience and he's what I call a man," said the Hornets' boss of the 26-year-old who was bred at the successful Huddersfield Town youth set-up under Gerry Murphy. "David is aware we've got defenders who have done a great job for us and it isn't a problem for him - he said he wants to come and prove that he can do it. "He's someone who we think has challenged hard at a club who've had tough tests every season," added Dyche. "For me, he's proved he can stand up to that test and we want to put pressure on our defenders in terms of competition for a place in that starting line-up." So with Mirfin and Craig Forsyth having joined, how does it look for this and the coming weeks? "Like Ross Wilson said last week, there's others in the pipeline that's for certain," explained the manager. "Sometimes they take a bit of time to materialise. I know our supporters will show us some patience as we towards more signings." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- So, another new signing, a centerback who is nicknamed the 'Ox'! I don't want to start speculating but he sounds very much like a replacement for Taylor! I really hope I am wrong and he has actually been brought in as back up to strengthen the squad. In these uncertain times it's hard to be positive! Thoughts?
Welcome David and good luck! Looks like a clone of Martin Taylor..hopefully just back up for him rather than a replacement but good to have a taller strong defender who can play all across the back 4 in the squad.
That was my first thought too, a replacement for Taylor ...hopefully not...this is the start of good news week, hopefully nothing will spoil it!
Don't forget Martin Taylor will be 32 this year. In footballing terms, that is practically decrepit!! He can't be expected to play the whole of next season, so the signing of Mirfin makes sense. It is also good to see us sign someone given the past few weeks!!
I feel we need strengthening in pretty much all areas, so I hope this is an addition. Don't forget Tom Aldred has gone out on a 6 month loan, so we are already light at the back. Let's hope his experiences can help us to be competitive as we start the season in the bottom 3 (in alphabetical order). I bet that made a smile. I have no doubt that funds have been made available to Sean Dyche, its just a matter of who he can bring in. H, how many days to Borehamwood?
Hopefully this is an addition rather than replacement. Nothing wrong with competition, it keeps everyone on their toes and stops complacency! He will busting a gut to make the first team, and good to know someone with experience can stand in if Mapps or Tiny is injured/suspended
I posted this on another thread but it's valid here as well: As long as we think it's ok to bring in players from the depths of Rotheram and the Dons we condemn ourselves to a season of mediocrity or worse. I now see that our former loanee Taylor is probably heading for Cardiff which shows where MMs strength in depth will come from and following Cowies departure leaves us very bare indeed. Until we are able to attract players of Championship quality or better then I'm afraid the future is uncertain to say the least; if you build a League One side guess where it will end up Sometimes Business models get in the way of what the game is all about, of course you can't go bust but you have to compete.
Some valid points there, I just don't want to see any more 'outs' now, especially our key players. Let's hope we can look forward to a few more new faces and get on with pre-season!
Haven't most of our recent signings been from lower leagues or from Scotland? Would you say Graham, Buckley, Cowie, McGinn were Championship quality before or after they signed for us? There are gems in the lower leagues, we have just have find them before other teams do! I'd rather sign these players trying to prove something rather than the ones with an attitude, here just for the money! Yes I want some experience, but I also want players here who want to develop as a player rather than ones who just want a payday!
We have been doing this for a few years now and been doing ok. Last year we even flirted with the play-offs! Problem is, we have to follow the business model or we will again be facing the possibility of large debts and administration. I feel we have done very well from cherry picking gems from the lower leagues! Danny Graham came from Carlisle, Don Cowie from Inverness, Scott Loach from Lincoln City. It'a about getting in Championship class players from the lower leagues, not lower league players from the lower leagues.
agreeing with Bucks and Kev...we've picked well from the lower leagues and Scotland in the past, and we haven't gone down to league one...no reason we will now
Yep Unfortunately we have a certain market we have to stick to - this is why I do find it a bit frustrating Malky seems to be going for similar players, seeming I'd suggest we have different goals for next season. You kind of don't blame him as he knows the players (mainly through the clubs research, I'd say). Taylor might have been out of our league now, but sure Conway would have signed and Cowie stayed, if it wasn't for Malky going to Cardiff and signing them!
This guy has more Championship experience than Wiggins who everyone wanted to sign (becuase he was a left back) We've picked up a few bargins from the "lower leagues" and done very well. Just think of the side GT created in 1997/98 and even Aidy in the season we went up. Championship quality players cost more money and if they are at a club ahead of us aren't likely to rush and join.
A step In the right direction , I guess looking at his previous clubs forums and seeing how well he has done is the first benchmark for us! Best of luck to him anyway! Nice to know there are players that want to play for watford!
Guys and Gal Don't miss the point here, if we want our team to compete and challenge then it has to attract players of quality. I understand the points you raise and don't have a problem with the philosophy of shopping where you can afford. I suspect this season will be tougher than last and whilst we were lucky last year with the likes of Graham, it's a lot to ask of lower League players to step up so quickly. Is survival all you want?
Championship players are not necessarily championship quality players. The reason behind employing our system is to discover players who have more ability in the closet than is currently on show or being used, thats why we have an academy at the youth end and will continue to seek out players who will improve in our system and prove effective. Spending money we dont have on players just because they're in the championship is not the Watford way and never will be again. Best example for you 46yearhornet would be Nathan Ellington, yes he had a pedigree and I guess he was quite expensive so would be a good signing? Of course not our recruiting staff are now much better than that and we will not repeat thoise mistakes. B+ve
Of course we want more than survival but the club is in transition and although it doesn't look great now, we need to look at the bigger picture. Let the dust settle, survive the next season or two and then hopefully we will have developed the talent to challenge the higher end of the table.
