The press seem t still dislike our way of doing business. We are a "small" club historically and currently arguably punching above our weight and upsetting the applecart of what "should be" in the eyes of "the establishment". We live within our means and have true footballing owners rather than oligarchs, porn owners, tax dodgers or the like. We balanced our books better than the darlings of the press little ole Bournemouth who accrding to popular belief got teir promotion based purely on hard graft no mention of the millions defecit or fact they over spent getting through the divisions. Now we are being hounded to offer slav a contract on the terms he wants rather than follow sensible business practice. I hope and believe the Pozzos hold their ground in all player and structure negotiations to promote a system that pays what people are worth and gives bonuses for success that doesn't mean close your eyes and bend over to whatever demands arise. As a footballing family they realize how short success can be and to build for the long term all decisions on transfers, contracts must be made rationally and not bowing to fan, press or staff/player pressure. The long term health of the club and indeed football depends on more clubs following our trail blazing example. Why the title? Are the FA/Press and established aristocracy of clubs involved in a dirty coalition to retain their status quo?
Look, just to balance up the debate, it was only the other day that our owners have admitted they have so far put in 20m. Also we have not had to pay for any of the internal transfers when the squad probably has a value of not much short of 40m. The fact our books appear balanced is because of the juggling between the 3 clubs. We should not forget this; our owners have invested far more than the Bournemouth owner that is a fact, just in a different way. Having said that obviously we are very health and in good hands. On the Head Coach issue, I find it strange that the owners appear to prefer short term deals whilst signing their players up to 5 year deals. Maybe they will change their mind this time.
Well we've never been popular when promoted.. In the 80s it was due to the long ball stuff - same as in 06. Not sure about 99 - the press probably liked the GT return angle though.
It'll be interesting to see what the press say if Charlton are successful next season, given that their owner has more clubs than the Pozzos. (I nearly used the Tommy Docherty quote about more clubs than Jack Nicklaus)
Good question, Aberdeen - nice one. For my tuppence worth: Taking the Pozzo's first I think we can absolutely trust them to do what is right for the club. Mr Pozzo Snr. is an astute and very successful businessman in a country which is not without its problems what with Mafiosi and all the rest of it: anyone who saw him walking through the concourse of the Upper GT on the last day should be under no illusions as to his power and also the perceived threat to him. Not a snowball in hell's chance of shaking his hand I can guarantee you that! I know someone who works directly for Gino Pozzo and even he couldn't get near him on the day. Bringing us to SJ the bottom line is that we don't know what is going on with the negotiations - everything is speculation but it is without doubt somewhat frustrating that it is not a signed sealed and delivered deal in public. The press speculate and conjecture. The agents puff things up. The fans react knee-jerk style to every release. What I love about this forum is, generally speaking, it's intelligence regardless of the opinions held - we're a passionate bunch but pretty level headed with it. This does not really apply to other forums and a cursory glance around the Wobby comments tells you all we need to know about the prevailing attitudes of the masses. All that aside, the rantings on Twitter and other social media is the stuff of modern day vox-pop the vast majority of which is throwaway stuff, occasional nugget surfaces yes but how do we differentiate? Bottom line is that we don't know and as such we shouldn't make it up nor should we slag someone off for being 'greedy' when we don't know. It's ridiculous. I for one trust the Pozzo's to do the right thing. The press are elitist. The FA is elitist. The PL is elitist. Sure they all love for the underdog to have their day in the sun but then we are not to go any further than spitting distance of the gutter from which we have apparently come from. Start beating the chavski’s and manure’s of this world too frequently and we’ll soon see. Watford FC have always been the victim of the press ever since we spurned a world cup winning captain for a journeyman left back as manager. The hacks have always had it in for us, our success was too much to bear. The PL has turned into a top heavy league just like Spain and Italy and more recently Germany and France. What chance Villa and Forest becoming Champions of England again, let alone Champions of Europe? I think the Europa League is achievable for us, probably by way of cup competition, but football is a rich man’s plaything paid for by the common man – you and I. As to “The Blazers” I find them to be self-serving, unctuous and about on the level of Barry Humphrey’s character Sir Les Patterson. I’ve met enough of them to know. Sure there are good people in football, but they generally don’t get the power. Yes I’m angry about this.
I hope you have come up for air Fez!I think another point is the football media are still quite northern focussed - cradle of the game, passionate unlike those southern oiks etc etc. I used to care but don't anymore - just makes last season all the sweeter.
First time I've 'looked' at my post. Sorry! I lost half of it on a computer glitch. So annoying, I wrote the second half so much better originally. Bit of a rant. Ho hum.
Nothing wrong with a rant and I do agree. Sod the lot of them though - we know who and what we are and what we have been through. If others cannot appreciate it and understand that we are very happy with our lot then they can go suck a lemon.
Much though I'm looking forward to some of the "Big" clubs coming to Vicarage Road, it's almost tempting to let the elite 20 teams keep their league and all the money. If it meant seasons like last year when realistically with 10 games to go 8 - 10 teams could still have topped the table, would that not be more appealling than playing in a division split into four, 1. Top four ( who are unlikely to change ), 2. Europa league teams, 3. Mid table obscurity and 4. The relegation troubled ? I'm sure some will say that the Championship wouldn't be as competitive as it is if it wasn't for the promised riches that come with promotion but I remember the days when teams could climb four divisions in four years and almost win the top prize when they get there. Sorry getting all misty now !!
