Strange is how things happen with Watford. Our successful manager Slaviša Jokanović is removed and replaced by Enrique Sánchez Flores. We were surprised and happy the club could get a man of such level. The critics said we would fail and we have not and I still hear five managers in a year comments.
I know this is said many times that we would be happy first with surviving and then with a game in the FA Cup semi final and surviving nearly mathematically with four matches to play. I think the criticism of QSF is only because we started well. If the team had arrived at this position at a steady speed we would not complain only to arrive so early then stop advancing is the problem.
At last, a comment with some rational sense to it - such a relief from the diet of moaning we have had since January.
Yes some games have been disappointing, some results have been lucky (WBA recently) , some unlucky (Man Utd away) but the players have stuck at it. It's really hard work playing well when the goals have dried up.
Drawing with Everton twice, Chelsea twice, not losing to WBA - that takes immense effort.
This season has seen every game played to an intensity level which, I think, has tired every one out. The main difference between ourselves and Palace on Sunday was that Palace have had more seasons in the Prem and were more used to the intensity.
If, as seems likely, we end up as the best of the promoted teams, is that not progress in itself , quite apart from the stated hope of EVERYBODY on here last April, namely '17th is fine !' ?
The system whereby we have a 'Head coach' rather than an all-powerful 'manager' is one we shall have to accept. Players move on, so do Head coaches in this system. Does it work ? Well look at the progress since Pozzo's took over and ask yourselves ? Not every acquisition has worked - they never all do. However, where is Iturbe to be seen? Who rejected him ? Oh yes, I remember.
The ONLY thing that matters is that we have next season in the PREM to look forward to, and maybe, if we progress, Europe in 3 years. Contrast that with some recent Cup winners (Portsmouth and Wigan). Who would you rather be following?
Finally, consider this.
Before the season started, it seemed to me playing in the Prem would be like before a single game against a bigger club, more powerful, more money, better facilities, where you might beat them once in a blue moon. At half time, (i.e. like after 19 games) we were 2-0 ahead. At the end of the game, ( = end of the season) we drew 2-2. What's not to like ?