Already been deemed rubbish by our fans it seems on X because his stats don't look good. I mean ok but we have to give someone a chance when they come in.. This is the 3rd keeper linked with us in 4 days or so though!
Fickle bunch - Ben Hamer's stats never looked good but they were always wanting him to play ahead of Bachmann. When they hate, they really put their all into it.
I agree. Sometimes fans must remind themselves who we are and the true extent of our purchasing power.
And if we are after a keeper which hasn't officially been said (these are all rumours) likelihood is we want a cover keeper to either start or be on the bench whilst Bachmann is injured. TBH I'd rather go for a striker or midfield as we are light in that area. And anyway aren't all signings risky - just look at Man U compared to Liverpool as an example. Sometimes get lucky and they work and others a waste of money. All about the xG and passing stats these days. Good job they are't the real league table as apparently we'd be well down the division. Faced a lot of shots and chances with our keeper have to make a lot of saves - wonder who that was? Sure Bachmann had a shocker at Leeds for example but he has saved us a lot. Passing the ball around is risky and dangerous but the modern way of coaching - Tom is part of that.
I see Andrew French has had his say. Well maybe got a point we need ready made players but Sissoko and Jebbison knew English football well and not impressed the fanbase so it's not always the answer. https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/s...-six-fit-to-go-players-know-english-football/ The best recent seasons have come when we had lots of talented overseas players and Troy Deeney/Ben Watson. The key is to get players who are fit and ready to help the team now which we didn't really do in the summer - even Vata had to wait his turn before getting into the squad.
Deulofeu, Capoue, Pereyra etc - we may not have won any trophies with them but by god we were entertained.
Yes overseas players are fine if they fit in and do well. We shouldn’t just dismiss the idea totally Sure AF didn’t mean to come across like that but the tone was a bit xenophobic in part . Unfortunately we aren’t likely to get “ready made experience “ unless they are just squad players.
I think, with a lot of hindsight, that Will Hughes’ departure was a turning point. I’m definitely not bothered where players come from, but he was a proper English terrier (not in the Jonathan Hogg sense, obviously ).
Our rumoured goalkeeping transfer target was a bit of a star not long ago - mentioned in some exalted company. I wonder why it all went wrong for him?
20 year old James Abankwah (coming on loan from Udinese, but who just signed a new contract with them). Just what Cleverley has requested. No doubt that Tom will be delighted. Abankwah has EFL experience (two Division 1 games when on loan last season at Charlton). A position where cover is most needed (right back and right footed central defender). Now there is no excuse not to be pushing for the play-off places.
Obviously I was being sarcastic. The only people who appear to benefit from this deal are Abankwah (who may get a few games) and Udinese (whose player will be developed). Certainly neither Tom Cleverley (whose job is reportedly under threat) nor Watford. The problem positions in the team are not being addressed by this loan deal.
Unless Porteous goes to Hull and CB becomes a problem position? Although even then we surely have enough cover anyway - and we may well end up with a couple of disaffected U21 squad players who could potentially step up but aren't getting the chance to...
Linked to another goalkeeper - Bournemouth's Mark Travers https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/so...ough-watford-intensify-chase-ireland-34486309
Bond has been saying how he is looking forward to having an extended run as the No 1 keeper. Are we looking for a number 1 or 2 as this suggests his wish would not come about.
Young lad from Udinese on loan . https://www.watfordfc.com/news/2025/january/16/official-james-abankwah-signs-for-watford/ Right footed CB . Probably not what we really need
hopefully not just platitudes, but TC suggests in the article that he thinks he will be someone that will improve us
People aren’t convinced tbh .. We’ll see . Signed a new deal at Udinese so presumably only a stop gap ?
