Match Day Thread Watford v Southampton Sat 4/3/17 3.00 PM

It wasn't so long ago that if we conceeded a goal our heads would drop and we would conceed another and not really look like getting back into it. This was BG (before Gabby). I think things are different PG and the team really believe that even if we go behind we can get back into the game and win it. This was evident in the cup final and long may it continue.

 

So here ends the rotation. Better be careful on the too many wins, or the moaners will be out!

 

Not going to watch it so ta Fran, but Caceres a 'great expense', seriously?

 

That's what the journo said.

 

Good response from Puel though no matter how 'accurate' the journo is.

 

Some people suggested at the start of this season that Puel was some kind of mouse under Les's thumb, but I think that is far from the truth. He is his own man and had belief in what he was doing....but was also flexible. He came in and has now had time to really assess the team. He had it tough as well because we lost two influential players in Mane and Wanyama and he didn't have the full support of the person who was supposed to help him, Fonte. He's done a lot of things right, probably learned a lot as well....we can judge him properly next season.

 

Stephens would have played some games under Puel, but has really benefitted from Fonte leaving. Playing a huge chunk of a season and playing at Wembley is massive experience for him.

 

I would contend that of the 'three' influential players Puel lost in Mane, Pelle and VW, Wanyama is the one we've missed least. That I would put down to the general improvement in players that Puel and his staff have brought about. I have to take my hat off to Eric Black as well, because I was thoroughly underwhelmed when I heard he was being taken on, after his exploits with Aston Villa, but he's obviously a very capable addition to the Puel's team.
As regards Fonte, we don't really know, but if the reports are true, then I'm really quite disappointed in Jose, on his conduct from when he returned from the Euros.

 

Eric Black was on Jim White's talkSport programme this morning, no wonder he got the assistant's job, he is a fluent French speak which must have helped Poel get his message over to the players

 

I've always assumed that Black must be on Puel's right during pressers....explaining the more obscure questions.

 

https://www.watfordfc.com/teams/first-team/they-will-be-angry

From Watford website, the suggestion that we will be angry after losing at Wembley.

Have to admit that I have imagined the scene where Saints players leave the pitch dragging the odd severed Watford limb to be met by Adam Blackmore saying, 'Not got over it then, lads'.

 

Just seen on Echo site that his pay is thought to be 850K for the part-season he is here. May seem expensive if not played, but we have to have a back up CB just in case Maya or Jack are injured (touch wood). A necessary expense.

 

Up until Van Dijk got injured and Fonte left he had rarely been in the match day squads. If it wasn't for those 2 getting injured/leaving he may never have had this chance and could've been snapped up by a league 1 side and just played out a career in the lower divisions.

Look at Harry Kane. He was a nobody until he had to play in the europa league and prem due to injuries. If it wasn't for injuries he wouldn't have got that chance and would not be the player he is today. People seem to think these players would come good anyway but it doesn't always work like that, as quality is sometimes hard to judge. Take Vardy and Lambert, no one thought they would ever be premier league standard whilst in the lower leagues.

Just think how many young English lads such as Kane have slipped through the net and never fulfilled their potential.

 

A lot of people mentioning the gap between us and Watford and the gap between the Watford game and the next brought this little ditty to mind from 1977.

 

The chorus has to be a football chant!

 

Which was pointed out at the time. He speaks several languages.

 

Sat at airport waiting for delayed flight now. Back late tonight

 

(Not here to Eric bash) But that isn't a good enough reason to get a number two role at such a superior club as Saints. Now, in saying that, I can see that he is now a valued member of staff, and seems to have formed a rapport with the players, I just do/did not understand how he got the job in the first place. Glad to see it working.

 

Probably because someone thinks he is a Good coach.

Hardly any normal fans know who is a good coach (as in number 2) because we don't see what they do. Just because he may have been at a club that struggled like Villa, doesn't mean he isn't a good coach. Like a lot of things, it's about the right combinations.

 

From Albatross to Eagle.