Wow, I'd really appreciate that! I was hoping to get there for the new season, but I think the great day is further off than that now.
The flats are done and occupied to whatever degree, but the SW corner is a shell. The "shell construction" is there, its just that the thing needs to be fitted out and then the manager's benches installed into the front of the Lower Rous. Meanwhile the East Stand looks pretty sorry. There is licence for up to 200 adults to occupy the A+B sections. This is currently used by the press. The old wooden C+D sections are covered over and not in use. By the way I went to Craven Cottge a couple of years ago in the "old wooden stand" which is very similar to our C+D wooden sections - if Watford's East Stand is unsafe, I would venture "the cottage" stand is in very similar condition. I have photos of the gaps in the seating where you can see the tea bar below. The fact is the East Stand was closed because the stand failed its safety certificate, and the club decided not to spend the money on bringing the stand up to standard. The bill for the self contained A+B sections (now just 42 years old) was just £20,000 when it was closed was it 3 years ago. I have been told factually that clubs depreciate these structures over 50 years, so I believe Watford FC should have continued to operate the A+B sections of the East Stand for the Family Area. This self contained area which had its own tea bar and toilets (these cost pennies) would mean there was 2,000 seats for the Family area - and guess what ....... 1. This area would be safe from the away supporters and the "banter" and missiles. 2. The away supporters could have the whole of the Vic Road end, all 4,600 seats and no away club would be able to argue with that allocation. An area for 4,600 away supporters would generate lots of money on the many games where this capacity was required. I believe it is a false economy for the club to have turned its back on this idea. Personally I would not want to be in the "family area" in the Vic Rd end. We all know what went on in various games and that is totally unacceptable.
I wouldn't want to be up there either. i have friends who have been sitting near the away fans and for a couple of games last season felt they had to move to get away from what they felt was very threatening behaviour. Not nice for the kids, what were the club thinking!
