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The Circus Rolls On
Watford v Preston North End 21/01/25 It was to be Preston’s night on the pitch. In the stands, however, vocal support for Watford’s beleaguered manager dominated the soundtrack of Tuesday night’s encounter at Vicarage Road. Four points garnered from the Hornet’s previous two away games had momentarily cooled the fevered speculation over Tom Cleverley’s future.…
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Bad Moon Rising
There is a bad moon rising over Vicarage Road. Fevered speculation among anxious Watford supporters have set grapevines humming, spawned emergency spaces on Elon Musk’s x, and given birth to defiant hashtags. Rumoured sightings of the inauspicious orb bode ill for Watford’s current managerial incumbent, Tom Cleverley. Concerned fans have taken to social media urging…
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Stone the Crow
It was on the eve of Watford’s visit to Elland Road that Vakoun Bayo was unfavourably compared to a bowl of carrots. Social media can be unforgiving. When it comes to attracting the ire of Watford fans, Bayo tends to be out front and centre. Among other items deemed to be more potent attacking threats…
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Smash and Grab
Watford v Middlesbrough 05/10/24 Michael Carrick had the air of a man who’d spent all night patiently amassing chips in a casino, only to then greet the dawn penniless and worse for wear. His team had dominated at Vicarage Road. Adorned in pale blue and white, Middlesbrough had looked assured and unhurried. They monopolised the…
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Sissoko Show
Watford v Derby County 24/8/24 In rain falling with the persistence of a particularly egregious hangover, Daniel Bachmann was already remonstrating with his defenders. The goal was unnervingly simple. From a throw in left back Yasser Larouci was easily bypassed, the ball then centred for Ebou Adams to volley home. In response Watford prodded and…
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Valerian’s Last Stand
Watford v Coventry City 09/03/24 Valerian’s reign was over the moment Watford’s Georgian dynamo was poleaxed just before half time. The challenge that did for Georgi Chakvetadze would have been at home in a ‘hardmen of the 70’s’ lowlight reel, oftentimes labelled as a ‘reducer’. The absence of a yellow card or even the award…
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Hornet’s Nest
Watford v Huddersfield Town 24/02/24 It proved to be a difficult afternoon for the players of Watford FC. Midway through the first half Ben Hamer motioned to the agitated crowd behind his goal. Lowering his hands, palms face down, he implored the spectators to calm down, give the team some space to breathe. Cue howls…