Watford Transfers – Players Out

The second part of a look at Watford’s transfer dealings…

Richard Lee

Watford’s longest serving player, Richard Lee never quite managed to get himself into the frame to be the undisputed number one keeper. Finding himself against Ben Foster, Richard Lee and Scott Loach amongst others, Richard played 92 games in 9 years and found himself blighted by one mistake in the Playoff semi-final against Hull, despite having had a stellar season by anyone’s standards. Bretford is Richard’s new club where I am sure he will acquit himself brilliantly.

Jon Harley

Jon Harley, a product of the Chelsea youth system, played 75 times for the Hornets and was a formidable left sided player, running his socks off and becoming a cult hero in the stands. Always a good bet to give away a late free kick, gaining a yellow card and ultimately leaving us to concede a goal (maybe i’m being harsh) Jon was a heart on the sleeve player who will be sorely missed this season.

Scott Severin

The first signing of Malky’s permanent reign, Scott Severin struggled from the outset to make a name for himself on the pitch and off it with the fans. On paper, the former Aberdeen captain appeared to be the perfect signing for a young squad, a steadying hand in amongst the youthful vigour the Golden Boys possessed last time around. Yet, he never asserted himself and soon outcast to the fringes, he found himself playing second fiddle to John Eustace who has since become a pivotal figure in the starting line up. A loan of length later and Severin finds himself leaving on a free to play for Scottish Cup Winners Dundee United. Unfortunate, but too slow and unable to adapt to the demands of Championship football, highlighting the gulf in class between English and Scottish football.

Will Hoskins

The thing I don’t get about Will is that his finishing was first rate, perhaps not Premiership quality, but certainly worthy of a top Championship side. Yet his lack of performances for the Hornets indicates he fell foul of poor attitude and unfortunate circumstance. Battling with Darius Henderson and Tamas Priskin for a striking slot can take it out of you, but his attitude on the pitch seems to have been the decisive factor in Watford’s decision to let him go. At Bristol Rovers Will can stretch his legs, be the main striker and fulfil his Rotherham potential. A loss, but on high wages, necessary.

Jay DeMerit

Watford’s John Terry, a man with the club running through his veins. But, unfortunately, that was the only thing that was running. Jay joined a struggling Watford side in 2004 after impressing for Northwood Town in a friendly. Unlike Scott Fitzgerald, who took a similar path, Jay went on to become a key player under Ray Lewington, Aidy Boothroyd, Brendan Rodgers and Malky, becoming club captain in the process. His lack of pace was often, and correctly, misplaced for a never say die last ditch tackle attitude embodying the Watford spirit. A World Cup beckoned and the non-appearance of a suitable contract left Jay out of the Watford door and, at time of posting, clubless.

Lewis Young

A player who promised so much, but ultimately delivered painfully little. Younger brother of England’s Ashley, a former Watford player famously, Lewis glimmered but never shone. An extended loan period at Burton Albion led to a permanent deal at the start of the summer and, I for one hope, to a successful professional career.

We have added to the midfield and found ourselves a left back who can call himself a left back – rather than Lloydinho who is for all intents and purposes a stop gap and should be on the right.

It’ll be interesting to see if Troy can forge a goalscoring partnership with Danny Graham to keep the Hornets up and fighting in the Championship, I believe he will come into his own next year, but will do just enough this term.

In all, I would argue, it has been a positive transfer window for the Horns. The most significant element being the retention of Scott Loach who was again called up as part of the full England squad for the game against Bulgaria.

Watford Survive, Window Intact

Watford brought in Middlesbrough’s Andrew Taylor in on a six month loan deal yesterday, with Scott Severin completing his exile in England by moving back to Scotland with Dundee Utd on a free transfer.

This represents a bit of a coup for Malky, in so much as that there have been no other significant (ie Scott Loach leaving) transfers outward bound as the season starts to pick up momentum.

Watford’s latest recruit is a left back and will wear the number three shirt, indicating he will be fighting Lloydinho for the left back spot, welcome competition if ever it was needed.

Taylor joins former ‘boro youngsters Josh Walker and Danny Graham at the Vic and will be looking to get some first team football under his belt, adding to his 128 full appearances to date.

“He is naturally left-footed so will give us something different as he joins our group of defensive options.We’re delighted to have him here for six months. It’s a period of time where he can really get settled in and enjoy playing regular first-team football once again.” Malky told the official website yesterday.

Look out over the next few days for a full analysis* of Watford’s transfer activity.

*for analysis read: an overly grandiose muttering of what went on and what it probably won’t mean for the club

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Watford 1 Doncaster Rovers 1 08.08.09

Watford and Doncaster Rovers, two clasic names that you’ll rarely see on MOTD, played out a tough game in searing heat where a draw was an inevitable result.

Watford, playing a 4-4-1-1 gave debuts to Scott Severin and Danny Graham in a game that could have taken place at any time last season. For large periods in the game neither team dominated as the back to school atmosphere at the Vic quickly became morgue-like. A bouyant start saw the fans loud and proud, and even more so following Danny Graham’s debut goal – a proper poacher’s tap in. Already, the boy has a song, and may find himself quickly beoming a fan favourite.

Doncaster set themselves up to take a draw and executed their plan well. A cracking equaliser quickly silenced the home crowd who barely stirred for the following 60 minutes, who had been practising anti-Rodgers songs throughout the early tentative exchanges. The only other highlight was goal that wasn’t with Soctt Loach making a fine save from the floor to keep the ball from crossing the line in a goal mouth scramble in the firtst half.

Watford – A decent result against a finicky team who time wasted and made many dirty little tackles. Given the heat and pre-season turmoil, we came out more disappointed by a draw, but considering the other results, does nothing to help us work out what we’ve got in store this season. We’ll play better, we’ll play worse.

We can be pleased that Danny Graham got his goal, but McAnuff’s lack of effort will have done little to convince Watford supporters that he’snot after a move to Reading. He’ll need to start proving himself over the course of the next few weeks.

We are going to need another striker to support Danny, Tommy is much better suited to being out on the right, and Hoskins did little with the short amount of time he had on the pitch after replacing Jobi late in the second half.

Doncaster – Came for a draw, got one, and will be delighted. They looked good on the break but rubbish at the back and will find themselves struggling against the bigger boys in this division.