PODCAST: "Oscar Nominated"

listen to ‘Oscar Nominated’ on Audioboo

“It’s never dull being a Watford fan” is an oft used phrase, but never has it been so true than over the last few weeks.

Since the last podcast, which was recorded during the season opener against Bolton, the Hornets have soared to second in the league table, endured intense speculation about unhappy players, secured the ongoing services of a talismanic striker Troy Deeney, hired a new Head Coach and brought in a new Technical Director after Beppe Sannino and Gian Luca Nani both tendered their resignations and headed for the hills.

As you’d expect, we cover it all in this, the latest episode of From the Rookery End. Hear Jon, Mike and Jason (reunited for the first time this season) talk Troy, disagree about Dyer and gossip about Garcia.

Thanks to the diligent work of resident statistician Jason, we were able to have an informed discussion about the new Head Coach - you can hear the conclusions we drew in the podcast, but the stats Jason pulled together on the new man are below - we think they make for pretty interesting reading.

Also in this podcast you’ll hear from Watford’s little magician Fernando Forestieri as well as one of the most recognisable man from the Hornets teams of the mid to late 80’s; John McClelland. We also add a mother couple of gems into our every growing list of Watford in 100 objects. In short, it’s a packed podcast, so stop reading and get listening!

 Come on you Horns! (Vamos sus avispones)

A Rockin' Rookery!

What a fantastic game at home to Huddersfield (Alright there were some poor patches, but the feeling I had as I left was pure joy!), and what an end!

At 3-2 up, down to 10 men, Watford were battling to secure the win against Huddersfield. Finishing off games last season had been a criticism of the squad and the crowd at Vicarage Road were starting to feel very tense.

Gabriel Angella and Daniel Tozser turned to the Rookery with a rally cry for more support and the Rookery answered - boy did they answer.

Here is what it sounded like in the last 7 minutes of the match and yes, Abdi's second goal is in there!

listen to ‘Rockin' Rookery’ on Audioboo

Was it the loudest the Rookery has ever been? Maybe not, but I've never heard it like that for a game taking place at the end of August. A sign that expectations are high for the fans and the team this season and both are prepared to do what is needed.

Thursday Fun - Burnley

We've not done one of these for a while. Jason has been using his sweety collection to recreate a memorable incident between Watford and our visiting team this week - Burnley.

Put your thoughts / ideas in the comments section below!

Friday is going to be an important game to not only get the boys back to winning ways, but on the best footing possible for of our MASSIVE games against Hull and Cardiff in the coming week. The Vic looks like it will be a sell out. Let's get right behind Gianfranco and the team in these last 8 games - COME ON YOU 'ORNS!!!!!

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REVIEW / INTERVIEW: Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story

I'm not quite sure where my dream to become a professional footballer went wrong. Perhaps it was in my moody teenage years, but whatever happened I didn't follow my childhood dream. So when I was offered the chance to watch "Rise and Shine: The Jay Demerit story", a documentary about Jay Demerit's journey from Wisconsin to the the World Cup via his big break at Watford, I was interested to see what Jay did that I didn't?

It's only been 18 months since Jay last played for Watford, which in the grand scheme of things isn't that long ago. I has half thought that it was still too soon for a biographical film when Jay is only32 years old and got a few years left him in being a professional footballer. I was very wrong.

Most football fans will find Jay's story interesting and enjoy watching it, but two groups I think will LOVE it.

Firstly, young lads who still have 'the potential', something I lost about 15 years ago. A lot of young footballers could still be in a position where they might make it as a footballer. Are they in the Watford Academy with a mapped out journey into the first team? No, but nor was Jay. He had the vision to keep banging on doors, playing whatever game of football he could get involved with to get his break. He played organised college soccer, but was unsuccessful getting into the Chicago Fire development scheme. So off he went over to Europe to realise his American Dream. He went from not making it in a juvenile football league to trying it in some of the most competitive countries in the world. In fact I think it was his battle to get just one game of non-league football and his traveling around Europe begging for a trial was a big part in his preparation for his role in getting Watford into the Premier League and being an on pitch leader for the club. Jay made it with hardwork and determination.

The other group who will love it are Watford fans. I finished watching the film having not only with the biggest grin on my face having seen clips of the Play Off winning side of 2005-2006, but my other lasting feeling was of pride. Pride in the fact that Ray Lewington and his team had the guts to take a risk on a comparatively inexperienced yank. Our club has played a big part in developing young talent that has always been, and continues to be, something that makes me proud to be a Watford fan. Lewington giving Jay his first professional contract and giving his a major bump on his way to representing his country at the 2010 World Cup finals. The club helping the development of another player, but in a very different way from the normal Academy graduate.

So I never made it as a footballer or fulfil my childhood dream, however, as a life long Watford fan, watching Jay fulfil his dream of playing professional football was FANTASTIC.

What a day for Watford fans and one young American!

The film is co-directed and produced by Nick Lewis and Ranko Tutulugdzija and Nick was good enough to answer a few questions

1) How did you get involved with the project?

I met Jay when he was in college through a friend named Ranko.  Ranko and Jay played soccer together in college and that is where I met Jay.

Around 7 months before the 2010 World Cup I called Ranko and said that we need to make a documentary, and do it now.  When I talked to Ranko about it he agreed and called Jay the next day.  We pitched it to Jay and he was a bit hesitant but ultimately realised it was a story with a bigger meaning, especially because he was heading to the World Cup. He was also interested in hearing what others had to say along the way, such as the guys at Watford who had a random American show up and play with the team before even training with them.  That is how it all came about.  Ranko and I actually had a professional director lined up but he had some family issues and couldn't do it at the last minute.  So we were forced to do it or let it fade away... and we jumped in without really knowing what exactly we were doing.  We knew enough about Jay's story and the game though to start and from there we never looked back.

2) Was it tough to get a film made about a Watford player?

I think getting a film done in general is tough!  Then on top of that a documentary, and one about soccer, especially in this day and age where most films are big budget comic book remakes, sequels, etc.  But with all that said the technology available makes anything possible, that and a lot of work.  I feel like the film is actually blessed because it could have fallen apart many times along the way but at every hurdle something happened that allowed us to keep going. Interestingly enough I think it was easier having a film about a Watford player for one reason, because of Watford FC.  We didn't come as professional filmmakers with a long resume or big film crew.  However the entire club and its fans welcomed us with open arms, allowing us access to the players and the stadium and helping out wherever they could.  The club realizes how special the story is and backed it 100%.

3) What was the most surprising thing you learnt about Jay and his rise out of no where?

There are many things that I learned throughout the process about just how crazy and amazing Jay's journey was.  One "surprising" moment that stands out of the many is that in his try out game against Real Zaragoza (where Jay started and played the entire game even though he hadn't even practiced with Watford before) his cleats had busted before the game so he had to borrow some because he didn't have the money to buy new ones at the time.

4) Out of all the footballing characters you met making the film, who was the most 'interesting'?

Difficult question as everyone that we interviewed was articulate, passionate, and funny. Stu Holden is a great character.  Aidy Boothryd is an extremely articulate and passionate guy and Ray Lewington is the same.  However, I think the most "interesting" would be Jay's non-league coach at Southall F.C. who would pick Jay up and drive him and his team mates to games in the back of his van.. which he also used to sell women's underwear.

5) Is there one particular moment Watford fans should be looking out for during the movie?

Of course! The goal against Leeds in the Championship Play-Off game that helped push them into the Premier League. I won't say anything more...

6) Where can Watford fans see the film?

The film is playing at Odeon Theaters throughout the country on January 17 and January 29.  It is a film for all ages and we highly encourage families, teams, and fans to go.  There are a few theaters located very close to Watford that are showing the film.  The entire list can be viewed at jaydemeritstory.com.

10 Great Watford Moments from 2011

What's that, you've already seen 100 different Top 10's of 2011 in the media this week?

Yes, us too, but we (along with your suggestions on Facebook and Twitter) have put together a From The Rookery End - 10 Great Watford Moments from 2011. They aren't in order but they are all moments that make being a Watford fan enjoyable, 'interesting' and most of all proud.

Ashley Young signing for Manchester United - Thursday 23rd June
It may not have been a signing that is going to help Watford much now, well some cash from a sell on clause, but it is great to see a player who came through the Watford Academy play on the biggest stages football has to offer.

Tommie Hoban making his senior debut at Preston North End - Saturday 7th May
Why this player in particular, well he is the current Captain of the Under 18's, a future prospect and his debut meant he was the 22nd home grown player to play in the Watford first team in the 2010-2011 season. No homegrown players have made debuts so far this season, a clear policy change under Dyche, but our Academy players continue to grow out on loan playing regular competitive football.

Martin Taylor scoring an injury time equaliser at home to Birmingham - Sunday 28th August
Goals don't have to be spectacular over head kicks or even lead to a win. Martin Taylor's header was such a goal and it gave me the feeling of a win as I left Vicarage Road that day. It was the first home point we'd seen this season after 3 were professionally taken from us by West Ham and 3 were stolen by Derby with very little effort or grace.

Lee Hodson 1st goal at Leeds United ending 2-2 - Saturday 16th April
For the expression of sheer joy, excitement and happiness on his face as he ran towards the travelling Watford fans.

Adrian Marriappa's Bobby Moore style tackle vs Leeds - Saturday 10th December
Maybe liking it to Bobby Moore's tackle of Jairzinho in the 1970 World Cup is a bit too much, but it was one of those tackles where the defender makes the tackle, stops the ball dead and then calmly passes it out of defence. It's one of those moments where you feel that the player is in complete control or their game. And that sums up Mariappa this year - He's been fantastic!

The team announcement at home to Peterborough - Saturday 29th October
After our recent signings this current season we must have the greatest combination of first names and surnames in the entire world of football. At that game against Peterborough names on the Watford's team sheet included Marvin, Troy, Iwelumo, Hogg,  Prince, Bauaben, Nyron and Nosworthy. Even Mariappa is a bit special, but we've got used to it in the last 6 years. What a wonderful ensemble of names we have at Vicarage Road.

Laurence Bassini taking over Watford Football Club - Friday 1st April
Is this a positive or negative things for the club has yet to be decided 100%. What we do know is that it's given us on the podcast, and many other Watford fans, plenty to talk/worry about. We hope for good and  regular communication with Laurence in 2012, in whatever form it may come in.

Johnathan Hogg signing his Watford contract - Saturday 27 August 
We've had far more signings at Watford this year then anyone would have imagined. Many of them have added a little something to this squad, but none more than Jonathan Hogg. He is able to defy Physics by being in every part of the pitch simultaneously and passes the ball like an American quarterback setting up a wide receiver to take the game forward. Oh and he's keeping Johnny Eustace out of the starting XI. The battle of player of the season has start early and Hogg and Mariappa are currently streaks ahead of the crowd.

Sean Dyche's 'COME ON' gesture after Ipswich 1-2 Watford - Saturday 3rd December
It wasn't our first away win of the season, but it was our first comeback away win and Sean's face and punching of the air summed up the feeling we all had after a battling win! It was also sort of aggression you'd expect from a man with a voice that sounds like he's eaten a few exhausts.

Danny Graham showing his vest - Saturday 1 January
Danny was the Watford star player of 2011 and he was pretty niffty at scoring goals (like you didn't know that), but he was also a dab hand at Table Tennis. So much so he won the "2010-2011 Watford FC Table Tennis Championship". Danny proudly showed off his win by lifting his shirt reveling a message, written with a black marker, on a his vest after scoring in the 69th minute vs Portsmouth on the 1 January 2011. A few months later when, after scoring against Millwall, he showed us that the Watford squad are a close squad and used another vest to hope Stephen McGinn a quick recovery from injury. It also inspired us to create 'Wear a Vest for Danny Day'. He may have moved on to greener pastures, but we will always thank him for the goals he scored in the 2010-2011 season and giving us a fun way to celebrate the season.

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So there are our 10 Great Watford Moments from 2011. Thank you to Darren Lapthorne, Steven Wynbar and Luke Green for their contributions via Facebook and Twitter and if you have your own favourite moment then put it in the comments section below. It's not been a vintage year for Watford, but as always it's great to support a club that creates special moments like these!

Jon

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WFC in 100 Objects - #6 Cally's Decks

Our search for 100 Objects that define watford football club continues. If you have an suggestions for an object then send it in, along with the story or reason, to podcast@fromtherookeryend.com. They can be historic objects that define a special on pitch moment or a personal object that defines your relationship with the club. Read the list so far on your Watford in 100 Objects page. This week we add an object for an 80's Legend..

Object # 6: Cally's Decks

I don't think I give Nigel Callaghan enough credit. As a young Hornets fan my favourites were Jenkins & Blissett, then Barnes appeared and it was all cup runs and Division One. But not long after I made my Vicarage Road debut in 1980, a young Cally was breaking into the Watford first team. And once he was in, he was a pretty consistent feature in Graham Taylor's side. Even as GT strengthened the side in many areas to try and establish the Hornets as a First Division team, Nigel's position never seemed under threat. And whilst it was the man on the other wing taking all the plaudits, Cally continued to put in some inviting looking crosses for the strikers, as well as banging in a few goals of his own, some good ones at that, with an unassuming unfussyness.

Now as a young kid you don't appreciate the nuances of the game. So I can give you no definite reasons as to why I didn't hold him in the same regard as John Barnes. Don't get me wrong, he wore that yellow shirt so was still one of the 11 heroes on any given Saturday afternoon. But if there was one thing that may have attributed to it, it was that he didn't look like a footballer. Luther & Barnes were athletes. Cally looked a bit awkward, a bit unkempt. These days it would probably lead to some sort of Doyley like cult worship!

But like all good things it had to come to an end. And after a falling out with the boss, Nigel found himself on the transfer list. Despite efforts to play his way back into the first team, GT sold him to Derby County in 1987. Cally had a couple of good seasons with the Rams before moving on to Villa and ironically a reunion with the same boss that moved him on from the Hornets. But after Taylor took up the poisoned challis of the England job, Nigel found himself out of favour at Villa Park and fell out of love with the beautiful game.

So what next? He had a ready made talent, but it wasn't such a smooth transition into his new career as a DJ. By the time Nigel left Watford, most fans knew that he felt as comfortable behind the decks as he did on the football pitch. It had all started by accident. Whilst out with Kenny Jackett at a local event, Kenny's DJ mate offered Jackett the chance to have a spin. Kenny declined but volunteered Nigel as he was more of a music man. Cally gave it a go, found he liked it and turned it into something of a hobby. He even used his new found prowess to host the odd WFC promoted event under the title “Cally's Disco”.

When Nigel left Villa he headed out to Corfu for a bit of “me” time and indulge in a few things that he couldn't when he was a footballer. On his return to the UK, he spent some time training with Millwall, but only found full first-team fitness in time for the holiday season and a return to Greece. Four months playing football in South Africa followed and when that concluded Nigel realised he had a decision to make.

He was reaching his expiry date in football terms and wasn't being taken seriously as a DJ whilst keeping his football options open. So at this juncture Cally decided to hang up the boots and start wearing the cans as a professional DJ. And that's what he's been up to ever since, coming back to our attentions firstly in one of those reality holiday, lets look at a load of Brits endearing themselves to the locals, television programmes; and more recently with his involvement with the former players association and his benefit game as he fought against bowel cancer.

So credit where credit's due. The man has certainly earned it.

Jason
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How soon is now?

This post was originally published in the Watford vs Birmingham City Matchday programme on 28th August 2011.


“It's good to get an early win, it gives the team so much confidence to build on”

That's one of the pre-programmed phrases muttered by Andy Gray in the latest edition of the FIFA series of football video games. Whilst yes, I know Andy Gray is a plank and yes, I understand I am too old to be playing video games, the phrase does mirror the thoughts that I was having ahead of the start of this season – for our relatively small and inexperienced squad, a good start would be vital.

WFC in 100 Objects - #5 An Iveco Truck

We continue our challenge to find Watford in 100 Objects. We're after 100 objects that define Watford Football Club. They can be historic objects that define the most important moments on the pitch or personal objects that define your relationship with club. We are still after your ideas and stories behind an object. So if you have any ideas then email us podcast@fromtherookeryend.com. To read the list so far go to our Watford in 100 Objects page.

Object #5 - An Iveco Truck

Here's a challenge for you:

Can you name all the shirt sponsors Watford have ever had? You have to do it in two minutes or less?

Don't cheat,  and when your two minutes are up you can look at the answers at the bottom of this post. ready? GO!!

The first one on your list should have been - IVECO. Sponsors started to appear on football shirts in the 70's. The first ever shirt sponsor was Jägermeister in 1973, wore by West German team Eintracht Braunschweig. Kettering Town were the first English team to have a go in 1976, but the FA threatened to fine them if they kept it. The FA changed their mind on the subject in June 1977 so clubs were free to have a logo on their shirt. However, it wasn't until 1979 that Liverpool became the first Football League club to wear a sponsor. So why wait until 1982 for Watford to get a sponsor? In 1981-82 promotion season the club had been approached to carry a sponsor, but Graham Taylor was quoted to have said, "We're not prepared to prostitute ours shirts". It was probably a sentiment of many football traditionalist around that time, but even back then the commercial pressures were growing and clubs had to take on the lucrative sponsorship deals that only continued to grow and grow with the expansion of TV exposure.

IVECO are a commercial vehicle company that is part of the Fiat group and whose UK headquarters is above Watford Junction. Their locality was probably a large big part of the deal coming about. It was believed to be worth £400,000 and lasted for three season between 1982-1985. As pointed out to us by Lionel Birnie, author "Enjoy The Game. Watford Football Club, The Story of the Eighties":

"You could take your replica shirt to the Hornet Shop and ask them to iron on the IVECO letters. The thing was, the letters were in one size and designed for the players' shirts, so when they put them on my little nine year old's shirt they completely swamped the front."

A truck company isn't a glamourous sponsor, but they were our first and the reason they are going into our Watford in 100 Objects list. They were the company name the Hornets wore during our first ever season in Division 1, on our only trips into Europe and in the 1984 FA Cup Final. Hey, maybe they were our lucky charm?

So, how did you get on in our challenge? Why not set it as a pre or post match pub challenge for your mates:

Answer*:
1. Iveco
2. Solvite
3. Eagle Express
4. Hearld and Post
5. RCI Holidays
6. Blaupunkt
7. CTX
8. Phones 4U
9. Toshiba
10. Total
11. Loans.co.uk
12. BEKO
13. Evolution TV
14. Burrda

Jon

* - Do shout if we missed any.
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25 Years of the Rous Stand

Today (23rd August 2011) is the Rous Stand's 25th Birthday. It was officially opened to Hornets fans for the first league game that season; against Oxford United. Watford ran out 3-0 winners, but perhaps of more significance, it was also Jon's very first Watford game! The striking new stand cost £3million and wasn't actually 100% complete until 1993 when a permanent lower tier was put in to replace temporary seats.

We may be season ticket holders in the younger Rookery End, but we have respect for our elders and to celebrate the stand turning 25 we've grabbed these photos of the stand being built which were published in the matchday programme from that day.

Happy Birthday Rous Stand!

Jon
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Leftorium - Watford's Left Backs

29th July 2011 was quite a significant day in recent Watford history. We signed a left back. A bona fide, left footed, owned by us, defender. And whilst it's too early to pass any judgement on Carl Dickinson just yet, the early signs are encouraging. So why has it been so difficult to fill that slot in recent years? Some Hornets fans will tell you that we've not had a decent left back since Paul Robinson left for West Brom back in 2003. So I'll have a look at those “number 3s” that have come and gone over the years and see what went wrong.

WFC in 100 Objects - #4 Junior Hornet Membership Card

This season we're hunting down 100 objects that define Watford Football Club. Each provides a evocative memory or time in Watford's history. They can be historic objects that define the most important moments on the pitch or personal objects that define your relationship with club. To play your part email your suggestion to podcast@fromtherookeryend.com.

Read the list as so far on our Watford in 100 Objects page.

Object # 4: Junior Hornet Membership Card

Saturday 23rd August 1986, Football League Division One - Watford 3-0 Oxford United.

It was first game of the 86-87 season, the first game the Rous Stand was officially open and my first EVER Watford game. It’s the day I think of as the day I became a Watford fan. I stood, mainly on tip-toes, in the far left of the Vicarage Road terrace and just about saw Barnes, Blissett and Bardsley put three goals in the back of the net. When those 90 minutes were up I was hooked on football. I enjoyed every minute watching those yellow and white men run around the pitch, but was I a Hornet for life?

My Dad took me to the game, he wasn’t a Watford fan, he’d grown up in Scotland and the East End and no one in the family supported Watford. He just wanted to take his lad to watch a football match and Watford were the local club. After Oxford United he could have easily taken me to another club the following week and I could have ended up supporting any number of clubs. I believe the reason Watford FC is now my blood is The Junior Hornets and the object I want to put into the Watford in 100 Objects list is my Junior Hornet Membership Card.

WHAT’S IN A NAME

With the summer transfer window shutting shortly, I think it's fair to say most Hornets fans will be happy with the business done at WD18. New signings Craig Forsyth and Mark Yeates have already got themselves on the scoresheet, whilst the signing of Stratford Town defender Tom James has shown that the club aren't afraid of taking chances on players from lower down the league pyramid. I might just dust down my boots. Whilst other fans may pore over the statistics of our new signings in the hope of getting an understanding of who and what we've brought in, I am much easier to please. I like a good name.

Imagine my delight then when we signed the superbly named Prince Bauben. With a name like that he could score a hat-trick of own goals in the FA Cup Final and he'd still be loved. Add to this the capture of Scottish international Chris Iwelumo and all of a sudden we've got two of the best names in the division. Tremendous stuff.

In an attempt to predict what sort of career our new captures will have at Watford, I decided to have a look back at some previous Hornets with exotic or entertaining names and it was with some surprise I found myself wishing I had been around in 1906, as this was the year that we signed the superbly named defender Bert Badger. Despite sounding like he was named after some sort of mascot, Bert had a good, if all to brief career at the Hornets, playing 56 times and scoring five goals. I wonder how many were from “set” pieces?...

A WHOLE LOT OF LLOYD

This blog was first published in the Watford v Derby Matchday programme on Saturday 13th August 2011.

Over the summer many players have taken a trip on the transfer merry go round, but Mike is ever so happy that Watford have one constant.

So here we are again then, 104 days after we saw QPR clinch their Championship title, it's all beginning again. Exciting isn't it? I'd like to begin by saying well done and thanks for not joining Cardiff City over the summer - at one stage it looked like all but the East Stand was going to up sticks and head down the M4, so congratulations on sticking with the Hornets.

Of course, in reality there is never any question of us deserting our club. Players, managers, staff and even stadiums come and go, but us supporters are always here. We're loyal. Occasionally, players do come along that match our dedication and devotion. We've all heard of the phrase “One club man”, but it isn't too often we get to use it. As Watford fans we are lucky enough to have one such player in our midst.

Since coming on as a substitute against Birmingham City on Wednesday 26 September 2001, he has played under six different managers, played over 300 games for the Hornets and has scored a single, memorable goal. Ladies and gentleman, I give you Lloyd Doyley.

Get your views on the podcast - Audioboo

FTRE is a Watford FC podcast made by Watford fans for Watford fans. Except on the whole it is only the three Watford fans on each podcast - that's not right. TO get everyone on each podcast is a logistical nightmare, but we have a new way to get your views, your rants, you match reports, even the chats that you have in the pub with mates. You record them, send them in and we'll try and get them on.

We're going to use a website called audioboo.fm. We're on there audioboo.fm/rookeryend. On our page, on the right you'll see a button that says "Send rookeryend a message". Click on that and if you've got your microphone plugged into your computer you can record up to 5 minutes and send it to us.

EVEN BETTER... you can do it on the move whilst you're at a game. All you need is a their iPhone app or an Andriod app. Download it, log on, hunt us down and add us to your contacts. It's very easy to use and you can even see how loud or quiet you are.

So if you fancy having a go at this weeks game grab a mate or two and have ago. You could do it either before the game over a beer, at half time whilst you've having your bovril or after the game  as you wonder back to the car. You can even get your phone out during the game and send us something if you fancy it. All you need to do is pick a subject to talk about and once audio boo has counted you in start by saying:

"Hello I'm _____________ and with me is ______________ ....." 

And go for it, just talk like you normally do about Watford FC.

You know what, you can even do it on your own. If you get a thought about the club or a question you think is worth us debating on a podcast then get on audioboo and send it over.

It's always good to keep it focused one thing. It could be a players performance, a particular incident in a game, a debate about formation you've had or a random chat about the colour of footballers boots you might have had.

The first 5 fans to send us something via audio will win a signed "From The Rookey End, End of Season Awards 2010-2011 Certificate". We have them signed by Marvin Sordell, John Eustace, Danny Graham, Lee Hodson and Danny Graham. The first come, first choice!

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WFC in 100 Objects - #3 Cardboard Andy

This season we're hunting down 100 objects that define Watford Football Club. Each provides a evocative memory or time in Watford's history. They can be historic objects that define the most important moments on the pitch or personal objects that define your relationship with club. To play your part email your suggestion to podcast@fromtherookeryend.com.

Read the list as so far on our Watford in 100 Objects page.

Here is our third object, which looks some what like Mike's brother Andy.

Object # 3: Cardboard Andy

The 2005/06 season was an extraordinary one for Watford fans. Widely tipped for a struggle under the stewardship of rookie manager Adrian Boothroyd, a Marlon King inspired Watford confounded the critics to finish third in the Championship table, securing an unlikely Play-Off berth against Crystal Palace.

As the Hornets swept into what was to be an unassailable three goal lead at Selhurst Park, there were scenes of delirium and joy all around. Unashamed delight was etched on each and every face in the packed away section. Apart from one. Next to me sat my brother, Andy. He was smiling, but in a slightly detached, vacant way. Barring a second leg miracle, Watford were going to be in their second Play-Off Final, and Andy knew he was going to miss it.

You see, Andy - like every other right minded person, hadn't anticipated Watford being involved in the post season fun and games and had booked a holiday. Watford and 35,000 supporters would be going to Cardiff and the Millennium Stadium. Poor old Andy was going to be in Cyprus.

Andy was understandably devastated, but he quickly set about finding a solution. A combination of his fiery girlfriend and a no-cancellation policy rapidly made it clear that reorganising the trip was out of the question, whilst his politely worded requests to the Football League for a change to the date of the fixture were met with stony silence. It was now clear he wasn't going to make it, but still he wanted to ensure his presence was felt in Cardiff. He struck upon an idea.

A cardboard cut-out.

If he couldn't be there, at least his image could be. The players could see his face, they'd know he hadn't deserted them. (Yes, we are talking about a grown up here.) Despite concern from family and friends for his mental health he set about creating a number of cardboard likenesses. And so it was, that on 21 May 2006, my friends and I could be seen boarding the train to Cardiff clutching beers, Watford scarves and my brother's grinning face plastered onto a couple of cardboard placards.

A mixture of amusement and bemusement met us wherever we went, although I didn't expect to be asked “When did he die?” on more than one occasion. Not the intended message! Unabashed, we continued to display the cut-outs, propped up at the bar, introducing “him” to fellow Hornets, or simply waving them in the general direction of the Leeds fans, housed at the other end of the stadium.

The rest of course, is history. Watford had the beating of Leeds from the get go, and three unanswered goals meant Watford were the first club to win promotion via the play offs without conceding a goal. Of course, no other club had a cardboard cut-out of my brother. If only Billy Davies had thought to take them along...

One of the specimens was badly damaged during the ensuing celebrations, whilst the other was returned, a touch rough round the edges, to my brother. It is now safely stored in a top secret location, ready for use once again should Andy be out of the country on an important match day.

In this age of “plastic supporters” who only make the effort to see the big teams or important games, I am proud of my brother. Watford's one and only cardboard fan.

Mike

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PODCAST SPECIAL - Lloyd Doyley FTRE Interview

DOWNLOAD LLOYD DOYLEY FTRE SPECIAL VIA ITUNES

Do you have a bloke at work who's worked there for an awfully long time? He might not be the high flier or go looking for the attention of the boss every 5 minutes, but he gets on with his work and if he disappeared you'd wonder how the place would keep running. Well for me, at Watford Football Club that bloke is called Lloyd Doyley and this year is his testimonial year.

Yes, it's really been 10 years since we saw a fresh faced, 18 year old Lloyd run on the Vicarage Road pitch to replace Pierre Issa. He's gone on to make over 300 appearances,  he's been picked by 6 different bosses and scored one fantastic goal.

To help kick off his testimonial year Lloyd took FTRE on a bit of a tour of the backroom area at Vicarage Road. He talked to us about his matchday preparation, how the changing room runs, his heroes and contemporaries, his highs and lows, oh and of course that goal. You might have heard 10 minutes of this interview on Podcast 2.1, but the exclusive FTRE Lloyd Doyley Special podcast is a full 30 minutes.

You can download the podcast via iTUNES or listen on-line by clicking on the play button below.



- Jon

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Download the latest podcast via iTunes. Plus, get FTRE blog posts sent straight to your inbox. Simply enter your email address in the "Subscribe by Email" box in the right hand column near the top of this page. Or if you're really technical you can use this RSS code.

Mike in the Guardian - Watford 2011-2012 Preview

The Guardian newspaper asked From The Rookery End's Mike Parkin to give his thoughts on Watford's chances this season. You can read his views on the Hornets below, and along with other bloggers from every club in the Championship on the Guardian website.

Nothing is ever straightforward when it comes to supporting Watford. Flamboyant chairmen, the turning of a much loved ex-manager into a vegetable, constant criticism of our style of play and a three-sided ground have all been used as proverbial sticks to beat us. Now, us Hornets fans have another thorn in our side. Wales.

During the close season we have lost the Championship's leading scorer Danny Graham down the M4 and across the border to Swansea, whilst our manager, his backroom team and the influential midfielder Don Cowie have also crossed the bridge, all now employed by Cardiff City.

The exciting winger Will Buckley has also departed, although he has headed south to Brighton. Add into the mix a relatively new and unknown owner and Watford fans could be forgiven for being mildly concerned.

However, in appointing the former youth and reserve team manager and Mackay's assistant Sean Dyche as boss, the club have gone for continuity – something that has pleased Watford fans. He may not have managerial experience, but he has Watford experience and that will do for us. Combine his appointment with a smattering of new signings; Mark Yeates, Chris Iwelumo, David Mirfin, Craig Forsyth and the wonderfully named Prince Buaben, who all look like good additions, and there is perhaps cause for cautious optimism.

Of course, when I say optimism, I mean a vague notion that we may achieve this season's single goal. Survival. Whilst our younger players performed admirably last year, they are going to have to do so again this term if Watford are to avoid a relegation scrap and only time will tell if the squad is big enough, strong enough and experienced enough to keep our heads above water in what is an increasingly competitive division.

Simply put, if by 5pm on 28 April Watford are still a Championship club, the 2011-12 season will have been a success.

I guess time will tell exactly what Wales has that Watford doesn't.

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WFC in 100 Objects - #2 Knitted Wilf

This season we're hunting down 100 objects that define Watford Football Club. Each provides a evocative memory or time in Watford's history. They can be historic objects that define the most important moments on the pitch or personal objects that define your relationship with club. To play your part email your suggestion to podcast@fromtherookeryend.com.

Read the list as so far on our Watford in 100 Objects page. 

Here is our second object, a very special object to From The Rookery End presenter Jason.

Object # 2: Jason's knitted Wilf Rostron

Watford FC in 100 Objects - #1

As football fans, the things we treasure most are our memories. Players and managers, even stadiums come and go, but we will always have our memories, and we wanted to come up with something that would allow us to share ours, whilst also hearing what other gems fellow fans can remember. That's why we are launching our new project – Watford in 100 objects.

Watford in 100 objects is to bring together a list of one hundred different items, each providing an evocative memory or time in Watford's history, but we need your help to do it! Here at FTRE we have our own objects that will be included, but what will make it special is hearing yours. The object can be absolutely anything as long as it is linked in some way to Watford Football Club.

To play a part, all you have to do is email details of your object (you don't have to own it!), along with a brief description as to why you want it included to podcast@fromtherookeryend.com. We will be building the list as the season goes on, providing updates here on the website and on our monthly podcasts so if you want yours to be featured, email us today.

POD 2.1 - Preseason 2011-2012

With the 2011-2012 is almost here and Jon, Jason and Mike are back for a 2nd season of podcasts. A new theme tune, a new challenge and a new season of football to talk about. As the the three life long Watford fans head to Watford's preseason match at AFC Wimbledon they have all the chat about the goings and comings at Vicarage Road over the closed season and of course they give their thoughts on how the new season might unravel.