Reprint from the Wigan Boards re: Watford (&, however obliquely, Watford Gap)

From dirrrrtyoldman:

www.mudhutsmedia.co.uk


"Oh I nearly forgot, did I mention that Elton John used to be Watford’s Chairman? The Watford Gap always confuses me. Is it the first stop as you enter the South or is it the last stop as you leave the North? Also is the “Gap” in the Earths core? If so then why doesn’t my train plummet into the dark abyss of the planet when I go to London? I don’t know, so maybe it’s best if I move on.Whilst trying to construct this article I thought it might be a good idea to find out some interesting facts about our opponents and their town. Stuff that didn’t include name dropping Elton John.

So here goes, Watford is a town in Hertfordshire that has a population of approximately 110,000 residents and has many kinds of shops. It is renowned for it’s publishing and produces many of the countries periodicals. Famous faces include George Michael, Geri Halliwell and did you know that the Football Club once had Elton John as it’s Chairman. ***, I didn’t mean to do that.What a collection eh? I bet the good people of Watford must be so proud to be represented so admirably by three of pops biggest tarts.Anyway I’ll continue.

Saturday see’s the visit of Watford and quite possibly an even lower home crowd than the Reading game. Okay I know this seems pessimistic, but the reality is that if a team like Reading who ran out clear Champions last season can’t bring more than a handful of fans to their first ever away game in the Premiership then what hope is there that Watford will do better? Mind you, the all new hands across the ocean notion of the club will allegedly see 8,000 chubsters joining us so I’m sure we’ll be okay. It’s a pity the newer fans that we worked hard to convince to watch us who actually have some interest are now feeling that a hike in prices of £10 to £35 a game is a little more than they are willing to spend. Especially on a home game against Watford. Not to worry though as a sprinkling of cherry and white will really enhance the colourful experience of the afternoon.

As for Watford, well these boys have done it all before, and not too long ago either. Watford’s first season in the Premiership in 99/00 did however end dismally. After making a good fist of it early doors they capitulated to finish bottom under the guidance of old Turnip head himself, Graham Taylor. This was a long way from the dizzy heights and earlier exploits of what was the era’s unfashionable “hoof it up the pitch” tactics of Taylor’s first tenure in charge. Installed as Manager in 1977 Taylor guided Watford to the pinnacle of the English game with a string of successive promotions. This success culminated in securing a UEFA cup place by finishing runners up in their first season in the top flight in 1983, and then that heartbreaking defeat to Everton the following year in the F.A. Cup final. Great goal by Andy Gray to win it though and a very fair challenge too!

Backed by all round good guy and sausage jockey Elton John it was no wonder that they played well. The stench of stale cream as Elton kicked over the cake trolley must have had those players *** themselves. Credit where credit is due though as they did have some fine players back then. John Barnes was a real class act and his skill on the ball can only be bettered by his articulate mastery of football punditry, Luther Blisset was a dude, Maurice Johnstone who would sell his own Mother for a fist full of Gold, because he couldn’t decide whether he was Tim or a Hun had a brief but productive spell and not forgetting Kenny Jacket who remains one of the few managers to play for and manage his hometown team. Whilst preparing the club for the infamous “Second Coming” of Graham Taylor, Jacket lead his team to a club record 22 unbeaten league game stretch which still stands today. A true Watford fans legend.

Take a minute to think about what this small, unfashionable club achieved though? Is it ringing any bells because it should be. Surrounded by a whole host of bigger clubs Watford defied the odds and continue to do so.

There was a lot of raised eyebrows when the club boldly appointed Adrian Bothroyd before the start of last seasons Championship campaign and who could blame them? Plucked from relative obscurity it was seen by many as an appointment dictated by the clubs finances. In fact Watford were nailed on favourites for relegation never mind promotion. Nevertheless they defied all the odds and battered Leeds “We’re too big fort go dowwwn” United in an embarrassingly one sided play off final.

They were also a pretty tough outfit when they arrived at the JJB last season for the Carling Cup and this time they will prove to be an even more difficult proposition. Although currently occupying a place in the bottom three, there performances do not reflect the two points that they have picked up and an away win on Saturday could see them catapulted away from the drop zone. That said if we can’t put two or three past these men at home it might be us that needs to be re-evaluating our final standing.

Finally if we can’t do these men on the pitch we can surely do them in the credibility stakes. For Geri Halliwell and George Michael I’ll raise you a George Formby and The Verve. As for a Sir Ian McKellen v Elton John match up there could only be one winner, Sir Ian would leather him.

One way or another anyway.

Finally, finally let's give Damien Francis a decent reception shall we? Some of us at Goodison last week could learn a lesson as to how to welcome back players that gave their all for their club, even if it didn’t quite work out. Exhibit A Kevin Kilbane.Oh I nearly forgot, did I mention that Elton John used to be Watford’s Chairman?