Another eventful week and a good win over Scunthorpe to make for a good weekend for all Watford fans.
Although Scunthorpe are a League One team, it was only last season they were in the Championship and coming to Vicarage Road and turning us over, so I think it’s important not to underestimate yesterday's result.
The pitch was tricky and made a good passing game tough but once again there were periods of play where we strung a number of passes together and kept the ball with confidence. Although we didn’t always have an end result I think slowly but surely the new style is starting to sink in.
The day itself was freezing cold and I think we all enjoyed the part the band played in the day! It made me think whilst watching the game about the idea of playing football to music. I know the likes of Sheffield Wednesday had some form of band not so long ago but going on yesterday’s experience I think it really helped lift the crowd, and for the last 20 minutes in particular the atmosphere was great.
I know the lads really enjoyed playing in it too. In a funny kind of way I think the atmosphere that was created made for a far less tense last 20 minutes that could have been expected only being a single goal ahead. We held on very comfortably in the end.
The result has meant a tie at home to either Crystal Palace or Leicester later this month. A good draw I believe; a tough one no doubt but we’ll be approaching whoever we play with confidence that we can mount yet another cup run.
Earlier in the week we had a visit from Elton, in true Elton style he arrived next to our training pitch in a Harrods helicopter and spoke to us all about his decision to once again be part of the club he loves.
He made it clear how much it hurt him having to leave in the first place but he obviously felt it was necessary at the time. I’m sure all Watford fans will be delighted to once again have his name associated with the club...promising times ahead.
We also had the arrival of Gavin Hoyte and Jack Cork, both made promising debuts and seem like nice lads, I’m sure they’ll settle quickly and have a positive effect on the remainder of the season.
A big game to finish the week: Reading away live on sky, a big test for us and another indicator for the progress we’re making under Brendan.
And of course lastly, Happy new year! Let’s make ’09 the best yet.