Read Watford Editor Sam Fribbins has kindly answered some questions about this weekends Emirates FA Cup tie between Watford and Newcastle United at Vicaridge Road and the Hornets’ successful first 6 months back in the top flight.
Question – Watford are having a wonderful season so far, is this anything like you expected ?
Sam – In all honesty, it’s closer to what I expected than to how pundit’s thought we would perform. On the behalf of the vast majority of Watford supporters, I had full support of their dealings in the summer transfer window – players were being signed of international pedigree on good deals. Keeping players such as Ighalo and Deeney in the summer transfer window in the midst of interest from Premier League clubs also helped the cause and look where they’ve got us!
Question – Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney have formed a wonderful partnership this season, what do you think is the key to their success as a pairing?
Sam – This elusive partnership started to form in the second half of last season, elevating the club to the automatic promotion spots at the right time in order to gain promotion. I think the key to this partnership is Troy Deeney’s friendliness around the club – after all, he is club captain, though what he does off the pitch, the players respect that massively. He is ‘Mr. Watford’. Moreover, Ighalo’s talent is unprecedented and he has the momentum to eventually go on and win the Golden Boot award. Alongside the talented Ighalo, Deeney’s work ethic is something to behold – I have never seen a player work as hard as Deeney on the football pitch. They both just link up magically.
Question – How much of this seasons credit do you owe to manager Quique Sanchez Flores, especially after coming straight in to managing the team after promotion?
Sam – The season for the Hornets has been magnificent to say the very least. Quique came in and I, myself, was astounded to know that we managed to bring in a coach who is well-respected in world football after winning the Europa League at Atletico Madrid. I must note that he is also the godson of Real Madrid great, Alfredo Di Stefano.
Flores has done very well in keeping fringe players happy, whilst building from the back. He put his difficult stint as Watford boss behind him after failing to score in three consecutive games (if I take into account the disappointing 1-0 loss away to Preston in the Capital One Cup as well). The Spaniard has been tactically astute, whilst being brave in that he’s stuck with the 4-4-2 formation many clubs can’t seem to handle.
One more point I shall add is that it’s not solely Flores who takes the praise for Watford’s successful season so far. Slavisa Jokanovic got us where we are – the Premier League. Without his hard work and strict mentality, we would not be a Premier League team. The Pozzo’s, Watford’s owners, are also held accountable for the recruitment drive over the summer transfer window, with many of the new players turning out to be great additions to the squad of whom won promotion under Jokanovic.
Question – How do you view Newcastle and this season as a whole for Steve McClarens side?
Sam – It’s been a topsy-turvy season for Newcastle and I have to say I feel slightly sorry for the supporters. They are a side who should be doing a whole lot better year after year, though it never seems to work out for some reason. Steve McClaren came in over the summer and I expected him to bring the club out of the depths of the relegation zone and stabilise the club by managing a top half finish, or upper mid-table. After an ambivalent first half to the season, I have a feeling McClaren will slowly and surely improve Newcastle’s fortunes at St. James’ Park. With a bit of fight from their talented squad, I don’t see why a mid-table finish isn’t realistic.
Question – How optimistic are you feeling about the FA Cup and the rest of the 2015/16 season?
Sam – For once, I’m feeling abnormally optimistic as a Watford fan. Since we’ve almost secured safety from relegation, there is more space and time to go on an FA Cup run. We have an extremely large squad for a club who has just been promoted and so it gives us a chance to give a couple of fringe players a run out as well.
In regards to the remaining Premier League fixtures, I have confidence that our form will not dwindle away. I still think a top half finish is on the cards if everyone, especially Ighalo and Deeney, stay fit.
Question – Which of your players will pose the biggest threat this weekend ?
Sam – The last time Watford played Newcastle, the Toon defence couldn’t handle Deeney’s and Ighalo’s partnership upfront. If they’re playing, again, try to watch out for them two.
Question – Do you expect the club to do any transfer business? Where do you think needs strengthening ?
Sam – I don’t expect the club to do much business over the next month. More so in regards to outgoings than incoming players. Victor Ibarbo and Diamanti are possibly on their way out after joining in the summer. It is of my knowledge that Flores is keen on signing a young and physically strong central midfielder to bolster the Watford midfield as injuries will probably kick in sooner than later. Other than that, the squad is looking fine for a top half finish at this current moment in time.
Question – Finally, your score prediction ?
Sam – 1-0 Watford.
Many thanks to Sam for taking the time to answer these questions.
