Here it is, the big one. VitalWatford’s take on the Goldenboys!
It`s finally the turn of Watford to go under the VitalWatford pre-season examination…
Gaffer: Sean Dyche. Appointed in light of Malky Mackay`s defection to South Wales the flame-bearded boss is a former Watford captain, lifting the Copa De Ibiza in 2004! Worked his way through the ranks as academy coach and No.2 before taking the big one.
Position 10/11: A very respectable 14th. Tipped by many (including myself), for a miserable relegation the Hornet`s defied all odds to stay up, comfortably.
In: David Mirfin, Prince Buaben (Free Transfers), Carl Dickinson (Stoke City, 600k), Mark Yeates (Sheffield United, undisc.), Craig Forsyth (Dundee, undisc.) and Chris Iwelumo (Burnley, undisc.).
Out: Mat Sadler, Nathan Ellington, Liam Henderson, Rob Kiernan (All released), Will Buckley (Brighton & H.A, £1m), Don Cowie (Cardiff City, free) and Danny Graham (Swansea City, £3.5m).
Star Man: Young home-grown forward, Marvin Sordell. The England U20 cap made his breakthrough last season scoring 15 goals in the league and cup despite a long spell out of the team post Christmas. Blessed with pace and an eye for any kind of finish the former Fulham youngster benefit`s hugely from playing off a selfless workhorse for a partner.
Best Business: Carl Dickinson`s arrival finally brings to an end a several year-long wait for an out-and-out left back. Now here`s hoping the former Stoke man lives up to the expectation!
Prediction: Obviously, it`s extremely hard not to be biased when doing this. Last season we had a paper-thin squad of totally unproven kids and a few experienced heads dotted throughout the squad.
Now Dyche has addressed this by adding some experience and Championship-proven players.
I imagine there will be some hairy moments as we`ve a lot of kids in the side still but I`d hope by the end of it all we`re in the safety of mid-table obscurity.
I’ll second that