Our newest contributor, Alexander Moore, considers whether or not we could see some previously key figures depart Vicarage Road this summer
Promotion to the Premier League for Watford FC will undoubtedly cast doubt on the future of certain players at the club, perhaps even those who played a big role in our promotion-winning season.
There are obvious names such as Lloyd Dyer and Lewis McGugan whose futures most likely lie at different clubs in the 2015/16 season.
McGugan, who initially made a positive impact at Vicarage Road, scoring 10 goals in 40 appearances, gradually fell out of favour as a result of the multiple managerial changes at the Hertfordshire club. He then went out on loan to Sheffield Wednesday where he spent most of last season.
Lloyd Dyer was also ostracised from the club by Beppe Sannino and so found pastures new at Birmingham, where he had a perhaps unsurprisingly unsuccessful loan spell.
However, the futures of other Golden Boys who may have been stalwarts in the team last season, or at least a more prominent first team squad player, may also be brought in to question.
Fernando Forestieri, dubbed ‘Fessi’ by some fans for his similarities to a certain Argentinian maestro, may find himself at a new club next season. No Watford fan would deny he is a player of enormous talent, with incredible agility and skill, as well as the ability to pop up with an assist or mesmerising goal out of nowhere, but does he have a role in Watford`s Premier League side?
Arguably, his preferred position behind two strikers is a luxury when battling it out with the Premier League`s finest, and those who have seen his often mediocre finishing during his years at the club would know he probably won`t suffice as an out-and-out striker.
The Argentine-Italian playmaker possesses an attacking mind set not befitting of a more defensive midfielder, which is more than likely the only other available position for him, given that the massively underrated Almen Abdi should continue to occupy the more attacking midfield role. Thus, will Fernando be content with a place on the substitute bench next season? I wonder.
Another player whose future at Vicarage Road lies in the balance heading into next season is Daniel Pudil. An excellent defender and passionate servant to the Hornets during his time at the club so far, the Czech left back has also seen his playing time limited. Last season in the Championship, Pudil will have often felt demoralised with Slavisa Jokanovic starting the likes of Hoban and Anya out of position at left back, choosing to leave the former KRC Genk player on the bench instead.
With new recruits likely in defensive positions, will Pudil manage to get back into the side under a new Head Coach, or will he leave in search of a more key role elsewhere?
We will unquestionably see some significant comings and goings at Watford during the build up to the new season, and it is conceivable that some less obvious names will depart.
In spite of all the necessary qualities and talent for the Premier League possessed by most in the squad, a few Watford FC players – like Forestieri – might have to move on if they find themselves on the fringes again. I personally wouldn`t be at all surprised to see some bigger names leaving, that’s for sure.
