From The Rookery End - A show about Watford FC

Watford fans were treated to an early Christmas gift as Javi and the boys delivered a hard-fought 1–0 win over Stoke City — and this week, Jon, Jordi, Kieran and the Brigadier are in festive spirits as they break it all down.The panel dive into the tactical tweaks (planned or enforced), assess encouraging signs from a new-look front four, and ask whether the back four is starting to find its rhythm. There’s plenty of praise for improved discipline, growing defensive solidity and the impact of Watford’s young players as confidence builds.With eyes already on the next run of fixtures, the lads also discuss what still needs sharpening — especially away from home — and where this performance leaves the Hornets as they continue their journey through the Championship season. Momentum, belief and plenty to be positive about — come on you ’Orns! 

On this week’s From The Rookery End, it’s late drama, long memories and a splash of Hollywood glamour as Jon, Mike and Adam Drury from the Watford Observer unpack a breathless few days in Watford’s season.Two games, two injury-time goals, and absolutely no shortage of talking points. The lads relive the frustration and fightback of the draw with Sheffield Wednesday before heading to North Wales for an afternoon that felt very different since the Hornets last visit to STōK Cae Ras (The Racecoure Ground), almost 30 years ago. Of course, this time the spotlight burned brighter than ever, with Hollywood royalty Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney watching on from the stands.Beyond the nonsense and noise, there’s an attempt at atleast serious football chat too , with individual performances, injuries, and tactical tweaks under the spotlightDrama, debate and a dash of stardust.COME ON YOU ORNS

In this episode, Jon, Mike, Jordi, and Colin dive into Watford’s dramatic home win over Norwich City—an afternoon that somehow managed to be both thrilling and maddening in equal measure. The guys break down a first half where Norwich ran riot, exposing every crack in Watford’s shaky back line and reminding everyone just how painful a missing defensive midfielder can be.From costly errors to moments of unexpected brilliance, they dissect it all—spotlighting standout performances (yes, Marmar gets his flowers) and questioning whether the defense can keep surviving without major tactical adjustments. With Javi Gracia’s leadership under the microscope, the crew debates what needs to change, what’s starting to click, and how Watford can turn promise into consistency.Looking ahead, Plus what simply has to improve if Watford are going to stop inviting chaos every weekend.

A raw Monday evening away at St Andrews as defeat strikes Watford again — 2–1 to Birmingham City, but this one felt more self-inflicted than stolen. Jon, Jordi, Jason and Paul from Denver watched that game in the FTRE spiritual home, at the spiritual table, in the Railway Arms. After nine games of Javi #2, the symmetry with Paulo is uncanny: 12 points each for both managers in their first nine, 24 scored, 24 conceded, 6 wins-6 draws-6 loses across the record. Competitive, relevant, but painfully stuck in the middle. Still — a first goal for Maamma and more promise from the returning Chakvetadze gives a glimpse of what could be, especially down the left with Bola and Maamma linking up nicely. The big question now? Not just one striker or two, not even “three in midfield?” — but how the Hornets turn good play into real points and real momentum before “potential” stops being enough.COME ON YOU ORNS

Join Jon, Jason, DCW and the Brigadier as they walk down Occupation Road and towards the Railway Arms. They pick apart a match that started in style but fizzled into frustration.The lads break down Watford’s bright opening spell, Bola’s superbly taken goal, and the tactical twist of Javi’s surprise 3-4-3 formation. They debate Shelvik’s role in conceding the free kick, the manager’s reluctance to make early changes, and why young stars like Erin Kunda and Max Alain are dividing opinion.There’s also praise for the energy off the bench from Baah and a glimpse of something special from U20 World Cup star Othmane Maamma..All that — plus some proper pub analysis, tactical talk, and a dose of Hornets humour — in this week’s From The Rookery End.

Mike and Kieran react to Watford's 1-1 draw on the road at Ipswich in a game that saw Imran Louza score his fourth in four games, Tom Ince come in for the injured Rocco Vata, more rotation at centre-back, and our first signing of our Moroccan world cup winner Othmane Maamma

On this weekend's FTRE, Jon, Jason, Kieran and Jordi shelter from the rain as they stand outside Vicarage Road to celebrate a dominant 3–0 win over Middlesbrough — and Rob Edwards’ return. The team unpack a near-perfect display under Javi, from Selvik’s superb save to Bola’s standout performance against his old club, Louza’s growing influence, and a front line that finally clicked.With Ipswich away and Bristol City at home up next, the lads debate rotation, rising stars, and what’s starting to look like a proper Javi side.A clean sheet, three goals, and plenty to smile about — it’s been a while!COME ON YOU ORNS

Watford’s midday clash with Coventry had it all — flashes of brilliance that frustratingly led to missed chances, diabolical defensive lapses, and big tactical questions for Javi Gracia. In this week’s From the Rookery End, Jon, Jordi, and Mike break down the highs and lows, from Doumbia and Vata’s attacking promise to the influence of Louza in midfield and the players chosen to support him. Can the Hornets find consistency and turn potential into performance? Tune in for honest analysis, fan insight, and cautious optimism about what’s next for Watford.00:00 Introduction to Watford's Season and Podcast03:10 Match Analysis: Watford vs Coventry05:40 Defensive Struggles and Team Selection09:02 Midfield Dynamics and Player Contributions11:40 The Role of Key Players: Louza and Others14:44 Tactical Adjustments and Future Prospects25:14 Analysing Watford's Performance Against Coventry29:40 Striker Dynamics and Team Potential34:45 Tactical Adjustments and Player Combinations39:40 Looking Ahead: Middlesbrough Match Preview44:33 Building Cohesion and Consistency in the Squad