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From The Rookery End - A show about Watford FC

Watford FC 2024 - The State of the Union

Season 15, Ep. 3

As we head towards the start of another season (FTRE’s 15th!) we thought it was time to take stock, to assess and address where our beloved club currently finds itself.


We look back at what lead to us being where we appear to be - heading into a challenging season with concerns on and off the pitch. We look at the owners and some of the others at top table and, well, get a few things off our chest.


This isn’t a one and done. We’ll be keeping an eye on things as best we can and talking through developments as and when opportunities arise. If ever there has been a time to be a critical friend, it’s now.


This is From the Rookery End. Come on you ‘Orns

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  • 23. Arrrrrrgggyle - Watford drop points late on - Plymouth 2-2 Watford

    39:52||Season 15, Ep. 23
    The fixture gods did not shine on Watford fans when a late November trip to Plymouth was announced, and got even worse with the move to the Friday evening. But the Hornets put in a great first half performance but couldn’t quite get it over the line after a very late goal from Andre Gray meant its was only 1 point a piece.Jon, Jordi and Kieran gathered post match to discuss how much risk was taken, and where they the right sort of risks, how did the international break affect the performance, which area of the team are contributing the most and how bad do we feel after relinquishing the lead so late in the game?Jon has a travel correction and Kieran give an update on Watford Women’s season.We didn’t lose but my gosh does it feel like it so soon after the final whistle.COME ON YOU ORNS
  • 22. At Our Place - Tom Cleverley, Scott Duxbury take fans Questions

    37:41||Season 15, Ep. 22
    On Tuesday evening, the club held one of their At Our Place events. This time in the media suite at Vicarage Road with some key players on the panel to answer fans quesions - Chairman & CEO Scott Duxbury, Head Coach Tom Cleverley, Academy Director Richard Johnson, Club Captain Dan Bachman, Sporting Director Gian Luca Nani and Alvaro Garcia-Romero - First-Team Head of Performance. Jon and Mike were there and on this podcast you will hear their reflections on what was said and how they were feeling.COME ON YOU ORNS
  • 21. Champions - a new book from the Watford Treasury

    56:30||Season 15, Ep. 21
    In 1968-69 Watford were crown champions of Division 3. This took them to the highest division they had ever played in - the then 'promiseland'. On this podcast, Jon talks to Colin Payne, Geoff Wicken and David Harrison, all memebers of the Watford treasury team, to hear all about their new book that chronicles the 1968-69 season through the memories of manager Ken Furphy. It of course includes the Watford Treasury twist of memorbillia and long lost photographs. You can get a copy of the book by visiting the Treasury website here
  • 20. Whisper it quietly... Fortress Vicarage Road - Watford 1-0 Oxford United

    57:41||Season 15, Ep. 20
    Friday night, under the lights and a Watford win - you can't beat it. On this week's FTRE we have a lot to talk about.First, Jon, Kieran, Jason and Jordi chat outside Vicarage Road, after the 1-0 home win against Oxford United. With a few faces, who we don't see much, being given a chance to shine by Tom Cleverley, there were a few players and performances to pick apart. Then, before the game, DCW caught up with George Elek, from Not The Top 20 podcast, to discuss how the hornets are looking from outside the Watford bubble. Plus Mike shares his view on the latest rumour of a Watford takeover. This one by John Textor.It was an early start and early finish to the Watford weekend and it was ever so lovely.COME ON YOU ORNS
  • 19. Sound of Gol + Drab Tuesday in Swansea

    35:55||Season 15, Ep. 19
    In this extra midweek podcast, Mike talks about, and you'll hear, his chat with Helen Ward of Watford Women and George Valencia, co-founders of the Sound of Gol foundation, who have recently launched a new initiative with Watford. Helen discusses where we currently find Watford Women and George explains why Sound of Gol is so important to him. Plus, after an amazing away trip to Sheffield, the Brigadier, Colin Mace, made the trip down to South Wales to see Watford lose 1-0 at Swansea.As ever, thanks for listening and we'll be back with a podcast after Friday nights game against Oxford United.COME ON YOU ORNS
  • 18. An amazing away dayo thanks to Vakoun Bayo - Wednesday 2-6 Watford

    46:03||Season 15, Ep. 18
    Watford scored a rare SIX on the road and FOUR Vakoun Bayo goals made the LONG journey to Sheffield oh so worthwhile. Jon, Mike, Colin, DCW and Olly took the train to Sheffield to witness the match. With no clear idea of what Cleverley's plan would be, and they got even more confused when they saw the team annouced, the game, the performaces and especially the result, were a huge joyous surprise for all the travelling hornets.Join them as they tell the story of their day in Sheffield. COME ON YOU ORNS
  • 17. Are Watford fortunate to be in 7th place? Assessing the season so far with Matt Furniss

    58:22||Season 15, Ep. 17
    In another edition of FTRE's data pods, once again, Jon and DCW sit down with Watford fan and Opta Stats Tsar, Matt Furniss to discuss how Watford's season is stacking up in numbers.How high is the press?How is Daniel Bachmann shaping up?Where is the biggest problem in the squad?The difference in home and away form.What should we expect from Daniel Jebbionson?And how do we generally feel about how Tom Cleverley and his choices?We hope you are continuing to enjoy these different podcasts and COME ON YOU ORNS.
  • 16. Home Sweet Home - Watford 1-0 Blackburn

    35:49||Season 15, Ep. 16
    After two defeats on the road, and yes I know you have had nightmare about the first one, the Hornets where backs t home and got the win against the visiting Blackburn.Long term listeners will be surprised to hear no John Eustace chat from Mike but he, along with DCW, Jordi and Jon discuss the penalty decision, the decision to see who would take it, the bold substitutions from Tom Cleverly as well as how we get a centre forward and still play Baah in his strongest position.The great home from continues and there continues to be a lots of good and bad things to discuss about Watford FC.COME ON YOUR ORNS
  • 15. Lifeless, Listless and limp at Luton

    50:12||Season 15, Ep. 15
    You know the score, you suffered through it and you might not listen to this podcast too soon. However, here it is. A 3-0 defeat at the Kennel isn't what we wanted,, far from it, but Jon, Mike and the Brigadier Colin Mace gathered, with a beer, outside Mad Squirrel upon the fans return to Watford. You probably know how this one goes but you will also hear a clip of the latest Hornet Heaven and you will learn more details about the new pojects called 'Sound of Gol' that Watford Women are partnering with. Our very own Kieran Theivam is on the board and he tells us all about it.It was just one game, it was an improtant game but we have to move on to Leeds.This is From The Rookery EndCOME ON YOU ORNS