NO BOTTLE Gino such a safe pair of hands now
JUST six years ago, Watford were owned by a discharged bankrupt in a red builder’s helmet.
Laurence Bassini called the police when a trusted member of staff refused to hand over the keys to the club safe and sent gloating text messages to Hornets godfather Graham Taylor after they lost a play-off final at Wembley in 2013.
Vicarage Road was an embarrassment – three stands and a derelict, corrugated graveyard. And as
for a tilt at the Premier League – a distant pipedream. But just look at Watford now. Especially now – when there are occasions like last night to follow Eden Hazard’s brilliant equaliser.
There was still time for Watford to fashion the most memorable of finishes, full-back Daryl Janmaat dancing through before goals from Gerard Deulofeu and Roberto Pereyra sealed a thrilling 4-1 win.
Nights like this, when the Hornets go toe-to-toe with the champions, and give them more trouble than they can handle, are reminders that Gino Pozzo’s takeover has brought more good times than managers.
As Javi Gracia (above) became the 10th head coach to take up residency in the dugout since Bassini’s unlamented regime gave way to Pozzo, the place was jumping. Fittingly, it was Troy Deeney – talisman, leader and sole survivor of the pre-pozzo era – who scored the first goal of Gracia’s reign. When Pozzo is shopping for players at Barcelona, like on-loan Deulofeu, Watford have more reasons to be cheerful than fearful about the future.