GIVE HORNETS FULL CREDIT FOR THEIR SUCCESS

FOR many, Watford’s ascent to the Premier League will always be tainted by accusations that they are a feeder club – that their success as part of the Pozzo empire somehow undermines their history and tradition.

It is a view both lazy and illinformed. Before the Pozzo family arrived, Watford lurched from one season to the next, grimly rattling the piggy bank whilst Vicarage Road crumbled around their ears. You call that tradition?

Now they are debt free and stable, blessed with players from across the continent.A new stand has sprung from the ruins of the moldy, condemned East End.

And at no point have those ‘feeder club’ accusations ever held water.Yes, the Pozzos own Udinese and Granada. ButWatford were never used to battery farm players bound for Italy or Spain.

The ‘pool’ of players owned by the Pozzos was genuinely shared, the talent dispatched where it was best suited.The biggest stars were never spirited away to Serie A.

The model is not perfect. Watford – a club with a proud culture of youth development – do not yet spread British talent around the continent.

But let’s face facts. In England, we are rightly proud of having 92 professional clubs. But to then demand that they survive and thrive without outside assistance is unrealistic. You can’t have your cake and eat it.

Watford have found a sensible, progressive way of surviving in an industry increasingly strangled by Premier League wealth.The Hornets and their owners deserve admiration, not scorn.