Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
MARCO TO FACE VENOM TONIGHT
WATFORD fans have got a poisonous, snake-inspired reception up their sleeves for Marco Silva this evening.
Hornets supporters are travelling to Goodison Park armed with rubber snakes to taunt former boss Silva.
The Everton chief will be public enemy No.1 for the away contingent.
And the way he has eventually ended up in charge of the Blues has led to him being branded a snake by fans of his old club.
Everton’s pursuit of Silva last season sparked the bad blood that now exists between the clubs.
The Merseysiders had an official approach for Silva, including a potential compensation deal of over £10million, rejected in mid-november.
And when Silva was sacked in January, he had picked up just one win and two draws from his final 11 games in charge.
The whole episode destabilised Watford, sending them into a downward spiral.
But the Vicarage Road hierarchy are also travelling tonight and desperate to make a point to their rival board members.
Silva’s successor Javi Gracia has done his best to stay out of the dispute and refused to whip up the animosity towards the Portuguese boss.
He said: “I don’t know Marco Silva personally.
“I know he is making a good job in Everton and I respect him but now I am focused on my team, thinking of the next match and that’s it.
“I am looking forward to the game but in the same way as when we played against Manchester City, Liverpool and Leicester.
“We need the three points and are going to play with that mentality and also on Saturday against Cardiff.”