Lewes to Scotland and back to Watford
Hi Bluenoses, everywhere.
At last, the Euro qualifiers are put to bed for another few weeks and the Boys in Blue can get back to business. Ironically the highlight of the week was the ‘friendly’ with Scotland. Fans including me were certainly up for it and with the Jocks on a bit of a flier it was nice to see a Jude inspired England team stick the Auld Enemy back in its box. It was great to see Jude and CheAdams shaking hands after the game as probably Blues saviors.
I would like the home internationals played every two years in a week in June when there are no Finals on.
I watched the ladies last week at Lewes. Both teams on zero points managed 111 minutes play without hardly a chance created between them. Blues lack of goals is a worry and they created so little. The latest signing of Brazilian Ivana Fuso from Manchester United hopefully will resurrect the goal scoring form that served the girls so well last season.
So, to Saturday and Watford. Its ironic that our two teams have switched places in the Championship running with Blues 4th and the Hornets down in the lower regions. Our last two visits to Vicarage Road have been disasters with 3-0 drubbings being the order of the day. Much of the press, even the Southern ones, seem to fancy us. This is based on the Watford’s habit of sacking managers twice a year and last year’s sacking Rob Edwards, who is now plying his trade with Local Rivals Luton in the Premiership. We on the other hand have had managerial stability for 15 months and long may former Hornet John Eustace continue in that position.
We only have had 3 players on international duty Ethridge, James and Bacuna. It will be interesting to see how many of those players make the line up. We are closing in on an all-fit squad and they will be needed over six days with three tough matches. Anything between 5 and 9 points would be nice. Success will inevitably bring attention by fans and media alike. Consequently, the Tv companies and the Police have decided that there will be no Saturday home games until November 4th. All we need is a rail strike on that day to go with the counter attractions of Guy Fawkes Day. From a fans point of view this is a scandal. The teamdynamic is more importantly affected. The training regimes are carefully planned on a Saturday Tuesday Saturday basis and 6 weeks of differing routines cannot be of any good.
3 games in 6 days will test the tired legs and the depth of the squad. For the first time for a long time Eustace has added strength to the squad and the points tally between now and the next international break will reflect that. Hopefully the points tally will be well into the 20s by then.
Anyway, look out for ‘Watto’s Weekly Live’ on You Tube, Twitter and Facebook.
God Bless you all
THE TILTON TALK SHOW
Back Monday 11th September