Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast From The Rookery End - A show about Watford FC

Another away day, another defeat—and the same familiar questions. Jon, Adam, Charlie and Colin reflect on Watford’s 1–0 loss at Wolves, a woeful first half and the mounting pressure on Alessio Dionisi.

But how much responsibility belongs to the head coach? From confidence and commitment to recruitment and leadership, the team discuss problems that stretch well beyond the dugout, and whether another managerial change could make matters worse.

There’s also a bigger question: what does success actually look like for Watford, and what would it take to have a club and a team we can believe in again? Plus, a moving tribute to Kenny Jackett and a welcome dose of positivity from the Watford Women.

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With no midweek Watford game, we're bringing back an FTRE favourite — the Watford Draft!

Jon takes the host's chair as Jason, Sam, Jordi and Adam go head-to-head to build the ultimate international Watford six-a-side team.

Here's how it works: Each round, we reveal a country, and our four managers take turns selecting a former Watford player born there. Once a player has been picked, they're off the board! The picking order reverses each round to keep things fair, and everyone has to think carefully about positions, tactics and how their team will fit together.

From Spain and Brazil to Italy, France and a few surprises along the way, there are some wonderful Watford names to choose from — but not everyone will get their first choice.

Expect tactical masterplans, questionable selections, old favourites and plenty of frustration as the squads take shape.

Four managers. Four teams. But who has drafted the best six-a-side Watford team?

Listen along, pick your own side and tell us who you'd back to win the tournament!

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Watford responded to a turbulent week with a much-needed 2-0 victory over Charlton, giving supporters something to smile about after a difficult run of results.

Jon, Sam and Adam reflect on a performance full of encouraging individual contributions, a change of formation that brought much-needed defensive stability, and a squad that appears determined to fight for its head coach.

But this was never going to be a straightforward match debrief.

Following Gino Pozzo's rare interview with Roy Moore and Mike's revealing conversation with Troy Deeney, the discussion turns to the growing disconnect between the club's ownership and its supporters. Did either interview offer answers? And what do they tell us about how Watford reached this point?

There's a win to enjoy, a team worth getting behind and perhaps a little hope to hold on to. But the bigger questions aren't going away.

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In a special edition of From the Rookery End, Mike is joined by Watford legend and former captain Troy Deeney for an honest, passionate and deeply personal conversation about the state of the club he still holds so close to his heart.

Troy reflects on the rise of Watford under the Pozzos, the standards that once held the dressing room together, and the moments when things began to unravel.

He shares his account of the fallout following the 2019 FA Cup final, the breakdown of trust between players and ownership, and the decisions that he believes have gradually stripped Watford of the leadership, accountability and identity that once made the club successful.

But this isn't simply about pointing fingers. Troy challenges the players, the hierarchy and even those who have only recently spoken out. He discusses what needs to change, whether new ownership really is the answer, and why supporters must never lose sight of what makes Watford special.

It's a conversation full of remarkable insight, difficult truths, fond memories and genuine emotion.

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Something has shifted at Watford Football Club.

After two humiliating defeats, nine goals conceded and a remarkable few days that have seen Sir Elton John and former players speak out, Jon, Jason, David and Mike come together for a very different kind of Debrief.

There's anger and frustration, but also a deep sadness about what supporting Watford has become. Has the club reached a tipping point? Can the growing unrest among supporters bring about meaningful change? And what, if anything, can Gino Pozzo say to restore the trust that appears to have been lost?

The panel discuss the proposed meeting between Pozzo and Roy Moore, the importance of visible and sustained fan protests, and whether the new Independent Football Regulator could eventually have a role to play.

But beyond the ownership, the finances and the football, there's a more personal question running through this episode: when the enjoyment has gone, what is there left to hold on to?

A sombre, passionate and occasionally darkly funny conversation about a football club that means so much to so many.

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A disastrous afternoon at Vicarage Road saw Watford fall to a 4–0 defeat against Burnley, leaving supporters with plenty of questions about where the Hornets go from here.

Jon, Sam and Charlie discuss a dreadful performance, Alessio Dionisi's team selection and whether the head coach's future is already in doubt.

With Scott Duxbury and Luke Dowling expressing confidence in the squad just 24 hours earlier, how do their comments compare with what we're seeing on the pitch? And is the real problem the manager, the players or something much deeper at the club?

There's also time to reflect on the things that still make being a Watford supporter special.

COME ON YOU ORNS!

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It's the international break, but there's still plenty happening in the world of Watford!

Jon is joined by Adam and David to discuss the arrival of Krépin Diatta. With Champions League and international experience, could Watford have found themselves a bargain, or does his signing raise more questions than answers?

We also tackle the huge Manchester City story and its potential implications for Watford. Could the Hornets really end up with the 2019 FA Cup? And has City's spending changed the Premier League forever, making life increasingly difficult for clubs like ours?

Plus, Adam reflects on his 15 months covering Watford for the Watford Observer, sharing some memorable moments and explaining his decision to step away.

Finally, with seven important fixtures approaching, we look at Watford's injury problems, the midfield situation and whether the Hornets can start climbing the Championship table.

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Another defeat before the international break — but what have we actually learned about Watford so far this season?

Jon, Jordi, Charlie and Mike look back on the defeat at Bristol City and take stock of where the Hornets find themselves.

There’s plenty of frustration about how the squad has been assembled, but also credit for Alessio Dionisi and a group of players who continue to battle despite the injuries and disruption.

We discuss the importance of Edoardo Bove, the emergence of Amin Nabizada, encouraging early signs from Myron Boadu and whether Watford might finally have the ingredients of a competitive team — if they can ever get them all fit at the same time.

Plus, we look at the future of the academy, give the Taylor Trek a plug and remember former Watford goalkeeper Kevin Miller.

Find out more about getting involved with The Taylor Trek here: 

https://www.watfordfccsetrust.com/the-taylor-trek/

You can also watch the podcast on YouTube via WD18.

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Some signings give you a great season. Others change the course of a football club.

Jon, Mike, Dave and Charlie attempt to pick the five most consequential player signings in Watford history – the arrivals that had an impact far beyond their own time on the pitch.

From promotions and Premier League survival to transfer strategies, stadium development and a few sliding-doors moments, the team make the case for players from across the generations.

Who makes the final five – and who have we completely overlooked?

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Watford’s injury-hit squad struggled to get going as Stoke City left Vicarage Road with a deserved 2-1 win.

Jon, Kieran and DCW pick through a disjointed performance, the growing injury list and a midfield stretched almost to breaking point. There’s also discussion about which of Watford’s attacking options can make a position their own, whether the international break will really solve anything, and the difficult hand Alessio Dionisi has been dealt.

And after watching Stoke comfortably come out on top, is there an uncomfortable question to ask: is this simply where Watford are now?

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Watford came from behind to beat Preston North End 2-1 at Vicarage Road – but it took a dramatic half-time intervention to turn a pretty grim evening around.

Jon, Jason and Sam are joined by The Brigadier Colin Mace to look back at a game of two very different halves. We discuss the triple substitution that changed everything, the growing influence of Iker Bravo, whether Mamadou Doumbia should now be Watford’s first-choice striker and why Mattie Pollock might just be the most important player in this young side.

Plus, there’s more on Egil Selvik’s replacement in goal, the new arrivals, Alessio Dionisi ’s big decisions and whether Watford should head into Saturday’s game against Stoke with a little more confidence.

This is our take on life as a Watford fan.

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Watford left the heights of The Hawthorns empty-handed after another tight game was decided by a costly mistake.

Mike, Jordi and Sam look back at the 1-0 defeat to West Brom and ask why the pieces of this Watford side aren't quite fitting together yet.

There's Albert Eames' difficult first league start, a defence still searching for cohesion and the continuing problem at the other end of the pitch: where are the goals going to come from?

Plus, encouraging debuts for Stephy Mavididi and Soumaïla Coulibaly, the increasingly concerning lack of options at full-back, and the rather telling sight of Edo Kayembe finishing the game at left-back.

Five league games in, there's plenty to like about individual players. Now Watford need to turn those promising parts into a team.

COME ON YOU ORNS

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The transfer window is finally shut — so what do we make of Watford’s new-look squad?

Mike, Charlie and Sam are joined by Watford Observer correspondent Adam Drury to pick through a frantic end to the window, the late arrivals and the calculated gambles Watford have made.

There’s also the small matter of a difficult night at Swansea. What went wrong, how important is Edoardo Bové to the way Alessio Dionisi wants Watford to play, and were there still positives to take from defeat?

With the squad finally assembled, attention can now turn to the football. Has Dionisi got enough to work with — and should Watford fans feel more optimistic about the season ahead?

This is From The Rookery End - COME ON YOU ORNS

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Watford remain unbeaten after a 1-1 draw with newly relegated West Ham — but should the Hornets have grabbed all three points?

Jon, Jason, Charlie and DCW look back at a sold-out afternoon at Vicarage Road, from a superb Amin Nabizada finish to Kevin Keben’s choices that ended in an extraordinary own goal, and discuss the growing signs that Alessio Dionisi is building a team with a clear identity.

With the transfer window about to close, attention then turns to what Watford still desperately need. Are reinforcements finally on the way? Myron Boadu, Michail Antonio, Jamal Lascelles and a possible Adam Masina return are all on the agenda.

Unbeaten, improving… but still unfinished.

You can also see the podcast on your screens via WD18

This is From The Rookery End

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A 5-1 defeat at Peterborough was painful enough, but the result only tells part of the story.

Mike is joined by Watford Observer's Adam Drury to pick through a night that exposed just how thin Watford's squad has become.

How have Watford reached this point? What does it tell us about the club's recruitment and financial strategy? And with the transfer deadline approaching, can the gaps be filled before they cause even more damage?

Plus, Mike and Adam discuss the young players thrown into an incredibly difficult situation, the senior players who should have done more to help them, the continuing search for a striker and what could happen in the final days of the window.

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Watford followed up victory over Southampton with a hard-earned point at Wrexham – and four points from the opening two games feels a long way from where many of us feared we might be.

Jon is joined by Kieran, Jordi and Adam Drury to pick through the 1-1 draw at the Racecourse Ground. They discuss another impressive performance from Iker Bravo, whether Luca Kjerrumgaard can build on his first goal of the season, Albert Eames stepping into an increasingly stretched defence and a Watford side that suddenly looks like it's playing for each other.

There's also the changing mood among supporters and why Alessio Dionisi appears to be winning people over so quickly.

But with the squad being pushed to its limits and the transfer window entering its final days, can Watford keep this going without reinforcements?

Plus, a look ahead to what could be a very different Watford XI against Peterborough in the Carabao Cup.

This is The Weekend Debrief.

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The Warm Up is here – our new midweek podcast, getting you ready for the Watford weekend.

Jon is joined by Adam Drury from the Watford Observer to look back at an encouraging start under Alessio Dionisi and ahead to Saturday's trip to Wrexham. Is something genuinely beginning to change at Watford? What has Dionisi done to give this team a different feel, where does the squad still look short, and can they back up the intensity of the Southampton performance away from home?

Then it's time for the inaugural (Martin) Taylor Invitational Challenge.

Mike, Charlie and DCW take on Jon's new Watford quiz, featuring current Hornets, trips into the club's past, classic commentary, a race against the clock and the frankly prestigious Going for GoldEN.

Play along and see if you can beat their score.

The Warm Up – in your ears via From The Rookery End and on your screens on WD18.

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Watford are up and running — and in some style.

A 2-1 win over Southampton gave Vicarage Road the sort of afternoon that has been in short supply recently, with two young players finding the net, a captain leading from the front and plenty of early signs of what Alessio Dionisi wants from his team.

Mike is joined by Jason, Charlie and DCW to look back at the win and ask how much we should read into it. Is a new Watford starting to take shape? Can this young squad thrive as the underdog? And, despite all the good feeling, where are the weaknesses that still need addressing before the transfer window closes?

There’s also a fitting tribute to Kenny Jackett, thoughts on Michael Antonio, the latest on Imran Louza and plenty of love for a rather unexpected group of Watford heroes.

In your ears via From The Rookery End and on your screens on WD18.

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The new season is almost here, but how good is this Watford squad really?

Charlie is joined by Adam Drury, from the Watford Observer, Sam and Dave to go through the squad position by position, weighing up every goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward ahead of the Championship campaign.

Who keeps their place? Where are the biggest question marks? Which youngsters could make an impact? And how much business still needs to be done before the transfer window closes?

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Watford's pre-season continued with a 3-0 win over Hansa Rostock, but this wasn't just another friendly. More than 6,000 travelling supporters from the German third-tier club turned Vicarage Road into a memorable occasion and created one of the most unusual atmospheres the stadium has seen for years.

Jon, Mike and Sam meet for a post-match pint to look back on the afternoon. While there's plenty of praise for a handful of encouraging individual performances, they resist the temptation to read too much into pre-season results.

Instead, the conversation turns to the bigger picture. What do the latest changes to the Academy and Under-21 set-up really mean? Why has the Watford Women's team been sold? And what do the club's current recruitment limitations tell us about where new signings can realistically come from?

With just two weeks until the Championship season begins, there's still plenty to discuss on and off the pitch.

Watch the podcast on YouTube via WD18, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

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A new era begins at Watford and, for the first time, From The Rookery End and WD18 come together.

In this first collaboration episode, Jon, Charlie and Watford Observer's Adam Drury discuss the appointment of new head coach Alessio Dionisi, whether the club's manager recruitment process has finally changed, and what the Italian needs to do to succeed where so many others have failed.

Can Dionisi bring the dressing room together? Will supporters buy into his ideas? And is this appointment really any different from the many we've seen before?

Plus, in true Watford fashion, things take a slightly less serious turn as the boys imagine what would happen if every former Watford manager went on holiday together…

Come for the analysis, stay for the image of Walter Mazzarri in budgie smugglers.

Come on you 'Orns!

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Well… that was that.

A season that promised something—maybe not everything, but something—ends with a whimper, five straight defeats, and a performance that barely felt worth dissecting.

But, as ever, it’s not really about the 90 minutes, is it?

Because on Saturday morning, a few hours before kick off, came the statement. The one meant to explain it all. Recruitment, injuries, leadership, culture… all name-checked. But did it actually say anything? Or just give us another set of words to pin to the wall when nothing changes?

We get into what’s gone wrong (again), why it keeps going wrong, and whether this latest “reset” is any different from the last one… or the one before that. There’s talk of

identity, of direction, and of a club that still doesn’t quite feel like it knows what it wants to be.

And as the dust settles on another long season, the big question lingers—are we finally at a turning point… or just more Déjà Vu?

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Jon, Kieran, Mike and Jason are back outside the Hornet Shop after another tough afternoon as Watford FC fall to a 2–0 defeat at home to Sheffield United.

There’s no hiding from it — this was a flat, lifeless performance that summed up where the football team is right now. The lads reflect on some hints at something successful, before everything unravelled in depressingly familiar fashion. With belief draining from both pitch and stands, attention turns to the bigger picture — from recruitment failures to the direction under Gino Pozzo, who was in attendance at the game.

There are a few flickers of discussion around individuals but questions about what this environment is doing to a group of raw strikers crying out for experience — someone in the mould of Patrick Bamford who scored both goals today.

The conversation then shifts to the most Watford question of all right now: who on earth is Player of the Season? It says everything about the campaign that there’s no clear standout.

COME ON YOU ORNS

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On From The Rookery End this week, Jon and Mike are joined by Watford Observer’s Adam Drury after Watford’s defeat at Oxford — but rather than pick apart another bad away day,the take a step back and the conversation goes bigger.

With all too familiar questions surfacing again, they look at where the club is right now, why this season feels so unsatisfying and what sits behind the mood around Watford. They discuss recruitment, football identity, squad balance, finanical stablity and the clubs direction.

From what’s happening on the pitch to the bigger picture off it, this is a proper stock-take of a club that feels stuck.

COME ON YOU ORNS

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Jon, Jordi, Mike and Kieran are on presenting duties after Watford’s Easter weekend fixtures — a 1-1 draw at home to Charlton on Easter Monday, coming hot on the heels of the 2-1 defeat away at QPR on Good Friday.

We hear from DCW after he left Loftus Road less than impressed, and the team pick through another familiar-feeling performance: a flat first half, a brighter second, and plenty of questions about where this season is heading.

There’s chat about Irankunda’s impact against Charlton, the continued lack of threat up front, a strong showing from academy graduate Amin Nabizada, and what Watford can realistically get from the final five matches of the campaign.

Plus, Kieran reflects on Watford Women being crowned champions — and why there’s still plenty of work (and big questions) ahead if promotion is to become a reality.

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Watford served up the full emotional buffet this week — from the genuine high of a feel-good win over Wrexham (and that moment), to the all-too-familiar frustration of a stop-start, slightly baffling 0-0 with Leicester.

Outside the Hornet Shop once again, Jon is joined by Jason, Mike and Kieran to try and make sense of it all — from players who look like they might just be “a thing”, to others who definitely aren’t (yet), and a referee who somehow managed to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time.

There’s also a bit of nostalgia thrown in, a nod to why we keep coming back even when the football tests our patience, and a reminder that sometimes it’s the unexpected moments — not the league table — that make it all worthwhile.

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Back behind the mic, Jon and DCW look back on a bruising week for Watford after a frustrating draw at Sheffield Wednesday and a damaging defeat at Stoke. There’s talk of missed chances, flat performances, fading playoff hopes and what Ed Still can realistically get out of this squad in the final stretch. The lads also hear from the Watford Observer’s Adam Drury, who was at the bet365 Stadium and shares what Ed Still had to say in the aftermath of the defeat. Plus, with Wrexham and Leicester up next, they ask what there is still to play for — and whether simply finding some stability might be the biggest win of all.

This is From The Rookery End

COME ON YOU ORNS

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With no Watford match to dissect and a long trip to Sheffield on the horizon, Jon, Jordi and Jason decide to have a bit of fun instead

.

The boys kick things off with a Watford-themed version of "Play Your Cards Right", before attempting to build the ultimate Watford XI made up entirely of non-European players — those who were either born in, or represented, countries outside of Europe. Finally, Jordi unveils a brand new quiz game: “Who Was the Watford Manager When…?”

It might be a week without football, but there’s still plenty of Watford debate, nostalgia and questionable decisions along the way. Come and play along.

This is From The Rookery End.

Come on you ’Orns.

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Back at their spiritual home of The Railway Arms in Oxhey, Jon, Jordi and Jason reflect on a week that perfectly sums up Watford’s season so far. From the frustrating 2-0 home defeat to Ipswich to the much brighter 2-1 response away at Bristol City, the lads dig into what Ed Still tweaked — and what it might mean going forward.

There’s deserved praise for Jeremy Ngakia’s stunning worldie, recognition for Kayembe’s creative influence, and a check-in on Luca Kjerrumgaard as his goal tally continues its steady rise. With an 11-day gap before the next fixture, attention also turns to what Ed can instil into this group on the training ground to build some much-needed consistency.

This is From The Rookery End. Come on you ’Orns.

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After a winless run of 7 games, Watford marked Ed Still’s first home game in charge with a comprehensive win over fellow Play Off hopefuls Derby County.

Mike is joined by Jas and Kieran to discuss an enjoyable afternoon at the Vic, where the defensive unit earned plaudits and the strikers did their jobs.

There is praise for Mfuni, Abankwah, Mendy and more, as the boys wrap up a game that the Hornets could have won by significantly more.

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

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Watford have launched a brand new Supporters Board… but what actually is it? What power does it have? And can it genuinely improve the relationship between the club and the fanbase?

Mike is joined by Adam Drury (Watford Observer) to speak to two of the board members, Flis Irving and Alex King, to get a proper understanding of why the board exists, how it was formed, and what success will look like.

From fan engagement and matchday experience to finances, transparency and communication — this is a conversation about whether the Supporters Board can become a real voice for Watford fans.

You can find out more about the Watford Supporters Board.

And if you have a question you want to submit through the board please go here

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Watford travelled to Deepdale and returned with a 2-2 draw against Preston — a result that, for a first game under a new Head Coach, looks decent… but still leaves the same lingering annoyance. With the season entering the business end, draws aren’t enough, and the pressure is building to start turning draws into wins.

Jon, DCW and Adam Drury (Watford Observer) break down what they learned from the debut outing for new head coach Ed Still, looking at his tactical approach, the 4 Centre Backs defensive structure, and how Georgi performed today and since his return. They also assess the impact of substitutions and whether the pitch conditions played a bigger role than expected.

There’s plenty of positivity too — including encouraging signs from emerging talents like Baah and Mamma — but the big question remains: can Watford find the consistency and cutting edge needed to keep their playoff hopes alive?

With crucial fixtures coming thick and fast, the lads ask: is it time for Watford to kick into gear… or are we running out of road?

(And we are also looking forward as to how often we can get 'Still' into the title of our podcsts)

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Watford have yet another a new head coach — and this time, the announcement was met with little fanfare or excotement. Luckily wee were invited to sat down with the man himself and find out more about Ed Still.

Jon, Mike and Tom Bodell from the Watford Buzz are joined by Ed for an in-depth chat about his road to Vicarage Road, how the appointment came about and what he wants Watford to become this season. Ed opens up on the importance of communication (in both English and French), how he plans to get the best out of Watford’s young talent and senior stars, and the role data in his coaching.

It’s an honest conversation about the challenge ahead — and a message to the fans: give it time, and give it a chance.

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Watford went on the road twice this week — and came back with one point, no goals, and a growing sense of not being able to make the play offs..

Mike, Jordi and Jon look back at the drab but disciplined 0-0 draw away at Hull, before turning attention to the 1-0 defeat at Southampton — a game where Watford showed moments of structure, but once again lacked any real cutting edge.

With the Hornets now three games without scoring, the lads ask the big question: where are the goals coming from? The strikers come under scrutiny, the wide play and crossing is questioned, and set pieces are once again highlighted as a massive missed opportunity.

There’s also discussion around the positives — defensive stability, the emergence of exciting young talent like Maamma and Irankunda, and whether the squad is ready to make steps forward under Charlie, Dan and Adrian.

As the season starts to reach it's end game, FTRE explores the balance between realism and optimism… and why Watford fans might need to cling to hope, rather than expectation, as the playoff picture becomes clearer.

This is From The Rookery End

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Well… it’s happened again. Another Watford head coach gone, and this time it’s Javi Gracia walking before he’s pushed.

Jon, Jason, Mike, DCW and The Brigadier sit down to unpack what Gracia’s resignation really says about Watford right now — a club packed with individual talent but still searching for a team.

You’ll also hear from Watford Observer’s Adam Drury, who gives insight into what Javi Gracia has been like behind the scenes in the last few weeks and how things have been unraveling.

The lads talk tactics, discipline, substitutions, and whether modern football is quietly leaving Watford behind, before zooming out to the bigger questions around ownership, culture, and why this job remains one of the hardest in the Championship. As ever, the conversation turns to what comes next: what kind of coach could actually survive here, whether the playoffs are still a realistic aim, and if Watford can finally break the cycle — or if we’re just spinning it again.

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Mike, Jon and Watford Observer reporter Adam Drury sit down after a frustrating week that saw Watford held to two 1–1 draws – first at home to Portsmouth, then away at Blackburn. The lads look at what these games say about the Hornets right now, with inconsistency once again the big theme. Are slow, controlled starts becoming a recurring problem? And while Javi Gracia’s approach is built on stability, is there a growing need for tactical tweaks to get more out of this squad?

There’s also discussion on defensive concerns, the impact of injuries, and whether the January transfer window offers a genuine chance to strengthen. Fans may be exasperated, but there’s still belief that this team has potential – if they can start executing it. With key fixtures ahead, the playoff picture is coming into sharp focus.

This is From The Rookery End

Come on You Orns

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Mike, Jas and DCW headed to the Mad Squirrel to have a beer and look back at Watford’s 2–0 home defeat to Millwall, another miserable afternoon against the Lions and yet more frustration for the Hornets. They discuss how the momentum built over Christmas appears to have vanished, whether any players came out of the performance with credit, and what it all means as the January transfer window continues to tick on.

From The Rookery End - trying to make sense of another sobering afternoon at Vicarage Road.

COME ON YOU ORNS

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In the first – and last – FA Cup podcast of the season, Mike is joined by the Watford Observer’s Adam Drury to reflect on Watford’s 5–1 defeat away at Bristol City.

The pair discuss the impact of fringe players who were handed an opportunity, what Saturday’s performance might mean for the January transfer window, and whether the result could influence the club’s thinking in the market. As ever in January, transfers dominate the conversation – from the need for improvement, to the potential for new signings, and whether any changes can help inject confidence into the squad moving forward.

As always, thank you for listening and get in touch on socials - @watfordpodcast - or email podcast@fromtherookeryend.com

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Watford’s away trip to Hull City was dramatically called off just 18 minutes before kick-off, leaving hundreds of travelling Hornets fans frustrated after making a 400-mile round trip. Among them was our own Mike, who left home at 7am and didn’t make it back until his 7pm train that evening.

With no full From The Rookery End podcast this week, we’re sharing Mike’s appearance on BBC Radio Humberside, where he joined host James Hoggarth on Monday night to give the Watford fans’ perspective. Mike talks through the disappointment, the logistics, and the emotions felt by supporters left stranded after a long day of travel — and asks what more could (and should) have been done.

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On this week’s episode, Jon, Mike and DCW revel in Watford FC’s red-hot start to the year as the Hornets make it four consecutive victories and confidence begins to surge. There’s plenty of love for Tom Ince after a stunning hat-trick, with the lads discussing what his form means for the balance and belief within the side.

Attention also turns to the hugely important return of Georgi Chakvetadze, whose influence has brought control, cohesion and calm back into midfield, helping to ignite an electric atmosphere at Vicarage Road.

With momentum building, the conversation looks ahead to defining fixtures against Hull City and Bristol City, while the January transfer window sparks debate around squad depth, experience, and whether a central midfielder could be the final piece of the promotion puzzle.

Optimism is growing. Confidence is back. And suddenly, this season feels full of possibility.

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Watford have finally packed their bags and remembered how to win on the road — and Jon, Jordi and The Brigadier Colin are here to enjoy every minute of it.

Back-to-back away victories at Leicester (2-1) and Norwich (1-0) give the Hornets something they’ve been missing for a while: momentum. The lads dig into a mature, disciplined performance at the King Power, ask whether this side is starting to look like a team rather than a collection of individuals, and assess the calm, gritty win at Carrow Road that showed real backbone.

There’s plenty of discussion around standout contributions, growing confidence, and the balancing act between managing injuries and keeping consistency. With the transfer window in view and tougher tests ahead, the big question is simple — are Watford finally building something we can believe in away from Vicarage Road?

Two wins. Six points. A rare feeling of optimism. Come and enjoy it while it lasts.

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Watford fans were treated to an early Christmas gift as Javi and the boys delivered a hard-fought 1–0 win over Stoke City — and this week, Jon, Jordi, Kieran and the Brigadier are in festive spirits as they break it all down.

The panel dive into the tactical tweaks (planned or enforced), assess encouraging signs from a new-look front four, and ask whether the back four is starting to find its rhythm. There’s plenty of praise for improved discipline, growing defensive solidity and the impact of Watford’s young players as confidence builds.

With eyes already on the next run of fixtures, the lads also discuss what still needs sharpening — especially away from home — and where this performance leaves the Hornets as they continue their journey through the Championship season. Momentum, belief and plenty to be positive about — come on you ’Orns! 

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On this week’s From The Rookery End, it’s late drama, long memories and a splash of Hollywood glamour as Jon, Mike and Adam Drury from the Watford Observer unpack a breathless few days in Watford’s season.

Two games, two injury-time goals, and absolutely no shortage of talking points. The lads relive the frustration and fightback of the draw with Sheffield Wednesday before heading to North Wales for an afternoon that felt very different since the Hornets last visit to STōK Cae Ras (The Racecoure Ground), almost 30 years ago. Of course, this time the spotlight burned brighter than ever, with Hollywood royalty Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney watching on from the stands.

Beyond the nonsense and noise, there’s an attempt at atleast serious football chat too , with individual performances, injuries, and tactical tweaks under the spotlight

Drama, debate and a dash of stardust.

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In this episode, Jon, Mike, Jordi, and Colin dive into Watford’s dramatic home win over Norwich City—an afternoon that somehow managed to be both thrilling and maddening in equal measure. The guys break down a first half where Norwich ran riot, exposing every crack in Watford’s shaky back line and reminding everyone just how painful a missing defensive midfielder can be.

From costly errors to moments of unexpected brilliance, they dissect it all—spotlighting standout performances (yes, Marmar gets his flowers) and questioning whether the defense can keep surviving without major tactical adjustments. With Javi Gracia’s leadership under the microscope, the crew debates what needs to change, what’s starting to click, and how Watford can turn promise into consistency.

Looking ahead, Plus what simply has to improve if Watford are going to stop inviting chaos every weekend.

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A raw Monday evening away at St Andrews as defeat strikes Watford again — 2–1 to Birmingham City, but this one felt more self-inflicted than stolen.

Jon, Jordi, Jason and Paul from Denver watched that game in the FTRE spiritual home, at the spiritual table, in the Railway Arms.

After nine games of Javi #2, the symmetry with Paulo is uncanny: 12 points each for both managers in their first nine, 24 scored, 24 conceded, 6 wins-6 draws-6 loses across the record. Competitive, relevant, but painfully stuck in the middle. Still — a first goal for Maamma and more promise from the returning Chakvetadze gives a glimpse of what could be, especially down the left with Bola and Maamma linking up nicely. The big question now? Not just one striker or two, not even “three in midfield?” — but how the Hornets turn good play into real points and real momentum before “potential” stops being enough.

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Watford have finally cracked the away-day curse – and they’ve done it the hard way. In this episode of From The Rookery End, Jon and Jordi relive the 3–2 comeback at Derby after 280 winless days on the road, and dig into what it tells us about this team’s growing character. They talk Luca’s predator instincts in the box, Mama’s raw talent and rising expectations, another Baah’s worrying injury, and whether a switch to two up top would help. There’s praise for unflashy hero Edo Kayembe, chat about the increasingly settled back four, and reflections from the fans’ forum and the club’s direction. Plus, a gloriously fuzzy voice note from the Brigadier after one of his favourite ever Watford days.

Finally an away win

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Join Jon, Jason, DCW and the Brigadier as they walk down Occupation Road and towards the Railway Arms. They pick apart a match that started in style but fizzled into frustration.

The lads break down Watford’s bright opening spell, Bola’s superbly taken goal, and the tactical twist of Javi’s surprise 3-4-3 formation. They debate Shelvik’s role in conceding the free kick, the manager’s reluctance to make early changes, and why young stars like Erin Kunda and Max Alain are dividing opinion.

There’s also praise for the energy off the bench from Baah and a glimpse of something special from U20 World Cup star Othmane Maamma.

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All that — plus some proper pub analysis, tactical talk, and a dose of Hornets humour — in this week’s From The Rookery End.

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On this weekend's FTRE, Jon, Jason, Kieran and Jordi shelter from the rain as they stand outside Vicarage Road to celebrate a dominant 3–0 win over Middlesbrough — and Rob Edwards’ return. The team unpack a near-perfect display under Javi, from Selvik’s superb save to Bola’s standout performance against his old club, Louza’s growing influence, and a front line that finally clicked.

With Ipswich away and Bristol City at home up next, the lads debate rotation, rising stars, and what’s starting to look like a proper Javi side.

A clean sheet, three goals, and plenty to smile about — it’s been a while!

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