2009–10 Watford F.C. season

English football team season March 2015 September 2020 Watford 2009–10 Jimmy Russo (until 15 December 2009)Graham Taylor (from 15 December 2009) Malky Mackay Vicarage Road Football League Championship 16th FA Cup Third Round (eliminated by Chelsea) League Cup Second Round (eliminated by Leeds United) 17,120 (vs Newcastle United, 27 February 2009) Danny Graham (14) Danny Graham (14) Competitive: 12,179 (vs Bristol City, 9 February 2010)Overall: 3,598 (vs Parma, 1 August 2009) 14,344 (excluding friendlies) 2008–09 2010–11 _redborder _blackcollar _redborder _2_stripes_black f1ef00 f1ef00 f1ef00 000000 f1ef00 _goldborder _goldcollar _goldborder _3_stripes_gold 000000 000000 000000 000000 000000 Watford Football Club are an association football club from Watford, Hertfordshire, England. Home matches were played at the club's stadium, Vicarage Road, which had a capacity of 17,504 for the 2009–10 season. Watford's season officially began on 1 July 2009 and concluded on 30 June 2010, although competitive matches were only played between August and May. They competed in the Football League Championship, the second highest division in English football, following their relegation from the Premier League in 2007. After guiding the club to a 13th-placed finish in 2008–09, Brendan Rodgers resigned as manager of Watford in June 2009 to take up the same role at Reading, with three members of his coaching staff doing likewise. He was replaced as manager by ex-Watford player and coach Malky Mackay. Early in the season, first-team players including Player of the Season Tommy Smith and Hungary international striker Tamás Priskin left the club. New arrivals included striker Danny Graham and former Scotland international midfielder Scott Severin. Among Watford's five loan signings were former Watford player Heiðar Helguson, and Tom Cleverley, who went on to become the club's Player of the Season. Although Watford twice occupied a playoff position in late 2009, they gradually slipped down the table over the course of the season. With five games to go, they were in 21st position in the Championship, separated from the relegation zone only on goal difference. A 3–0 win over Reading secured Watford's Championship survival in their penultimate match of 2009–10. They eventually finished in 16th position out of 24 teams. In other competitions, Watford were defeated in the third round of the FA Cup by eventual winners Chelsea, and eliminated from the League Cup in the second round by Leeds United. Background 2008–09 Watford F.C. season History of Watford F.C. 400px right "When I am asked about other clubs, people are questioning my integrity and one thing I have mentioned is I always have integrity. I am loyal and find it disloyal when I am asked about other clubs when I am the Watford manager. There is nothing that has changed in that respect. " Brendan Rodgers, 22 May 2009 The 2008–09 Championship season took place between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2009, and Watford finished the season in 13th place in the league table. Previous manager Aidy Boothroyd left the club by "mutual consent" in November 2008 and was replaced by former Reading and Chelsea academy boss Brendan Rodgers. New arrivals Jack Cork, Don Cowie and Mike Williamson contributed to Watford's improved form between February and May 2009, lifting Watford away from the relegation zone in the closing weeks of the season. The club's financial problems had been well documented and several changes to the playing staff were anticipated over the summer. In addition to anticipated player sales, another person linked with a move away from Vicarage Road was manager Rodgers, who had been linked with a move to former club Reading. He was not happy with the suggestion that he was in talks with Reading and suggested that his integrity was being questioned. When he subsequently joined Reading in June, Watford received an initial £500,000 in compensation. First-team coach and former Watford and Scotland player Malky Mackay was appointed as his successor. The only player to leave the club prior to the start of pre-season training was Lee Williamson, who had spent the second half of the 2008–09 season on loan at Preston. Pre-season Watford started pre-season training at their training ground in London Colney on 1 July 2009. The first team began with friendly matches at local sides Boreham Wood, Hampton & Richmond and Wealdstone, before a pre-season tour to Spain where they faced CF Balaguer and UE Lleida. Meanwhile, a development side including several first-team squad members faced Tring Athletic and St Albans City. The club's final pre-season fixture was a 3–2 home victory against Italian side Parma. Watford sold striker Tamás Priskin to Ipswich Town days before the start of the season and started the Championship campaign with the future of several players unresolved, including those of top scorer and player of the season Tommy Smith, highest earner Jobi McAnuff, and the club's most expensive ever player Nathan Ellington. Legend #CCFFCC Win (W) 1px solid #AAAAAA #FFFFCC Draw (D) 1px solid #AAAAAA #FFCCCC Loss (L) 1px solid #AAAAAA #CCCCCC Postponed (P–P) 1px solid #AAAAAA All matches played in England unless otherwise stated. 11 July 2009 Boreham Wood 1–4 http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1719910,00.html Watford | News | News | Latest Headlines | BOREHAM WOOD 1 WATFORD 4 Watfordfc.com 13 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110719145945/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1719910,00.html 19 July 2011 dead Watford Okojee 66 Bryan 3Graham 9 13Harley 90 + 1 Meadow Park, Boreham Wood W 18 July 2009 Hampton & Richmond 1–1 http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1726687,00.html Hampton and Richmond 1 Watford 1 Watford F.C 28 February 2011 21 July 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20100128233732/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1726687,00.html 28 January 2010 dead Watford Collins 30 Young 80 Beveree Stadium, Hampton, London D 18 July 2009 Wealdstone 0–3 http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1726643,00.html Watford | News | News | Latest Headlines | WEALDSTONE 0 WATFORD 3 Watfordfc.com 13 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110204175553/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1726643,00.html 4 February 2011 dead Watford Graham 18Priskin pen 36 Ellington 87 Grosvenor Vale, Ruislip W 24 July 2009 CF Balaguer 1–1 http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1732955,00.html Watford | News | News | Latest Headlines | CF BALAGUER 1 WATFORD 1 Watfordfc.com 13 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110719150031/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1732955,00.html 19 July 2011 dead Watford Soldevila 80 Eustace 36 Municipal, Balaguer, Spain D 27 July 2009 UE Lleida 1–1 http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1735184,00.html Watford | News | News | Latest Headlines | UE LLEIDA 1 WATFORD 1 Watfordfc.com 13 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110719150051/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1735184,00.html 19 July 2011 dead Watford Sellarés Graham Camp d'Esports, Lleida, Spain D 1 August 2009 Watford 3–2 http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1740594,00.html Watford | News | News | Latest Headlines | WATFORD 3 PARMA 2 Watfordfc.com 13 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110719150130/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1740594,00.html 19 July 2011 dead Parma Smith 34 Graham 36 Priskin 52 Paci 28 Mariga 64 Vicarage Road, Watford W Football League Championship 2009–10 Football League Championship A total of 24 teams competed in the Football League Championship in the 2009–10 season. Each team played 46 matches; two against every other team, one match at each club's stadium. Three points were awarded for each win, one point per draw, and none for defeats. At the end of the season the top two teams would gain promotion to the Premier League. The bottom three would be relegated to Football League One. The teams that finished 3rd–6th competed in the play-offs, with the winner earning the third and final promotion place. The provisional fixture list was released on 17 June 2009, but was subject to change in the event of clashes with other competitions, inclement weather, or matches being selected for television coverage. Watford's home games against Sheffield Wednesday and QPR were played on a Friday and Monday respectively, as a result of live television coverage. The home game against Sheffield United was postponed and rescheduled due to adverse weather conditions, while the away fixture at Blackpool was brought forward from a Tuesday to the preceding Saturday, as both clubs were eliminated from the FA Cup in the third round. 2009 175px 0.22 0.05 350 Loach 0.05 0.20 350 Mariappa 0.12 0.15 350 Williamson 0.30 0.15 350 DeMerit 0.37 0.20 350 Doyley 0.05 0.38 350 Cowie 0.15 0.32 350 Severin 0.28 0.32 350 Jenkins 0.15 0.52 350 Smith 0.28 0.52 350 Graham 0.38 0.38 350 McAnuff 0.37 0.42 350 (Hoskins)Watford's team for the first game of the season, a 1–1 draw at home against Doncaster Rovers. Watford's first league match was at home to Doncaster Rovers, a team who finished the 2008–09 season level on points with Watford. Mackay was banned from the match, due to a suspension from an incident in the previous season. Watford lined up in a 4–4–2 formation, with Tommy Smith playing as a striker, and Don Cowie and Jobi McAnuff as wingers. Scott Severin was playing his first competitive match for Watford, and fellow debutant Danny Graham scored the opening goal after 27 minutes, a close range finish from a Tommy Smith cross. This was followed by a headed equaliser from Doncaster's James Hayter ten minutes later. In the second half, Doncaster striker Dean Shiels had a shot which his manager felt had crossed the line. However, the referee deemed that it had not, and the match finished as a draw. Watford were defeated 2–0 at Sheffield United in their next league fixture, with Jamie Ward and Ched Evans scoring for the opposition. The result caused Watford to slip into the relegation places for the only time of the season. Mackay expressed disappointment at his side for the goals they had conceded, and revealed that club was considering a transfer offer for Smith. Despite the transfer speculation, Smith played for Watford at Nottingham Forest, scoring one goal and assisting two more. Also involved were Lee Hodson, who made his first competitive starting appearance, and loan players Henri Lansbury and Tom Cleverley. Forest scored twice, but Cleverley scored Watford's fourth goal to secure the club's first league win of the season. The home game against Blackpool at Vicarage Road proved to be Smith's final game for the club. His and Cleverley's goals were equalised by Alex Baptiste and Gary Taylor-Fletcher respectively, giving Blackpool their fourth consecutive draw. The final match before the closure of the transfer window was a trip to Welsh side Swansea City, where Watford continued with their 4–4–2 formation. The departures of Smith, Williamson and McAnuff meant that Lansbury and Marvin Sordell made their first starts, and helped Hodson retain his place in the team. Graham nutmegged goalkeeper Dorus de Vries to put Watford ahead, but Swansea defender Alan Tate scored a late header to salvage a 1–1 draw. Watford did not play another game for two weeks, due to international fixtures. On the resumption of club football, they faced Barnsley and Plymouth Argyle, who were both near the bottom of the Championship at the time. Watford changed to a 4–5–1 formation for the home match against Barnsley, with Jon Harley replacing Sordell. Their other change to the starting lineup was an enforced one. Captain Jay DeMerit suffered an injury whilst on international duty with the US, and was replaced by Dale Bennett, who made his Football League debut. Graham scored the only goal of the game with a close-range finish in the 54th minute. Watford's clean sheet was their first in the league since March. Playing the same formation, they recorded an identical result at Plymouth, with Tom Cleverley's early goal proving decisive. For both of these wins, Watford's defence consisted entirely of players who had progressed from their youth system. Former Watford player Heiðar Helguson rejoined Watford on loan from QPR on 15 September 2009,http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5560920,00.html Heidar heads back to Hornets 1 October 2009 15 September 2009 Sky Sports 15 August 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160815091756/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5560920,00.html live and his first game was as a substitute against Leicester City. With Watford trailing 2–0 at half time, Mackay changed from a 4–5–1 formation to a 4–4–2, with striker Helguson replacing attacking midfielder Henri Lansbury. Helguson's impact was immediate. He set up Graham for Watford's opening goal, before scoring twice to put Watford into a 3–2 lead. However, Helguson suffered an injury shortly before the end of the match, and Ellington replaced him for the final ten minutes. Leicester subsequently equalised, and the match ended 3–3.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8255793.stm Watford 3–3 Leicester 1 October 2009 19 September 2009 BBC Sport A total of 3,389 Watford fans attended the away match against Reading, who were managed by ex-Watford manager Brendan Rodgers.http://www.watfordfc.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10400~47603,00.html Reading 1–1 Watford Watford F.C 7 October 2009 26 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090929033354/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10400~47603,00.html 29 September 2009 dead Former Watford player Grzegorz Rasiak scored Reading's goal, in a match that also saw Jobi McAnuff and Brynjar Gunnarsson facing their former club. Graham equalised for Watford, and despite a red card for Ellington, the match finished as a draw.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8263718.stm Reading 1–1 Watford 7 October 2009 26 September 2009 BBC Sport Preparation for Watford's game against Coventry City was affected by a virus affecting six first-team players.http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/4667340._Virus_wasn_t_to_blame_for_defeat_/ Malky Mackay wouldn't blame Cardiff City defeat on virus 7 October 2009 6 October 2009 Watford Observer 24 February 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120224031319/http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/4667340._Virus_wasn_t_to_blame_for_defeat_/ live Will Hoskins scored his first goal of the season, but Coventry scored three goals to inflict Watford's first home defeat of the season.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8269520.stm Watford 1–1 Coventry BBC Sport 7 October 2009 29 September 2009 6 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230406043258/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8269520.stm live Four days later Cardiff City defeated Watford 4–0; Watford's heaviest home league defeat since January 2004. Don Cowie made his debut for Scotland during the October international break.http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish_fa_news.cfm?page=273&newsCategoryID=6&newsID=5148 Japan 2 – 0 Scotland Scottish Football Association 28 October 2009 11 October 2009 16 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110616071836/http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish_fa_news.cfm?page=273&newsCategoryID=6&newsID=5148 live Upon the resumption of club football, Watford recorded an away win at Middlesbrough, who had just been relegated from the Premier League. Three days later, Ipswich led Watford 1–0 at the end of standard time at Portman Road, but Nathan Ellington equalised in the last minute to deny Ipswich their first league win of 2009–10. Watford's game against Sheffield Wednesday was their third in seven days, and first goals of the season for Lansbury, Adrian Mariappa and Jon Harley ensured Watford's second win in that time. Eight days later Watford travelled to fourth-placed West Bromwich Albion. Watford were defeated 5–0—their heaviest defeat of the season and biggest ever defeat against West Brom.http://www.wba.co.uk/page/News/0,,10366~1842230,00.html Match pack – Albion v Watford West Bromwich Albion Football Club 1 November 2009 30 October 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091102162146/http://www.wba.co.uk/page/News/0%2C%2C10366~1842230%2C00.html 2 November 2009 dead They responded with a home win over Preston in their next match, with Cleverley scoring to join Danny Graham as the club's leading goalscorer of the season. After a break for the last international fixtures of 2009, Watford resumed the season with a 3–0 home win over Scunthorpe United. Helguson scored two goals, meaning that at that point he was averaging more than a goal per game in 2009–10. Watford suffered consecutive defeats away to Crystal Palace and Newcastle, failing to score in either match. The Newcastle match was followed by a home game against Queens Park Rangers two days later, due to television coverage. Lloyd Doyley scored his first ever goal in professional football to equalise before half-time, and Watford eventually won 3–1. This marked Watford's fourth consecutive home win, and took them into a playoff position. Such was the surprise at Doyley's goal, that the club released a commemorative T-shirt, with the slogan "I was there when Lloyd scored!"http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/watfordfc/stadiums/sheffieldunitedstadium/4804113.More_Doyley_shirts_could_be_printed/ More shirts celebrating Lloyd Doyley's first ever goal may be printed Michael Pickard 20 December 2009 Watford Observer 3 February 2010 24 February 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120224032107/http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/watfordfc/stadiums/sheffieldunitedstadium/4804113.More_Doyley_shirts_could_be_printed/ live However, Watford's sequence of home wins ended with a 1–0 loss to Derby County, and was followed by a defeat at the league's then bottom side, Peterborough United—their first win since sacking manager Darren Ferguson.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8415012.stm Peterborough 2–1 Watford BBC Sport 21 December 2009 19 December 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20100128053650/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8415012.stm 28 January 2010 live The team finished 2009 with consecutive draws against Nottingham Forest and Bristol City. 2010 July 2010 175px 0.22 0.05 350 Loach 0.05 0.20 350 Hodson 0.12 0.15 350 Mariappa 0.30 0.15 350 Taylor 0.37 0.20 350 Doyley 0.38 0.38 350 Harley 0.15 0.32 350 Cowie 0.28 0.32 350 Eustace 0.27 0.35 350 (McGinn) 0.22 0.44 350 Lansbury 0.22 0.54 350 Graham 0.06 0.38 350 Bryan 0.05 0.41 350 (Sordell) 0.22 0.57 350 (Massey)Watford's lineup for the final match of 2009–10, a 4–0 win against Coventry at their stadium, the Ricoh Arena. Watford's start to 2010 was impacted by the unusually cold winter, which caused the postponement of two home matches in January. Consequently, they played only two matches that month: 2–1 and 3–2 defeats away to Doncaster Rovers and Blackpool respectively. They recorded two wins and a defeat from their first three matches of February, before again suffering a postponement, this time due to a waterlogged pitch at Loftus Road. A 2–2 draw against Scunthorpe United on 20 February left Watford 13th in the Championship on 39 points, having played the fewest matches of any club in the division. Mackay later remarked that fixture congestion in March and April caught up on his relatively small squad. Between 20 February and 20 April, Watford played fifteen matches, winning two (against Plymouth Argyle and Ipswich Town), drawing four and losing nine. Although they never entered the relegation zone, with five games remaining they were separated from it only on goal difference. However, wins against Plymouth, Reading and Coventry City ensured that Watford remained in the Championship for the 2010–11 season. Results Match 1 8 August 2009 Watford 1–1 http://www.watfordfc.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10400~49117,00.html Watford vs Doncaster 24 January 2010 8 August 2009 Watford F.C https://web.archive.org/web/20100407042305/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/MatchReport/0,,10400~49117,00.html 7 April 2010 dead Doncaster Rovers Graham 27 Hayter 38 Vicarage Road, Watford 15,636 Swarbrick D Match 2 15 August 2009 Sheffield United 2–0 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8195049.stm Sheffield United 2–0 Watford 30 September 2009 15 August 2009 BBC Sport Watford Ward 12 Evans 63 Bramall Lane, Sheffield 24,638 Oliver L Match 3 18 August 2009 Nottingham Forest 2–4 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8195606.stm Nottm Forest 2–4 Watford BBC Sport 24 January 2010 18 August 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20100128053635/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8195606.stm 28 January 2010 live Watford Blackstock 45 + 2 Adebola 87 Graham 31Williamson 76 Smith 80Cleverley 90 + 2 City Ground, Nottingham 19,232 Bates W Match 4 22 August 2009 Watford 2–2 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8202363.stm Watford 2–2 Blackpool BBC Sport 30 January 2010 22 August 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20100128054406/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8202363.stm 28 January 2010 live Blackpool Smith 24Cleverley 63 Baptiste 56 Taylor-Fletcher 72 Vicarage Road, Watford 12,745 Deadman D Match 5 29 August 2009 Swansea City 1–1 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8215184.stm Swansea 1–1 Watford BBC Sport 21 October 2009 29 August 2009 22 November 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201122134947/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8215184.stm live Watford Tate 90 + 3 Graham 66 Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales 14,172 Taylor D Match 6 12 September 2009 Watford 1–0 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8244093.stm Watford 1–0 Barnsley BBC Sport 12 September 2009 3 February 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100128054216/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8244093.stm 28 January 2010 live Barnsley Graham 36 Vicarage Road, Watford 12,613 Phillips W Match 7 15 September 2009 Plymouth Argyle 0–1 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8244461.stm Plymouth 0–1 Watford BBC Sport 15 September 2009 3 February 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100128054059/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8244461.stm 28 January 2010 live Watford Cleverley 4 Home Park, Plymouth 8,703 Scott W Match 8 19 September 2009 Watford 3–3 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8255793.stm Football | Championship | Watford 3-3 Leicester BBC Sport 19 September 2009 13 February 2011 Leicester City Graham 58Helguson 60, 77 Fryatt pen 20, 40N'Guessan 90 + 1 Vicarage Road, Watford 14,647 Pawson D Match 9 26 September 2009 Reading 1–1 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8263718.stm Football | Championship | Reading 1-1 Watford BBC Sport 26 September 2009 13 February 2011 Watford Rasiak 7 Graham 66Ellington 1 85 Madejski Stadium, Reading 18,147 Haywood D Match 10 29 September 2009 Watford 2–3 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8269520.stm Football | Championship | Watford 2-3 Coventry BBC Sport 29 September 2009 13 February 2011 6 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230406043258/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8269520.stm live Coventry City Cleverley 21Hoskins 37 Clingan 14Best 67, 84 Vicarage Road, Watford 13,034 Marriner L Match 11 3 October 2009 Watford 0–4 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8273867.stm Football | Championship | Watford 0-4 Cardiff BBC Sport 3 October 2009 13 February 2011 Cardiff City Peter Whittingham pen 24, 66Matthews 41Bothroyd 67 Vicarage Road, Watford 13,895 Woolmer L Match 12 17 October 2009 Middlesbrough 0–1 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8302486.stm Football | Championship | Middlesbrough 0-1 Watford BBC Sport 17 October 2009 13 February 2011 Watford Cleverley 26 Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough 18,957 Mathieson W Match 13 20 October 2009 Ipswich Town 1–1 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8303343.stm Football | Championship | Ipswich 1-1 Watford BBC Sport 20 October 2009 13 February 2011 Watford McAuley 5 Ellington 90 + 4 Portman Road, Ipswich 19,289 Kettle D Match 14 23 October 2009 Watford 4–1 Dawkes Phil https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8318405.stm Football | Championship | Watford 4-1 Sheffield Wednesday BBC Sport 23 October 2009 13 February 2011 Sheffield Wednesday Mariappa 21 Lansbury 26, 61 Harley 54 Tudgay 45 Vicarage Road, Watford 14,591 Crossley W Match 15 31 October 2009 West Bromwich Albion 5–0 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8327941.stm Football | Championship | West Brom 5-0 Watford BBC Sport 31 October 2009 13 February 2011 7 October 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231007101457/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8327941.stm live Watford Olsson 5 Dorrans pen18 Moore 49 Zuiverloon 63Cox 68 The Hawthorns, West Bromwich 21,421 Miller L Match 16 7 November 2009 Watford 2–0 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8341219.stm Football | Championship | Watford 2-0 Preston BBC Sport 7 November 2009 13 February 2011 14 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150414040355/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8341219.stm live Preston Helguson 9 Cleverley 33 Vicarage Road, Watford 13,524 Wright W Match 17 21 November 2009 Watford 3–0 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8366366.stm BBC Sport - Football - Watford 3-0 Scunthorpe BBC Sport 21 November 2009 13 February 2011 Scunthorpe United Helguson 19, 22 Graham 48 Vicarage Road, Watford 13,241 Sarginson W Match 18 28 November 2009 Crystal Palace 3–0 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8374485.stm BBC Sport - Football - Crystal Palace 3-0 Watford BBC Sport 28 November 2009 13 February 2011 Watford Moses 2 A Lee 6Ambrose 54 Selhurst Park, London 14,085 Langford L Match 19 5 December 2009 Newcastle United 2–0 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8388867.stm BBC Sport - Football - Newcastle 2-0 Watford BBC Sport 5 December 2009 13 February 2011 9 December 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20191209210744/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8388867.stm live Watford Løvenkrands 20 Pancrate 83Nolan 1 49 St James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne 43,050 Moss L Match 20 7 December 2009 Watford 3–1 Fletcher Paul https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8389205.stm BBC Sport - Football - Watford 3-1 QPR BBC Sport 7 December 2009 13 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110203012021/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8389205.stm 3 February 2011 live QPR Doyley 43 Cowie 56 Cleverley 90 + 4 Agyemang 33 Vicarage Road, Watford 15,058 Penn W Match 21 12 December 2009 Watford 0–1 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8404831.stm BBC Sport - Football - Watford 0-1 Derby BBC Sport 12 December 2009 13 February 2011 27 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230427200411/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8404831.stm live Derby County Porter 77 Vicarage Road, Watford 14,063 Stroud L Match 22 19 December 2009 Peterborough United 2–1 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8415012.stm BBC Sport - Football - Peterborough 2-1 Watford BBC Sport 19 December 2009 13 February 2011 8 September 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170908160657/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8415012.stm live Watford Frecklington 9Geohaghon 78 Eustace 49 London Road, Peterborough 7,723 Evans L Match 23 26 December 2009 Watford 0–0 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8425120.stm BBC Sport - Football - Watford 0-0 Nottm Forest BBC News 26 December 2009 13 February 2011 7 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230407231729/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8425120.stm live Nottingham Forest Vicarage Road, Watford 17,086 D'Urso D Match 24 28 December 2009 Bristol City 2–2 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8426357.stm BBC Sport - Football - Bristol City 2-2 Watford BBC News 28 December 2009 13 February 2011 Watford Haynes 38Hartley 45 + 2Nyatanga 1 69 Cleverley 43 Eustace 90 + 3 Ashton Gate, Bristol 16,035 Linington D 9 January 2010 Watford P–P Sheffield United Vicarage Road, Watford V Match 25 16 January 2010 Doncaster Rovers 2–1 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8452756.stm BBC Sport - Football - Doncaster 2-1 Watford BBC News 15 January 2010 13 February 2011 Watford Shiels 50Roberts 80 Helguson pen 90 + 3 Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster 10,504 Hall L Match 26 23 January 2010 Blackpool 3–2 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8467794.stm BBC Sport - Football - Blackpool 3-2 Watford BBC News 23 January 2010 13 February 2011 28 April 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240428170626/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8467794.stm live Watford Adam 17Southern 89Ormerod 90 + 1 Lansbury 27Cleverley 79 Bloomfield Road, Blackpool 6,855 Boyeson L 30 January 2010 Watford P–P https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8485200.stm Watford P–P Swansea BBC Sport 30 January 2010 3 February 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100202081456/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8485200.stm 2 February 2010 live Swansea City Vicarage Road, Watford V Match 27 2 February 2010 Watford 3–0 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8491125.stm Watford 3–0 Sheffield United BBC Sport 2 February 2010 3 February 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100206013937/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8491125.stm 6 February 2010 live Sheffield United Cleverley 39Helguson 55Cowie 74 Vicarage Road, Watford 13,076 Hill W Match 28 6 February 2010 Barnsley 1–0 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8495693.stm Barnsley 1–0 Watford BBC Sport 6 February 2010 7 February 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100209104242/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8495693.stm 9 February 2010 live Watford Hallfredsson 66Shotton 0 76 Oakwell, Barnsley 11,739 Graham L Match 29 9 February 2010 Watford 2–0 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8504299.stm Watford 2–0 Bristol City BBC Sport 9 February 2010 10 February 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100212064626/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8504299.stm 12 February 2010 live Bristol City Helguson 14Taylor 34 Vicarage Road, Watford 12,179 McDermid W 16 February 2010 Watford P–P https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8510698.stm QPR P–P Watford BBC Sport 16 February 2010 20 February 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100216053724/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8510698.stm 16 February 2010 live QPR Loftus Road, London V Match 30 20 February 2010 Scunthorpe United 2–2 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8504299.stm Scunthorpe 2–2 Watford BBC Sport 20 February 2010 10 February 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100212064626/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8504299.stm 12 February 2010 live Watford Hooper 42, pen 90 + 5 Graham 64Eustace 90 + 1Cleverley 0 82 Glanford Park, Scunthorpe 5,411 Webb D Match 31 27 February 2010 Watford 1–2 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8534855.stm Watford 1–2 Newcastle BBC Sport Phil Dawkes 23 June 2010 27 February 2010 28 April 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240428170618/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8534855.stm live Newcastle United Hoskins 90 + 1 Coloccini 4Carroll 50 Vicarage Road, Watford 17,120 Bates L Match 32 6 March 2010 Derby County 2–0 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8547995.stm Derby 2–0 Watford BBC Sport 6 March 2010 23 June 2010 4 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170804221548/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8547995.stm live Watford Tonge 12Porter 77 Pride Park Stadium, Derby 29,492 Horwood L Match 33 9 March 2010 Watford 0–1 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8555447.stm Watford 0–1 Swansea BBC Sport 23 June 2010 9 March 2010 28 April 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240428170602/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8555447.stm live Swansea City Kuqi 18 Vicarage Road, Watford 12,907 Kettle L Match 34 13 March 2010 Watford 0–1 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8562282.stm Watford 0–1 Peterborough BBC Sport 23 June 2010 13 March 2010 28 April 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240428170642/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8562282.stm live Peterborough United Dickinson 51 Vicarage Road, Watford 16,591 Taylor L Match 35 16 March 2010 Watford 2–1 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8565353.stm Watford 2–1 Ipswich BBC Sport 23 June 2010 16 March 2010 28 April 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240428170603/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8565353.stm live Ipswich Town Lansbury 7Hoskins 77 Colback 68 Vicarage Road, Watford 13,996 Salisbury W Match 36 21 March 2010 Cardiff City 3–1 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8572552.stm Cardiff 3–1 Watford BBC Sport 23 June 2010 21 March 2010 28 April 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240428170602/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8572552.stm live Watford McCormack 7Whittingham 63Burke 78 Helguson 90 + 3 Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff 20,130 Crossley L Match 37 24 March 2010 Sheffield Wednesday 2–1 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8580947.stm Sheffield Wednesday 2–1 Watford BBC Sport 23 June 2010 24 March 2010 28 April 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240428170605/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8580947.stm live Watford Nolan 56Varney 89 Cleverley 67 Hillsborough Stadium, Sheffield 18,449 Deadman L Match 38 27 March 2010 Watford 1–1 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8586070.stm Watford 1–1 Middlesbrough BBC Sport 23 June 2010 27 March 2010 28 April 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240428172029/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8586070.stm live Middlesbrough Eustace 21 Lita 55 Vicarage Road, Watford 14,038 East D Match 39 30 March 2010 Watford 1–3 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8592951.stm Watford 1–3 Crystal Palace BBC Sport 23 June 2010 30 March 2010 28 April 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240428172027/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8592951.stm live Crystal Palace Graham 83 John 31Scannell 51Danns 66Hills 1 87 Vicarage Road, Watford 15,134 Taylor L Match 40 3 April 2010 Preston North End 1–1 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8594927.stm Preston 1–1 Watford BBC Sport 28 February 2011 3 April 2010 28 April 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240428172057/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8594927.stm live Watford Davidson 53 Buckley 35 Deepdale, Preston 12,534 Shoebridge D Match 41 5 April 2010 Watford 1–1 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8592951.stm Watford 1–1 West Brom BBC Sport 28 February 2011 5 April 2010 28 April 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240428172027/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8592951.stm live West Bromwich Albion Graham 85 Brunt 90+5 Vicarage Road, Watford 14,555 Tanner D Match 42 10 April 2010 Watford 1–0 February 2011 Plymouth Argyle Helguson 50 Vicarage Road, Watford 14,246 Atkins W Match 43 17 April 2010 Leicester City 4–1 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8615655.stm Leicester 4–1 Watford BBC Sport 28 February 2011 17 April 2010 3 November 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231103213432/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8615655.stm live Watford Walkers Stadium, Leicester 24,765 Miller L Match 44 20 April 2010 QPR 1–0 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8620145.stm QPR 1–0 Watford BBC Sport 28 February 2011 20 April 2010 28 April 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240428172031/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8620145.stm live Watford Buzsaky 38 pen Loftus Road, London 13,171 Miller L Match 45 24 April 2010 Watford 3–0 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/8633300.stm Watford 3–0 Reading BBC Sport 28 February 2011 24 April 2010 7 May 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210507195821/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8633300.stm live Reading Vicarage Road, Watford 15,949 Friend W Match 46 2 May 2010 Coventry City 0–4 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8644959.stm Coventry 0–4 Watford 28 February 2011 BBC Sport 2 May 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20110209140509/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8644959.stm 9 February 2011 live Watford Ricoh Arena, Coventry 19,103 Halsey W Summary the full league table 2009–10 Football League Championship#League table From their 3rd game until their 31st, Watford found themselves in a mid-table position; seldom in the top six, but several points clear of the relegation zone. A series of fixture postponements meant that, as of their 30th fixture, Watford had played fewer matches than any other Championship team. The postponements were followed by a run of one win in 12 games between February and April, leading to Watford slipping close to the relegation places. With five matches to play, they were 21st, ahead of Sheffield Wednesday only on goal difference. Survival was sealed in the penultimate match with a 3–0 win against Reading. A subsequent victory at Coventry elevated Watford to a final position of 16th, their highest place in the table for two months. The team finished with 54 points – 16 fewer than Blackpool in the final playoff position, and 7 more than Sheffield Wednesday, the highest placed of the three relegated teams. Key 14em W: Win D: Draw L: Loss GF: Goals for GA: Goals against GD: Goal difference H: Home fixture A: Away fixture Pld: Games played Pts: Points scored Orange Playoff position (3–6) 1px solid #AAAAAA Violet Relegation position (22–24) 1px solid #AAAAAA table Game Ground H /A /A /H /A /H /A /H /A /H /H /A /A /H /A /H /H /A /A /H /H /A /H /A /A /A /H /A /H /A /H /A /H /H /H /A /A /H /H /A /H /H /A /A /H /A Result D /L /W /D /D /W /W /D /D /L /L /W /D /W /L /W /W /L /L /W /L /L /D /D /L /L /W /L /W /D /L /L /L /L /W /L /L /D /L /D /D /W /L /L /W /W Points inherit 1 /1 /4 /5 /6 /9 /12 /13 /14 /14 /14 /17 /18 /21 /21 /24 /27 /27 /27 /30 /30 /30 /31 /32 /32 /32 /35 /35 /38 /39 /39 /39 /39 /39 /42 /42 /42 /43 /43 /44 /45 /48 /48 /48 /51 /54 Position 8 /22 /11 /12 /13 /10 /6 /8 /7 /11 /15 /12 /12 /10 /12 /12 /8 /9 /12 /6 /10 /13 /13 /13 /14 /14 /12 /12 /11 /13 /15 /17 /18 /19 /19 /19 /21 /21 /21 /21 /21 /19 /20 /20 /19 /16 #CCFFCC #FFFFCC #FFCCCC Orange Violet 10 6 7 36 26 4 6 13 25 42 League Cup 2009–10 Football League Cup First round The first round draw for the 2009–10 League Cup (known as the Carling Cup for sponsorship reasons) took place on 16 June 2009. It included all Football League clubs for the forthcoming season with the exception of Newcastle and Middlesbrough, who were given byes to the second round. Watford were drawn to play an away match against north London side Barnet. Barnet were two divisions below Watford, in Football League Two. In the match, Malky Mackay gave a first competitive start to 17-year-old academy right back Lee Hodson and a first game of the season to goalkeeper Richard Lee. The match was goalless after 90 minutes, before Scott Severin and Mike Williamson scored for Watford in extra time. First round 11 August 2009 Barnet 0–2 y https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8187567.stm Barnet 0–2 Watford BBC Sport 30 January 2010 11 August 2009 8 December 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20191208044632/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8187567.stm live Watford Williamson 105Severin 120 + 3 Underhill Stadium, Barnet 3,139 Cook W Second round The second round draw, held on 12 August 2009, included the 35 winners from the first round, as well as Newcastle, Middlesbrough, and the 13 Premier League teams not involved in the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League. Leeds United were selected as the home side against Watford, in what would be the first match between the two teams since the 2006 Football League Championship play-off final. Leeds took the lead with a Robert Snodgrass goal in the 38th minute. Marvin Sordell scored his first senior goal for Watford, taking the game to extra time. However, Snodgrass scored his and Leeds' second goal to secure a 2–1 victory for the League One side. Second round 25 August 2009 Leeds United 2–1 y https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/8203234.stm Leeds United 2–1 Watford BBC Sport 21 October 2009 25 August 2009 22 August 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190822032245/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8203234.stm live Watford Snodgrass 38, 98 Sordell 87 Elland Road, Leeds 14,681 Hall L FA Cup 2009–10 FA Cup Premier League and Championship clubs enter the FA Cup at the third round stage, where they are joined by the 20 winners from the second round for a total of 64 teams. The draw took place on 8 December 2009. For the third consecutive cup draw of the season, Watford were the away side, this time against 2008–09 FA Cup winners Chelsea. Watford's first match of the year was an FA Cup third round match away to holders Chelsea. Despite the absence of Chelsea's top scorers Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, Watford conceded five goals without reply, and were eliminated from the competition. Third round 3 January 2010 Chelsea 5–0 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/8433896.stm Chelsea 5–0 Watford BBC Sport 11 January 2009 3 January 2009 3 November 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211103235627/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/8433896.stm live Watford Sturridge 6, 69 Eustace 15 o.g. Malouda 23 Lampard 65 Stamford Bridge, London Friend 40,912 L Players Statistics Over the course of the season, 31 players made at least one first team appearance for Watford. Of these, Adrian Mariappa was the only one to start all 49 matches. Goalkeeper Scott Loach started every league match, while Danny Graham also played some part in every Watford fixture. Graham also finished as the club's top scorer with 14 goals, all of them coming in the Football League. Tied for second place were Heiðar Helguson and Tom Cleverley, both of whom scored 11 goals. Three Watford players were sent off in 2009–10: Cleverley, Jon Harley and Nathan Ellington received one red card each. No. = Squad number Pos = Playing position P = Number of games played G = Number of goals scored GK = Goalkeeper DF = Defender MF = Midfielder FW = Forward 12px|alt=|Yellow cards = Yellow cards 12px|alt=|Red cards = Red cards Correct as of the final game of the season. Starting appearances are listed first, followed by substitute appearances in parentheses where applicable. +2009–10 Watford playing statisticsNo.PosNamePGPGPGPG12px|alt=|Yellow cards12px|alt=|Red cardsNotesChampionshipFA CupLeague CupTotalDiscipline01 1GKScott Loach460100047020—02 2DFAdrian Mariappa461102049160—03 3DFJure Travner0000000000—04 4MFScott Severin08.5 4(5)0101110.5 6(5)100—05 5MFHenri Lansbury36.5 34(3)5100.5 0(1)038.5 35(4)5100Joined club on 21 August 200906 6DFJay DeMerit26.5 25(2)0100027.5 26(3)020—07 7MFDon Cowie Don Cowie (footballer)40(1)2102043.5 43(1)210—08 8MFStephen McGinn08.2 2(7)0000008.2 2(7)010Joined club on 15 January 201008 8MFTommy Smith Tommy Smith (footballer born 1980)04 4200105200Left club on 27 August 200910FWDanny Graham Danny Graham (footballer)45.5 37(9)14102048.5 40(9)1420—11FWHeiðar Helguson28.5 26(3)11000028.5 26(3)1130Joined club on 15 September 200911MFJobi McAnuff03 3000104000Left club on 27 August 200912DFLloyd Doyley43.5 43(1)1102046.5 46(1)120—13GKJonathan North 10000000000—14MFRoss Jenkins Ross Jenkins (footballer born 1990)23.5 21(3)00.5 0(1)01025.5 22(4)010—15MFJon Harley37.1 20(18)10.5 0(1)00.5 0(1)039.1 20(20)141—16GKRichard Lee Richard Lee (footballer)0000202000—17DFDale Bennett09.5 8(2)0000009.5 8(2)010—18FWWill Hoskins17.1 5(13)3001018.1 6(13)300—19FWLiam Henderson footballer, born 198912.1 0(13)00.5 0(1)00.5 0(1)014.1 0(15)010—20MFTom Cleverley33111001 10351151Joined club on 17 August 2009.22DFCraig Cathcart12 120000012000Joined club on 14 September 2009, and left on 5 January 201022MFWill Buckley Will Buckley (footballer)05.5 4(2)1000005.5 4(2)110Joined club on 26 January 2010.24DFMartin Taylor Martin Taylor (footballer born 1979)18.5 17(2)2000018.5 17(2)21024DFMike Williamson Mike Williamson (footballer)04 410002 216200Left club on 1 September 2009.25FWNathan Ellington16.1 2(15)1000.5 0(1)017.1 2(16)121Left club on 1 January 201026MFJohn-Joe O'Toole0000000000Left club on 1 September 2009.O'Toole was initially loaned to Colchester United, and later transferred there permanently.http://www.cu-fc.com/page/News/0,,10424~1919845,00.html U's flash: O'Toole joins promotion push Colchester United 28 June 2010 1 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100107160802/http://www.cu-fc.com/page/News/0,,10424~1919845,00.html 7 January 2010 dead otoole n26FWRyan Noble0000000000—27DFMat Sadler0000000000—28MFJohn Eustace41.5 39(3)4102 2044.5 42(3)4110—29MFMichael Bryan Michael Bryan (footballer)06.1 1(6)0000006.1 1(6)000—30MFRob Kiernan0000000000—31FWMarvin Sordell04.5 1(4)1000.5 0(1)105.4 1(5)220—33DFLee Hodson30.5 29(2)01002 2033.5 32(2)020—34DFEddie Oshodi01 0(1)0000001 0(1)000—36FWKurtney Brooks00000.5 0(1)001 0(1)000—37GKJonathan Bond0000000000—38MFPiero Mingoia0000000000—39FWGavin Massey0.5 0(1)000000.5 0(1)000— Awards Player of the season: Tom Cleverley Player's player of the season: John Eustace Young player of the season: Scott Loach Goal of the season: Lloyd Doyley (vs QPR on 7 December 2009) Hall of fame inductee: Nigel Gibbs Transfers In thumb|right|150px|alt=A man wearing a blue top with a white collar.|Martin Taylor joined Watford from Birmingham City in January 2010. Watford signed three permanent players before the first game of the season: former Scotland international Scott Severin, Carlisle United striker Danny Graham, and Slovenian left back Jure Travner. The transfer window closed at the end of 1 September 2009, meaning that Watford could not buy or sell further players until the opening of the January transfer window on 1 January 2010. The club took this opportunity to sign Scotland under-21 international Stephen McGinn, young Rochdale winger Will Buckley, and 30-year-old centre back Martin Taylor. Unless a country is specified, all clubs play in the English football league system. DatePlayerFromFee 1 July 2009 Scott Severin Aberdeen (Scotland)Freehttp://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1698694,00.html Severin Signs 8 October 2009 23 June 2009 Watford F.C dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090626200341/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10400~1698694%2C00.html 26 June 2009 2 July 2009 Danny Graham Carlisle United£200,000Watford must also pay £30,000 per 15 appearances, up to a maximum of 75 appearances, plus a one-off fee of £200,000 if they achieve promotion to the Premier League in 2009–10, 2010–11 or 2011–12.http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1745414,00.html Tribunal Decision Reached 28 June 2010 6 August 2009 Watford F.C https://web.archive.org/web/20090909094545/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1745414,00.html 9 September 2009 dead n 18 July 2009 Jure Travner Celje (Slovenia)Undisclosedhttp://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1726211,00.html Hornets Sign Defender 8 October 2009 18 July 2009 Watford F.C https://web.archive.org/web/20091001205215/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10400~1726211%2C00.html 1 October 2009 dead15 January 2010Stephen McGinn St Mirren (Scotland)Undisclosed26 January 2010Will BuckleyRochdaleUndisclosedhttp://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/4872715.Watford_complete_signing_of_Buckley/ Watford Complete Signing of Buckley 28 January 2010 Watford Observer 30 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100130044552/http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/4872715.Watford_complete_signing_of_Buckley/ live29 January 2010Martin TaylorBirmingham CityFreehttp://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/4880672.Watford_sign_Taylor_on_free// Watford Sign Taylor on Free 29 January 2010 Watford Observer https://web.archive.org/web/20100201231417/http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/4880672.Watford_sign_Taylor_on_free/ 1 February 2010 live Out 180px|thumb|right|alt=A head and shoulders of a man, wearing a black blazer, white shirt and blue tie.| Tommy Smith joined Portsmouth on 27 August 2009.The club's financial shortfall necessitated the sale of players in the summer of 2009, with Jimmy Russo confirming in the annual accounts that the club would need to continue to sell players "year on year" in order to "meet the financial requirements of the business." After the early departures of Theo Robinson and Al Bangura, Tamás Priskin was sold to Ipswich Town in the first week of August, just before the start of the Championship season. Despite being able to transfer players at any stage between 1 July and 1 September, Watford conducted much of their business in the last week of the transfer window. Portsmouth submitted transfer bids for Smith and Williamson. Negotiations with Reading for Smith were ongoing, while their bid for McAnuff was accepted. Smith's transfer to Portsmouth and McAnuff's move to Reading were confirmed before Watford's match against Swansea City, with Williamson's transfer following a few days after. Mackay later expressed frustration at the latter transfer, revealing that after Watford rejected Williamson's transfer request, he declared himself unfit to train, play, or travel to Swansea. Watford's final sale of the season came when the January transfer window opened on 1 January 2010. John-Joe O'Toole, who was already on loan at Colchester United, was signed on a permanent transfer by former Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd. All clubs play in the English football league system. thumb|100px|right|alt=Man wearing white T-shirt, black shorts and yellow socks, standing on a pitch|Jobi McAnuff was sold to Reading in August. Date"End of season" denotes players who were available for the final game of the season, and subsequently left upon the expiry of their contracts.PlayerToFee 3 July 2009 Theo Robinson Huddersfield TownUndisclosedhttp://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1711998,00.html Robinson moves north Watford F.C 16 October 2009 3 July 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090906064343/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1711998,00.html 6 September 2009 dead 23 July 2009 Al BanguraReleasedBangura later joined Blackpool.http://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10432~1784816,00.html "Ollie" on Bouazza and Bangura deals Blackpool Football Club 28 June 2010 1 September 2009 4 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090904174136/http://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10432~1784816,00.html live nMutual terminationhttp://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1731036,00.html Bangura leaves the Vic Watford F.C 27 July 2009 28 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20090826025057/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1731036,00.html 26 August 2009 dead 7 August 2009 Tamás Priskin Ipswich Town Undisclosedhttp://www.itfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10272~1746524,00.html Tamas signs three year deal Ipswich Town Football Club 7 August 2009 16 October 2009 10 August 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090810075310/http://www.itfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10272~1746524,00.html live 27 August 2009 Jobi McAnuff ReadingUndisclosedhttp://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1779695,00.html McAnuff moves on Watford F.C 16 October 2009 27 August 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090930182325/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1779695,00.html 30 September 2009 dead 27 August 2009 Tommy Smith Portsmouth Undisclosedhttp://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1777274,00.html Smith completes move Watford F.C 16 October 2009 27 August 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090930184739/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1777274,00.html 30 September 2009 dead 1 September 2009 Mike Williamson Portsmouth £2 millionPossibly rising to £3 million. Deal also includes a sell-on clause.http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1784795,00.html Williamson moves on Watford F.C 1 September 2009 28 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100113015044/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1784795,00.html 13 January 2010 dead n 1 January 2010 John-Joe O'TooleColchester UnitedUndisclosed 21 June 2010 Jordan Parkes ReleasedParkes later signed for Barnet.http://www.barnetfc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10431~2082646,00.html Jordan Parkes to sign for Bees Barnet Football Club 1 July 2010 1 July 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100704041412/http://www.barnetfc.com/page/LatestNews/0%2C%2C10431~2082646%2C00.html 4 July 2010 dead n Mutual termination30 June 2010 Richard Lee ReleasedLee subsequently signed for Brentford.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/brentford/8716615.stm Brentford swoop for Watford goalkeeper Richard Lee BBC Sport 28 June 2010 1 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100604051627/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/brentford/8716615.stm 4 June 2010 live n Free (end of contract)End of season Jay DeMerit Released Free (end of contract)End of season Will Hoskins ReleasedHoskins later signed for Bristol Rovers.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bristol_rovers/8762041.stm Bristol Rovers sign Watford striker Will Hoskins BBC Sport 28 June 2010 25 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100628061059/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bristol_rovers/8762041.stm 28 June 2010 live n Free (end of contract)End of season Jon Harley ReleasedHarley subsequently joined Notts County.http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11686_6260545,00.html Harley set for Notts County Sky Sports 19 July 2010 14 July 2010 20 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121020190429/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11686_6260545,00.html live n Free (end of contract) Loans In thumb|right|100px|alt=A man wearing black shirt and shorts with yellow trim, standing on a grass field.|After leaving the club in 2005, Heiðar Helguson rejoined Watford on loan for 2009–10.Having sold several first team players, Watford used the loan system to sign young players from Premier League clubs, offering them early experience of competitive football. First to arrive was Tom Cleverley, who scored on his debut and was eventually voted Watford F.C. Player of the Season. Other players acquired in this manner included his Manchester United teammate Craig Cathcart, and Arsenal midfielder Henri Lansbury. Watford's other significant loan acquisition was former player Heiðar Helguson. The Iceland international made an instant impact on his return to Vicarage Road, scoring two goals as a substitute in a 3–3 draw against Leicester City. StartPlayerFromEnd 17 August 2009 Tom Cleverley Manchester United End of seasonhttp://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1880013,00.html Cleverley commits Watford F.C 20 November 2009 20 November 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091121120433/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10400~1880013%2C00.html 21 November 2009 dead 21 August 2009 Henri Lansbury Arsenal End of seasonhttp://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1919714,00.html Lansbury's loan continues Watford F.C 1 January 2010 1 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20120327093434/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1919714,00.html 27 March 2012 dead 14 September 2009 Craig Cathcart Manchester United 4 January 2010Steve Bartram Cathcart joins Hornets http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=6639725 Manchester United 15 September 2009 15 September 2009 Heiðar Helguson QPR End of seasonHelguson's loan originally ended on 31 December 2009. He rejoined QPR for the first part of January, playing for them in an FA Cup third round tie against Sheffield United. He signed a loan extension with Watford on 11 January 2010.http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1928612,00.html Heidar extends loan Watford F.C 11 January 2009 11 January 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120327093506/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10400~1928612%2C00.html 27 March 2012 hloan n 25 March 2010 Ryan Noble Sunderland 20 April 2010http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6054124,00.html Hornets land noble Sky Sports 21 June 2010 25 March 2010 18 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121018211038/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6054124,00.html livehttp://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/8110137.Noble_returns_to_Sunderland/ Striker returns to Sunderland after failing to play for Watford Watford Observer 21 June 2010 20 April 2010 28 April 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100428034303/http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/8110137.Noble_returns_to_Sunderland/ live Out For similar reasons to their young acquisitions, Watford loaned players such as O'Toole, Billy Gibson and Marvin Sordell to lower-league sides, in the hope that they would gain first-team experience. They also used the system to send Mat Sadler to Stockport County, and Nathan Ellington to Greek side Skoda Xanthi. In both cases, the loans were made with the option of a possible permanent move. StartPlayerToEnd 1 September 2009 John-Joe O'Toole Colchester United 1 January 201016 December 2009 Billy GibsonWealdstone11 February 2010http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1931640,00.html Gibson's loan extended Watford F.C 14 January 2010 14 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100116031607/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10400~1931640%2C00.html 16 January 2010 dead1 January 2010Nathan EllingtonSkoda Xanthi (Greece)31 December 2010https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/w/watford/8426099.stm Watford striker Nathan Ellington agrees Greek loan deal BBC Sport 23 December 2009 22 December 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20100116153133/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/watford/8426099.stm 16 January 2010 live22 January 2010Jonathan NorthOxford CityFebruary 2010http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1943855,00.html North moves on loan Watford F.C 26 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100128083615/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10400~1943855%2C00.html 28 January 2010 dead29 January 2010Mat SadlerStockport CountyEnd of Seasonhttp://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/4880736.Watford_offload_Sadler_to_Stockport/ Mat Sadler joins League One Stockport County on loan 29 January 2010 Watford Observer Frank Smith 3 February 2010 24 February 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120224032609/http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/4880736.Watford_offload_Sadler_to_Stockport/ live1 February 2010Scott SeverinKilmarnock (Scotland)End of Seasonhttp://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/4884529.Severin_returns_to_Scotland/ Former Aberdeen midfielder Scott Severin returns to Scotland with Kilmarnock Watford Observer 1 February 2010 Frank Smith 3 February 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100205143323/http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/4884529.Severin_returns_to_Scotland/ 5 February 2010 live1 February 2010Rob KiernanKilmarnock (Scotland)End of Seasonhttp://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/4884533.Kiernan_set_for_Kilmarnock_loan/ Watford youngster Rob Kiernan joins Kilmarnock on loan for season Watford Observer 1 February 2010 Frank Smith 3 February 2010 24 February 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120224032651/http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/4884533.Kiernan_set_for_Kilmarnock_loan/ live1 February 2010Marvin SordellTranmere RoversApril 2010http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/8094664.Everton_duo_to_start_for_Watford/ Everton duo to start for Watford Watford Observer 12 April 2010 Frank Smith 21 June 2010 28 April 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100428045709/http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/8094664.Everton_duo_to_start_for_Watford/ live19 March 2010Lewis YoungHereford UnitedApril 2010http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/5071349.Young_joins_Hereford_on_loan/ Watford's Lewis Young joins Hereford on month-long loan Watford Observer 19 March 2010 21 June 2010 8 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120308132852/http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/5071349.Young_joins_Hereford_on_loan/ live International Four Watford players represented their country at senior international level in 2009–10. Club captain Jay DeMerit played for the United States in the Confederations Cup, where he helped his team reach the final at the expense of Spain, and the 2010 World Cup, where he played against England and Slovenia. Heiðar Helguson played five matches for Iceland, scoring two international goals in a 4–0 win over Andorra. Don Cowie made his debut for Scotland against Japan, and was selected again by manager George Burley to play against Wales. Another debutant was Michael Bryan. He toured the United States with Northern Ireland, making his international debut as a substitute against Turkey and four days later starting for his country against World Cup qualifiers Chile. Several further players participated in youth international matches. Loan duo Tom Cleverley and Henri Lansbury played alongside goalkeeper Scott Loach in England under-21s UEFA Euro 2011 qualifying campaign. Reserve team defender Jordan Parkes played for England against Uzbekistan at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, and Ross Jenkins also played for the team in a friendly against Montenegro. Other professional players to represent their countries at youth level included Lee Hodson and Craig Cathcart for Northern Ireland under-21, Stephen McGinn for Scotland under-21, Rob Kiernan for Ireland under 19s, and Eddie Oshodi for England under-17s. CountryTeamPlayerEnglandUnder-21Tom CleverleyHenri LansburyScott LoachUnder-20Ross JenkinsJordan ParkesUnder-17Eddie OshodiIcelandMen's seniorHeiðar HelgusonMaltaUnder-17Vjorn SultanaNorthern IrelandMen's seniorMichael BryanUnder-21Craig CathcartLee HodsonUnder-17Adam ThompsonJack WarburtonUnder-16Dominic Ball CountryTeamPlayerRepublic of IrelandUnder-19Rob KiernanUnder-17Jack BonhamSean MurrayConnor SmithScotlandMen's seniorDon CowieUnder-21Stephen McGinnUnited StatesMen's seniorJay DeMeritWalesUnder-21Kurtney BrooksJonathan NorthUnder-17Jonathan Bond thumb|right|150px|alt=A man wearing a white shirt with a navy blue collar. The word "SCOTLAND" is printed on a badge on his chest|Stephen McGinn played international football for Scotland under-21s. Management and coaching staff Watford's managerial and coaching setup changed considerably between May and July 2009. Manager Brendan Rodgers left Watford to join Reading, and was joined by assistant manager Dean Austin, football consultant Frank Lampard and physiologist Karl Halabi. As a result, previous reserve team manager Malky Mackay became the club's new permanent manager, with youth team coach Sean Dyche becoming his assistant. Mackay also appointed former Northampton Town and Nottingham Forest coach David Kerslake as a first team coach. PositionStaffManagerMalky Mackayhttp://www.watfordfc.com/page/WhosWho/0,,10400~1700687,00.html First team manager:Malky Mackay Watford F.C 28 October 2009 25 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090907164757/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/WhosWho/0,,10400~1700687,00.html 7 September 2009 deadAssistant managerSean Dychehttp://www.watfordfc.com/page/WhosWho/0,,10400~1724567,00.html Assistant manager:Sean Dyche Watford F.C 28 October 2009 17 July 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091107075212/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/WhosWho/0%2C%2C10400~1724567%2C00.html 7 November 2009 deadFirst team coachDavid Kerslakehttp://www.watfordfc.com/page/WhosWho/0,,10400~1724571,00.html First team coach:David Kerslake Watford F.C 28 October 2009 17 July 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090808174052/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/WhosWho/0,,10400~1724571,00.html 8 August 2009 deadGoalkeeping CoachAlec Chamberlainhttp://www.watfordfc.com/page/WhosWho/0,,10400~1336094,00.html Football staff 2009/10 Watford F.C 29 October 2009 22 July 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20100804004325/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/WhosWho/0%2C%2C10400~1336094%2C00.html 4 August 2010 deadHead of Football Business and DevelopmentJohn StephensonHead of Conditioning/coachMartyn PertHead of MedicalRichard CollingeStrength and Conditioning coachMathew Monte-ColomboChief Performance AnalystNeil McIlhargeyKit ManagerBob Oteng (until 12 December 2009)http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1902801,00.html Bob's fond farewell Watford F.C 19 December 2009 12 December 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091217023235/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10400~1902801%2C00.html 17 December 2009 deadWill Jones (from 13 December 2009) Reserves and academy thumb|right|100px|alt=A man wearing black shirt and shorts, with yellow collar and trim, standing on a grass field|Former academy player Lee HodsonWatford's reserves competed in the Football Combination East Division, and played their home matches at Boreham Wood's stadium, Meadow Park. Other teams in the league included Watford's historic rivals Luton Town and fellow Hertfordshire side Stevenage Borough. Watford finished the season as champions with 41 points, 8 ahead of nearest challengers Ipswich Town. In the Herts Senior Cup, the reserves were defeated 4–1 in the first round by nearby Hemel Hempstead Town's first team. Piero Mingoia scored Watford's only goal of the competition, which was eventually won by Bishop's Stortford. At the end of the season, Liam Henderson was the team's top scorer with 11 goals, which included 4 in a 9–3 home win against Stevenage. A total of 14 players appeared for both the senior and reserve teams in 2009–10, including Henderson, Lee Hodson, Dale Bennett and Michael Bryan. Watford's youth system operates in partnership with the Harefield Academy in Hillingdon. First and second year scholars (aged 16–18) are officially attached to Watford, but also undergo a programme of academic and vocational study at the academy. Players aged 16 and below compete for the school team in their respective age groups under the name Harefield Academy, but wear Watford shirts. On occasion, Harefield schoolboys competed for Watford's under-18 side. 250px left "On the last day of the season, 11 of the squad were from the Academy which says a lot about our youth set up." Malky Mackayhttp://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/8225670.Mackay_reflects_on_first_year_in_charge_of_Watford/ Malky Mackay reflects on first year as Watford manager Watford Observer 20 June 2010 19 June 2010 Anthony Matthews Frank Smith 8 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120308132717/http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/8225670.Mackay_reflects_on_first_year_in_charge_of_Watford/ liveThe club's under-18 side competed in Group B of the Premier Academy League, where they finished in 6th position out of ten teams.http://www.watfordfc.com/page/AcademyNews/0,,10400~2051958,00.html Bristol City U18 1–0 Watford U18 Watford F.C 22 June 2010 19 May 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20120820115952/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/AcademyNews/0,,10400~2051958,00.html 20 August 2012 dead They played home matches at Watford's training ground, University College London Athletic Ground in Shenley. Three players featured for both the under-18 and senior teams in 2009–10: defender Eddie Oshodi, midfielder Kurtney Brooks, and striker Gavin Massey. Professional footballer Rob Kiernan also played for the academy; he spent part of the season playing first team football on loan at Scottish Premier League club Kilmarnock.http://www.watfordfc.com/page/Academy/0,,10400~2070387,00.html Academy stat pack 2009/10 Watford F.C 22 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100730101443/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/Academy/0%2C%2C10400~2070387%2C00.html 30 July 2010 dead Harefield Academy's under-15 and under-16 sides both won the Schools' Cup; the first time in the history of the competition that a school won the trophy in multiple age groups.http://www.watfordfc.com/page/AcademyNews/0,,10400~2059099,00.html U15 side win Schools Cup Watford F.C 22 June 2010 25 May 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100528113244/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/AcademyNews/0%2C%2C10400~2059099%2C00.html 28 May 2010 dead Supporters right|500pxWatford's stadium, Vicarage Road, has a capacity of 17,504. The precise number of season ticket holders has not been stated, but Jimmy Russo revealed in the company's accounts that they numbered approximately 10,000. Visiting clubs received an allocation of 2,300 tickets for their supporters.http://www.watfordfc.com/page/CustomerCharter/0,,10400,00.html Customer Charter Watford F.C 25 June 2010 12 November 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20120820120039/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/CustomerCharter/0,,10400,00.html 20 August 2012 dead The club played 23 competitive home matches in 2009–10, all of them in the Championship, as well as a pre-season friendly match against Parma. Their highest home attendance was 17,120 against Newcastle on Saturday 27 February 2010. The lowest competitive attendance was 12,179 against Bristol City on Tuesday 9 February 2010, while the lowest home attendance overall was 3,598 in the Parma match on Saturday 1 August 2009. Watford's average attendance in competitive matches was 14,344. Watford played 26 competitive away matches in 2009–10. The match against Newcastle at St James' Park on Saturday 5 December 2009 attracted 43,050 spectators. This was the largest crowd at any Watford match that season, although this was aided in part by the fact that they did not play at another stadium with the capacity to beat it. Another notable away fixture was the match at Madejski Stadium against Reading. Brendan Rodgers, Watford's manager for the second half of 2008–09, left Watford for Reading under controversial circumstances in June, having previously stated that his integrity was being questioned when linked with the managerial vacancy. Reading's matchday squad also featured three former Hornets, two of whom had played for Watford under Rodgers. The match attracted 3,389 Watford fans, and ended in a 1–1 draw, with ex-Watford player Grzegorz Rasiak scoring Reading's goal, and Jobi McAnuff and Brynjar Gunnarsson also playing a part. Ownership and finance Watford Football Club is owned by the holding company Watford Leisure Plc (LSE: WFC). Its 2008–09 financial year ran from 1 July 2008 until 30 June 2009. The company released its audited accounts and annual report on 6 November 2009. It included details of the club's major shareholders, showing that Fordwat Limited—the investment company of Michael Ashcroft—owned 37.16% of Watford Leisure, Valley Grown Salads (VGS)—owned by Watford Leisure directors Jimmy and Vince Russo—held a 29.98% stake, and that previous Watford chairman Graham Simpson had a 16.79% share. 250px left "Is this the worst situation I have ever faced in 30 years involvement at Watford? Of course it is. We could go into administration but it doesn't have to happen." Graham Taylor, 18 December 2009https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/dec/18/graham-taylor-jimmy-russo-watford-administration Graham Taylor labels Jimmy Russo a 'bad man' as Watford face calamity 21 December 2009 18 December 2009 Guardian.co.uk London 6 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160306142522/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/dec/18/graham-taylor-jimmy-russo-watford-administration live The accounts showed an operating loss of £1.465 million, and a net loss of £1.987 million. Throughout 2009, Watford Leisure found themselves in need of finance on several occasions, and were loaned the money by VGS. On 30 November, VGS lent the club a further £1m, taking the total loan to the club to £4.88 million, secured against the club's stadium Vicarage Road. Upon announcing the loan, Watford revealed that this finance would only be sufficient to cover the club's costs until 22 December, and that a further £5.5 million would be needed to keep the business afloat until 30 June 2010. Watford Leisure's Annual General Meeting was held on 15 December 2009. That meeting began with chairman Jimmy Russo, and fellow directors Vince Russo and Robin Williams resigning from the board. Former Watford manager Graham Taylor was appointed interim chairman. VGS requested immediate repayment of the outstanding loan balance. The club received an offer from Fordwat to underwrite a rights issue worth £7.5m, but revealed that for this plan to work VGS would have to agree to suspend the loan repayment, indicating that they would be placed into administration unless agreement were reached. VGS refused to do so, and Jimmy Russo stated that unless something changed, VGS were left with no option but to begin the process of placing the club in administration. However, administration was avoided when Fordwat paid VGS the money on 21 December 2009, and the club announced two days later that it would borrow money from Elton John's "Playing for Players" concert to fund its running costs until it received the money from the rights issue. Footnotes n A clean sheet refers to the achievement of playing an entire match without conceding a goal. References 30em http://www.watfordleisureplc.com/uploads/PLC%20report%5B1%5D.pdf Watford Leisure Plc Report and Financial Statements 2009 Watford Leisure Plc 16 December 2009April 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5476213,00.html Allardyce challenges Ellington Sky Sports 1 November 2009 6 August 2009 9 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090909131520/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5476213,00.html live https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/championship/6000396/Watford-1-Doncaster-Rovers-1-match-report.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090811014415/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/championship/6000396/Watford-1-Doncaster-Rovers-1-match-report.html dead 11 August 2009 Watford 1 Doncaster Rovers 1: match report Telegraph.co.uk 24 January 2010 9 August 2009 London https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/championship/watford/6835784/Watford-face-administration-as-former-chairman-Jimmy-Russo-refuses-debt-plea.html https://web.archive.org/web/20091220084519/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/championship/watford/6835784/Watford-face-administration-as-former-chairman-Jimmy-Russo-refuses-debt-plea.html dead 20 December 2009 Watford face administration as former chairman Jimmy Russo refuses debt plea Telegraph.co.uk 28 December 2009 17 December 2009 London https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/dec/15/watford-russo-directors-resign Watford turmoil increases after directors resign Guardian.co.uk 28 December 2009 15 December 2009 London Matt Scott 6 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160306194602/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/dec/15/watford-russo-directors-resign live http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/watfordfc/stadiums/sheffieldunitedstadium/4069357.McAnuff_turns_down_Charlton_move/ McAnuff turns down Charlton move Frank Smith 22 January 2009 Watford Observer 3 February 2010 24 February 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120224030940/http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/watfordfc/stadiums/sheffieldunitedstadium/4069357.McAnuff_turns_down_Charlton_move/ live http://www.watfordleisureplc.com/uploads/WFL-FinancingUpdating_23%2012%2009_1pm.doc Watford Leiure PLC: Related party loan and update on financial position Watford Leisure plc 28 December 2009 23 December 2009April 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes http://www.football-league.co.uk/championship/news/20090617/key-championship-fixtures-200910_2293322_1693579 Key Championship fitures 2009/10 29 December 2009 17 June 2009 The Football League https://web.archive.org/web/20120625074320/http://www.football-league.co.uk/championship/news/20090617/key-championship-fixtures-200910_2293322_1693579 25 June 2012 dead http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1926171,00.html Blackpool game moved Watford F.C 24 January 2010 7 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100123025956/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10400~1926171%2C00.html 23 January 2010 dead http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/7985304.West_Brom_deny_heroic_Hornets_at_the_death/ West Brom deny heroic Hornets at the death Watford Observer 21 June 2010 5 April 2010 Anthony Matthews 9 April 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100409112208/http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/7985304.West_Brom_deny_heroic_Hornets_at_the_death/ live http://www.hertfordshirefa.com/FixturesAndResults/CountyCups/SeniorChallengeCup/?js=1&tab=results Senior Challenge Cup results Hertfordshire FA 20 June 2010 10 August 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090810205105/http://www.hertfordshirefa.com/FixturesAndResults/CountyCups/SeniorChallengeCup/?js=1&tab=results live http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/sport/4387574.Watford_boss___I_m_a_loyal_Hornet_/ 'No contact at all' from Reading for Rodgers 22 May 2009 Newsquest Frank Smith 3 February 2010 4 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110604035645/http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/sport/4387574.Watford_boss___I_m_a_loyal_Hornet_/ live http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~2009096,00.html Academy players receive international honours Watford Football Club 27 September 2010 1 April 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100404002944/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~2009096,00.html 4 April 2010 dead http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1690717,00.html Willo leaves for the Blades Watford Football Club 16 October 2009 19 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090722090431/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1690717,00.html 22 July 2009 dead https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/w/watford/8098749.stm 1 October 2009 15 June 2009 Mackay appointed Watford manager BBC Sport 13 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160113021349/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/watford/8098749.stm live http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/sport/localsport/4533851.Watford_boss_banned_from_touchline/ Watford manager Malky Mackay in stands for Doncaster Rovers and Barnet Newsquest Frank Smith 7 August 2009 3 February 2010 4 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110604035946/http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/sport/localsport/4533851.Watford_boss_banned_from_touchline/ live https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/watford/8458176.stm St Mirren sell midfielder Stephen McGinn to Watford BBC Sport Jim Spence 13 January 2010 3 February 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100116051507/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/watford/8458176.stm 16 January 2010 live http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/localsport/3815257.Boothroyd_leaves_Hornets/?action=complain&cid=7294856 Aidy Boothroyd leaves Watford FC Watford Observer 20 November 2009 3 November 2008 24 February 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120224031522/http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/localsport/3815257.Boothroyd_leaves_Hornets/?action=complain&cid=7294856 live https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/williamson-joins-portsmouth-from-watford-1780145.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/williamson-joins-portsmouth-from-watford-1780145.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Portsmouth sign Williamson 30 September 2009 1 September 2009 Independent.co.uk London http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11686_5532038,00.html 20 September 2009 23 September 2009 Sky Sports The Lescott effect https://web.archive.org/web/20091005005305/http://www.skysports.com/story/0%2C19528%2C11686_5532038%2C00.html 5 October 2009 live http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1907868,00.html Club update Watford F.C 28 December 2009 17 December 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20120327093416/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1907868,00.html 27 March 2012 dead http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1936564,00.html Sheffield United game rearranged Watford F.C 24 January 2010 18 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100121104842/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10400~1936564%2C00.html 21 January 2010 dead http://www.watfordfc.com/page/Fixtures/0,,10400,00.html Pre-season fixtures 2009/10 Watford F.C 1 November 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091129125549/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/Fixtures/0%2C%2C10400%2C00.html 29 November 2009 dead http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1710553,00.html Hot stuff Watford F.C 28 October 2009 1 July 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090803223107/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1710553,00.html 3 August 2009 dead https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/8102230.stm Clubs discover Carling Cup fate BBC Sport 29 December 2009 16 June 2009 19 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090619103650/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8102230.stm live https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/8198604.stm Carling Cup second-round draw 30 September 2009 12 August 2009 BBC Sport 16 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230416070209/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8198604.stm live https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/8384168.stm FA Cup third round draw pairs Chelsea and Watford BBC Sport 29 December 2009 8 December 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091201075151/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/8384168.stm 1 December 2009 live http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1766022,00.html Club update on Smith situation 30 September 2009 23 August 2009 Watford F.C https://web.archive.org/web/20090926002304/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~1766022,00.html 26 September 2009 dead http://www.watfordfc.com/page/Reserves/0,,10400~2071072,00.html Reserve season 2009/10: The full stat pack Watford F.C 15 June 2010 20 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100628021033/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/Reserves/0%2C%2C10400~2071072%2C00.html 28 June 2010 dead http://www.watfordleisureplc.com/uploads/WFL-FinancingUpdate-30.11.09-FINAL%20VERSION.pdf Related party loan and update on financial position Watford Leisure plc 28 December 2009 30 November 2009April 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/aug/27/tommy-smith-portsmouth-watford-football Watford's Tommy Smith signs for Portsmouth 30 September 2009 27 August 2009 Guardian.co.uk London Tom Bryant 25 July 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140725005242/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/aug/27/tommy-smith-portsmouth-watford-football live http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1690342,00.html Trio to join Rodgers' coaching staff Reading Football Club 24 December 2009 11 June 2009 16 July 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090716210816/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1690342,00.html live http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/league-championship/2009-2010/table/2009-09-12 English League Championship 2009–2010 : Table on 2009-09-12 Statto.com 1 November 2009 27 February 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120227075814/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/league-championship/2009-2010/table/2009-09-12 live http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/league-championship/2009-2010/table/2010-04-05 Table:5 April 2010 statto.com 29 July 2010 27 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120327074647/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/league-championship/2009-2010/table/2010-04-05 live http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/league-championship/2009-2010/table/2010-02-20 Table:20 February 2010 statto.com 21 June 2010 12 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120312095230/http://www.statto.com/football/stats/england/league-championship/2009-2010/table/2010-02-20 live http://www.statto.com/football/teams/watford/2009-2010 Watford 2009–2010 statto.com 21 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100608203631/http://www.statto.com/football/teams/watford/2009-2010 8 June 2010 live http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~2021738,00.html Watford Reserves 9 Stevenage Reserves 3 Watford F.C 20 June 2010 19 April 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100701054931/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10400~2021738%2C00.html 1 July 2010 dead https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/i/ipswich_town/8188948.stm Ipswich sign Priskin from Watford 30 September 2009 7 August 2009 BBC Sport 28 April 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240428172028/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/i/ipswich_town/8188948.stm live http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/localsport/4666616.Sky_TV_schedule_to_hinder_Watford_s_preparations/ Watford will have just 48 hours to recover from trip to Newcastle United Watford Observer 6 October 2009 Frank Smith 3 February 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100113015727/http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/localsport/4666616.Sky_TV_schedule_to_hinder_Watford_s_preparations/ 13 January 2010 live http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/localsport/4729437.Watford_need___6_5m_for_June_shortfall/ Watford Leisure Plc annual report states Hornets will have to sell players 'year on year' 24 January 2010 9 November 2009 14 November 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091114023736/http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/localsport/4729437.Watford_need___6_5m_for_June_shortfall/ live Watford Category:Watford F.C. seasons