2012–13 Watford F.C. season

English football team season August 2020 December 2012 Watford 2012–13 Raffaele Riva Gianfranco Zola Head coach Vicarage Road Championship 3rd (77 points) Play-offs Runners-up FA Cup Third round(eliminated by Manchester City) League Cup Second round(eliminated by Bradford City) 2011–12 2013–14 _watford1213h _black_thinstripe_color _red_midband_color FFFF00 F1EF00 FFFF00 FF0000 000000 _ _watford1213a _light_blue_sides _light_blue_midband_color 0000ff 0000ff 0000ff 0000ff Watford Football Club is a football club from Watford, Hertfordshire, England. The club played in the 2012–13 Football League Championship for the sixth consecutive season since relegation from the Premier League in 2006–07. The club also competed in the FA Cup and the Football League Cup. Despite guiding the club to an 11th-placed finish in 2009–10, the club's 3rd highest points tally for 9 years, manager Sean Dyche was dismissed and replaced by Gianfranco Zola following the club's takeover by Udinese and Granada owner Giampaolo Pozzo. The club captain was central midfielder John Eustace, although due to injury, Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia was captain for the majority of the season. During the summer transfer window, the club sold two key first team players; academy graduate Adrian Mariappa and goalkeeper Scott Loach. To replace them, Watford brought in two experienced players in Manuel Almunia and Fitz Hall. All other incoming transfers were loan players, mainly from Udinese and Granada. Zola later revealed that the club only loaned the players due to the short time scale between the completion of the take over and the transfer deadline day. Watford had a relatively poor start to the season, losing 7 of their first 13 games, including a heavy 5–1 loss to Derby County F.C. In the subsequent months however, Watford began to win more matches and started to climb the table, rising to hold the 6th position by the end of 2012. Towards the end of the season, Watford were in contention for an automatic promotion spot together with Hull. On a dramatic final day of the regular season, Hull failed to guarantee their automatic promotion by only drawing to league champions Cardiff, however Watford were unable to capitalise against Leeds and finished the season in 3rd place, entering the play-offs. Over two games, Watford beat Leicester City on aggregate in a dramatic semi-final that saw them face Crystal Palace in the play-off final at Wembley where Crystal Palace won and sealed promotion to the Premier League. Background 2011–12 Watford F.C. season History of Watford F.C. Sean Dyche replaced Malky Mackay as Watford manager at the end of the 2010–11 season. Following the departures of Mackay, Danny Graham, Will Buckley and Don Cowie, Watford were tipped for relegation in 2011–12 by some bookmakers and media organisations. However, Watford finished the season in 11th place with 64 points; Watford's third highest points tally since the departure of Graham Taylor as manager in 2001. At the end of the season, it was confirmed that Rene Gilmartin, Michael Bryan, Josh Walker, Chez Isaac and Tom James would be released – their contracts expired at the end of the 2011–12 season. Former manager Graham Taylor stepped down as chairman shortly before UEFA Euro 2012, indicating that he felt the timing was right and that he was keen to pursue other interests.Matthews, Anthony (30 May 2012). "Taylor stands down at Hornets". Watford Observer. Retrieved 18 July 2012. Takeover In June 2012, Laurence Bassini indicated that he was looking to sell the club. Amid reports that the club's bondholders had called in the debt due to an act of default, Bassini stressed that the decision to sell was his alone, motivated by a wish to spend more time with his family.Smith, Frank (17 June 2012). "Bassini: I'm looking to sell Watford". Watford Observer. Retrieved 18 July 2012. A company owned by Giampaolo Pozzo and his family completed the takeover of Watford on 29 June 2012."Udinese's Pozzo family complete Watford takeover". BBC Sport. 29 June 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2012. The management structure of the club changed significantly in the following weeks, with Rafaelle Riva appointed chairman. Former West Ham United chief executive Scott Duxbury and technical director Gianluca Nani took up similar roles with Watford, while ex-West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola replaced Sean Dyche.Smith, Frank (5 July 2012). "Riva is Watford's new chairman". Watford Observer. Retrieved 18 July 2012.https://archive.today/20130505044808/http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/football-league/championship/120707/watford-confirm-zola-their-new-manager-176081 "Watford confirm Zola as their new manager". talkSPORT. 7 July 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2012. The club also stated an intention to make use of the Pozzo family's scouting network, which identifies players for Udinese in Serie A and Granada in La Liga.Muro, Giuseppe (11 July 2012). "Watford are not a feeder club for Italians, says Gianfranco Zola". London Evening Standard. Retrieved 18 July 2012. Preseason Watford did not make any signings prior to the start of their pre-season campaign, but their first two games against local featured triallists Daniel Pudil and Almen Abdi. In both matches – away to Boreham Wood and Wealdstone – Watford changed all eleven players at half time. Both games finished as 1–1 draws. The team's first win of pre-season came in a visit to Irish side Cork City, and was followed by an 8–0 win in a match against Barnet at Watford's training ground in London Colney. Watford's only pre-season game at Vicarage Road was a testimonial match for defender Lloyd Doyley, who started his professional career at the club in 2001. Before the start of the game, Doyley entered the pitch to a guard of honour, and when he was substituted with 15 minutes remaining he was given a standing ovation by supporters. However, a goal from Tottenham's Jermain Defoe gave the visitors a 1–0 victory.Matthews, Anthony (5 August 2012). "Lloyd Doyley Testimonial". This is local London. Retrieved 5 August 2012. Watford finished their pre-season schedule with a 3–0 win at Gillingham, with two goals from Matěj Vydra and one from Piero Mingoia. 17 July 2012 19:30 Boreham Wood 1–1 Watford Hutton 12 Mingoia 7 "Boreham Wood 1–1 Watford" https://web.archive.org/web/20120719223802/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~2852151,00.html 19 July 2012 . Watford Football Club. 17 July 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2012. Meadow Park D 21 July 2012 15:00 Wealdstone 1–1 Watford Parker 77 Yeates 13 Matthews, Anthony (21 July 2012). "Hornets held by Stones". Watford Observer. Retrieved 22 July 2012. Grosvenor Vale 1,335 D 24 July 2012 19:45 Cork City 0–2 Smith, Frank (24 July 2012). "Four loanees feature as Zola secures first Watford win". Watford Observer. Retrieved 5 August 2012. Watford Garner 16Mingoia 87 Turners Cross 1,182 W 1 August 2012 15:00 Watford 8–0 Barnet Smith, Frank (1 August 2012). "Hornets breeze to Barnet friendly win". Watford Observer. Retrieved 5 August 2012. Hogg Garner Nosworthy Abdi Yeates Murray Iwelumo UCL Sports Ground W 5 August 2012 15:00 Watford 0–1 Smith, Frank (5 August 2012). "Spurs beat Watford 1–0 in Doyley's testimonial". Watford Observer. Retrieved 5 August 2012. Tottenham Hotspur Defoe 55 Vicarage Road 9,218 L 7 August 2012 19:30 Gillingham 0–3 Smith, Frank (7 August 2012). "Vydra nets twice as young Watford win 3–0". Watford Observer. Retrieved 12 August 2012. Watford Vydra 12 15Mingoia 29 Priestfield Stadium W Championship 18 August 2012 1 15:00 Crystal Palace 2−3 "Crystal Palace 2−3 Watford". BBC Sport. 18 August 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2012. Watford Garvan 13 pen. 29 Taylor 22 Abdi 88 Vydra 90 Selhurst Park 17,109 W 21 August 2012 2 19:45 Watford 0−1 Ipswich Town "Watford 0−1 Ipswich". BBC Sport. 21 August 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2012. Chopra Vicarage Road 12,422 L 25 August 2012 3 17:20 Watford 2−0 "Watford 2−0 Birmingham". BBC Sport. 25 August 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2012. Birmingham City Abdi 4 pen.Vydra 17 Vicarage Road 11,022 W 1 September 2012 4 15:00 Derby County 5−1 Watford Keogh 16Hendrick 36Sammon 43Hughes 52Ward 67 71 Vydra Pride Park 20,608 L 15 September 2012 5 15:00 Bolton Wanderers 2−1 Watford Mills 3Davies 42 58 Doyley Reebok Stadium 16,608 L 18 September 2012 6 19:45 Watford 0−1 Brighton & Hove Albion Mackail-Smith 50 pen. Vicarage Road 11,894 L Report 22 September 2012 7 15:00 Watford 2−2 Bristol City Report Wilson 59 o.g.Vydra 72 63 Elliott83 Davies Vicarage Road 11,886 D 29 September 2012 8 15:00 Huddersfield Town 2−3 Watford Norwood 25 Lee 84 Forestieri 68 Hall 83 Deeney 87 pen. John Smith's Stadium 14,564 W 2 October 2012 9 19:45 Charlton Athletic 1−2 Watford Fuller 35 Hoban 29Abdi 70 The Valley 15,585 Report W 6 October 2012 10 15:00 Watford 1−2 Middlesbrough Deeney 1 Emnes 30 McDonald 77 Vicarage Road 12,006 Report L 20 October 2012 11 15:00 Watford 1−0 Peterborough United Vydra 90 pen. Vicarage Road 15,950 W Report 23 October 2012 12 19:45 Cardiff City 2−1 Watford Whittingham 71 pen.Gunnarsson 90+1 Hoban 28 Cardiff City Stadium 20,077 L Report 27 October 2012 13 15:00 Blackburn Rovers 1−0 Watford Rhodes 90+2 Ewood Park 13,233 L Report 3 November 2012 14 15:00 Watford 2−1 Leicester City Abdi 14 Forestieri 68 Nugent 71 Vicarage Road 12,954 W Report 6 November 2012 15 19:45 Watford 0−0 Millwall Vicarage Road 11,293 D Report 10 November 2012 16 15:00 Leeds United 1−6 Watford Tonge 80 pen. Vydra 27 82 Abdi 62 Yeates 75 Murray 90+4 Deeney 90+8 Elland Road 19,104 W Report 17 November 2012 17 15:00 Watford 2−1 Wolverhampton Wanderers Chalobah 35Deeney 68 Sako 54 Vicarage Road 13,588 W Report 24 November 2012 18 15:00 Blackpool 2−2 Watford Phillips 52Osbourne 90 Anya 4Deeney 21 Bloomfield Road 13,076 D Report 27 November 2012 19 19:45 Sheffield Wednesday 1−4 Watford Antonio 3 Forestieri 18 Geijo 67 Deeney 75 Yeates 83 Hillsborough 18,922 W Report 1 December 2012 20 15:00 Watford 4−1 Barnsley Deeney 10 66Yeates 59Vydra 83 pen. Tudgay 90+4 Vicarage Road 11,335 W Report 8 December 2012 21 15:00 Watford 1−2 Hull City Deeney 90+2 Meyler 41Brady 73 Vicarage Road 12,156 L Report 15 December 2012 22 15:00 Burnley 1−1 Watford Austin 28 pen. Chalobah 11 Turf Moor 14,896 D Report 22 December 2012 23 15:00 Watford 2−0 Nottingham Forest Yydra 15 40 Vicarage Road 15,143 W Report 26 December 2012 15:00 Bristol City P−P Postponed due to waterlogged pitch Watford Ashton Gate Stadium V 29 December 2012 24 15:00 Brighton & Hove Albion 1−3 Watford López 65 pen. Deeney 54 Vydra 68 69 Amex Stadium 26,727 W Report 1 January 2013 25 13:00 Watford 3−4 Charlton Athletic Pudil 11 Abdi 53 pen. Geijo 68 Hoban 34 o.g. Kermorgant 37 70 Jackson 78 Vicarage Road 14,221 T. Kettle Report L 12 January 2013 26 15:00 Middlesbrough 1−2 Watford McDonald 90 Vydra 45 83 Riverside Stadium 17,499 W Report 19 January 2013 27 15:00 Watford 4−0 Huddersfield Town Deeney 45 pen. Vydra 57 74 Battocchio 86 Vicarage Road 12,522 S. Duncan https://archive.today/20130419195121/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20996711 Report W 26 January 2013 28 15:00 Nottingham Forest 0−3 Watford Vydra 20 72 Deeney 34 City Ground 20,732 https://archive.today/20130419215148/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21096042 Report W 29 January 2013 29 19:45 Bristol City 2−0 Watford Cunningham 43 Anderson 65 Ashton Gate Stadium 13,586 L Report 2 February 2013 30 15:00 Watford 2−1 Bolton Wanderers Vydra 36 Abdi 70 Sordell 32 pen. Vicarage Road 13,223 W Report 8 February 2013 31 19:45 Watford 2−2 Crystal Palace Abdi 6 Chalobah 14 Ramage 66 Phillips 70 Vicarage Road 15,079 D Report 16 February 2013 32 15:00 Birmingham City 0−4 Watford Deeney 38 62 Anya 43 Abdi 89 St Andrew's 18,933 W Report 19 February 2013 33 19:45 Ipswich Town 0−2 Watford Anya 18 Chalobah 72 Portman Road 16,821 W Report 23 February 2013 34 15:00 Watford 2−1 Derby County Vydra 35 Ekstrand 68 Ward 73 pen. Vicarage Road 14,425 W Report 1 March 2013 35 19:45 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1−1 Watford Sako 90+3 Abdi 41 Molineux 18,571 D Report 5 March 2013 36 19:45 Watford 2−1 Sheffield Wednesday Forestieri 53 63 Antonio 19 Vicarage Road 12,727 W Report 9 March 2013 37 15:00 Watford 1−2 Blackpool Battocchio 27 Ince 76 MacKenzie 88 Vicarage Road 13,857 L Report 16 March 2013 38 15:00 Barnsley 1−0 Watford Hassell 35 Oakwell 9,076 L Report 29 March 2013 39 15:00 Watford 3−3 Burnley Deeney 6 Forestieri 29 72 Austin 1 24 pen. Vokes 90 Vicarage Road 15,435 D Report 1 April 2013 40 19:45 Hull City 0−1 Watford Deeney 41 KC Stadium 20,043 W Report 6 April 2013 41 15:00 Watford 0−0 Cardiff City Vicarage Road 15,550 D Report 13 April 2013 42 15:00 Peterborough United 3−2 Watford Swanson 20 Gayle 61 Tomlin 67 Yeates 85 Forestieri 90 London Road 10,848 L Report 16 April 2013 43 19:45 Millwall 1−0 Watford Batt 83 The Den 9,366 L Report 20 April 2013 44 15:00 Watford 4−0 Blackburn Rovers Deeney 52 61 Abdi 67 Briggs 75 Vicarage Road 13,775 W Report 26 April 2013 45 19:45 Leicester City 1−2 Watford Kane 61 Deeney 41 Chalobah 43 King Power 25,091 W Report 4 May 2013 46 12:45 Watford 1−2 Leeds United Abdi 45 Poleon 42 McCormack 90 Vicarage Road 16,968 L Report Championship play-offs 2013 Football League play-offs 9 May 2013 Semi-Final 1st Leg 19:45 Leicester City 1−0 Watford Schlupp 30Morgan 38Knockaert 45+2Keane 58Nugent 82 Anya 6Pudil 74Hall 90+4 King Power Stadium 29,560 L Report 12 May 2013 Semi-Final 2nd Leg 12:30 Watford 3−1 Leicester City Vydra 15 65Cassetti 69Deeney 90+7 90+10 Nugent 19Wood 30Knockaert 90+7' Vicarage Road 16,142 W Report 27 May 2013 Final 15:00 Crystal Palace 1−0 yes Watford Mile Jedinak 28O'Keefe 60Joel Ward 80Moxey 104Phillips 105+1 pen. Ekstrand 10Abdi 60Cassetti 105 Wembley Stadium 82,025 L Report Football League Cup The Football League Championship season started later than usual, due to the Olympic Games being held in London. Thus, Watford's first competitive game was in the League Cup, at home to League Two side Wycombe Wanderers. The game saw few chances, and was goalless after 90 minutes. Substitute Chris Iwelumo scored the winner for Watford in extra time, assisted by debutant Matěj Vydra. In the next round, Watford again hosted League Two opposition in the form of eventual cup runners up Bradford City. After a goalless first half, Ikechi Anya put Watford into the lead in the 71st minute, on his first start for the club. However, Bradford scored two late goals to win the match 2–1. Both of Bradford's goals were scored shortly after direct free kicks. 11 August 2012 15:00 Round 1 Watford 1–0 yes Smith, Frank (12 August 2012). "Iwelumo scores extra time winner to progress". Watford Observer. Retrieved 12 August 2012. Wycombe Wanderers Iwelumo 110 Vicarage Road W 5,343 28 August 2012 19:45 Round 2 Watford 1–2 Matthews, Anthony (28 August 2012). "Hornets out after last-gasp loss". Watford Observer. Retrieved 29 August 2012. Bradford City Anya 71 Reid 84Thompson 90 Vicarage Road L 5,568 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 2 December 2012. Watford were drawn away to 2011 winners and eventual finalists Manchester City where Manchester City won thanks to goals from Tevez, Barry and Lopes. 5 January 2013 15:00 Round 3 Manchester City Report 3–0 Watford Tevez 25Barry 44Lopes 90+1 Etihad Stadium L 46,821 League table WAT Summary table b Round Ground A/H/H/A/A/H/H/A/A/H/H/A/A/H/H/A/H/A/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/H/A/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/A/H/A/H Result W/L/W/L/L/L/D/W/W/L/W/L/L/W/D/W/W/D/W/W/L/D/W/W/L/W/W/W/L/W/D/W/W/W/D/W/L/L/D/W/D/L/L/W/W/L Position 4/13/5/12/17/20/20/18/11/14/13/15/16/15/16/12/10/11/8/6/6/7/6/6/6/6/6/4/4/4/3/3/3/2/2/2/2/3/3/3/3/3/3/3/3/3 Home Away green2 Win yellow2 Draw red2 Loss 1st 2nd blue1 red1 4 May 2013 BBC Sport May 2013 Players Statistics No. = Squad number Pos = Playing position P = Number of games played G = Number of goals scored 12px|alt=|Yellow cards = Yellow cards GK = Goalkeeper DF = Defender MF = Midfielder FW = Forward 12px|alt=|Red cards = Red cards Yth = Whether player went through Watford's youth system Joined club = Year that player became a Watford first team playerFor players who came through the club's youth system the date used refers to when they signed a professional contract, unless they appeared in a first-team match-day squad prior to that, in which case that date is used. lower-alpha Age = Age at end of season (27 May 2013) #FFCCCC Left club during 2012–13 1px solid #AAAAAA Loan player Statistics correct as of game played 27 May 2013."Watford FC player appearances 2012/13". Soccerbase. Retrieved 27 May 2013."Watford FC player stats 2012/13". 11v11. Retrieved 27 May 2013. +2012–13 Watford player detailsAll players who have been issued a 2012–13 squad number are listed lower-alphaNo.PosNamePGPGPGPGPG12px|alt=|Yellow cards12px|alt=|Red cardsAgeJoined clubYthNotesChampionshipFA CupLeague CupPlay-offsTotalDiscipline01 1GKManuel Almunia390001030430301977 05 19 2013 05 272012No—02 2DFLee Hodson1+10001+10002+20001991 10 02 2013 05 272009Yes—03 3DFCarl Dickinson2+200020004+20101987 03 31 2013 05 272011No—04 4MFJohn Eustace2+301010004+30201979 11 03 2013 05 272008No—05 5DFMartin Taylor Martin Taylor (footballer born 1979)3100200051101979 11 9 2013 05 272010No—05 5DFNeuton7+100+1000007+20301990 03 14 2013 05 272012No06 6DFFitz Hall19+2100000+1019+31501980 12 20 2013 05 272012No—07 7MFMark Yeates18+11400100019+114401985 1 11 2013 05 272011No—08 8MFJonathan Hogg31+7000202+1035+80401988 12 06 2013 05 272011No—09 9FWTroy Deeney33+71910002136+720811988 06 29 2013 05 272010No—10FWChris Iwelumo4+30000+11004+41001978 08 01 2013 05 272011No—11MFCraig Forsyth1+10001+10002+20001989 2 24 2013 05 272011No—12DFLloyd Doyley28+6110103033+61201982 12 1 2013 05 272001Yes—13FWSteve Leo Beleck0+500010001+50101993 02 21 2013 05 272012No14MFRoss Jenkins Ross Jenkins (footballer born 1990)0000100010001990 11 9 2013 05 272008Yes—15MFStephen McGinn0000000000001988 12 2 2013 05 272010No—16MFSean Murray Sean Murray (footballer)8+71000+10008+81001993 10 11 2013 05 272010Yes—17DFDale Bennett0000000000001990 01 06 2013 05 272008Yes—17DFMatthew Briggs5+2100001+106+31201991 03 09 2013 05 272013No18DFDaniel Pudil35+2110002038+211111985 09 27 2013 05 272012No19MFPrince Buaben0+100000000+10001988 4 23 2013 05 272011No—20FWMatěj Vydra27+1420101+103232+1522201992 05 01 2013 05 272012No21MFIkechi Anya18+7300113022+74101988 01 03 2013 05 272012No22MFAlmen Abdi36+212001+103040+312601986 10 21 2013 05 272012No23MFPiero Mingoia0000000000001991 10 20 2013 05 272010Yes—24FWMatthew Whichelow0000000000001991 09 28 2013 05 272010Yes—25FWJoe Garner2000100030001988 04 12 2013 05 272011No—26MFBritt Assombalonga0000000000001992 12 06 2013 05 272011Yes—27FWGavin Massey0000000000001992 10 4 2013 05 272010Yes—27DFMarco Cassetti36+2010003040+201211977 05 29 2013 05 272012No28FWConnor Smith Connor Smith (footballer, born 1993)2+500000002+50101993 02 18 2013 05 272011Yes—29DFAdam Thompson footballer0+400010001+40001992 09 28 2013 05 272010Yes—30GKJonathan Bond7+101010009+10001993 05 19 2013 05 272010Yes—31DFTommie Hoban192000000192001994 01 24 2013 05 272011Yes—32DFAaron Tumwa 10000000000001993 09 27 2013 05 272012Yes—33DFNyron Nosworthy18+1010100020+10201980 10 11 2013 05 272011No—34GKJack Bonham0+100000000+10001993 09 14 2013 05 272010Yes—35MFStephan Hamilton-Forbes 10000000000001993 09 06 2013 05 272012Yes—36FWAlexandre Geijo7+11200001+108+122001982 02 05 2013 05 272012No37MFGeoffrey Mujangi Bia0+300+1010001+40101989 08 12 2013 05 272012No38MFCristian Battocchio15+720+10001+1016+92001992 02 10 2013 05 272012No39DFNathaniel Chalobah34+4510003038+45411994 12 12 2013 05 272012No40DFJoel Ekstrand29+3110003033+31901989 02 04 2013 05 272012No41FWFernando Forestieri19+9810000+3020+128511990 01 15 2013 05 272012No-42DFJean-Alain Fanchone1000000010001988 09 22 2013 05 272012No Transfers Unless a country is specified, all clubs play in the English football league system. In The transfer window opened on 1 July,https://archive.today/20130419193447/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/18664947 "Football transfers: July 2012". BBC Sport. Retrieved 4 September 2012. but Watford did not make any signings in the early part of pre-season, amid reports that the club was under a transfer embargo due to an administrative error.Smith, Frank (30 July 2012). "Seven signings expected after embargo lifted". Watford Observer. Retrieved 4 September 2012. The club confirmed seven signings at the end of July, five of which were season-long loans from other clubs owned by the Pozzo family. The permanent transfers were goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and centre back Fitz Hall, following the departures of Scott Loach and Adrian Mariappa in their respective positions. DatePlayerFromFee30 July 2012Manuel AlmuniaArsenalFree30 July 2012Fitz HallQueens Park RangersFree14 January 2013Fernando ForestieriUdineseUnknownhttp://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/130114-forestieri-signing-598426.aspx OFFICIAL: Hornets Sign Forestieri Watford F.C. 20 January 2013 14 January 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130118041729/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/130114-forestieri-signing-598426.aspx 18 January 2013 Out thumb|right|150px|alt=A young man wearing a yellow top and black shorts, standing on a grass field. On his forearm, he is wearing an armband; the word "Captain" is visible.|Adrian Mariappa joined Reading before the start of the season. At the end of the 2011–12 season, the club announced that five players would be released at the end of their contracts. The summer transfer window opened on 1 July, and two high-profile departures followed during pre-season. 2011–12 Player of the Season Adrian Mariappa joined newly promoted Premier League side Reading on 17 July. Two days later, Scott Loach – the team's most-used goalkeeper from the previous season – transferred to Ipswich Town, the club he supported as a child. The club's final sale of the summer was Martin Taylor to Sheffield Wednesday. Taylor extended his contract shortly before Sean Dyche's departure from the club, and captained the team during his final two games under Gianfranco Zola, but was allowed to leave on the final day of the transfer window.Smith, Frank (31 August 2012). "Taylor leaves Watford to join Sheffield Wednesday". Watford Observer. Retrieved 4 September 2012. DatePlayerToFee3 May 2012 Rene Gilmartin Plymouth Argyle Free (end of contract)"Watford Confirm Release of Quintet". Watford Observer. 3 May 2012.3 May 2012 Michael Bryan Free agent Free (end of contract)3 May 2012 Tom James Nuneaton Borough"Nuneaton snap up Tom James". BBC Sport. 16 July 2012. Free (end of contract)3 May 2012 Chez Isaac Borehamwood Free (end of contract)3 May 2012 Josh Walker Scunthorpe United Free (end of contract)17 July 2012 Adrian Mariappa Reading Undisclosedhttps://archive.today/20130114004424/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18855394 "Reading sign Adrian Mariappa from Watford". BBC Sport. 17 July 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2012.19 July 2012 Scott Loach Ipswich Town Undisclosed"Scott Loach joins Ipswich Town from Watford". BBC Sport. 19 July 2012. Retrieved 19 July 2012.31 July 2012 David Mirfin Scunthorpe United Mirfin was released by Watford on a mutual termination, but immediately joined Scunthorpe United."Official: Mirfin departs" https://web.archive.org/web/20120803021355/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10400~2866778%2C00.html 3 August 2012 . Watford Football Club. Retrieved 31 July 2012. lower-alpha Mutual termination21 August 2012 Gavin Massey Colchester United Free"Massey Joins Colchester". Watford Observer. Retrieved 21 August 2012.31 August 2012 Martin Taylor Sheffield Wednesday Undisclosedhttp://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/120831-taylor-leaves-345853.aspx OFFICIAL: Taylor Departs Watford F.C 3 September 2012 31 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120902205707/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/120831-taylor-leaves-345853.aspx 2 September 2012 dead8 January 2013 Joe Garner Preston North End Mutual terminationhttp://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/10147000.Garner_makes_Preston_move/ Garner makes Preston move Watford Observer 20 January 2013 8 September 201224 January 2013 Dale Bennett Forest Green Rovers Undisclosedhttp://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/sport/10183896.Hockaday_swoops_for_Watford_star/ Hockaday swoops for Watford star Stroud News & Journal 24 January 2013 24 January 20134 February 2013 Matthew Whichelow Free agent Mutual terminationhttp://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/1302024-whichelow-departs-637385.aspx OFFICIAL: Whichelow Departs Watford F.C. 4 February 2013 4 February 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130206225022/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/1302024-whichelow-departs-637385.aspx 6 February 2013 Loans In Watford signed 14 players on season-long loans in the summer transfer window. 12 players joined from clubs also owned by the Pozzo family; 10 from Udinese and 2 from Granada. Watford also signed Nathaniel Chalobah and Geoffrey Mujangi Bia from Chelsea and Standard Liège respectively. Jean-Alain Fanchone returned to Udinese in January, while Fernando Forestieri also signed a permanent contract with Watford that month. The club added a 15th loan player in March, with Matthew Briggs joining from Fulham until the end of the season. StartPlayerParent clubEnd30 July 2012Almen AbdiUdinese (Italy)Season-long loan"Watford: Almunia and Hall among seven new signings". BBC Sport. 30 July 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2012.30 July 2012Ikechi AnyaGranada (Spain)Season-long loan30 July 2012Steve Leo BeleckUdinese (Italy)Season-long loan30 July 2012Daniel PudilGranada (Spain)Season-long loan30 July 2012Matěj VydraUdinese (Italy)Season-long loan9 August 2012Alexandre GeijoUdinese (Italy)Season-long loan"Alex Geijo joins Watford from Udinese". BBC Sport. 9 August 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2012.23 August 2012Marco CassettiUdinese (Italy)Season-long loan"Watford sign Marco Cassetti from Pozzo-owned Udinese"September 2025 medicmedic. BBC Sport. 23 August 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2012.24 August 2012Geoffrey Mujangi BiaStandard Liège (Belgium)Season-long loan"Watford sign Mujangi Bian on loan". BBC Sport. 24 August 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2012.31 August 2012Cristian BattocchioUdinese (Italy)Season-long loanhttp://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/120831-five-loan-signings-345821.aspx OFFICIAL: Five New Arrivals Watford F.C 3 September 2012 31 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304193142/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/120831-five-loan-signings-345821.aspx 4 March 2016 dead31 August 2012Nathaniel ChalobahChelsea Season-long loanhttp://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/130102-chalobah-loan-575224.aspx OFFICIAL: Chalobah Signs Watford F.C 20 January 2013 3 January 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130227020822/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/130102-chalobah-loan-575224.aspx 27 February 2013 31 August 2012Joel EkstrandUdinese (Italy)Season-long loan31 August 2012Jean-Alain FanchoneUdinese (Italy)15 January 2013http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/130116-fanchone-loan-ends-602495.aspx PLAYER NEWS: Fanchone Loan Ends Watford F.C 20 January 2013 15 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130119040329/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/130116-fanchone-loan-ends-602495.aspx 19 January 2013 dead31 August 2012Fernando ForestieriUdinese (Italy)Season-long loan31 August 2012NeutonUdinese (Italy)Season-long loan1 March 2013Matthew BriggsFulhamEnd of seasonhttp://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/130301-briggs-signs-on-loan-688534.aspx Watford boost ranks with Matthew Briggs' signature Watford F.C 3 January 2014 1 March 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20140104010738/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/130301-briggs-signs-on-loan-688534.aspx 4 January 2014 dead Out StartPlayerToLevelEnd 2011-08-17 17 August 2012 Assombalonga, Britt Britt Assombalonga Southend United 4 League Two 2011-09-17 17 September 2012http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/120817-assombalonga-318896.aspx LOAN: Britt Joins Shrimpers Watford F.C 3 September 2012 17 August 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120822102934/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/120817-assombalonga-318896.aspx 22 August 2012 2011-08-31 30 August 2012 Thompson, Adam Adam Thompson Wycombe Wanderers 4 League Two 2011-09-30 30 September 2012http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/120830-thompson-loan-343104.aspx OFFICIAL: Bennett to AFC Wimbledon Watford F.C 3 September 2012 30 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120901092225/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/120830-thompson-loan-343104.aspx 1 September 2012 dead 2011-08-31 31 August 2012 Bennett, Dale Dale Bennett A.F.C. Wimbledon 4 League Two 2011-09-30 30 September 2012http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/120831-bennett-to-afc-wimbledon-345049.aspx OFFICIAL: Bennett to AFC Wimbledon Watford F.C 3 September 2012 31 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120902005116/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/120831-bennett-to-afc-wimbledon-345049.aspx 2 September 2012 dead 2012-09-17 17 September 2012 Whichelow, Matthew Matthew Whichelow Accrington Stanley 4 League Two 2012-12-18 18 December 2012http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/120917-whichelow-mingoia-loan-372248.aspx 17 September 2012 Watford F.C. OFFICIAL: Duo Head To Stanley 24 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130208153417/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/120917-whichelow-mingoia-loan-372248.aspx 8 February 2013 dead 2012-09-17 17 September 2012 Mingoia, Piero Piero Mingoia Accrington Stanley 4 League Two 2012-12-18 17 October 2012 2012-11-22 18 September 2012 Garner, Joe Joe Garner Carlisle United 3 League One 2012-11-19 20 November 2012http://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/news/article/garnerloanextension15oct-427533.aspx 15 October 2012 Carlisle United F.C. TRANSFER: Garner extends stay 20 January 2013 17 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121017020234/http://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/news/article/garnerloanextension15oct-427533.aspx dead 2012-09-21 21 September 2012 Jenkins, Ross Ross Jenkins Plymouth Argyle 4 League Two 2012-09-21 21 September 2012http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/Fletcher-thrilled-land-Jenkins/story-16961992-detail/story.html https://archive.today/20130505070216/http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/Fletcher-thrilled-land-Jenkins/story-16961992-detail/story.html dead 5 May 2013 Fletcher thrilled to land Jenkins This Is Plymouth 20 January 2013 22 September 2012 2012-10-19 19 October 2012 Forsyth, Craig Craig Forsyth Bradford City 4 League Two 2012-12-22 22 December 2012http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/121019-forsyth-loan-to-bradford-434529.aspx OFFICIAL: Forsyth to Bantams Watford F.C 24 January 2013 19 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20130227022642/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/121019-forsyth-loan-to-bradford-434529.aspx 27 February 2013 dead 2012-10-22 22 October 2012 Dickinson, Carl Carl Dickinson Portsmouth 3 League One 2012-11-19 19 November 2012http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/defender-leaves-blues-1-4498490 Defender leaves Blues Portsmouth F.C 20 January 2013 19 November 2012 2012-11-03 3 November 2012 Hamilton-Forbes, Stephan Stephan Hamilton-Forbes Havant & Waterlooville 6 Conference South 2012-12-01 1 December 2012http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/121103-hamilton-forbes-loan-463537.aspx OFFICIAL: Hamilton-Forbes on Loan Watford F.C. 24 January 2013 3 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20130227022627/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/121103-hamilton-forbes-loan-463537.aspx 27 February 2013 dead 2012-11-17 17 November 2012 Tumwa, Aaron Aaron Tumwa Wealdstone 7 Isthmian League 2012-12-22 22 December 2012http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/121116-tumwa-bevans-loans-490848.aspx Duo's Loan Move Watford F.C. 24 January 2013 17 November 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20121120022225/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/121116-tumwa-bevans-loans-490848.aspx 20 November 2012 2012-11-17 17 November 2012 Bevans, Matt Matt Bevans Chesham United 8 Southern Football League 2012-12-17 17 December 2012 2012-11-22 22 November 2012 Bennett, Dale Dale Bennett Yeovil Town 3 League One 2012-11-22 22 November 2012https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20445328 Dale Bennett leaves Watford for Yeovil Town on loan BBC Sport 20 January 2013 22 November 2012 2013-01-04 23 November 2012 Iwelumo, Chris Chris Iwelumo Notts County 3 League One 2013-04-27 4 January 2013http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/121123-iwelumo-loan-504315.aspx It's County for Chris Watford F.C. 20 January 2013 23 November 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130227020858/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/121123-iwelumo-loan-504315.aspx 27 February 2013 dead 2013-01-04 4 January 2013 Thompson, Adam Adam Thompson Barnet 4 League Two 2013-01-14 14 January 2013http://www.times-series.co.uk/sport/10159865.Thompson_returns_to_Watford/ Thompson returns to Watford Times Series 20 January 2013 14 January 2013 2013-01-04 4 January 2013 Beleck, Steve Leo Steve Leo Beleck Stevenage 3 League One 2013-06-01 End of Seasonhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20916813 Watford loanee Steve Leo Beleck re-loaned to Stevenage BBC Sport 20 January 2013 4 January 2013 2013-01-04 4 January 2013 McGinn, Stephen Stephen McGinn Shrewsbury Town 3 League One 2013-04-27 27 April 2013http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/130104-mcginn-shrewsbury-loan-578729.aspx OFFICIAL: McGinn Loan To Shrews Watford F.C. 4 January 2013 20 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130107005813/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/130104-mcginn-shrewsbury-loan-578729.aspx 7 January 2013 dead 2013-01-31 31 January 2013 Iwelumo, Chris Chris Iwelumo Oldham Athletic 3 League One 2013-06-01 End of Seasonhttp://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/130131-iwelumo-to-oldham-629776.aspx OFFICIAL: Iwelumo Joins Latics Watford F.C 2 February 2013 31 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130211193520/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/130131-iwelumo-to-oldham-629776.aspx 11 February 2013 dead 2013-01-31 31 January 2013 Mingoia, Piero Piero Mingoia Boreham Wood 6 Conference South 2013-06-01 End of Seasonhttp://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/130131-mingoia-loan-to-boreham-wood-630982.aspx OFFICIAL: Mingoia Signs For Wood Watford F.C 2 February 2013 31 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130206160021/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/130131-mingoia-loan-to-boreham-wood-630982.aspx 6 February 2013 dead Reserves and academy Watford's academy intake in 2012–13 consisted of 21 scholars: In the second year, defenders Kyle Connolly and Jordan Wilmore, midfielders Austin Eaton, Luke O'Nien, Jack Westlake, and striker Bernard Mensah. In the first year, goalkeeper Daniel Wilks, defenders Jazzi Barnum Bobb, Oliver Crowley, Josh Doherty and Jorell Johnson, midfielders Bobson Bawling, George Byers, Ollie Cox, Kurtis Cumberbatch, Chris Dillon, Ryan Hope, and Robert Westcott, and strikers Jamie Calvin-Pay and Alex Jakubiak. In addition, defender Matt Bevans had his scholarship from the previous year extended by a number of months after an injury kept him out for most of the previous season.http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10400~2734662,00.html ACADEMY: DECISIONS MADE ON SCHOLARS Watford F.C 1 May 2012 14 April 2012 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120415134349/http://www.watfordfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10400~2734662%2C00.html 15 April 2012 In July 2011, Mensah signed a contract that saw him turn professional on his 17th birthday, later signing an extended contract in January 2013.http://www.football-league.co.uk/championship/news/20110705/mensah-signs-new-hornets-deal_2293322_2386673 Mensah signs new Hornets deal Football League 2011-07-05 2013-11-24 https://web.archive.org/web/20131203081121/http://www.football-league.co.uk/championship/news/20110705/mensah-signs-new-hornets-deal_2293322_2386673 3 December 2013 deadhttp://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/130109-mensahs-new-deal-588783.aspx Academy striker signs new deal at Vicarage Road Watford F.C. 2013-01-09 2013-11-24 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131203052851/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/130109-mensahs-new-deal-588783.aspx 3 December 2013 In June 2013 O'Nien signed a one-year professional deal with the club, while Connolly, Wilmore, Eaton and English were released. Westlake was offered an extension to his scholarship of six months after missing a large period of the season through injury.http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/130607-academy-onien-released-scholars-857449.aspx Midfielder pens deal with club Watford F.C 3 January 2014 7 June 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20140104010733/http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/130607-academy-onien-released-scholars-857449.aspx 4 January 2014 dead Notes lower-alpha n References 40em "Watford's John Eustace a terrific captain – Dyche". BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 April 2012. Newman, Paul (6 August 2011). "Ruthless pursuit of Premier cash begins". The Independent. Retrieved 3 May 2012. Smith, Frank (3 May 2012). "Watford confirm release of quintet". Watford Observer. Retrieved 3 May 2012. Smith, Frank (20 April 2012). "Taylor in contract talks". Watford Observer. Retrieved 3 May 2012. https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6555251.stm Watford 1–1 Man City BBC Sport 21 June 2010 21 April 2007 Chris Bevan Smith, Frank (27 April 2012). "Dyche proud and disappointed at points haul". Watford Observer. p. 62. Brown, Tony. "Watford 2011–2012: Home". Statto.com. Retrieved 3 May 2012. Smith, Frank (29 July 2013). "Gianfranco Zola feels his Watford side are in better shape than at this point last season after early summer signings Watford Observer. p. 62. Category:Watford F.C. seasons Watford