Another game, another shake-up — but how many changes is too many? Jon, Mike and Adam Drury, from the Watford Observer discuss how Watford looked lost in a dreadful first half where Hull should’ve been out of sight, only for Paulo Pezzolano’s faith in his team to finally pay off after the break.We break down the transformation: Semedo’s starring role, Baah’s worrying treatment (and injury), and what Pezzolano’s choices are telling us about where this team is headed.Welcome to From The Rookery EndCOME ON YOU ORNS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mike, Colin and Olly gather the day after Watford's 1-0 defeat to Millwall at the Den on Monday night and attempt to make sense of another confusing team selection and disappointing performance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Watford fell 1-0 at home to Blackburn on a day that was about much more than football. As the club looks ahead to celebrating Elton John’s 50th anniversary of becoming Owner and Chairman of the Hornets, the team took to the pitch in a striking Elton-inspired special blue kit. The game began brightly, but the spark never quite caught fire.Outside the Hornet Shop, Jordi, Mike, Jason and Colin gathered to break down the performance, Paulo Pezzolano's team selection and substitute choice, spotlight the players who impressed, and reflect on the occasion.And for the story behind that special edition kit, Jon caught up with Kevin Newman, Watford’s Head of Retail, to hear how the design came to life.COME ON YOU ORNS! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dave and Jas are joined by Opta's Matt Furniss to take stock of the squad now that the transfer window is closed, with plenty of new faces through the door and crucially the big three of Chakvetadze, Louza and Baah staying put. How optimistic should we feel ahead of the rest of the season? Is the goal of promotion a realistic one for this group of players? And how do feel about Paolo Pezzolano from the games we've seen so far? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
For the second weekend running, Nestory Irankunda delivered another sensational free kick — and somehow, this one was even better than last week’s strike. Despite his brilliance, Watford were held to a 2-2 draw at Vicarage Road against Southampton.Post-match at the Mad Squirrel, Jon, Mike, DCW, and the Brigadier broke down the game. They discussed:A disjointed first half and what went wrong.How Paulo Pezzolano’s substitutions and a formation change transformed Watford’s second-half performance.The impact of Kwadwo Baah and where he might fit into the squad going forward.After an emotional farewell to Ryan Andrews, the team was joined by Adam Drury from the Watford Observer to chat about the transfer window — including what business Watford still hope to do and how the final few days might unfold. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As the Hornets made their second away trip of the season, this time down to south Wales to face Swansea City, the team behind the microphones was split in two. Mike, Kieran, and Ryan braved the long journey down the M4, while Jon, Jordi, Olly, and DCW opted for the considerably shorter — and far more sociable — trip to the Railway Arms opposite Bushey station.The big question heading into the game was whether Watford would miss Imran Louza’s creativity. At least from set pieces, they certainly didn’t. Nestory Irankunda’s stunning first-half strike was a moment of real quality, lighting up an otherwise cagey affair.In the latest episode, the team break down the match from both the stands and the bar. They discuss who stepped up when it mattered, which players continue to grow into their roles, and who perhaps fell short of expectations on the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dave, Mike and Jason gathered at the Mad Squirrel after Watford's 2-1 win over QPR to discuss the Hornets' first win of the season thanks to a first half brace from big Luca Kjerrumgaard. There was a surprising change of system from Paulo Pezzolano and plenty of encouraging individual performances for us to purr over, with the mood only slightly sullied by Imran Louza's late and straight red card.Watford are off to winning ways in the 2025/26 season! Come on you 'Orns! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As the 2025–26 season got underway for Watford, Jon, Mike, and Kieran headed down to The Valley to watch the Hornets take on Charlton Athletic — only to see them suffer a gut-wrenching defeat to an injury-time goal. With the season’s business now underway, we took the chance to share our first impressions of the new players, the returning faces, and the fresh style of play under Paulo Pezzolano’s guidance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pre-season is nearly done and we are days away from the season kicking off at the Valley on Saturday, when Paulo Pezzolano and the 2025-2026 Watford team take on Charlton. After being in position for a few months, we wanted to get to know a bit more about the current Watford Head Coach. However, we decided to take a different route.To find out more about Paulo, we spoke to a couple of familiar faces: current player Moussa Sissoko and former player, now assistant sporting director, Valon Behrami. Plus we speak to three men who have known him for a long time: his assistant coach Camilo Speranza, Gonzalo Alvarezz his fitness coach and his personal assistant Matias Filippini.You will hear about first impressions of him, his footballing philosophy, the type of man and coach he is, how he gets on with fans and is he ready for Gino and the inevitable pressure that comes with being a Watford manager in the Championship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The new season is creeping ever closer, and Watford’s 2025–2026 squad is beginning to take shape. But is it a squad capable of making a serious push for the play-offs – or even a return to the Premier League?In this episode of From the Rookery End, DCW, Jon, and Matt Furniss break down the squad as it stands. They assess how the new signings might improve on last season’s performance, debate whether each area of the team is strong enough, and consider where further reinforcements might still be needed. Plus, they discuss which players could still be on their way out of Vicarage Road. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It was a short trip to Grosvenor Vale to see Watford’s 2nd preseason game against AFC Wimbledon in the Football Manager Cup. The sweltering heat gave a few problems for both players and fans in the stands, but it was another run out for the squad, still very much in its infancy, and Paulo to learn a little more about the players he has at his disposal.Jon, Jordi and Kieran didn’t read too much into the action but got to see a few of the new boys take to the field but evaluate a few of the returning players and the type of season they are going to need to have – both the older experienced players and the younger players who showed an exciting burst last season.Plus, Jon catches up with Adam Drury, the all-new Watford FC reporter for the Watford Observer. He’s been on the podcast many times, but we got to hear about his support of Watford, his career so far and how he is looking ahead to the season to come.COME ON YOU ORNS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ever wondered how Watford’s iconic yellow gets from sketch to Vicarage Road? This week, we’re joined by Watford FC’s Head of Retail, Kevin Newman, for an exclusive deep dive into the making of the 2025/26 home kit!From the first design doodles to final manufacturing, we unpack the timelines, the tricky business of pricing, and how sustainability plays a part in every stitch. Plus, we spill the tea on sponsorship deals, colour choices, and the eternal debate: red or black shorts?Whether you’re a kit nerd or just love seeing the Golden Boys look sharp, this episode’s got something for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With Watford announcing the formation of a Supporters Board and asking for applications from supporters to be a part of it, Mike spoke to Steve Temple, Chair of the Watford Supporters Trust to find out more, including:What is the aim?How will it work?Who should apply?Why is it important? There is also an update from Teve about the future and importance of the Watford Supporters Trust, with news on what the Trust is and will be working on in the coming weeks and months.It’s an interesting and valuable chat, answering plenty of frequently asked questions about the Board and the Trust.Give it a listen and get involved. Come on you ‘Orns Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PAULO, HECTOR & HOW WE’RE FEELINGWith the dust settling on Tom Cleverley’s departure, Jon, Mike and DCW got together to try and sum up their current feelings on the state of play at Vicarage Road.The trio talk Tom’s departure and where it leaves us, discuss new Head Coach Paulo Pezzolano - why Gino chose him and some do the challenges he might face, and hear from talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham about exciting new signing Hector Kyprianou.There is also a look at the importance of the new Supportera Board, which is currently looking for fan applications.It may be the cricket season, but there is still plenty to discuss. This is Watford after all! Welcome to From the Rookery End. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Here we go again, then.DCW was joined by Mike and Jas to discuss Gino Pozzo’s decision to sack one of the most popular Head Coaches in recent Watford history. The trio try to make sense of the decision, and in doing so question what future Watford can hope to have under the leadership of Pozzo, Duxbury and Nani.The season may be over, but the drama doesn’t stop. This is From the Rookery End. Come on you ‘Orns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Watford's 2024–2025 Season Ends with a 1–1 Draw Against Sheffield Wednesday, Luton Town were relegated, and we marked a major milestone with a 15th birthday party for the podcast!Post match in the Mad Squiirrel, we were overwhelmed by the number of people who came to say hello — it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces we’ve met over the last 15 years, as well as plenty of new ones. We were lucky enough to speak with many of them on this special episode of the podcast.Adam Drury and DCW break down the match, the crowd's jubilant reaction to Luton's relegation, and share early thoughts on the potential Watford squad for the 2025–26 season. We also welcomed the Wicken brothers — Olly and Geoff — who reflected on the last 15 years in a broader historical context. Jacob Culshaw from WD18 joined us to talk about his favourite season since 2010. Kate Lewers from Women of Watford dropped in for a chat, and of course, no FTRE party would be complete without hearing from Kieran and Jordi about their favourite Watford players of the last 15 years.And finally, we spoke with someone you've quite literally heard grow up on the podcast — the real star of the show: Arlo Parkin.Thank you for listening, supporting, and sharing in 15 magnificent years of talking about Watford FC.COME ON YOU ORNS! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
For the final away game of the season, DCW made the trip up to Lancashire to see a poor hornets performance against Blackburn. Joined by Charlie from WD18, they saw a team that seems to be limping its way to the end of the season but also the conversation many fans might be having - will Tom Cleverly be the Watford manager next season?Plus there are few addendums to the 2014-2015 anniversary podcast from this week.Don't forget, after the Sheffield Wednesday match, next week, we will be holding our 15th Birthday party in the Mad Squirrel - and everyone is welcome.COME ON YOU ORNS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It’s now been 10 (TEN!) years since Watford sealed promotion to the Premier League on a sunny afternoon on the South Coast. Many will remember that famous win at Brighton, but to celebrate the milestone, we thought we’d look back at the whole season.Join Jon, Jas, DCW and Mike as FTRE takes you back through a momentous season that really did have it all. Altogether now; Tommie Hoban’s having a party, bring Angella and Munari… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Easter is a great time to gorging on chocolate eggs. Watford gorged on red cards. In a two parts. Dave and Mike discuss the Burnley loss and Adam Drury joins Mike to breakdown the loss away at Pompey. Even with two defeats and three red cards the boys are able to find positives, even if Jon wasn't there. but the true faults and frustrations of this Watford team still shine through.Two games to go and we will still be shouting COME ON YOU ORNS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After heading to the Hawthorns (via the brilliant Vine pub!) Mike was joined to discuss the game by Colin and Adam Drury.The trio talk about Tom’s achievements this year and whether he actually deserves more credit, despite a downturn in results. Adam and Colin disagree on how culpable the midfield is in giving up goals, while there is also chat about Jeremy Ngakia’s good form, Caleb Wiley’s improving showings and Moussa Sissoko’s scoring record - among much much more.Welcome to the latest episode of From the Rookery End. Come on you ‘Orns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Darren Hallesy
Been listening for a long time...never miss an episode.
Waves Foundation
We were fantastic to watch yesterday