retired_smelesko

Sheffield United was the first opposition of March, as the end of the season drew closer and closer. A 25th minute free kick by Gayle put Watford in the lead at Bramall Lane, and Darren Ward headed in a corner by Hughes to set the final score at 2-0 just before half time.
Sheff Utd 0-2 Watford

Thanks to Grimsby and Portsmouth who beat West Brom and Man City respectively, Watford suddenly found themselves in a surprising first place!

Stockport then came to visit Vicarage, and was consequently massacred by the Hornets. 6 minutes into it, Smith went down easy in the box and the referee gave the penalty, which Smith himself converted for the 1-0. 10 minutes later, Hughes netted a free kick to double the score, and just before halftime, Sinton grabbed one back before Tommy Smith scored his second as he ran through the defense and collected a well-timed pass from Noel-Williams, leaving him free to finish it off.
After half-time, Noel-Williams himself put the score at 4-1, on an assist from McAteer. Just before the end of the game, Kuqi got a consolation goal, catching Delaney in poor position.
Watford 4-2 Stockport

Preston then proved a disproportionately difficult opponent, considering their poor league position, but within Macken and Healy made Delaney look like he might as well not've been there at all, giving Preston a ringing 2-0 lead. Gayle quickly snatched one back, and then the chase for the equaliser began. It would take a load of chances and 45 minutes, but in the 62nd minute, a header by Noel-Williams tied the game, and in the final fifteen minutes, Gayle and Robinson put the final score at 4-2, which made the win look a lot easier then it had been. Gayle picked up a knock just before the final whistle, which would put him out for 2 weeks with a sprained ankle.
Preston 2-4 Watford

Barry van Galen from AZ agreed to sign for Watford on March 18th, and he will join the club on July 2nd.

A largely uneventful game saw Watford's fellow title contenders Bradford defeated by a small margin, thanks to goals by Noel-Williams (his tenth of the season) and Robinson in the first 10 minutes, McCall grabbed one back for Bradford just before half-time, but it wasn't enough.
Watford 2-1 Bradford

That victory secured a playoff spot for Watford, even though the aims are set for direct promotion.

The game against Wolverhampton Wanderers started well in the 15th minute as Gayle scored his 15th of the season, after Hughes set him up for the easy finish. Branch headed in the equaliser at 34 minutes, however, before 2 minutes later Gayle again put the Hornets in the lead, with a beauty off the bottom of the bar.
In the second half, Noel-Williams brought the score up to 3-1, though it'd be the last thing he did that game, as he had to go off injured five minutes later, and was replaced by Wooter. Gayle then got his hattrick, tapping in the rebound after Oakes couldn't hang on to his header, setting the final score at an impressive 4-1.
Wolves 1-4 Watford

Manchester City also secured a playoff spot, after beating Wimbledon. The race for the championship had been narrowed down to four, now. Bradford, West Brom, Manchester City and Watford, all within 5 points of each other, and more then 15 ahead of Wednesday.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">1. Watford 39-83 (+33)2. Man City 39-82 (+38)3. W.B.A. 39-78 (+35)4. Bradford 39-78 (+31)</pre>

Meanwhile, the battle to stay afloat had Norwich in dire straits, and Sheffield United, Burnley, Preston, Stockport and Crystal Palace are fighting to stay out of the 22nd and 23rd position.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">19. Crystal Palace 39-42 (-10)20. Stockport 39-41 (-10)21. Preston 39-41 (-24)22. Burnley 39-39 (-14)23. Sheff Utd 39-38 (-29)24. Norwich 39-31 (-33)</pre>
The month ended in a boring game against Walsall, where Watford took the lead in the 14th minute, as an unmarked McAteer got the ball in the area and popped it in the net. The game stayed close, and it took 70 minutes for Watford to seal the victory as Gayle headed in a cross by Glass.
Watford 2-0 Walsall

West Brom then also secured a playoff spot with a victory against Stockport, while Bradford still had to wait after a 1-1 tie with Sheffield Wednesday.

Newcastle took the league cup with a fine 2-1 win over Leeds Utd at the Millenium Stadium, with two goals by Cort after Bridges had put Leeds in the lead at 30 minutes.

A new board took control of Notts County on March 31st, clearing the club's debts, and making almost 5 million pounds available for transfers.
At the monthly awards, Snellink took manager of the month, to finish off a great month for Watford, whose fans more then ever believed in the possibility to win the league.

retired_smelesko

Meep. First coding error .

retired_bbcarr

Sorted your coding error, Mark. Good luck in securing the title :thup:

retired_smelesko

Thanks Terk
Bradford, too secured a playoff spot in a surprise 2-1 trouncing of Manchester City, on April Fifth, leaving Wednesday, Coventry, Millwall and Portsmouth the main contenders for the last two spots.

Jason McAteer and Marcus Gayle were selected in the English Players First Division Select for the 01/02 season.
The English Players Player of the year awards ceremony was a complete Man Utd sweep as Van Nistelrooy, Veron and Silvestre took 1, 2 and 3.

The start of April brought another high-end game, which sadly didn't go Watford's way, Coventry's three goals trumped Helguson's two. However, due to Manchester City's prior defeat, Watford remained in first place.
Coventry 3-2 Watford

A terrible game against Gillingham saw Watford lose Nielsen, Vierklau and three valuable points. Nielsen suffered a twisted knee, which would keep him out for two weeks, Vierklau was sent off for a foul that wasn't even worth a booking in Snellink's opinion, and two goals by Shaw and Allen saw three points going back to Gillingham.
Watford 0-2 Gillingham

Watford's bad run continued as bottom of the table Norwich easily disposed of them 2-0 at Carrow Road prompting Snellink to release a press statement in which he stated that the slump had to end right then and there, if Watford were to have any chance at promotion. He expressed regret about his team seemingly crumbling under pressure, and said that he would do anything he could to win the last three games and secure a spot in the Premiership.
Norwich 2-0 Watford

Vierklau's ban was reduced to two games, which meant he would miss the games agains Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday, but he'd be there for the game against Birmingham.

Then, on April 19th, Norwich find that despite beating Watford, relegation was inevitable.

The game against Birmingham would have to break the bad run, and so it did, thanks to a brilliant hat-trick by Helguson and a goal by Gayle. Birmingham could do nothing but roll over and play dead as Watford annihilated them.
Birmingham 1-4 Watford

Alas, Manchester City did the same to Coventry, but Bradford tied with Nottingham Forest, which meant with two games to go, City, Bradford and Watford were all tied at 89 points, and were out of reach of West Brom which had only 82 points. If it would all come down to goal difference, Manchester City and Bradford had a slight advantage over Watford.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">1.Man City 44 - 89 (+38)2.Bradford 44 - 89 (+37)3.Watford 44 - 89 (+31)</pre>

A local newspaper published an article in which Helguson expressed his joy at breaking the bad streak, and his role in breaking it.
On April 26th, Sheffield United also found themselves relegated from the First Division, leaving only one relegation spot open, which Burnley was most likely to fill.

The game against Crystal Palace started off on a bad note for Watford as Vernazza left the pitch injured after 11 minutes. Mica Hyde replaced him. The game ended in a tie, with goals by Helguson and Richard Harris.
Watford 1-1 Crystal Palace

Manchester City also tied, Gillingham held them at 2-2. Bradford however picked up three points as they defeated Barnsley 2-0, meaning that the championship would be decided on May 5th, when Bradford faced 13th placed Crewe, Manchester City faced last placed Norwich, and Watford had by far the toughest fixture, facing 5th place Sheffield Wednesday.

retired_smelesko

May 5th, final league day of the First Division
The race to the championship was in full boil. Three teams were still in contention. Early season favorites Manchester City, league leaders Bradford and outsiders Watford.
Early on, Bradford looked to be the favorites, with a managable fixture and a two point lead, but they would have to win, as Manchester City faced already relegated Norwich, who surely shouldn't have been much of a challenge. Watford certainly had their work cut out for them, though. Even if they won, they had to do so by an incredible margin, unless Bradford lost and Manchester City tied or lost.

Sheffield would start without star striker Tommy Johnson, who bruised his thigh in training and winger Alan Quinn who strained his ankle ligaments against Gillingham. Left fullback Andy Hinchcliffe and right wingback Derek Geary were both doubtful as they were still recovering from injuries. Watford would be without star defender Vierklau, who was suspended for the match, and midfielder Vernazza, who bruised his thigh against Palace.

Team Sheats
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Sheffield Wednesday Watford4-4-2 3-4-31. Kevin Pressman (c) 1. Espen Baardsen31. Stuart MacDonald 19. Pierre Issa25. Danny Maddix 14. Richard Johnson (c)5. Leigh Bromby 3. Paul Robinson26. Steve Harkness 7. Alan Nielsen18. Simon Donnely 16. Jason McAteer6. Trond Egil Soltvedt 10. Stephen Hughes23. Philip Scott 11. Stephen Glass24. Phil O'Donnell 9. Tommy Smith8. Gerald Sibon 16. Heidar Helguson9. Efan Ekoku 20. Marcus Gayle17. Adam Muller 13. Dean Delaney32. Tommy Dunn 22. Darren Ward11. Owen Morrison 8. Micah Hyde14. Alan Cawley 12. Nordin Wooter16. Matthew Hamshaw 15. Gifton Noel-Williams</pre>

The game started out well for Watford as they took the lead through Helguson who headed home a free kick by Robinson. The joy was shortlived however, as twelve minutes later Sheffield's Ekoku headed in the equaliser on an O'Donnell cross.
Sheffield's forward Sibon had to leave the pitch injured in the 41st minute and was replaced with Hamshaw. At half-time, the game was still tied, despite big pressure from Watford, and despite 9 shots at goal, only one made it in, and the game ended in a tie.
Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 Watford
8.Helguson 0-1 20.Ekoku 1-1

Referee: David Laws
Attendance: 27 589
Yellow Card: Hughes (Watford)
Man of the Match: Pressman (Sheffield)

Manchester City grabbed the championship thanks to a 3-1 win over Norwich, goals by Summerbee and two by Wanchope. Bradford tied 1-1 with Crewe, the goal by Lunt was all they needed to secure promotion.

Sheffield Wednesday secured promotion thanks to the draw, and Coventry also took a playoff spot thanks to a 1-1 tie against Burnley, who were relegated thanks to that same tie.

Final standings<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">============================================= ============================ 2001/2 Table============================================= ============================Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag Pts--------------------------------------------------------------------------1st C Man City 46 27 12 7 100 60 93 2nd P Bradford 46 28 9 9 76 37 93 -------------------------------------------------------------------------3rd Pl Watford 46 28 7 11 89 58 91 4th Pl W.B.A. 46 25 11 10 84 51 86 5th Pl Sheff Wed 46 20 11 15 80 66 71 6th Pl Coventry 46 18 17 11 69 57 71 -------------------------------------------------------------------------7th Millwall 46 22 5 19 75 75 71 8th Portsmouth 46 21 7 18 73 64 70 9th Grimsby 46 18 11 17 84 80 65 10th Gillingham 46 18 11 17 77 79 65 11th Wolves 46 16 14 16 70 67 62 12th Walsall 46 16 13 17 75 85 61 13th Birmingham 46 17 9 20 62 64 60 14th Crewe 46 16 12 18 89 93 60 15th Barnsley 46 15 13 18 79 82 58 16th Nottm Forest 46 14 14 18 72 83 56 17th Preston 46 16 8 22 58 74 56 18th Wimbledon 46 14 12 20 71 83 54 19th Crystal Palace 46 14 10 22 74 83 52 20th Stockport 46 14 9 23 82 91 51 21st Rotherham 46 12 14 20 52 79 50 -------------------------------------------------------------------------22nd R Burnley 46 12 11 23 40 55 47 23rd R Sheff Utd 46 11 11 24 55 86 44 24th R Norwich 46 11 7 28 49 83 40 </pre>

Watford received 1.5 million pounds for placing third place, money that was more than welcome.

The draw for the first playoff turned out to be Coventry.
With that, Watford had to continue it's race to promotion.

retired_smelesko

2001-2002, a year in statistics

Most team points: 93 - Manchester City and Bradford
Least team points: 40 - Norwich
Most games won: 28 - Bradford and Watford
Least games won: 11 - Sheffield Utd and Norwich
Most team goals for: 100 - Manchester City
Most team goals against: 93 - Crewe
Least team goals for: 40 - Burnley
Least team goals against: 37 - Bradford
Worst team discipline: 38 yellow/7 red - Millwall

Highest attendance: 39 837 - Sheffield Wednesday v Sheffield United
Lowest attendance: 5 778 - Wimbledon v Barnsley
Highest average attendance: 31 653 - Manchester City

Biggest win: Crewe 5-1 Norwich
Highest scoring game: Watford 6-3 Barnsley

Most games won in a row: 9 - Watford
Most games lost in a row: 6 - Stockport
Most games without losing: 14 - Manchester City
Most games without winning: 17 - Norwich

Top goalscorer: Paulo Wanchope (Man City) 30
Most conceded: Ian Feuer (Wimbledon) 83
Most assists: Nicky Summerbee (Man City) 23
Highest average rating: Paulo Wanchope (Man City) 8.10 - 40 apps
Most man of the match: Paulo Wanchope (Man City) 12
Worst Discipline: Derek McInnes (WBA) 13 yellow, 0 red

retired_smelesko

On May 9th, Nordin Wooter unexpectedly left the club for DC United in a lightning fast deal worth 1.9 million pounds payable over six months.

Then, the first leg of the playoffs, away at Coventry. The lads seemed to be overwhelmed by the pressure in the first half, as twenty three thousand fans piled into Highfield Road saw Joachim give Coventry a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute, and 11 minutes later saw Lee Hughes double that lead. At halftime, Snellink tried to inspire his young team to at least get that vital away goal and sure enough in the 75th minute, Nielsen scored it. They looked to go for the equaliser, but despite having the most chances, Watford could not tie the game.
Coventry 2-1 Watford

So it would come down to the second leg. But before that, both Coventry and Watford faced some bad news. Watford's star forward Gayle damaged his foot and would be out for the second leg, and Coventry's star defender Gary Breen damaged his cruciate ligaments, putting him out for no less then eight months.

The return saw another early goal for Coventry as Lee Hughes had twentythree thousand Hornet fans buzzing with anger only four minutes into it, giving Coventry a 3-1 overall lead. Stephen Hughes then tied the game, but not the total score in the 22nd minute, and four minutes later it was all square as Tommy Smith scored.
It then took over fifty minutes for the decider, but finally in the 78th minute, Jason McAteer set the final score at 3-1, and the overall score at 4-3, much to the joy of the Watford crowd.
Watford 3-1 Coventry

It was on to the final!!
The other playoff match was between W.B.A and Sheffield Wednesday, going the way of West Brom who had a 3-1 aggregate win, drawing 1-1 at home, but taking the win in Sheffield.

Finally, all the season's hard work would hang on one last game, in Cardiff, the final against West Brom.
The score was opened in the 27th minute, as Tommy Smith converted a penalty given after goalie Kelly fouled him when he tried to go past. West Brom then equalised in the second half as McInnes volleyed in a perfectly timed pass by Leonhardsen. The game then went back and forth and back and forth, and at 90 minutes seemed destined for a tie had it not been for Ferdinand Vierklau, who made a long run, went past McInnes, found space to shoot and drove in a low rocket, scoring his first goal ever for Watford at the most crucial of times, giving his team promotion to the Premiership!!!
Watford 2-1 West Bromwich Albion

The month ended great, as Snellink picked up May's manager of the month (despite being snubbed for manager of the year) and Helguson got player of the month.

retired_smelesko

Off-season, summer of 2002

On June 9th, Watford signed Dutch hopeful Theo Lucius, who can play both in defence and midfield, and can be both on the right and in the center.
On June 19th, Hreidar Helguson was voted supporters' player of the year.
On June 20th, a welcome £12 000 000 was added to Watford's bankroll, thanks to TV rights.

The board expected Watford to battle bravely against relegation in 2002/03, and the fixtures list was decided and Watford would start their season off at Old Trafford, against Manchester United. Next, Everton would come to Vicarage Road, and then it was off to Stamford Bridge for the second big game of the season.

On June 23rd, Chelsea's Mark Bosnich was signed by Watford for a million pounds.
On July 1st, Racing Santander's powerful forward Sigurd Rushfeldt signed for Watford in a £4.5M deal, the 10 time Norwegian international had wanted first team football, and manager Snellink had been looking for a strong attacker who was good in the air, and this was exactly what he needed.
That same day, Aston Villa's Steve Stone joined Watford on a free.
The next day, Newcastle's central midfielder Robert Lee and AZ's left and centre midfielder Barry van Galen also joined Watford on free transfers, and a sixteen year old centreback by the name of Tony Wright was promoted from the youth system.
Former Manchester United defender Ronny Johnsen then signed on for Watford on the fifth of July, the Norwegian veteran's contract had not been extended at United, and Watford had been quick to offer a good deal in what was a very exciting signing for the recently promoted Hornets.
And last but not least FC Twente midfielder Bjorn van der Doelen signed for the side, too. Van der Doelen had been capped for Holland's "B" team, and despite stiff competition might certainly receive his first proper cap soon.

With all these new signings, a new squad evaluation was certainly in order.

In goal, Aussie veteran Mark Bosnich (30) would be first choice, and hopefully young Norwegian Baardsen (24) could learn a few tricks of the trade from the old master. Irish under 21 starlet Dean Delaney (21) would be in the reserves, and listed for loan.

In the defence, recent signing Ronny Johnsen (33) would be first choice for the spot in left-center, with fellow newcomer Theo Lucius (25) in the center, and last year's defensive leader Ferdi Vierklau (29) in right-center. South African international Pierre Issa (26) will spend more time on the bench this season, like last year's first choice on the left-center Paul Robinson (23), who with as young as he is will certainly have a chance to win the spot back. Young hopefuls Darren Ward (23) and James Panayi (22) will learn what it's like to be around premiership players, and perhaps even get some Premiership experience, and veterans Filippo Galli (39) and Neil Cox (30) will be there to add depth to the squad.

The midfield will feature new signing Barry van Galen (32) on the left wing, last year's regular starter Stephen Hughes (25) in the left-center position, Bjorn van der Doelen (25) in the right-center position, and Steve Stone (30) on the right wing. Veterans Robert Lee (36), Allan Nielsen (31) and Jason McAteer (31) will be the primary back-ups, probably in squad rotation, while younger talent Paolo Vernazza (22) will be allowed to mature and gain some premiership experience this season. Stephen Glass (26) will be the main back-up for the left wing position, and as a supporting attacker.

The attack will now be built around recently aqcuired Sigurd Rushfeldt (29), with Marcus Gayle (31) and young talent Tommy Smith (22) on either side of him. Last year's fans player of the year, young Icelandic striker Hreidar Helguson (24) will be given plenty of chances to adapt to the Premiership and will hopefully develop into a quality goalscorer. Hot prospect Gifton Noel-Williams (22) will be given a chance to develop, and get a few premiership games, too.

Out of nowhere, Ipswich popped up with a £5.5 million bid for Paolo Vernazza, which would go up to £6.3M if Paolo played 50 games for them. A very nice offer, and Snellink decided to accept the offer and offer Vernazza a contract at the same time, so the choice was Paolo's. Either squad rotation at Watford, or whatever Ipswich had to offer.

On July 14th, Watford's 19 year old left back Nick Williams joined Basingstoke Town on loan for a year, much to Basingstoke's joy. The next day, Paolo Vernazza announced that he'd chosen to go to Ipswich, and that deal was sealed, much to the joy of the young Italian Englishman. The youth academy squeezed out another player on the fifteenth of july, 16 year old striker Ian Robinson who was hailed as a hot prospect by Watford coach Cees Koppelaar.

On the 17th, second divisionists Wrexham made an offer for four-time Irish international striker Dominic Foley who had been rotting away in the Watford reserves, outmatched by Helguson and Noel-Williams. New first divisionists Livingston and second division Peterborough were also interested. The transfer to Wrexham was soon finalised. The Irishman couldn't resist a parting shot at his manager, whom he said never gave him a fair chance, but Snellink really didn't care.

Millwall then proposed a friendly match at Vicarage on the 24th of July, which was gladly accepted.
Talented Scottish midfielder Gary Fisken decided to go on loan to Yeovil for a year, in an attempt to get regular first team football, and perhaps propel Yeovil past the first round of the FA cup this season.
Portsmouth then offered to play a friendly on the 29th at Fratton park, and Snellink couldn't say no to a chance to get his team some playing time together.

As season ticket sales ended, they garnered almost £4.5 million, as opposed to 0 the year before, which gave good hope to Watford that their supporter base might be growing, or at least that the support was more noticable.

retired_smelesko

A spectacular 5-2 hammering of Millwall was a good way to start your friendly games, starting with a hat-trick is even better for a brand new striker. In the span of twenty minutes, Rushfeldt layed in the 1-0, 2-1 and 3-1. Tommy Smith and Gifton Noel-Williams took care of the other two goals.
Watford 5-2 Millwall

After that, Pierre Issa signed a new five year deal, which would make the 26 year old South African defender three million pounds over those five years.

The second friendly, away at Portsmouth resulted in a scoreless draw, despite Bosnich getting sent off, and thanks to Baardsen saving the resulting penalty.
Portsmouth 0-0 Watford

Manchester City accepted Watford's proposal for a friendly on August 11th at Vicarage Road.

Then, it was time to submit the squad numbers:<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Watford squad number sheet:No. Name Pos Age Nat============================================= 1. Espen Baardsen GK 24 NOR 2. Ferdinand Vierklau D RC 29 HOL 3. Paul Robinson D/DM LC 23 ENG 4. Bjorn van der Doelen DM C 25 HOL 5. Ronny Johnsen D/DM C 33 NOR 6. Theo Lucius D/DM RC 25 HOL 7. Steve Stone M R 30 ENG 8. Barry van Galen M LC 32 HOL 9. Sigurd Rushfeldt S C 29 NOR10. Stephen Hughes M LC 25 ENG11. Marcus Gayle F LC 31 JAM12. Tommy Smith F RC 22 ENG13. Jason McAteer D/DM RC 31 IRL14. Heidar Helguson S C 24 ICE15. Pierre Issa D C 26 SAF16. Mark Bosnich GK 30 AUS17. Robert Lee DM RC 36 ENG18. Allan Nielsen M RC 31 DEN20. Gifton Noel-Williams S C 22 ENG22. Stephen Glass AM LC 26 SCO23. Darren Ward D C 23 ENG24. James Panayi D LC 22 ENG25. Filippo Galli SW/D C 39 ITA26. Neil Cox D RC 30 ENG16 players without squad numbers.</pre>
Watford stats:
40 Players
Average age first team: 27.70
Average age squad: 24.42
Current International players: 6
Number of foreign players: 17
Foreign nation breakdown
Australia: 1
Denmark: 1
Holland: 4
Ireland: 2
Iceland: 1
Italy: 1
Jamaica: 1
Norway: 3
South Africa: 1
Scotland: 2

retired_karamelkel

Looks like a good run is in store Mark. Hope Hughes makes you pround this season! I'm just curious, how did you manage to get the squad numbers sorted in order?

And it's nice to know that I'm not the only one using CM 01/02.