Watford Sack Boothroyd
Following days of speculation and allegations, the Watford board has decided that it would be in the best interests of all parties involved for fan favourite Aidy Boothroyd to part company with the club.
Watford Chairman Graham Simpson told the media of the clubs decision to let Boothroyd go: “We are very distressed with Adrian’s actions. He was such a bright, young and talented manager, with huge potential. Unfortunately, he was not honest, or at the very, extreme least, not patient enough, to fulfil this potential legally.
“We trusted Adrian with the day-to-day running of this club; we never had any reason not to. However it is now evident that we have had the wool was pulled over our eyes, and for some time. I imagine that it would not be hard for anyone to imagine that we feel extremely betrayed, and indeed hurt. A new manager will be in place very shortly.
“Finally, we would like thank Adrian for getting this club where it is today, and the best of luck in getting himself out of this mess. We will, however, co-operate completely with any assistance the authorities may ask of us in any forthcoming investigations. Good afternoon.”
It was revealed last week of Boothroyd’s corrupt tendencies, both at the club and at home, and his sacking looks to be a classic case of damage limitation. He was reportedly spotted being dragged from his office by security, kicking and screaming, ‘that **** Diprose set me up!’ but this has been dusted off as “nonsense” by the club.
It is alleged that he has been giving and taking backhanders to and from agents, as well as giving his wife the odd backhander or two (different meaning of backhander, for all you geniuses out there
), has caused shockwaves in the footballing world, and the ramifications could be huge.
There have been many rumours as to any actions FIFA may take against Boothroyd and the as yet unnamed agents involved, including hearings, fines, bans, whips, chains, the works. Calls have been made for stricter guidelines and tighter surveillance in transfers, as well as a registration system for all agents in the game.
Boothroyd made a short statement following Simpson’s announcement. “I would like to apologise to everyone that this has affected, and to express my deepest regrets. I fully accept responsibility for my actions, and the board’s decision without question. I have thrown my reputation, and the trust people had in me, away. However, I would like to say that the agents involved will come down with me. Finally, I’d like to apologise to my family, and especially my wife. I have let everyone down, and her face will never look the same again.”
The next morning… 
Diprose Appointed Watford Boss
Watford Chairman Graham Simpson has this morning announced the clubs decision to appoint rookie Steven Diprose as manager of the club.
Pretty much unknown, it is rumoured that Diprose has a wealth of Sunday League experience, and had recently been gaining some coaching experience at the club. It is therefore a real shock that he has been given the main job at Vicarage Road.
At a press conference called this morning, Diprose gave his first interview.
Good morning, Steve. No offence, but who are you?
Morning – none taken. I would first like to thank Graham for giving me this fantastic opportunity to get into football management. It is greatly appreciated, and I really do believe this club and indeed this squad can go places. The fans here are awesome, we see this week in, week out, but I would like to ask them not to judge straight away, and to trust me. It will be difficult to earn this trust, after the debacle this club has just emerged from, but I would love for people to get behind myself and the team.
Yes… but who are you?
Give me a chance! I appreciate that I’m not well known –
-not known at all –
- yes, thank you for that. I have spent one or two years as a player/assistant manager for one of my local Sunday League clubs, in the West Fulham League divisions, with some success. I love football, and am sure that, with the professionals I now have the good fortune to be about to work with, I can prove to myself and everyone that I can succeed as a manager.
Sunday League? Not much experience, to jump in as a Premiership manager, is it?
No, it’s not. I have been at the club for a couple of months now, although not employed in any way, in order to get some experience of how big clubs operate behind the scenes. I do believe I can handle this.
What do you think of the squad you have here?
I know some of the lads from my time here, and I know that everyone gets along at this club. For me, that is a great bonus to start off with. Aidy brought in a few players to add depth to the squad in the last month or so, but I think that there are plenty of areas that need strengthening, especially if we are to survive in this division. I am looking at two wing backs, a right winger, a central midfielder and perhaps another striker and goalkeeper. I know that funds will be very limited here, and I will respect this. However, some players may have to make way in order for the club to progress.. the greater good, and so on.
Any players stand out in particular for you?
Of course. Jay DeMerit is a quality centre back, Ash Young and Al Bangoura are both full of promise, and Marlon King is a great striker. The squad as a whole complements itself quite well, and as long as we manage to steer clear of injuries and suspensions this year, and bring in some more signings, I really think we can stay up.
Finally, this is Watford’s 125th year as a club. What does this mean to you?
Not much… I mean… This club has a long history, and has not gone as far as it deserves to have. I hope that I can help the fans celebrate and commemorate this milestone in the clubs existence, and I am very honoured to be given the task.
Thanks for your time.
Cheers.
And with that, a new era at Watford arrives…
Squad Goalkeepers
Richard Lee
Ben Foster (on loan from Man Utd.)
Defenders
Gavin Mahon – SW,DC
Lloyd Doyley – DR
Clark Carlisle – DC
Jay DeMerit – DC
Malky Mackay – DC
Danny Shittu – DC
Chris Powell – D/WB L
Jordan Stewart – D/AM L
James Chambers – D/M R
Midfielders
Al Bangura – DM
Damien Francis – MC
Matthew Spring – MC
Ashley Young – AM RL, ST
Albert Jarrett, AM L
Anthony McNamee – AM L
Tommy Smith – AM L, ST
Hameur Bouazza – AM L, FC
Strikers
Darius Henderson
Marlon King
Tamas Priskin
Claude Seanla
We have quite a large squad here, but are glaring short of cover in certain postions. For example, we have one DR, one proper MR, and only two, what I would call, capable and reliable strikers. Injuries could be our downfall, unless dabble wisely in the transfer market. This is especially important, with the limited funds I have been given. It means that I will be looking to offload a number of the clubs fringe players, and some of the older, more tired legs, too. This will give some extra leeway in terms of wages, a well as making a bit more cash available in the transfer kitty.
The coaching staff needs to be strengthened significantly if we are to be able to compete at this level. Ideally, the training and youth facilities would be greatly improved, but a lack of cash in the bank makes this pretty unlikely, this season at least.
Vicarage Road is currently being expanded; the current capacity of 19,500 is not enough for a club of Watford’s history and stature, so I applaud the board in undertaking this expansion. Work should be complete in July 2007.
The supporters are rather disgruntled that I have been thrown in at the deep end, as an unknown, and who can blame them? They expect us to battle bravely in a relegation dogfight, as do the board.
Bring on pre-season, let’s see what we can do, and keep an eye out! :thup:
EPL Challenge 2007 (The Ultimate Premiership Experience) 
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