Ahead of our final away game of the season we spoke with the lads at the Golden Pages Fanzine to see how things are going at Watford.
15th in the league, what's been the story of your season?
It has gone largely as expected with the limited squad and usual boardroom dramas. Valerien Ismaël arrived in the summer to instil discipline and play with 'intensity'. We didn't see much of that after November and it was mostly just depressing to watch. The owner was keen to shift from his reputation for sacking managers but was left with no choice but to fire Ismaël, given the fears of relegation. Up stepped Tom Cleverley who has steadied the ship for the last couple of months (and perhaps beyond).
Winless in six, including five draws, since it became obvious that promotion/relegation wasn't on the cards, has the team dropped off? That's certainly the case with ourselves...
Realistically, promotion hasn't been on the cards for Watford this season as it's been about survival. In this run we have played four of the top six, only losing once. Since Cleverley has come in we aren't as easy to beat as we used to be and the performances have improved.
What do you make of Cleverley in the dugout?
He's had a tough run of matches and we've been competitive in every one. I'd stop just short of calling Cleverley a club legend, but he is greatly loved here and has spent many great years at Watford as a player, over two spells. After retiring due to injury last season, he became the U-18s coach before getting the call-up to the hot seat. He has displayed surprising tactical maturity and man management skills. Like any former player, he immediately got the backing of the fanbase. It's great to see him in charge, for vibes alone!
Mileta Rajovic is your top scorer on eleven, what kind of player is he?
Rajovic is an awkward, lanky striker. His goals came earlier in the season from good crosses into the box. His style of play doesn't make him look like a double-figures goalscorer! For such a big man his hold-up play is questionable and he isn't great in the air. However, he has the valued instinct of being in the right place at the right time. Under Cleverley he has looked better, although he will likely be an option from the bench.
Would you say he's your star man? If not him then who?
Our star player is Yaser Asprilla. The kid is an absolute firecracker. He's got the ability to conjure magic at any moment and moves like liquid. Asprilla (no relation to Tino) plays behind the striker(s) as a creative spark. The young Colombian is a joy to watch and has played a lot this season, so may not play the full 90.
Which Sunderland player worries you the most, if any? Jack Clarke is cheating as he's the obvious answer!
Had it not been for injury (and as I can't choose Clarke!) I would have chosen Dan Neil. It must be great to have a local boy become a key figure in the team. Patrick Roberts always seems to do well against us, although I understand that he's had a poor season and isn't guaranteed a spot in the XI.
Where do you need to strengthen in the summer?
Where to start! Given that the owner isn't putting more money in, it'll be imperative that we replace departing players. If we were to actually strengthen the current squad, a left-back and striker would be a start.
What's your score prediction for Saturday?
I know Sunderland aren't on a great run of form, but also our last home win was way back in November. The sensible prediction would be a score draw, but as it's our last home game of the season and with Cleverley re-energising the team, I'll go for a wildly optimistic 2-1 Watford win.
Finally, where's the best place for a travelling Sunderland fan to get a pint?
For a cheap drink there is a 'Spoons (The Moon Under Water) in the town centre. If you arrive early enough and want good beer, there is a fantastic, friendly little place called Two Trees Micro, a 5-min walk from the stadium that serves proper beer. You'll have to get there early though as it's tiny and is popular with home fans.
