Opposition view – Watford

We catch up with Watford fan Harry Welch ahead of his side’s visit tho Wales this weekend…

There’s been another managerial change over the summer at Vicarage Road with Marco Silva replacing Walter Mazzarri. Are you happy with this decision?

Along with all the Watford fanbase, absolutely. Every year people go ‘oh Watford have sacked another manager’ etc, but at the end of the day if you don’t perform and meet the expectations of the owners you don’t keep your job, and that was the case for Mazzarri, Flores and so forth.

Watford have given these people the role as a ‘head coach’, and not a manager, so they have less responsibilities, so stability is no issue as when you sack a head coach you aren’t changing the whole running of the club when someone else comes in. Mazzarri had no connections with the fans, the players and even the staff.

Now we have Marco Silva who has a nice style of football which Mazzarri didn’t and one amazing advantage, he can actually speak English. So far, so good under Silva, the players look happy under him and us fans are also happy as we are seeing good football and finally have a connection with the head coach.

What are your expectations rations this term?

Anything better than last season, obviously and hopefully! I would like to see us finish in the top half. I think we are capable and it should be expected, due to the quality of players we have and the depth we have.

What have you made of your start to the season?

It’s looking good. A point against Liverpool was great and it was brilliant that we have managed to grind out 6 points out of 6 in our away games. At Bournemouth and Southampton too, which are tough places to go. I’m more confident of our away form than home by a mile.

Obviously the 6-0 smashing at home to Man City last week was unexpected and a big disappointment but hoping it’s nothing more than just a bad day and a blip.

Are you happy with the signings you made in the summer and did you strengthen all the areas you needed to?

Absolutely. Never did I think we would sign a batch of homegrown players let alone them being talents like Will Hughes, Andre Gray and Nathaniel Chalobah. Probably one of the best windows for me. Will Hughes is still yet to get a game but he has shown what he is capable of at Derby.

Gray has started our last 4, hasn’t shown too much but no doubt he will kick into life when settled, and us Watford fans all know what Chalobah can do after his loan spell here in 2012/13 and he’s even better now. Richarlison has been one of my favourites. Definitely one of our biggest threats and for a decent price too, in today’s market.

What do you make of Swansea and which players if any do you fear?

Well Swansea last year were a shock team for me. I was surprised that they struggled yet was surprised when they stayed up! However, I like Paul Clements’ style and think they will be fine this year.

When I saw they were in for Renato Sanches and signed him I was speechless. He is one player I fear. Him going to Swansea is a great move for the club and for him, as he will get a real chance to develop no doubt.

Also, I have always seen Wilfried Bony going back Swansea inevitable. He was never going to get game time at Man City and Swansea is right for him. No doubt he will be looking to kick start his career back there soon.

Predict the score and where both teams will finish…

Based on how recent results have panned out between the two sides it’s hard to predict but I’m going for 1-1. Swansea will stay up finishing 14th and Watford will scrape a 10th place finish.