The David Moyes era begins with a Sunday afternoon visit to Watford. West Ham fans will be hoping for a better display than last time out. Before the game I spoke to Jon Southwood from Watford fansite GloryHorns to discuss the match.
Hi Jon, you face West Ham after the replacement of Slaven Bilic with David Moyes as manager. Are you worried about the ‘new manager effect’, or confident that you can turn us over?
Generally the “new manager” effect is one I’d fear but not this time.
Talking of managers Watford seem to be have signed up for the Chelsea model, whereby you use the manager and kick him out, given that this seems to be working for you, I supposed you’re happy with this?
No I am personally not happy with it. It is a system which I guess you can say has worked for us so far but I would prefer less upheaval each summer. I appreciate that the owners have a philosophy whereby the club runs itself and a coach is just a replaceable part but I would like to see someone come in and stay a while. However, they are all given targets and go if they’re not met which is the modern world. I can’t see Siva being with us until the end of the season at the moment so there is little or no loyalty on either side these days.
Apart from your last 3 results the current manager, Marco Silva, seems to be doing a great job: how do you compare him with your other recent managers, and are you worried about the speculation linking him with Everton?
It seems everyone, club, manager/coach has their price so if Everton want him badly enough he’ll go. I think it would be a real shame as I believe he could be our best coach, certainly for many years. He seems to have a good presence around the players and is astute but at the end of the day has only just arrived and achieved absolutely zip so far. If he were to go now he wouldn’t even rank as a manager worth talking about in our history a few years down the line.
Do you think that David Moyes is a good appointment to replace Slaven Bilic?
I thought David Moyes was a brilliant manager at Everton and it almost seemed then that he was destined to succeed Ferguson. He did and went horribly wrong and is credibility has dropped ever since. So, no, sorry, I think you’ve bought a lemon. The way I feel about Everton at the moment I’d gladly have seen him go there and take them down!
You seem to have cemented your Premier League place, but where do you think Watford will finish in the Premier League this year?
I think we’ll be pretty comfortable this year and finish in the top 10
Where do you think West Ham can realistically finish the season?
Realistically a mid table position is achievable with a decent run. That’s the same for most of the sides in the division…can’t see the Hammers going down.
Which three teams do you think will suffer relegation and who will lift the title this season?
Swansea, Palace, Bournemouth…can’t see anyone but City winning at the moment.
Are you happy with the current make-up of your squad? Which positions do you think need strengthening?
Our defence desperately needs strengthening. Prodl will improve things when he comes back but even when fully fit our defence is not up to much.
If you could have any current West Ham player in your first team who would you choose and why?
Actually that’s a tough one. For perhaps the first time ever I would say none of them….Antonio I suppose but he’s no Richarlison
Any particular memories of West Ham/Watford games of the past?
So many memories of past games particularly in the 80’s. Trevor Brooking, Alan Devonshire, David Cross, BB and Frank Lampard…I loved that West Ham era and would have any of those players today. I always recall one game for probably the wrong reasons as i always loved watching our games. On this occasion , Geoff Pike was doing his usual good job of fouling everyone in sight when he went in late on Ian Bolton. Bolton was rock hard but didn’t appreciate the lunge and retaliated. Both left the field but only one was carried off.
How do you expect Watford to setup against West Ham on Saturday/Team/formation?
I think Watford will be looking for a good win having played well but lost the last 3 games. Not sure whether Gomes is fit but i would think it’ll be:
Gomes
Fermenia Kababsele Britos Holebas
Capoue Doucoure Cleverly Hughes Richarlison
Grey
Prediction for score?
Bad start for Moyes who will then say about the major job he has on his hands and “how the performance just wasn’t good enough for a club of this stature and history” 3-1 to Watford
Many thanks to Jon for his time. Good to speak to someone who has an obvious affection for West Ham. I can’t agree with his optimism for Watford though, and will take us to win 0 – 1. Come on you Irons!