Was the signing of Adrian Boothroyd the right choice?

Time will tell of course. It certainly caught everyone by surprise when he was appointed. We heard a whisper about a Leeds connection, but assumed that it might be something to do with Sam Ellis coming back. But speaking to colleagues at Radio Leeds when they were at Vicarage Road in April, there was plenty of praise for Adrian both from a footballing and media point of view. If it doesn't work out for him it won't be for the lack of trying. He knows he's in at the deep end, but is certainly clocking up the miles and the hours to try and make it work.

Many fans think the club is going down the pan and is badly run, do you agree?

I've worked at a club before, but never from the position of chairman or chief executive, so it's hard to comment. I don't think anyone is ever completely satisfied, and even Chelsea fans will have some complaints - quite what though I can't imagine! From a media point of view, Watford are always happy to help, and win plenty of friends with their open approach compared to others in that division.

6 in but at least 10 out, do you think our squad is big and strong enough to withstand the Championship?

It will be hard given the investment elsewhere. The likes of Sheffield United and Leeds have the cheque book out again, and the three relegated sides should be stronger than the teams who went up. The teams who have come up are also stronger than those who went down, so you could argue given last season's eventual struggle it will be hard again. But after last season's start and the way the team were playing we had play-of hopes, so maybe wholesale changes can change fortunes.

Which of the 6 signings are you most excited about and why?

I remember Marlon King being part of a fearsome frontline at Gillingham, and if he can recapture that form he will be a handful. Martin Devaney is also an interesting one. I like the idea of players from lower divisions moving up, and especially at the age when they know this is their big chance.


Boothroyd claims we have enough talent in midfield and thus can cope without Gunnarson. Do you agree?

I must admit I was surprised when Gunnarson went, but Watford's coaching staff have been singing the praises of the current crop of youngsters for a couple of seasons now. Sooner or later they had to have their chance.


It's a big season ahead for last season's star defender Jay Demerit. He's now been elevated to the role as 'experienced defender' almost by default as a result of the mass exodus of our experienced defenders this summer. How do you see him coping with the pressure over the next 9 months, and do you anticipate the dreaded 'second season syndrome' kicking in at all?

I think the mental approach of the Americans can be different to the English players. Nothing seems to worry them, and we saw last season at Anfield that he didn't crumble under the spotlight. However, he hasn't played a full league season yet, so it would be unfair to put too much pressure on his shoulders.


2 derbies this season, both in very crucial stages of the season. How do you think our friends up the road will compare?

I can see them being similar to Plymouth last season. The momentum from promotion could give them a good start, they may find it tough mid season, but then should be able to hold on. They have players like Coyne, Nicholls and Vine who are certainly Championship quality, and the young centre-half Curtis Davies is one to watch. The New Year derby at Luton will be difficult for both sides as the fourth game in a week, and as you say the Vicarage Road meeting could be a crucial six-pointer. There is plenty of excitement there after such a long time out of this division, but they too have off-the-field issues as the bid to relocate drags on and on.

In you article on the 3counties website, you talk about off pitch problems at Watford concerning the development of the East Stand. Is this the continually promised ‘big announcement’ and any ideas when we will hear about on the development?

No timescale other than 'soon', but they clearly need to redevelop, and Saracens are also keen for progress on this.


Finally, what are your predictions for this season?

Bizarrely, last season was ideal for us in that we had a great cup run to get excited about, and then the season was alive - albeit at the wrong end of the table - until the penultimate game. It beats mid-table anytime for us, but than again maybe supporters would prefer that security. I think the division will be very tight again, and therefore nothing will be decided until the closing weeks. Someone said to me they could see a repeat of the last time Watford and Luton were in this division - both were relegated of course - but I genuinely believe both can defy the odds.


Thanks to Simon Oxley for his time.

>> Simon's views on all the clubs in the 3 counties