Cherry Chimes talks to From The Rookery End blog

Rival Lines
Watford v AFCB
Blogger Interview: From The Rookery End

The matches are coming quickly now and this Saturday it's the turn of AFCB to visit Watford who sit high up in third place in the Championship. Cherry Chimes asked some questions a few days ago to Jon Moonie who is one of the main writers on From the Rookery End. The interview took place before the news that Oscar Garcia had become ill and we wish him a very speedy recovery.

CC: How do you think Watford fans will have judged Beppe's Sannino's time in charge at Watford and his sudden departure?

FTRE: We'll remember him as a man who did a job, but not quite up to the big job! In our little Watford bubble. In fact, we thought it would have happened in the summer!

CC: Do you expect to see a different 'attacking' style of football under Oscar Garcia and do you think he can do better than he did at Brighton with the play-offs?

FTRE: Unsure what Oscar's tactics will be, but he's got a stonking squad compared to Brighton. His hospital visit this week means he hasn't had lots of time to put his mark on the squad.

CC: How do you feel Lloyd Dyer, Heurelho Gomez and Gabriel Tamas are fitting in so far?

FTRE: Dyer has shone when played, but not been that many chances. Gomez is great in goal and a great celebrator. Tamas "the nutter" adds a little of fight in the defence - which still needs help!

CC: The new summer signings at the club belong to the previous regime but do you feel the side is stronger than last season and do you expect Garcia to be given more funds in January?

FTRE: They aren't part of a previous regime, they were part of the owners network - Beppe didn't pick them. Oscar won't be given money, we're part of something much bigger!

CC: Which game has been the most pleasing to see so far this season?

​​FTRE: The first game v Bolton and it being a great win! Rotherham away was a battling win, which we didn't have a lot of last season.

CC: What is the main feeling about the new East stand at Vickerage Road?

FTRE: It's new and we have a complete stadium - WOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!

CC: You managed to keep to Troy Deeney with his new 4-year contract, was that a surprise?

FTRE: A little yes, but not jaw dropping. He knows that the owners are behind this team and he knows where he could be king!!

CC:  As the Watford v Bournemouth game is on TV and an early kick off, do Watford usually do well in front of the SkySports' cameras that you can recall?

FTRE: We had a good run a few years back, but it wasn't good last season.

CC: How important do you think it is for Garcia to get off to a good start against AFCB at home?

FTRE: It's no different to any new manager - but he may not be there to take full charge!

CC: Do you know of any injuries and players unlikely to make the team against the Cherries?

FTRE: Troy hobbled off on Tuesday! #prayfortroy

CC: Have you heard of any special match or tribute to be paid to Manuel Almunia ...perhaps an Arsenal v Watford game would be good?

FTRE: No, but the remembers co display will be spectacular!!

Thank you Jon for taking part in Rival Lines - you can catch up with more Watford views including podcasts at From the Rookery End. I'll be taking in Sky coverage of the game having seen enough of Harry the Hornet last season in both the League cup and the away league fixture. I am hoping that the Cherries give Watford their hardest game of the season so far as AFCB already need to claw back a few points. UTCIAD!

Don't forget to visit Free Bet Negotiator if you are going to make some big score predictions this weekend so that you get some vouchers for future bets. I reckon Ritchie will be a good bet for AFCB's first goal and his opener for the season - who do you go for?