Latest news with #WatfordObserver
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The next 21 teams from Watford Observer's junior football photo special
Another football season is coming to a close but we wanted to show our support for local youth football by shining a spotlight on local clubs and school sides. This week the Watford Observer published a special 16-page supplement featuring those clubs and schools who sent us their pictures for inclusion. The second batch of 21 teams are pictured below. The first set were published on online yesterday and can be seen via this link, but if your side has not appeared yet keep an eye on this website tomorrow. Croxley Green FC Girls U10 Onyx (Image: Supplied) Croxley Green Onyx U10 Girls (Image: Supplied) Croxley Green Onyx U12 Girls (Image: Supplied) Croxley Green U10 Open Girls (Image: Supplied) Evergreen Eagles U10's (Image: Supplied) Evergreen Falcons U10's (Image: Supplied) Evergeen Falcons U13's (Image: Supplied) Evergreen Falcons U15 Girls (Image: Supplied) Evergreen FC Dragons U10 Girls (Image: Supplied) Evergreen Griffin Whites U11 (Image: Supplied) Evergreen Hawks U17 Girls (Image: Supplied) Evergreen Ravens U10's (Image: Supplied) Evergreen U7 Bulldogs (Image: Supplied) Evergreen U7 Eagles (Image: Supplied) Evergreen U7 Hornets (Image: Supplied) Evergreen U7 Tigers (Image: Supplied) Evergreen U8's (Image: Supplied) Evergreen U8's (Image: Supplied) Evergreen U8's (Image: Supplied) Evergreen U11 Spartans (Image: Supplied) Evergreen U14 Pythons (Image: Supplied)
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
‘94 per cent' of Watford fans disagree with Cleverley sacking
The vast majority of Watford fans disagreed with the club's decision to sack Tom Cleverley, according to a Watford Observer poll. (Image: Alan Cozzi/ PA) NINETY-FOUR per cent of fans think Watford were wrong to sack Tom Cleverley, according to a Watford Observer poll, as owner Gino Pozzo hit back at scathing criticism. 'Madness', 'embarrassing' and 'absolutely ridiculous' were among the more sanitary reactions in our various comments sections – giving a flavour of many fans' feelings after his 14 months in charge was brought to an end. While plenty conceded Cleverley must shoulder some blame for a dismal 2025, the vast majority remained unequivocal that firing him was wrong. Even Watford's greatest ever player, Luther Blissett, branded it 'a total and utter farce'. The club's official statement was packed with effusive language thanking Cleverley for his service. It has been a 'privilege' to work with him, they said, and he will 'always be part of Watford in recognition of all that he has achieved over so many years'. But they added 'the time has come for a change and to build on what we believe is a young and talented squad that will have benefitted from the experience of the Championship season'. Within 24 hours of a Watford Observer poll launching, around 3,000 fans said WFC were wrong to sack Cleverley compared to 180 backing the club. Plenty of fingers were pointed at the board with claims that not investing in quality players – particularly in January amid key injuries – was the major reason for Watford's form. Gino Pozzo (Image: Alan Cozzi) Pozzo hit back today (May 7) saying 'we believe we have made the correct decision for the good of the football club. That is the basis for every decision we take.' He added: "Tom is a bright young coach who has a real future in the game, but he needs time to gain experience and in football time is a precious commodity. I felt, to achieve our immediate aims next season, we need a more experienced coach to get the best out of our squad. "Results and performances, certainly after Christmas, were those of a club in a relegation fight and we couldn't allow that momentum to continue into the next campaign.' Responding to a WO survey, Hornets fan Nigel Kemp was one of many to say he thought Cleverley should have been given next season. 'Yes the results may not have been what we wanted, so Tom must take some of the blame, but when he wasn't given any strikers in January – plus the injuries – it mostly lays at the feet of the board,' he said. Cleverley was 'doing the best he could with limited resources', added fellow fan Paul Baker, who claimed WFC having 20 head coaches since 2012 'makes the club a laughing stock'. Pozzo said he has seen the reactions and 'accepts' it, adding: 'I realise there will be some fans who, no matter what we say, are not going to agree with us. This is normal; it's football and I respect that the game is all about strong opinions.' Luther Blissett (Image: PA) Among the most damning reactions was that of club legend Luther Blissett, who voiced disappointment at 'the manner and the way it's been done'. 'Three days after the end of the season, when at the end of the last game Tom has walked around the pitch with his family,' Blissett told the Watford Observer's Andrew French. 'His family are emotionally invested in the club, just like he is. His little daughter was waving to the fans. That family connection is hopefully the lasting image the fans will have of him.' Tom Cleverley (Image: PA) Cleverley signed off with an emotional statement referencing his connection with the players and fans as 'the achievement I'm most proud of', adding he 'wasn't born in Watford or raised in Watford but this honestly feels like home'. The decision brings an end to his nine-and-a-half years at the club as a loanee, player, captain, academy coach and head coach. "To maintain [the] league position and points after selling key players last summer is something we should be proud of, as well as reflecting on why we couldn't sustain our play-off challenge will be something we should all review,' he added. "To the club I'm grateful for the opportunity, the players for their efforts, and the supporters myself and my family will forever appreciate the love and support you have given me on this journey. "I repeat I will be sad that it's over, but full of happiness that it ever happened. And I hope it's not the final time our paths cross. You 'Orns."
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Boy, 14, becomes barber after watching YouTube - and five more local stories you missed this week
A 14-year-old barber who taught himself to cut hair by watching YouTube videos is one of our best local stories of the week. The Watford Observer reported that Ellis Craggs cuts local teenagers' hair in the shed of his family's garden. Elsewhere, an 80-year-old weightlifter from Durham is still going strong and an Asda delivery driver was praised for saving a customer's life in Dorset. You can read the full version of each of our selected articles through the links under each story – or read more top headlines from around the UK's regions on the Yahoo UK local news page. A young entrepreneur has become the go-to barber for his fellow local teens after teaching himself how to cut hair by watching YouTube videos. Ellis Craggs, 14, from Watford, began cutting hair 10 months ago after practicing on one of his best friends. Quickly the word got out about Ellis's cheap and stylish haircuts and he began getting requests from other teens. Read the full story from the Watford Observer Five adorable lambs have been born to the same ewe in a 'one in a million' birth. The Texel Cross lambs - three girls and two boys - arrived at Bowerings Farm in Shapwick, Somerset. The quintuplets have been named Georgina, Timmy, Anne, Dick and Julian - after the Famous Five characters from the novels by Enid Blyton. Tracey Lockyer, 56, is the proud owner of the sheep and has never had five lambs born to one ewe before. Read the full story from Somerset Live A gladiator-training OAP is continuing to break powerlifting world records despite being in his ninth decade. Alexander Lee, from Thornley, in East Durham, has set two new world records in powerlifting for his age category. The 80-year-old competed in the Drug-Free Powerlifting competition on 2 March, where he lifted 112.5 kilos in the unequipped bench press, beating the existing record by 15 kilos. Read the full story from the Northern Echo A delivery driver helped save a woman's life after finding her unconscious at her home. Leandro Pinto Dantas, who works for Asda in Poole, was on a delivery round when he sensed something was wrong at a customer's home. Despite the lights and television being on, nobody answered the door or phone, which made him suspicious. Read the full story from the Bournemouth Echo An English duo have made their way up to Edinburgh from London by hitchhiking the whole way. Joe and Nathan, who run the page Dropouts on YouTube, took on the challenge in the hopes of proving 'people are nice'. The pair are known for taking on challenges and pranks, which they upload to their page. Setting off on a Thursday morning, the duo have a target of getting to Edinburgh by the following night. The journey takes them just over 31 hours, and eight separate lifts. Read the full story from Edinburgh Live The "longest serving" record store in Hove's busy high street continues to thrive 40 years on. Julian Pelling has owned Fine Records in George Street, Hove, since 1984 after taking it over from the previous owners. The store sells a wide range of new and pre-used classical CDs and also specialises in stock of jazz, nostalgia and soundtracks on second hand vinyl records including many rare collectables all in mint or near mint condition. Read the full story from The Argus
Morocco World
02-03-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Watford Manager Calls Imran Louza ‘One of Best Midfielders in the League'
Rabat – Moroccan international Imran Louza received high praise from Watford manager Tom Cleverley, who described him as 'one of the best midfielders in the league.' Speaking to the Watford Observer, Cleverley said the 25-year-old midfielder 'has become fantastic.' The Watford boss explained how the team has developed their tactical approach to maximize Louza's strengths. 'We've implemented a game plan to make him initiate many of our attacks and control our structure,' Cleverley said. 'We've tried to utilize his strengths, but what has impressed me are his leadership qualities.' Cleverley highlighted Louza's development as a leader within the squad. 'He has undoubtedly transformed into a leader, and he cares deeply about how well we perform,' he noted. The manager also defended Louza against misconceptions about his playing style. 'What people sometimes don't understand is that when a player isn't aggressive in winning tackles, they think he isn't good and can't maintain possession,' he said, adding that the Moroccan 'understands where he needs to be and can cover all areas.' Louza served as Watford's captain during Saturday's goalless draw against Stoke City in the 35th round of the Championship. His performance demonstrated that he has regained much of his brilliance this season, earning his manager's trust and cementing his position as a key player and team leader in the Watford lineup. Being in Watford's books since 2021, Louza has made 85 appearances in all competitions for the Hertfordshire outfit in all competitions to date. He scored on eight occasions and secured eight assists for his teammates. Tags: Atlas LionChampionshipFootballImran LouzaWatford
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
On this day: Former Watford player and football 'pioneer' passes away
On this day in 2021, the Watford Observer reported the death of former Watford player Tony Collins, the first black manager in the English Football League, who had passed away at the age of 94. The League Managers' Association (LMA) announced his death that afternoon. Collins, who made 90 appearances for Watford between 1950 and 1953, also had a notable playing career with clubs including Sheffield Wednesday, York, Norwich, Torquay, Crystal Palace, and Rochdale, where he was appointed manager in 1960. During his seven-year tenure, he led Rochdale to the League Cup final in 1962, marking the only major final in the club's history. He also returned for a second spell at Watford in 1957. LMA chairman Howard Wilkinson said: "Tony was a true pioneer of the sport. "He should be remembered and revered for his achievements on and off the pitch." [From the Watford Observer of February 8, 2021]
