Established in 2010, From The Rookery End is the original Watford FC supporters podcast.
Join lifelong supporters Mike, Jon and Jason, as they share their thoughts on anything and everything involving Watford FC. They'll be with you through the heartbreak and hope, the triumph and the trauma.
This is life as a Watford fan. This is From The Rookery End.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Established in 2010, From The Rookery End is the original Watford FC supporters podcast.
Join lifelong supporters Mike, Jon and Jason, as they share their thoughts on anything and everything involving Watford FC. They'll be with you through the heartbreak and hope, the triumph and the trauma.
This is life as a Watford fan. This is From The Rookery End.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Watford fans were treated to an early Christmas gift as Javi and the boys delivered a hard-fought 1–0 win over Stoke City — and this week, Jon, Jordi, Kieran and the Brigadier are in festive spirits as they break it all down.
The panel dive into the tactical tweaks (planned or enforced), assess encouraging signs from a new-look front four, and ask whether the back four is starting to find its rhythm. There’s plenty of praise for improved discipline, growing defensive solidity and the impact of Watford’s young players as confidence builds.
With eyes already on the next run of fixtures, the lads also discuss what still needs sharpening — especially away from home — and where this performance leaves the Hornets as they continue their journey through the Championship season. Momentum, belief and plenty to be positive about — come on you ’Orns!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this week’s From The Rookery End, it’s late drama, long memories and a splash of Hollywood glamour as Jon, Mike and Adam Drury from the Watford Observer unpack a breathless few days in Watford’s season.
Two games, two injury-time goals, and absolutely no shortage of talking points. The lads relive the frustration and fightback of the draw with Sheffield Wednesday before heading to North Wales for an afternoon that felt very different since the Hornets last visit to STōK Cae Ras (The Racecoure Ground), almost 30 years ago. Of course, this time the spotlight burned brighter than ever, with Hollywood royalty Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney watching on from the stands.
Beyond the nonsense and noise, there’s an attempt at atleast serious football chat too , with individual performances, injuries, and tactical tweaks under the spotlight
Drama, debate and a dash of stardust.
COME ON YOU ORNS
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Jon, Mike, Jordi, and Colin dive into Watford’s dramatic home win over Norwich City—an afternoon that somehow managed to be both thrilling and maddening in equal measure. The guys break down a first half where Norwich ran riot, exposing every crack in Watford’s shaky back line and reminding everyone just how painful a missing defensive midfielder can be.
From costly errors to moments of unexpected brilliance, they dissect it all—spotlighting standout performances (yes, Marmar gets his flowers) and questioning whether the defense can keep surviving without major tactical adjustments. With Javi Gracia’s leadership under the microscope, the crew debates what needs to change, what’s starting to click, and how Watford can turn promise into consistency.
Looking ahead, Plus what simply has to improve if Watford are going to stop inviting chaos every weekend.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A raw Monday evening away at St Andrews as defeat strikes Watford again — 2–1 to Birmingham City, but this one felt more self-inflicted than stolen.
Jon, Jordi, Jason and Paul from Denver watched that game in the FTRE spiritual home, at the spiritual table, in the Railway Arms.
After nine games of Javi #2, the symmetry with Paulo is uncanny: 12 points each for both managers in their first nine, 24 scored, 24 conceded, 6 wins-6 draws-6 loses across the record. Competitive, relevant, but painfully stuck in the middle. Still — a first goal for Maamma and more promise from the returning Chakvetadze gives a glimpse of what could be, especially down the left with Bola and Maamma linking up nicely. The big question now? Not just one striker or two, not even “three in midfield?” — but how the Hornets turn good play into real points and real momentum before “potential” stops being enough.
COME ON YOU ORNS
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Watford have finally cracked the away-day curse – and they’ve done it the hard way. In this episode of From The Rookery End, Jon and Jordi relive the 3–2 comeback at Derby after 280 winless days on the road, and dig into what it tells us about this team’s growing character. They talk Luca’s predator instincts in the box, Mama’s raw talent and rising expectations, another Baah’s worrying injury, and whether a switch to two up top would help. There’s praise for unflashy hero Edo Kayembe, chat about the increasingly settled back four, and reflections from the fans’ forum and the club’s direction. Plus, a gloriously fuzzy voice note from the Brigadier after one of his favourite ever Watford days.
Finally an away win
COME ON YOU ORNS!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Jon, Jason, DCW and the Brigadier as they walk down Occupation Road and towards the Railway Arms. They pick apart a match that started in style but fizzled into frustration.
The lads break down Watford’s bright opening spell, Bola’s superbly taken goal, and the tactical twist of Javi’s surprise 3-4-3 formation. They debate Shelvik’s role in conceding the free kick, the manager’s reluctance to make early changes, and why young stars like Erin Kunda and Max Alain are dividing opinion.
There’s also praise for the energy off the bench from Baah and a glimpse of something special from U20 World Cup star Othmane Maamma.
.
All that — plus some proper pub analysis, tactical talk, and a dose of Hornets humour — in this week’s From The Rookery End.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this weekend's FTRE, Jon, Jason, Kieran and Jordi shelter from the rain as they stand outside Vicarage Road to celebrate a dominant 3–0 win over Middlesbrough — and Rob Edwards’ return. The team unpack a near-perfect display under Javi, from Selvik’s superb save to Bola’s standout performance against his old club, Louza’s growing influence, and a front line that finally clicked.
With Ipswich away and Bristol City at home up next, the lads debate rotation, rising stars, and what’s starting to look like a proper Javi side.
A clean sheet, three goals, and plenty to smile about — it’s been a while!
COME ON YOU ORNS
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Watford’s midday clash with Coventry had it all — flashes of brilliance that frustratingly led to missed chances, diabolical defensive lapses, and big tactical questions for Javi Gracia. In this week’s From the Rookery End, Jon, Jordi, and Mike break down the highs and lows, from Doumbia and Vata’s attacking promise to the influence of Louza in midfield and the players chosen to support him. Can the Hornets find consistency and turn potential into performance? Tune in for honest analysis, fan insight, and cautious optimism about what’s next for Watford.
00:00 Introduction to Watford's Season and Podcast
03:10 Match Analysis: Watford vs Coventry
05:40 Defensive Struggles and Team Selection
09:02 Midfield Dynamics and Player Contributions
11:40 The Role of Key Players: Louza and Others
14:44 Tactical Adjustments and Future Prospects
25:14 Analysing Watford's Performance Against Coventry
29:40 Striker Dynamics and Team Potential
34:45 Tactical Adjustments and Player Combinations
39:40 Looking Ahead: Middlesbrough Match Preview
44:33 Building Cohesion and Consistency in the Squad
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Three points, a proper performance, and a sense that something’s finally clicking. In a extra midweek podcast, Jon, The Brigadier and Adam Drury, from the Watford Observer, relive Watford’s home win over West Brom — from Imran Louza running the show to Rocco Vata’s fearless flair. There’s talk of tactical tweaks, defensive grit, and the all-important question: is this the start of a real Watford revival? Coventry awaits, and optimism’s creeping back into the stands.
This is From The Rookery End
COME ON YOU ORNS
00:00 Introduction and Game Overview
01:05 First Half Analysis
04:22 Tactical Adjustments and Player Performances
09:58 Imran Louza's Impact
15:00 Substitutions and Game Changes
20:26 Young Players and Team Identity
25:46 Defensive Performance and Player Selection
31:34 Looking Ahead to Coventry Match
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Watford’s coaching carousel spins once more — Paulo Pezzolano is out, and Javi García is back in. In this episode, we dive into the emotions, the logic, and the chaos behind another managerial reset. Was Pezzolano’s dismissal inevitable? Does Gino deserve credit for acting quickly? And what does Javi’s return really mean for a club still searching for stability?
We talk about the surprise warmth of seeing Javi back, the questions over whether old wounds can truly heal, and the intrigue around how he’ll approach a very different Watford side this time around. With the noise dying down and the team still well-placed, could this finally be the start of something fun and functional?
This is From The Rookery End
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week’s episode, Jon, Mike and Jordi break down Watford’s hard-fought 2–1 home win over Oxford United, with Jeremy Ngakia grabbing both goals and continuing to impress with his calm, professional displays. We dive into all the big moments and standout performances from Vicarage Road — who shone, who struggled, and how the Hornets finally got the job done.
But it wouldn’t be Watford without a bit of off-pitch drama, would it? We tackle the latest rumours of another Head Coach change, asking whether Paulo’s constant tinkering is holding the team back… or the early signs of a master plan in motion. And we take a closer look at Kwadwo Baah’s late cameos — is there more to come from the youngster this season or is he being held back?
All that and more, right here on this week’s pod.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After being a Fratton Park on Wednesday night, Colin Mace (the Brigadier to you and I) sent in a message with his thoughts on the game and the Watford fans.
We'll be bak with a podcast after the home game against Oxford United.
Come on you Orns
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Another game, another shake-up — but how many changes is too many? Jon, Mike and Adam Drury, from the Watford Observer discuss how Watford looked lost in a dreadful first half where Hull should’ve been out of sight, only for Paulo Pezzolano’s faith in his team to finally pay off after the break.
We break down the transformation: Semedo’s starring role, Baah’s worrying treatment (and injury), and what Pezzolano’s choices are telling us about where this team is headed.
Welcome to From The Rookery End
COME ON YOU ORNS
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Watford fell 1-0 at home to Blackburn on a day that was about much more than football. As the club looks ahead to celebrating Elton John’s 50th anniversary of becoming Owner and Chairman of the Hornets, the team took to the pitch in a striking Elton-inspired special blue kit. The game began brightly, but the spark never quite caught fire.
Outside the Hornet Shop, Jordi, Mike, Jason and Colin gathered to break down the performance, Paulo Pezzolano's team selection and substitute choice, spotlight the players who impressed, and reflect on the occasion.
And for the story behind that special edition kit, Jon caught up with Kevin Newman, Watford’s Head of Retail, to hear how the design came to life.
COME ON YOU ORNS!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
For the second weekend running, Nestory Irankunda delivered another sensational free kick — and somehow, this one was even better than last week’s strike. Despite his brilliance, Watford were held to a 2-2 draw at Vicarage Road against Southampton.
Post-match at the Mad Squirrel, Jon, Mike, DCW, and the Brigadier broke down the game. They discussed:
After an emotional farewell to Ryan Andrews, the team was joined by Adam Drury from the Watford Observer to chat about the transfer window — including what business Watford still hope to do and how the final few days might unfold.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As the Hornets made their second away trip of the season, this time down to south Wales to face Swansea City, the team behind the microphones was split in two. Mike, Kieran, and Ryan braved the long journey down the M4, while Jon, Jordi, Olly, and DCW opted for the considerably shorter — and far more sociable — trip to the Railway Arms opposite Bushey station.
The big question heading into the game was whether Watford would miss Imran Louza’s creativity. At least from set pieces, they certainly didn’t. Nestory Irankunda’s stunning first-half strike was a moment of real quality, lighting up an otherwise cagey affair.
In the latest episode, the team break down the match from both the stands and the bar. They discuss who stepped up when it mattered, which players continue to grow into their roles, and who perhaps fell short of expectations on the day.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.