Taking Watford to the top - My final FM15 Story!!

[FramedAdam]

TWO NEW FACES AT WATFORD!

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Watford have confirmed the loan signings of Southampton centre-back Maya Yoshida and Crystal Palace striker Dwight Gayle until the end of the season.

Yoshida will be used as cover for the Watford back line, whilst Gayle will offer a little more strike power to a team lacking in goals in recent times.
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[FramedAdam]

FEBRUARY: BACK TO WINNING WAYS!
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An easy victory for Watford against a Norwich side fighting to stay in the Premier League. Despite dominating the first half, we found ourselves going in to the half time break drawing 0-0. We continued to create chances in the second half, and were rewarded when Gabriele Angella rose highest to head in a Ikechi Anya corner. Anya sealed the win in the 91st minute as John Ruddy spilled the ball after a Matej Vydra effort.

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A massive result against a side battling with us to qualify for the Euro Cup. Matej Vydra scored his first goal of the game after capitalising on some poor defending by Southampton. The job was made even easier as Steven Davis was sent off for a second booking just after half time. Southampton couldn't recover from the sending off and were punished in the 59th minute as Vydra grabbed his second. The on loan striker secured his hat-trick 5 minutes later to give Watford a well earned victory.

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The FA Cup tie against Fulham got off to a flying start as Odion Ighalo scored after just 2 minutes. Fulham were gifted a goal as Bryan Ruiz seized on an error by Joel Ekstrand to score the equaliser in the 50th minute. Ighalo scored the winner in the 56th minute after latching on to a through ball from Vydra to slot the ball past the Fulham keeper.

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We came up against a strong Man City side, who are aiming to qualify for Europe this season. Frank Lampard scored an incredible effort from 25 yards to give City the lead, before Aguero doubled City's tally on the stroke of half time. Just as the game looked like Watford would get nothing from it, Troy Deeney scored only his 6th goal of the season to give the fans something to cheer about.

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Coming off the back of the defeat to City, we played a Villa side looking to get a repeat of their victory from earlier in the season. Both teams created chances in the first half, but Watford looked more likely to score. Odion Ighalo scored his first goal of the game in the 33rd minute to give us the lead, before sealing the victory just after half time with a well taken effort from outside the area.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

February's Player of the Month award has to go to Odion Ighalo. The striker looks like he has found his form again after scoring 4 goals for the club this month.

LEAGUE TABLE
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After winning 9 points in February, we have climbed back up the table into 6th place. We need to keep this run of form going though, as there is only 3 points separating 5th place Everton and 10th placed Newcastle.

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[FramedAdam]

Is there any real interest in this story, or am i just posting these updates for nothing? Would like to know so I can decide whether or not to continue with the story...

 

[yiliang99]

I'm a silent reader

 

[FramedAdam]

MARCH: ANOTHER GOOD MONTH FOR THE HORNETS!
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Another game where we dominated from kick-off. Ben Watson got us off to an amazing start, scoring after just 8 minutes. Ikechi Anya doubled the lead with a well placed shot after 21 minutes, giving us a 2-0 lead at half time. Everton came out after half time looking to get a goal back, but it was Watford who got the goal through Ighalo, who has been on a great goalscoring run this season. Dani Tozser finished the game from the penalty spot, after John Stones was judged to have handled the ball in the area.

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Another FA Cup tie, and another win for Watford. Odion Ighalo scored for the second game running to get us off to a great start against a strong Sunderland side. Ikechi Anya celebrated his new contract by scoring a brace, either side of an incredible free kick from Jordi Gomez. Next up in the cup for Watford... STOKE CITY!

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For the second game running against Newcastle, both teams came out fighting. Ighalo scored his first of the game after 10 minutes to give Watford the lead, before Mehdi Abeid capitalised on an error by Gomes to score for Newcastle. Ighalo made it 2-1 just before half time. Newcastle came out after half time the strongest and were rewarded as Ayoze Perez scored in the 55th minute to even the score. Despite Watford creating more chances in the second half, it was Newcastle who got the winner, as Moussa Sissoko came off the subs bench to score with his first touch.

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Arsenal came in to this game looking to capitalise on our recent loss, but were in for a surprise. Dani Tozser scored for the second time this month to give Watford a well deserved lead, before Ighalo scored again to make it 2-0 heading into half time. Arsenal never looked like scoring in this game, but were given a lifeline when on loan defender Maya Yoshida put the ball past Pacheco in goal.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

For the second month running, Odion Ighalo wins the Player of the Month award. An amazing month for the Nigerian striker, who added 5 more goals to his impressive goal tally. He is currently sat in 2nd place in the Premier League top scorers list on 17, only one goal behind Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson.

LEAGUE TABLE
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After losing just one league game this month, Watford remain in 6th place in the table. With 4 teams battling for the final Champions Cup spot, the final 7 games will be very interesting to say the least.

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[FramedAdam]

WATFORD MAKE FIRST SUMMER SIGNING!

Despite only being in April, Watford are already preparing for their second season in the Premier League, and the possibility of European football, by signing 23-year old Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson on a 3-year deal. The fee is believed to be around £11m, including add-ons, and will see the striker join Watford on June 9th.

The deal came about after Watford manager Adam Seekings admitted his admiration of the player during a press conference, and after discussing the move with the board, they agreed to fund the transfer.

The Englishman has been in incredible form for Bournemouth this season, and leads the Premier League goalscorers list with 18 league goals. He has said that despite his love for Bournemouth, a move to Watford was 'too good to turn down'. Watford fans will definitely be excited for what is to come from their new striker.

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[FramedAdam]

APRIL: WATFORD HEADING FOR EUROPE?
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Crystal Palace got the game off to a flyer after scoring just 6 minutes into the match, thanks to a Yannick Bolasie strike from the edge of the area. Odion Ighalo continued his great scoring record, leveling the game up after 27 minutes. As the game was heading to a close, and both teams looking happy to get the point, Watford went on the counter attack and claimed all 3 points through a Matej Vydra goal. This was Vydra's first goal since his hat-trick vs Southampton in March.

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A back and forth game, where both sides could have scored loads, ended with Swansea taking all 3 points against in-form Watford. Gylfi Sigurdsson scored a perfect freekick into the top left corner to give the Welsh side the victory after 33 minutes.

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Time for the FA Cup semi-final. Both teams went into this game knowing that a place at Wembley was on offer to the victors. Stoke got off to the better start, and Marko Arnautovic could have made it 1-0 within the opening 5 minutes, but put the ball just wide of the right hand post. Watford came into life after that, and got their goal just before half time as Matej Vydra scored from inside the area. Odion Ighalo scored the winner in the 69th minute, giving Watford a well deserved victory and sending the side to Wembley, where they will face West Ham United in the final.

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We came up against a Leicester side destined to be relegated. The game couldn't have got off to a better start for Watford, as Ben Watson opened the scoring after 4 minutes. Leicester showed they weren't going out without a fight, and equalised through Assou-Ekotto just seconds after the restart. Both sides had chances to score, but it was Watford who prevailed as in form striker Ighalo popped up again to score a brace to end the game 3-1.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

After scoring 4 goals and giving some amazing performances over the past month, Odion Ighalo claims his third successive Player of the Month award. His goalscoring record has led Watford to the final of the FA Cup, and has given them the belief that they can qualify for Europe.

*THERE IS NO LEAGUE TABLE FOR APRIL, AS I FORGOT TO TAKE THE SCREENSHOT *

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[FramedAdam]

MAY: WATFORD ARE GOING OVERSEAS!
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In what was touted as a preview of the FA Cup final, Watford proved why they were sat in the position they were by dominating West Ham. Things got off to a terrible start for West Ham as Alex Song put the ball past his own keeper to give Watford the lead. Ighalo doubled that lead after 22 minutes to all but bury West Ham. The victory was sealed in the 36th minute as Matej Vydra popped up to score his 16th goal of the season. Troy Deeney got his name on the scoresheet to end the game 4-0.

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We player a Bournemouth side battling to stay in the Premier League. Callum Wilson showed Watford fans what they can expect from their new signing, scoring a well placed finish after 30 minutes. Daniel Tozser equalised from the penalty spot as Artur Boruc fouled Ighalo as he was about to score. Matej Vydra sealed the win for Watford in the 69th minute to take Watford one step closer to the Euro Cup.

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Manchester United proved why they were deserved Champions in this game, by dominating Watford throughout the game. Wayne Rooney got the game off to a flying start, scoring his first goal from the penalty spot after 4 minutes. On loan striker Radamel Falcao doubled the lead after 15 minutes, before adding his second goal less than a minute later. Rooney scored his second goal of the game as Watford's back 4 crumbled under the pressure that United were putting on. Falcao put the game to bed, as sealed his hat-trick just before half time to give the home fans something else to cheer about.

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Coming off the back of the defeat to Man United, Watford needed to get a win in their final league game to guarantee european football next season. Matej Vydra scored in his final home game, before rejoining Udinese next season, to give Watford a 1-0 lead. That lead was doubled just before half time as Dani Tozser scored an amazing frekick from 20 yards out. Troy Deeney finished the scoring on 83 minutes with his 8th goal of the season, and confirm Watford's spot in next seasons Euro Cup.

FINAL LEAGUE TABLE
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We beat the early season expectations of being relegated, and proved that we deserve to be a part of this league. Manchester United won the Premier League title on the last day of the season, beating Chelsea by just 2 points. Tottenham finished in 3rd, whilst Liverpool claimed the final Champions Cup spot. We say goodbye to Norwich, Leicester and West Brom as they were all relegated to the Championship. Bournemouth managed to stay in the division with 3 wins out of their last 5 games.

NEXT UP: THE FA CUP FINAL vs WEST HAM... AND THE PLAYER OF THE SEASON IS REVEALED!

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[FramedAdam]

FA CUP FINAL: WEST HAM UNITED vs WATFORD

THE LINE-UPS
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Both teams are using their strongest possible line-up. West Ham will be without influential defender Winston Reid, whilst Watford are with out injured Daniel Pudil and suspended Gabriele Angella.

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Watford got the game off to a flying start as Odion Ighalo scored a well timed finish in the 7th minute. Ighalo doubled the lead on 40 minutes with a powerful effort from inside the area. Watford's defence switched off after the goal and were punished as Lee Dong-Gook scored from the edge of the area. Morgan Amilfitano equalised for the Hammers just before half time. Matej Vydra gave Watford the lead after 69th minute with a well worked goal. But that lead didn't last for long as Lee Dong-Gook scored his second of the game straight from kick-off.

Both teams had numerous chances to win the game, with neither team taking the single chance that could have ended the match in 90 minutes. Both teams went in to extra time looking for the winning goal, with both teams going close. Neither team found that all important goal in extra time, so we headed into the penalty shootout. With West Ham leading the shootout 5-4, it came down to Watford's leading scorer, Odion Ighalo, to take the final penalty. He stepped up, hit the ball hard and low towards the bottom right hand corner, but was denied by a great piece of goalkeeping by Adrian.

WEST HAM UNITED WIN THE FA CUP!

Watford manager Adam Seekings had this to say regarding the result.

'I am really disappointed to have lost this game on penalties, but I am not disheartened. We knew we were in for a tough time going into the game, and West Ham delivered. The players look as disappointed as I am to have got this far and lose it, but there are plenty of positives we can take from this game. We're going to take a well deserved break after a long season, and will come back even stronger next year.'



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[FramedAdam]

END OF SEASON AWARDS!

PLAYER OF THE SEASON

Our player of the season award has to go to Odion Ighalo. His performances in the league and cups have taken us to the Euro Cup, and took us to the FA Cup final. His 30 goals in this season have shown the hard work and dedication that he has given to the club. We will have a tough time on our hands to keep a hold of him in the summer, but I believe we can convince him to stay.

YOUNG PLAYER OF THE SEASON

Our young player of the season award goes to Matej Vydra. The on loan striker proved that he would be an asset to any Premier League club, with his 19 goals for the club. We will make an attempt to bring him back to the club next season, but if we are unable to do so, we wish him the best for his future.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Ikechi Anya - The Scottish wide man proved to be a key figure down the right hand side, creating chances in every game he featured in, and bagging himself 6 goals and 13 assists along the way.

Joel Ekstrand - The Swedish defender was a key part of our defensive line last season, and his performances helped us reach the heights that we did.

Heurelho Gomes - The Brazilian goalkeeper put in a number of key performances throughout the season, keeping 11 clean sheets along the way.

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[FramedAdam]

WATFORD SIGN THREE NEW PLAYERS!

Watford have continued to bolster their squad for the upcoming season with the signings of Stefano Sturaro, Matej Vydra and Juanfran, from Deportivo, Juventus and Udinese.

Sturaro is a 22 year old Italian centre midfielder who looks to force his way into the Watford first team. He played 17 games for Juventus last season, getting 2 assists in this time. He signs on a 4 year deal, with the fee believed to be around £3.7m

Matej Vydra is a name all Watford fans will know and love. He spent last season on loan with the Premier League club, and has done enough to earn himself a permanent transfer to the FA Cup finalists. During his time with Watford, Vydra bagged 19 goals and 11 assists. He signs on a 4 year deal, with the fee believed to be around £7.5m

Juanfran is a 26 year old Spanish right-back who will battle it out with Paredes for the defensive position. He spent last season on loan at Real Betis, scoring 1 goal and getting 8 assists in this time. He signs on a 4 year deal, with a fee believed to be around £1m

WATFORD OWNER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT!

Watford owner Gino Pozzo has announces his intention to retire from football. He has told the club that he feels it is time that he passed the club onto new owners while he still has the chance. An unnamed investor is leading a consortium looking to buy the club, so it will be interesting to see what happens if this takeover goes through.

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[FramedAdam]

ANOTHER NEW FACE AT WATFORD!

Watford have announced the signing of Micah Richards from Manchester City. Richards joins the club on a free transfer after being told he had no future at the Manchester club. Richards has signed a 4 year deal with the club, and will look to be a key figure for years to come.

The club have also confirmed that a contract has been offered to former West Ham defender Winston Reid, but the defender has a number of big clubs after his signature.

WATFORD TAKEOVER COMPLETE!
In addition to the signing of Micah Richards, Watford announced that the proposed takeover of the club had been successful. New Chairman David Sullivan has said that he is pleased to take over a club that has a bright future.

He refused to comment on reports that he is looking to replace current manager Adam Seekings, saying that no decision had been made on the Englishman's future at the club. Speculation has been running riot in the past few days with many sources claiming that former Marseille manager Marcelo Bielsa will be installed as manager, should Seekings be relieved of his duties.

It is safe to say that it will be an interesting few days for the club.


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[FramedAdam]

WATFORD SACK SEEKINGS!

Watford Chairman David Sullivan has announced that the club has parted ways with manager Adam Seekings. Seekings' future was always in doubt after Sullivan's takeover of the club, and the Englishman will now be searching for a new job.

Sullivan thanked Seekings for everything he had done for the club, and wished him well in his future endeavours.

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[FramedAdam]

I will be starting a new story, as soon as I get a new job. I will post a link in this story when I make the first post.

 

[skyfall]

first time when i see someone being sacked after a new president gets in charge.

 

[FramedAdam]

My new managerial journey has begun. I have been hired by Arsenal. You can follow my progress here