Rich covers the Preston win and his own rehab work in this week's update
We despatch Preston as we bounce back in style.
After the drubbing against West Brom the game against Preston was always going to be a test of character and once again I’m happy to say that we came through with flying colours.
This was arguably our best performance to date; we dominated the game and on another day could’ve walked away with a few more goals under our belt.
Once again Tom Cleverley stood out and Heidar just keeps adding to the already confirmed legendary status that he has at Vicarage road.
Defensively we were very solid too. Aidy and Craig were immense and perhaps that was the most pleasing aspect of yesterday, to come away with not only the three points but a clean sheet on the back of five conceded last week.
Once again this game brings with it another international break. I can’t remember a season before where we’ve had three in such quick succession but it does give us a quick chance to reflect on what has been on the whole a very positive start to the season.
We find ourselves on 24 points after 16 games, only three points off the play-offs and 10 clear of the relegation zone. It’s a massive credit to Malky and his staff who had to cut the wage bill significantly at the start of the season, which they did and not only are we on a healthy number of points I think the most impressive thing has been the style in which we’ve done it.
I can sense the crowd appreciate the football we are trying to play even if it doesn’t always come off. We’ve already had a handful of memorable games, Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest away to mention a couple. I think I echo what all Watford fans are thinking right now: if we can continue to improve at the rate we are showing then this really could be a memorable season.
On a personal note, I’m due to up my training this week and start doing a bit with Alec again. The knee’s feeling great and the physios have been fantastic with me, Richard Collinge in particular who deserves a mention as he’s stepped into the role of head physio this season without any disruption whatsoever.
We are very fortunate to have a number of very capable physios at the club, which benefits the team massively for so many reasons. Thankfully in my case it was only a minor niggle and I’m looking forward to getting back involved very soon and keeping Scotty on his toes.
Once again, so far so good.