2012–13 Watford F.C. season

Watford Football Club is a football club from Watford, Hertfordshire, England. The club played in the 2012–13 Football League Championship for the sixth consecutive season since relegation from the Premier League in 2006–07.[1] The club also competed in the FA Cup and the Football League Cup.

Watford
2012–13 season
ChairmanRaffaele Riva
Head coachGianfranco Zola
StadiumVicarage Road
Championship3rd (77 points)
FA Cup3rd Round
(eliminated by Manchester City)
League CupSecond Round
(eliminated by Bradford City)

Despite guiding the club to an 11th-placed finish in 2009-10, the club's 3rd highest points tally for 9 years, manager Sean Dyche was dismissed and replaced by Gianfranco Zola following the club's takeover by Udinese and Granada owner Giampaolo Pozzo. The club captain was central midfielder John Eustace,[2] although due to injury, Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia was captain for the majority of the season. During the summer transfer window, the club sold two key first team players; academy graduate Adrian Mariappa and goalkeeper Scott Loach. To replace them, Watford brought in two experienced players in Manuel Almunia and Fitz Hall. All other incoming transfers were loan players, mainly from Udinese and Granada. Zola later revealed that the club only loaned the players due to the short time scale between the completion of the take over and the transfer deadline day.[3]

Watford had a relatively poor start to the season, losing 7 of their first 13 games, including a heavy 5-1 loss to Derby County F.C.. In the subsequent months however, Watford began to win more matches and started to climb the table, rising to hold the 6th position by the end of 2012. Towards the end of the season, Watford were in contention for an automatic promotion spot together with Hull. On a dramatic final day of the regular season, Hull failed to guarantee their automatic promotion by only drawing to league champions Cardiff, however Watford were unable to capitalise against Leeds and finished the season in 3rd place, entering the play-offs. Over two games, Watford beat Leicester City on aggregate in a dramatic semi-final that saw them face Crystal Palace in the play-off final at Wembley where Crystal Palace won and sealed promotion to the Premier League.

Background
Main articles: 2011–12 Watford F.C. season and History of Watford F.C.

Sean Dyche replaced Malky Mackay as Watford manager at the end of the 2010–11 season. Following the departures of Mackay, Danny Graham, Will Buckley and Don Cowie, Watford were tipped for relegation in 2011–12 by some bookmakers and media organisations.[4][5] However, Watford finished the season in 11th place with 64 points;[6] Watford's third highest points tally since the departure of Graham Taylor as manager in 2001.[7] At the end of the season, it was confirmed that Rene Gilmartin, Michael Bryan, Josh Walker, Chez Isaac and Tom James would be released – their contracts expired at the end of the 2011–12 season.[8] Former manager Graham Taylor stepped down as chairman shortly before UEFA Euro 2012, indicating that he felt the timing was right and that he was keen to pursue other interests.[9]

Takeover

In June 2012, Laurence Bassini indicated that he was looking to sell the club. Amid reports that the club's bondholders had called in the debt due to an act of default, Bassini stressed that the decision to sell was his alone, motivated by a wish to spend more time with his family.[10] A company owned by Giampaolo Pozzo and his family completed the takeover of Watford on 29 June 2012.[11] The management structure of the club changed significantly in the following weeks, with Rafaelle Riva appointed chairman. Former West Ham United chief executive Scott Duxbury and technical director Gianluca Nani took up similar roles with Watford, while ex-West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola replaced Sean Dyche.[12][13] The club also stated an intention to make use of the Pozzo family's scouting network, which identifies players for Udinese in Serie A and Granada in La Liga.[14]

Pre Season

Watford did not make any signings prior to the start of their pre-season campaign, but their first two games against local featured triallists Daniel Pudil and Almen Abdi. In both matches – away to Boreham Wood and Wealdstone – Watford changed all eleven players at half time. Both games finished as 1–1 draws.[15][16] The team's first win of pre-season came in a visit to Irish side Cork City,[17] and was followed by an 8–0 win in a match against Barnet at Watford's training ground in London Colney.[18]

Watford's only pre-season game at Vicarage Road was a testimonial match for defender Lloyd Doyley, who started his professional career at the club in 2001. Before the start of the game, Doyley entered the pitch to a guard of honour, and when he was substituted with 15 minutes remaining he was given a standing ovation by supporters. However, a goal from Tottenham's Jermain Defoe gave the visitors a 1–0 victory.[19] Watford finished their pre-season schedule with a 3–0 win at Gillingham, with two goals from Matěj Vydra and one from Piero Mingoia.[20]

17 July 2012 Boreham Wood1–1WatfordMeadow Park
19:30 Hutton  12' [15] Mingoia  7'
21 July 2012 Wealdstone1–1WatfordGrosvenor Vale
15:00 Parker  77' [16] Yeates  13' Attendance: 1,335
24 July 2012 Cork City0–2WatfordTurners Cross
19:45 [17] Garner  16'
Mingoia  87'		 Attendance: 1,182
1 August 2012 Watford8–0BarnetUCL Sports Ground
15:00 Hogg
Garner
Nosworthy
Abdi
Yeates
Murray
Iwelumo 		[18]
5 August 2012 Watford0–1Tottenham HotspurVicarage Road
15:00 [21] Defoe  55' Attendance: 9,218
7 August 2012 Gillingham0–3WatfordPriestfield Stadium
19:30 [20] Vydra  12', 15'
Mingoia  29'

Championship
18 August 2012 1Crystal Palace2−3WatfordSelhurst Park
15:00 Garvan  13' (pen.), 29' [22] Taylor  22'
Abdi  88'
Vydra  90'		 Attendance: 17,109
21 August 2012 2Watford0−1Ipswich TownVicarage Road
19:45 [23] Chopra Attendance: 12,422
25 August 2012 3Watford2−0Birmingham CityVicarage Road
17:20 Abdi  4' (pen.)
Vydra  17'		 [24] Attendance: 11,022
1 September 2012 4Derby County5−1WatfordPride Park
15:00 Keogh  16'
Hendrick  36'
Sammon  43'
Hughes  52'
Ward  67'		  71' Vydra Attendance: 20,608
15 September 2012 5Bolton Wanderers2−1WatfordReebok Stadium
15:00 Mills  3'
Davies  42'		  58' Doyley Attendance: 16,608
18 September 2012 6Watford0−1Brighton & Hove AlbionVicarage Road
19:45 Report Mackail-Smith  50' (pen.) Attendance: 11,894
22 September 2012 7Watford2−2Bristol CityVicarage Road
15:00 Wilson  59' (o.g.)
Vydra  72'		 Report  63' Elliott
 83' Davies		 Attendance: 11,886
29 September 2012 8Huddersfield Town2−3WatfordJohn Smith's Stadium
15:00 Norwood  25'
Lee  84'		 Forestieri  68'
Hall  83'
Deeney  87' (pen.)		 Attendance: 14,564
2 October 2012 9Charlton Athletic1−2WatfordThe Valley
19:45 Fuller  35' Report Hoban  29'
Abdi  70'		 Attendance: 15,585
6 October 2012 10Watford1−2MiddlesbroughVicarage Road
15:00 Deeney  1' Report Emnes  30'
McDonald  77'		 Attendance: 12,006
20 October 2012 11Watford1−0Peterborough UnitedVicarage Road
15:00 Vydra  90' (pen.) Report Attendance: 15,950
23 October 2012 12Cardiff City2−1WatfordCardiff City Stadium
19:45 Whittingham  71' (pen.)
Gunnarsson  90+1'		 Report Hoban  28' Attendance: 20,077
27 October 2012 13Blackburn Rovers1−0WatfordEwood Park
15:00 Rhodes  90+2' Report Attendance: 13,233
3 November 2012 14Watford2−1Leicester CityVicarage Road
15:00 Abdi  14'
Forestieri  68'		 Report Nugent  71' Attendance: 12,954
6 November 2012 15Watford0−0MillwallVicarage Road
19:45 Report Attendance: 11,293
10 November 2012 16Leeds United1−6WatfordElland Road
15:00 Tonge  80' (pen.) Report Vydra  27', 82'
Abdi  62'
Yeates  75'
Murray  90+4'
Deeney  90+8'		 Attendance: 19,104
17 November 2012 17Watford2−1Wolverhampton WanderersVicarage Road
15:00 Chalobah  35'
Deeney  68'		 Report Sako  54' Attendance: 13,588
24 November 2012 18Blackpool2−2WatfordBloomfield Road
15:00 Phillips  52'
Osbourne  90'		 Report Anya  4'
Deeney  21'		 Attendance: 13,076
27 November 2012 19Sheffield Wednesday1−4WatfordHillsborough
19:45 Antonio  3' Report Forestieri  18'
Geijo  67'
Deeney  75'
Yeates  83'		 Attendance: 18,922
1 December 2012 20Watford4−1BarnsleyVicarage Road
15:00 Deeney  10', 66'
Yeates  59'
Vydra  83' (pen.)		 Report Tudgay  90+4' Attendance: 11,335
8 December 2012 21Watford1−2Hull CityVicarage Road
15:00 Deeney  90+2' Report Meyler  41'
Brady  73'		 Attendance: 12,156
15 December 2012 22Burnley1−1WatfordTurf Moor
15:00 Austin  28' (pen.) Report Chalobah  11' Attendance: 14,896
22 December 2012 23Watford2−0Nottingham ForestVicarage Road
15:00 Yydra  15', 40' Report Attendance: 15,143
26 December 2012 Bristol CityP−PWatfordAshton Gate Stadium
15:00 Postponed due to waterlogged pitch
29 December 2012 24Brighton & Hove Albion1−3WatfordAmex Stadium
15:00 López  65' (pen.) Report Deeney  54'
Vydra  68', 69'		 Attendance: 26,727
1 January 2013 25Watford3−4Charlton AthleticVicarage Road
13:00 Pudil  11'
Abdi  53' (pen.)
Geijo  68'		 Report Hoban  34' (o.g.)
Kermorgant  37', 70'
Jackson  78'		 Attendance: 14,221
Referee: T. Kettle
12 January 2013 26Middlesbrough1−2WatfordRiverside Stadium
15:00 McDonald  90' Report Vydra  45', 83' Attendance: 17,499
19 January 2013 27Watford4−0Huddersfield TownVicarage Road
15:00 Deeney  45' (pen.)
Vydra  57', 74'
Battocchio  86'		 Report Attendance: 12,522
Referee: S. Duncan
26 January 2013 28Nottingham Forest0−3WatfordCity Ground
15:00 Report Vydra  20', 72'
Deeney  34'		 Attendance: 20,732
29 January 2013 29Bristol City2−0WatfordAshton Gate Stadium
19:45 Cunningham  43'
Anderson  65'		 Report Attendance: 13,586
2 February 2013 30Watford2−1Bolton WanderersVicarage Road
15:00 Vydra  36'
Abdi  70'		 Report Sordell  32' (pen.) Attendance: 13,223
8 February 2013 31Watford2−2Crystal PalaceVicarage Road
19:45 Abdi  6'
Chalobah  14'		 Report Ramage  66'
Phillips  70'		 Attendance: 15,079
16 February 2013 32Birmingham City0−4WatfordSt. Andrew's
15:00 Report Deeney  38', 62'
Anya  43'
Abdi  89'		 Attendance: 18,933
19 February 2013 33Ipswich Town0−2WatfordPortman Road
19:45 Report Anya  18'
Chalobah  72'		 Attendance: 16,821
23 February 2013 34Watford2−1Derby CountyVicarage Road
15:00 Vydra  35'
Ekstrand  68'		 Report Ward  73' (pen.) Attendance: 14,425
1 March 2013 35Wolverhampton Wanderers1−1WatfordMolineux
19:45 Sako  90+3' Report Abdi  41' Attendance: 18,571
5 March 2013 36Watford2−1Sheffield WednesdayVicarage Road
19:45 Forestieri  53', 63' Report Antonio  19' Attendance: 12,727
9 March 2013 37Watford1−2BlackpoolVicarage Road
15:00 Battocchio  27' Report Ince  76'
MacKenzie  88'		 Attendance: 13,857
16 March 2013 38Barnsley1−0WatfordOakwell
15:00 Hassell  35' Report Attendance: 9,076
29 March 2013 39Watford3−3BurnleyVicarage Road
15:00 Deeney  6'
Forestieri  29', 72'		 Report Austin  1', 24' (pen.)
Vokes  90'		 Attendance: 15,435
1 April 2013 40Hull City0−1WatfordKC Stadium
19:45 Report Deeney  41' Attendance: 20,043
6 April 2013 41Watford0−0Cardiff CityVicarage Road
15:00 Report Attendance: 15,550
13 April 2013 42Peterborough United3−2WatfordLondon Road
15:00 Swanson  20'
Gayle  61'
Tomlin  67'		 Report Yeates  85'
Forestieri  90'		 Attendance: 10,848
16 April 2013 43Millwall1−0WatfordThe Den
19:45 Batt  83' Report Attendance: 9,366
20 April 2013 44Watford4−0Blackburn RoversVicarage Road
15:00 Deeney  52', 61'
Abdi  67'
Briggs  75'		 Report Attendance: 13,775
26 April 2013 45Leicester City1−2WatfordKing Power
19:45 Kane  61' Report Deeney  41'
Chalobah  43'		 Attendance: 25,091
4 May 2013 46Watford1−2Leeds UnitedVicarage Road
12:45 Abdi  45' Report Poleon  42'
McCormack  90'		 Attendance: 16,968

Championship Play-offs
Main article: 2013 Football League play-offs
9 May 2013 Semi-Final 1st LegLeicester City1−0WatfordKing Power Stadium
19:45 Nugent  82' Report Attendance: 29,560
12 May 2013 Semi-Final 2nd LegWatford3−1Leicester CityVicarage Road
12:30 Vydra  15', 65'
Deeney  90+7'  90+7'		 Report Nugent  19' Attendance: 16,142
27 May 2013 FinalWatford0−1 (a.e.t.)Crystal PalaceWembley Stadium
15:00 Report Phillips  105+1' (pen.) Attendance: 82,025

Football League Cup

The Football League Championship season started later than usual, due to the Olympic games being held in London. Thus, Watford's first competitive game was in the League Cup, at home to League Two side Wycombe Wanderers. The game saw few chances, and was goalless after 90 minutes. Substitute Chris Iwelumo scored the winner for Watford in extra time, assisted by debutant Matěj Vydra.[25] In the next round, Watford again hosted League Two opposition in the form of eventual cup runners up Bradford City. After a goalless first half, Ikechi Anya put Watford into the lead in the 71st minute, on his first start for the club. However, Bradford scored two late goals to win the match 2–1. Both of Bradford's goals were scored shortly after direct free kicks.[26]

11 August 2012 Round 1Watford1–0 (a.e.t.)Wycombe WanderersVicarage Road
15:00 Iwelumo  110' [25] Attendance: 5,343
28 August 2012 Round 2Watford1–2Bradford CityVicarage Road
19:45 Anya  71' [26] Reid  84'
Thompson  90'		 Attendance: 5,568

FA Cup

Premier League and Championship clubs enter the FA Cup at the third round stage, where they are joined by the 20 winners from the second round for a total of 64 teams. The draw took place on 2 December 2012. Watford were drawn away to 2011 winners and eventual finalists Manchester City where Manchester City won thanks to goals from Tevez, Barry and Lopes.

5 January 2013 Round 3Manchester City3–0WatfordEtihad Stadium
15:00 Tevez  25'
Barry  44'
Lopes  90+1'		 Report Attendance: 46,821

League table
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Promotion or relegation
1 Cardiff City (C, P) 46 25 12 9 72 45 +27 87 Promotion to the Premier League
2 Hull City (P) 46 24 7 15 61 52 +9 79
3 Watford 46 23 8 15 85 58 +27 77 Qualification for Championship play-offs
4 Brighton & Hove Albion 46 19 18 9 69 43 +26 75
5 Crystal Palace (P, O) 46 19 15 12 73 62 +11 72
Updated to match(es) played on 4 May 2013. Source: BBC Sport
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.
(C) Champion; (O) Play-off winner; (P) Promoted.

Summary
Round12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546
GroundAHHAAHHAAHHAAHHAHAAHHAHAHAHAAHHAAHAHHAHAHAAHAH
ResultWLWLLLDWWLWLLWDWWDWWLDWWLWWWLWDWWWDWLLDWDLLWWL
Position41351217202018111413151615161210118667666664443332222333333333
Updated to match(es) played on 4 May 2013. Source: BBC Sport
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

Players

Statistics

Statistics correct as of game played 27 May 2013.[27][28]

2012–13 Watford player details[lower-alpha 2]
No. Pos Name P G P G P G P G P G Age Joined club Yth Notes
Championship FA Cup League Cup Play-offs Total Discipline
1GKManuel Almunia 39000103043030362012No—
2DFLee Hodson 1+10001+10002+2000212009Yes—
3DFCarl Dickinson 2+200020004+2010262011No—
4MFJohn Eustace 2+301010004+3020332008No—
5DFMartin Taylor 310020005110332010No—
5DFNeuton 7+100+1000007+2030232012No
6DFFitz Hall 19+2100000+1019+3150322012No—
7MFMark Yeates 18+11400100019+11440282011No—
8MFJonathan Hogg 31+7000202+1035+8040242011No—
9FWTroy Deeney 33+71910002136+72081242010No—
10FWChris Iwelumo 4+30000+11004+4100342011No—
11MFCraig Forsyth 1+10001+10002+2000242011No—
12DFLloyd Doyley 28+6110103033+6120302001Yes—
13FWSteve Leo Beleck 0+500010001+5010202012No
14MFRoss Jenkins 000010001000222008Yes—
15MFStephen McGinn 000000000000242010No—
16MFSean Murray 8+71000+10008+8100192010Yes—
17DFDale Bennett 000000000000232008Yes—
17DFMatthew Briggs 5+2100001+106+3120222013No
18DFDaniel Pudil 35+2110002038+21111272012No
19MFPrince Buaben 0+100000000+1000252011No—
20FWMatěj Vydra 27+1420101+103232+152220212012No
21MFIkechi Anya 18+7300113022+7410252012No
22MFAlmen Abdi 36+212001+103040+31260262012No
23MFPiero Mingoia 000000000000212010Yes—
24FWMatthew Whichelow 000000000000212010Yes—
25FWJoe Garner 200010003000252011No—
26MFBritt Assombalonga 000000000000202011Yes—
27FWGavin Massey 000000000000202010Yes—
27DFMarco Cassetti 36+2010003040+20121352012No
28FWConnor Smith 2+500000002+5010202011Yes—
29DFAdam Thompson 0+400010001+4000202010Yes—
30GKJonathan Bond 7+101010009+1000202010Yes—
31DFTommie Hoban 19200000019200192011Yes—
32DFAaron Tumwa 000000000000192012Yes—
33DFNyron Nosworthy 18+1010100020+1020322011No—
34GKJack Bonham 0+100000000+1000192010Yes—
35MFStephan Hamilton-Forbes 000000000000192012Yes—
36FWAlexandre Geijo 7+11200001+108+12200312012No
37MFGeoffrey Mujangi Bia 0+300+1010001+4010232012No
38MFCristian Battocchio 15+720+10001+1016+9200212012No
39DFNathaniel Chalobah 34+4510003038+4541182012No
40DFJoel Ekstrand 29+3110003033+3190242012No
41FWFernando Forestieri 19+9810000+3020+12851232012No-
42DFJean-Alain Fanchone 100000001000242012No

Transfers

Unless a country is specified, all clubs play in the English football league system.

In

The transfer window opened on 1 July,[29] but Watford did not make any signings in the early part of pre-season, amid reports that the club was under a transfer embargo due to an administrative error.[30] The club confirmed seven signings at the end of July, five of which were season long loans from other clubs owned by the Pozzo family. The permanent transfers were goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and centre back Fitz Hall, following the departures of Scott Loach and Adrian Mariappa in their respective positions.[31]

Date Player From Fee
30 July 2012Manuel AlmuniaArsenalFree[31]
30 July 2012Fitz HallQueens Park RangersFree[31]
14 January 2013Fernando ForestieriUdineseUnknown[32]

Out
Adrian Mariappa joined Reading before the start of the season.[33]

At the end of the 2011–12 season, the club announced that five players would be released at the end of their contracts.[34] The summer transfer window opened on 1 July, and two high profile departures followed during pre-season. 2011–12 Player of the Season Adrian Mariappa joined newly promoted Premier League side Reading on 17 July.[33] Two days later, Scott Loach – the team's most-used goalkeeper from the previous season – transferred to Ipswich Town, the club he supported as a child.[35] The club's final sale of the summer was Martin Taylor to Sheffield Wednesday. Taylor extended his contract shortly before Sean Dyche's departure from the club, and captained the team during his final two games under Gianfranco Zola, but was allowed to leave on the final day of the transfer window.[36]

Date Player To Fee
3 May 2012Rene GilmartinPlymouth ArgyleFree (End of Contract)[34]
3 May 2012Michael BryanFree AgentFree (End of Contract)[34]
3 May 2012Tom JamesNuneaton Borough[37]Free (End of Contract)[34]
3 May 2012Chez IsaacBorehamwoodFree (End of Contract)[34]
3 May 2012Josh WalkerScunthorpe UnitedFree (End of Contract)[34]
17 July 2012Adrian MariappaReadingUndisclosed[33]
19 July 2012Scott LoachIpswich TownUndisclosed[35]
31 July 2012David MirfinScunthorpe United [lower-alpha 3]Mutual termination
21 August 2012Gavin MasseyColchester UnitedFree[39]
31 August 2012Martin TaylorSheffield WednesdayUndisclosed[40]
8 January 2013Joe GarnerPreston North EndMutual Termination[41]
24 January 2013Dale BennettForest Green RoversUndisclosed[42]
4 February 2013Matthew WhichelowFree AgentMutual Termination[43]

Loans

In

Watford signed 14 players on season-long loans in the summer transfer window. 12 players joined from clubs also owned by the Pozzo family; 10 from Udinese and 2 from Granada. Watford also signed Nathaniel Chalobah and Geoffrey Mujangi Bia from Chelsea and Standard Liège respectively. Jean-Alain Fanchone returned to Udinese in January, while Fernando Forestieri also signed a permanent contract with Watford that month. The club added a 15th loan player in March, with Matthew Briggs joining from Fulham until the end of the season.

Start Player Parent club End
30 July 2012Almen AbdiUdinese (Italy)Season Long Loan[31]
30 July 2012Ikechi AnyaGranada (Spain)Season Long Loan[31]
30 July 2012Steve Leo BeleckUdinese (Italy)Season Long Loan[31]
30 July 2012Daniel PudilGranada (Spain)Season Long Loan[31]
30 July 2012Matěj VydraUdinese (Italy)Season Long Loan[31]
9 August 2012Alexandre GeijoUdinese (Italy)Season Long Loan[44]
23 August 2012Marco CassettiUdinese (Italy)Season Long Loan[45]
24 August 2012Geoffrey Mujangi BiaStandard Liège (Belgium)Season Long Loan[46]
31 August 2012Cristian BattocchioUdinese (Italy)Season Long Loan[47]
31 August 2012Nathaniel ChalobahChelseaSeason Long Loan[48]
31 August 2012Joel EkstrandUdinese (Italy)Season Long Loan[47]
31 August 2012Jean-Alain FanchoneUdinese (Italy)15 January 2013[47][49]
31 August 2012Fernando ForestieriUdinese (Italy)Season Long Loan[47]
31 August 2012NeutonUdinese (Italy)Season Long Loan[47]
1 March 2013Matthew BriggsFulhamEnd of season[50]

Out
Start Player To Level End
17 August 2012 Britt Assombalonga Southend United League Two 17 September 2012[51]
30 August 2012 Adam Thompson Wycombe Wanderers League Two 30 September 2012[52]
31 August 2012 Dale Bennett A.F.C. Wimbledon League Two 30 September 2012[53]
17 September 2012 Matthew Whichelow Accrington Stanley League Two 18 December 2012[54]
17 September 2012 Piero Mingoia Accrington Stanley League Two 17 October 2012[54]
18 September 2012 Joe Garner Carlisle United League One 20 November 2012[55]
21 September 2012 Ross Jenkins Plymouth Argyle League Two 21 September 2012[56]
19 October 2012 Craig Forsyth Bradford City League Two 22 December 2012[57]
22 October 2012 Carl Dickinson Portsmouth League One 19 November 2012[58]
3 November 2012 Stephan Hamilton-Forbes Havant & Waterlooville Conference South 1 December 2012[59]
17 November 2012 Aaron Tumwa Wealdstone Isthmian League 22 December 2012[60]
17 November 2012 Matt Bevans Chesham United Southern Football League 17 December 2012[60]
22 November 2012 Dale Bennett Yeovil Town League One 22 November 2012[61]
23 November 2012 Chris Iwelumo Notts County League One 4 January 2013[62]
4 January 2013 Adam Thompson Barnet League Two 14 January 2013[63]
4 January 2013 Steve Leo Beleck Stevenage League One End of Season[64]
4 January 2013 Stephen McGinn Shrewsbury Town League One 27 April 2013[65]
31 January 2013 Chris Iwelumo Oldham Athletic League One End of Season[66]
31 January 2013 Piero Mingoia Boreham Wood Conference South End of Season[67]

Reserves and academy

Watford's academy intake in 2012-13 consisted of 21 scholars:

  • In the second year, defenders Kyle Connolly and Jordan Wilmore, midfielders Austin Eaton, Luke O'Nien, Jack Westlake, and striker Bernard Mensah.
  • In the first year, goalkeeper Daniel Wilks, defenders Jazzi Barnum Bobb, Oliver Crowley, Josh Doherty and Jorell Johnson, midfielders Bobson Bawling, George Byers, Ollie Cox, Kurtis Cumberbatch, Chris Dillon, Ryan Hope, and Robert Westcott, and strikers Jamie Calvin-Pay and Alex Jakubiak.

In addition, defender Matt Bevans had his scholarship from the previous year extended by a number of months after an injury kept him out for most of the previous season.[68] In July 2011, Mensah signed a contract that saw him turn professional on his 17th birthday, later signing an extended contract in January 2013.[69][70] In June 2013 O'Nien signed a one-year professional deal with the club, while Connolly, Wilmore, Eaton and English were released. Westlake was offered an extension to his scholarship of six months after missing a large period of the season through injury.[71]

Notes
  1. For players who came through the club's youth system the date used refers to when they signed a professional contract, unless they appeared in a first-team match-day squad prior to that, in which case that date is used.
  2. All players who have been issued a 2012–13 squad number are listed
  3. Mirfin was released by Watford on a mutual termination, but immediately joined Scunthorpe United.[38]

    References
    1. Bevan, Chris (21 April 2007). "Watford 1–1 Man City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 June 2010.
    2. "Watford's John Eustace a terrific captain – Dyche". BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 April 2012.
    3. Smith, Frank (29 July 2013). "Gianfranco Zola feels his Watford side are in better shape than at this point last season after early summer signings Watford Observer. p. 62.
    4. Newman, Paul (6 August 2011). "Ruthless pursuit of Premier cash begins". The Independent. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
    5. Smith, Frank (20 April 2012). "Taylor in contract talks". Watford Observer. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
    6. Brown, Tony. "Watford 2011–2012: Home". Statto.com. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
    7. Smith, Frank (27 April 2012). "Dyche proud and disappointed at points haul". Watford Observer. p. 62.
    8. Smith, Frank (3 May 2012). "Watford confirm release of quintet". Watford Observer. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
    9. Matthews, Anthony (30 May 2012). "Taylor stands down at Hornets". Watford Observer. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
    10. Smith, Frank (17 June 2012). "Bassini: I'm looking to sell Watford". Watford Observer. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
    11. "Udinese's Pozzo family complete Watford takeover". BBC Sport. 29 June 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
    12. Smith, Frank (5 July 2012). "Riva is Watford's new chairman". Watford Observer. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
    13. "Watford confirm Zola as their new manager". talkSPORT. 7 July 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
    14. Muro, Giuseppe (11 July 2012). "Watford are not a feeder club for Italians, says Gianfranco Zola". London Evening Standard. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
    15. "Boreham Wood 1–1 Watford" Archived 19 July 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Watford Football Club. 17 July 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
    16. Matthews, Anthony (21 July 2012). "Hornets held by Stones". Watford Observer. Retrieved 22 July 2012.
    17. Smith, Frank (24 July 2012). "Four loanees feature as Zola secures first Watford win". Watford Observer. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
    18. Smith, Frank (1 August 2012). "Hornets breeze to Barnet friendly win". Watford Observer. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
    19. Matthews, Anthony (5 August 2012). "Lloyd Doyley Testimonial". This is local London. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
    20. Smith, Frank (7 August 2012). "Vydra nets twice as young Watford win 3–0". Watford Observer. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
    21. Smith, Frank (5 August 2012). "Spurs beat Watford 1–0 in Doyley's testimonial". Watford Observer. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
    22. "Crystal Palace 2−3 Watford". BBC Sport. 18 August 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
    23. "Watford 0−1 Ipswich". BBC Sport. 21 August 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
    24. "Watford 2−0 Birmingham". BBC Sport. 25 August 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
    25. Smith, Frank (12 August 2012). "Iwelumo scores extra time winner to progress". Watford Observer. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
    26. Matthews, Anthony (28 August 2012). "Hornets out after last-gasp loss". Watford Observer. Retrieved 29 August 2012.
    27. "Watford FC player appearances 2012/13". Soccerbase. Retrieved 27 May 2013.
    28. "Watford FC player stats 2012/13". 11v11. Retrieved 27 May 2013.
    29. "Football transfers: July 2012". BBC Sport. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
    30. Smith, Frank (30 July 2012). "Seven signings expected after embargo lifted". Watford Observer. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
    31. "Watford: Almunia and Hall among seven new signings". BBC Sport. 30 July 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
    32. "OFFICIAL: Hornets Sign Forestieri". Watford F.C. 14 January 2013. Archived from the original on 18 January 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2013.
    33. "Reading sign Adrian Mariappa from Watford". BBC Sport. 17 July 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2012.
    34. "Watford Confirm Release of Quintet". Watford Observer. 3 May 2012
    35. "Scott Loach joins Ipswich Town from Watford". BBC Sport. 19 July 2012. Retrieved 19 July 2012.
    36. Smith, Frank (31 August 2012). "Taylor leaves Watford to join Sheffield Wednesday". Watford Observer. Retrieved 4 September 2012.
    37. "Nuneaton snap up Tom James". BBC Sport. 16 July 2012
    38. "Official: Mirfin departs" Archived 3 August 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Watford Football Club. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
    39. "Massey Joins Colchester". Watford Observer. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
    40. "OFFICIAL: Taylor Departs". Watford F.C. 31 August 2012. Archived from the original on 2 September 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
    41. "Garner makes Preston move". Watford Observer. 8 September 2012. Retrieved 20 January 2013.
    42. "Hockaday swoops for Watford star". Stroud News & Journal. 24 January 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
    43. "OFFICIAL: Whichelow Departs". Watford F.C. 4 February 2013. Archived from the original on 6 February 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2013.
    44. "Alex Geijo joins Watford from Udinese". BBC Sport. 9 August 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
    45. "Watford sign Marco Cassetti from Pozzo-owned Udinese". BBC Sport. 23 August 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
    46. "Watford sign Mujangi Bian on loan". BBC Sport. 24 August 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
    47. "OFFICIAL: Five New Arrivals". Watford F.C. 31 August 2012. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
    48. "OFFICIAL: Chalobah Signs". Watford F.C. 3 January 2013. Archived from the original on 27 February 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2013.
    49. "PLAYER NEWS: Fanchone Loan Ends". Watford F.C. 15 January 2013. Archived from the original on 19 January 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2013.
    50. "Watford boost ranks with Matthew Briggs' signature". Watford F.C. 1 March 2013. Archived from the original on 4 January 2014. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
    51. "LOAN: Britt Joins Shrimpers". Watford F.C. 17 August 2012. Archived from the original on 22 August 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
    52. "OFFICIAL: Bennett to AFC Wimbledon". Watford F.C. 30 August 2012. Archived from the original on 1 September 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
    53. "OFFICIAL: Bennett to AFC Wimbledon". Watford F.C. 31 August 2012. Archived from the original on 2 September 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
    54. "OFFICIAL: Duo Head To Stanley". Watford F.C. 17 September 2012. Archived from the original on 8 February 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
    55. "TRANSFER: Garner extends stay". Carlisle United F.C. 15 October 2012. Retrieved 20 January 2013.
    56. "Fletcher thrilled to land Jenkins". This Is Plymouth. 22 September 2012. Archived from the original on 5 May 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2013.
    57. "OFFICIAL: Forsyth to Bantams". Watford F.C. 19 October 2012. Archived from the original on 27 February 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
    58. "Defender leaves Blues". Portsmouth F.C. 19 November 2012. Retrieved 20 January 2013.
    59. "OFFICIAL: Hamilton-Forbes on Loan". Watford F.C. 3 November 2012. Archived from the original on 27 February 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
    60. "Duo's Loan Move". Watford F.C. 17 November 2012. Archived from the original on 20 November 2012. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
    61. "Dale Bennett leaves Watford for Yeovil Town on loan". BBC Sport. 22 November 2012. Retrieved 20 January 2013.
    62. "It's County for Chris". Watford F.C. 23 November 2013. Archived from the original on 27 February 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2013.
    63. "Thompson returns to Watford". Times Series. 14 January 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2013.
    64. "Watford loanee Steve Leo Beleck re-loaned to Stevenage". BBC Sport. 4 January 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2013.
    65. "OFFICIAL: McGinn Loan To Shrews". Watford F.C. 4 January 2013. Archived from the original on 7 January 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2013.
    66. "OFFICIAL: Iwelumo Joins Latics". Watford F.C. 31 January 2013. Archived from the original on 11 February 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
    67. "OFFICIAL: Mingoia Signs For Wood". Watford F.C. 31 January 2013. Archived from the original on 6 February 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
    68. "ACADEMY: DECISIONS MADE ON SCHOLARS". Watford F.C. 14 April 2012. Archived from the original on 15 April 2012. Retrieved 1 May 2012.
    69. "Mensah signs new Hornets deal". Football League. 5 July 2011. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 24 November 2013.
    70. "Academy striker signs new deal at Vicarage Road". Watford F.C. 9 January 2013. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 24 November 2013.
    71. "Midfielder pens deal with club". Watford F.C. 7 June 2013. Archived from the original on 4 January 2014. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
    This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.