Numerous players came and went in the 10 years after the Pozzos took over ownership of Watford FC.
First featured in last season’s matchday programme, James Garrett picks out some of those individuals who made their mark at The Vic…
Czech left-back Daniel Pudil was another one of the loanees to join the club in the summer of 2012, although it was from Spanish side Granada. Pudil had previously enjoyed a successful time playing for Belgian outfit Genk, and quickly became a fan favourite with his dynamic performances at left wing-back in Gianfranco Zola’s preferred 3-5-2 formation.
There was something about his style of play that reminded us of Paul Robinson; not afraid to put the tackles in, but also possessing a calmness in possession as well as a willingness to get forward and support the attack. An early example of this was against Peterborough in a home game that Watford had dominated, but by the 88th minute were still stuck at 0-0. An over-hit cross into the penalty area seemed like a wasted opportunity until Pudil, from his wing-back position, sprinted for the ball, causing a Posh defender to panic, miss the ball and give away a penalty. His friend and compatriot Matěj Vydra stepped up to hand Watford the victory, and the chance to kick on in what was a memorable season with the Hornets playing some fantastic football under Zola. It was his first season that was probably his most successful time in the team, as he covered mile after mile in the expanded left wing-back role.
There was more to Pudil though than just being a left-back for us, as he served as an important link between this new Watford FC and the supporters. He lived in the town with his young family, and was often seen out and about locally and seemed completely happy to be here, believing wholeheartedly in what many modern footballers call ‘the project’. He was an authentic example of a player who understood the Watford way. He often went to get his young son at the end of matches to play on the pitch along with Vydra, which became a popular tradition as the Hornets celebrated plenty of home wins in his three years at the club.
Ikechi Anya had a good spell in the team at left wing-back during the second half of his last season at Vicarage Road, limiting Pudil’s first-team starts. It was clear he needed first-team football so despite our promotion to the Premier League, he left Watford and signed initially on a season-long loan for Sheffield Wednesday where he quickly became a fan favourite as well. He signed permanently in the summer of 2016 and went on to make more appearances in the Owls’ shirt than he did for the Hornets.
After a couple of years playing at home he has now returned to Sheffield, and since the summer of 2022 has played for Hallam FC (the second-oldest football club in the world) in the ninth tier of English football. This venture fits in around his schedule working for the football agency that supported his entire professional career.
