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It was a derby day to forget at Kenilworth Road as Watford slumped to a lacklustre defeat against their local rivals.Results elsewhere meant the damage was limited in terms of the promotion race, but it was an understandably downbeat trio of Mike, Jason and Jon that gathered to discuss what went wrong.Adam also calls in from the ground, providing some detail on what the experience was like in the ground.There is something to lift your spirits though, with a brilliant look back at the memorable 0-4 victory in 1997, told by the fans that were there. We promise it will put a smile on your face. It’s as brilliant as the most recent game was disappointing. Certainly worth listening for.Win, lose or draw, this is From the Rookery End. Onward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He is one of the most popular signings of the Pozzo era, a free kick master who could pick a pass, all with an unmistakable glint in his eye. He is of course Almen Abdi, and in this bonus episode of From the Rookery End, you can hear from the man himself.The Athletic’s Watford correspondent Adam Leventhal spoke to the influential midfielder and this is your chance to hear some of that chat.Jon, Mike and Adam also discuss their favourite moments and memories of the Professor, in this bonus episode of From the Rookery End. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watford got back to winning ways with a hard earned victory against Reading, so it was an increasingly confident quartet of Mike, Colin, Jason and Jon that gathered after the game to discuss the archetypal game of two halves.As well as discussing the Friday fun at the Vic, the boys look forward to the eagerly anticipated trip up the M1, while there are also chats with Geoff Wicken, one of the co-creators of the incredible “Watford Treasury, and Jacob Culshaw of WD18 Fans, who talks about what it’s been like to interview the likes of Tom Cleverley and Philip Zinckernagel.3 points, 2 goals, 1 podcast. This is From the Rookery End. Enjoy! Come on you ‘Orns! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the busy Easter period in the books, Jon, Colin and Mike got together to discuss two games in four days; performances that extended the Hornets’ unbeaten run and maintained a healthy gap between them and the chasing pack. The boys discuss the Wednesday win and the point at Middlesbrough, while also sharing their views on the news that Watford continue to look at a potential new home.There’s also a very special edition of Michael Parkin’s son, with Arlo taking the opportunity to turn from interviewee to interviewer!It’s been another busy week. Another intriguing set of results. This is another From the Rookery End. Six games to go. Come on you ‘Orns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After (trying, and largely failing!) to give themselves a break from thinking about the Hornets, Jon, Jas, Mike and Colin are back to talk Watford ahead of what promises to be an entertaining, exciting and nerve shredding run in.Your hosts look at the final eight games from a number of angles including a comparison with the successful 2014/15 campaign, the impact of the international break, they even try to work out what clichè’s we’ll be sick of hearing by the end of the season.Hold on to your hats, it’s about to get real. This is the final straight. This is From the Rookery End. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was a thoroughly professional performance that saw Watford head into the International break with a ninth win in ten games; their fifth in a row.It was therefore little surprise that it was an upbeat Mike, Jason and Jon that gathered to talk about the Hornets comprehensive win over Birmingham City.In what was a pretty efficient team performance there was specific praise for the majestic Francisco Sierralta and a rejuvenated Nathaniel Chalobah, with the latter turning in a stunning Man of the Match performance.Heading into the International Break the boys try to come up with their “best players to be capped while playing for Watford XI” so be sure to share your thoughts and suggested teams in the comments below!It’s another win! (Yes, another one!) It’s another From the Rookery End. Come on you ‘Orns! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Xisco’s Hornets’ made it 8 wins in 9 with a thumping away win against Rotherham, so it was triumphant trio of Jon, Mike and Adam that gathered at the final whistle to talk through the devastating display.Phillip Zinckernagel’s impressive form was one of many positives from a professional and ruthless display, with Watford finishing the evening in second place in the table.You can also hear audio from Adam’s chat with one of the all time greats; he talks to Dennis Bergkamp about his son Mitchel who is attempting to forge a successful career with Watford.It’s another big win for Watford. Relive it with this, the brand new From the Rookery End podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been a long time coming, but after five years without scoring from a free kick, a late set piece in Cardiff sent Watford back into the automatic promotion places. It was therefore a very excitable Jon, Mike, Jason and Colin that gathered to talk about the Hornet’s latest win.There is praise for Chalobah, Sarr, Kiko and others, but this was a genuine team effort, so kick back, relax and enjoy a podcast that unashamedly basks in the glow that only a last minute winner can provide!It’s another huge win. It’s another From the Rookery End podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s an unsurprisingly upbeat Mike, Jon and Adam that gathered to talk about another professional performance from the Hornets, with a deserved win against Nottingham Forest earning Watford a spot in the Top 2; for now at least.The boys are full of praise for Head Coach Xisco Muñoz who pulled something of a surprise by playing Pedro in an unfamiliar midfield role, a brave decision that, as you’ll hear, paid off nicely.There’s also post match audio from Philip Zinckernagel who talks about his transition from the Norwegian league to the Championship, in addition to another little bonus - Paris St Germain’s Pochettino Snr talking about Watford’s Pochettino Jnr.It’s another big win. It’s another big From the Rookery End podcast. Come on You ‘Orns! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watford got back to winning ways against Wycombe, so to celebrate, here’s a brand new From the Rookery End podcast.Mike and Jon spoke directly after the final whistle to discuss a professional display from the Hornets, discussing who took their opportunity in a team that featured a couple of enforced changes.The Athletic’s Watford correspondent Adam Leventhal is also on board, joining the boys to discuss the sad news of the death of former Watford player and manager Glenn Roeder.You can also hear from the magic man. Yes, hear what Gerard Deulofeu had to say when he caught up with Adam on the anniversary of what would be the Spaniard’s last game for the Hornets; that famous win against the Champions elect Liverpool.It’s all ready and waiting for you right this moment. It’s another From the Rookery End. Come on you ‘Orns! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s never a dull moment following Watford and that’s never truer than when the Hornets meet the Cherries. Saturday was no exception, and it’s an animated Jon, Jason, Mike and Colin that convene to talk about the latest contraversial clash.Emotions were running high at the end of a game that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons, but on this, the latest From the Rookery End podcast, the boys try to make sense of a chaotic and ultimately disappointing afternoon. It’s another Watford V Bournemouth barnstormer. It’s another From the Rookery End podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s four wins on the bounce for a resurgent Watford, so it’s an understandably upbeat Mike and Jon that are joined by Adam Leventhal on the brand new From the Rookery End.There’s praise for Watford’s firing front three, appreciation for the hardworking midfield, but perhaps a few questions over the centre back pairing for the first time in a while, with Blackburn making like more difficult than Hornets fans would have hoped.There’s also a look at Adam’s in depth piece on the wonderful Will Hughes, which is available on The Athletic for subscribers, now.Another big win, another big podcast. This is From the Rookery End! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3 wins and 9 points in a week - the feelings and fortunes at Vicarage Road are on the up. However, Derby County gave us a little bit of scare but a confident and consistent Watford side saw the game out with a 2-1 win.In this episode, Jon, Mike and Jason breakdown the team to see who made it as a Friday night light, who was Friday night alright and, hopefully not, a Friday night cripes!Plus Jon catches up with Olly Wicken, Hornet Heaven and Watford Treasure, to find out about the continuation of a Watford family dynasty!With a Friday night win, you've got the whole weekend ahead of you to relax and enjoy the latest From The Rookery End! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time since 1979, Watford have won at Preston North End, and for the first time since Saturday, we’ve recorded a brand new From the Rookery End podcast!Jon, Mike, Jason and Adam Leventhal (live from Preston train station!) gather to discuss a stirring Watford victory, with audio from Xisco Muñoz’ post match press conference alongside a thorough breakdown of what Watford had to do to get their first win at Preston in over 40 years.You can also hear Mike playing his part in a fun prank on Watford’s Swedish wing wizard Ken Sema in this, the brand new From the Rookery End. Come on you ‘Orns! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike is one of the lucky few whose work takes him to Vicarage Road on a matchday, so this week’s pod is a slightly different one.Join Mike on his journey to and from the Stadium as he shares his day - and what a memorable one it turned out to be! He catches up with broadcaster and friend of the show Kelly Somers to get her take on a stunning Watford performance, with the post match wrap up taking place with The Athletic’s Watford correspondent Adam Leventhal, at what was a positively baltic Vicarage Road.The weather was sub zero, but Watford were red hot and you can hear exactly what it was like to be there on this, the brand new From the Rookery End. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Technical Director at Watford FC, Fillipo Giraldi was often the name on plenty of fans lips. As the Hornets struggles intensified, the scrutiny on the former Head Scout intensified, before he finally left his role in November 2020.A few months later, Adam Leventhal caught up with Fillipo to learn more about the man and the realities of his role and time at Gino Pozzo’s Watford.In this special podcast you can hear from the man himself, while Jon, Mike and Adam gather to react to a fascinating interview.It’s a timely, fascinating and detailed insight into life at Watford during the Pozzo era, absolutely essential reading and listening for all Hornets fans.When Adam Met Fillipo. This is From the Rookery End. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a tough week for Watford, Jon, Mike, Jas and Adam gather to talk through the turmoil on this, the brand new From the Rookery End.While Watford remain in touch at the top of the table, a worrying trend of poor performances continues to be the hot topic, with the boys trying to make some sort of sense of what is going wrong and how, or if, it can be fixed.The absence of Will Hughes, the continued goalscoring woes and the future of not just the Head Coach, but the club as a whole, come under the spotlight as we document this, the latest chapter in the story of Watford’s 2020/21 campaign.It’s never dull at Watford. This is From the Rookery End. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was a disappointing end to the game at the end of what many felt was a disappointing transfer window, with Watford slumping to a late defeat against QPR.Jon, Mike and Adam got together the morning after the night before, to discuss the lacklustre showing against the R’s while also trying to work out what needs to happen if this Watford side is to click.The boys also assess the January transfer window, with help from The Athletic’s Peter Rutzler, who provides the inside track on new Hornets’ midfielder Dan Gosling.As always, there is plenty to discuss on this, the brand new From the Rookery End. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No goals at the New Den, but a (yes, probably short-lived) place in the top 2, another clean sheet, another point and another From the Rookery End podcast!Mike and Jon are joined on the final whistle by Kelly Somers to talk through the stalemate, discussing promising partnerships, confusing formations and struggling strikers.Adam Leventhal provides us with his first hand take on what unfolded inside the stadium, as well as his thoughts on Xisco Muñoz’ post match presser.On a cold Tuesday night there’s also a look back at some memorable freezing fixtures; all part of this, the latest From the Rookery End podcast. Come on you Horns! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the Rookery End does Friday night football! Jon, Jas, Mike and Colin gathered remotely to watch Watford take on Stoke, and we’re more able to enjoy a Friday night takeaway consisting of three valuable points!Confusion at another lacklustre first half away display quickly gave way to delight with Troy Deeney orchestrating a second half rally, that despite a nervous final few moments, saw Watford turn in an impressive display that takes them level with second place Swansea.The boys answer a few of your questions while watching the match, which ended up being the Hornets’ third win in a week. Come on you Horns! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices