So who next for the Watford hotseat?

Whoa! How do you replace a departing Watford boss who was the next best thing since Graham Taylor?

That`s the challenge faced by the Hornets board after Aidy Boothroyd was relieved of his duties with immediate effect yesterday [Monday].

There`s already hoards of speculation from fans as to whom will be next to jump out of the pan and into the Vicarage Road fire with some quite ridiculous names mentioned as potential candidates for the shortlist … even Keegan (and that`s plain mad).

Let`s not forget that the board have no money - Watford are skint. So there will be no money available to build a new team or put together a new backroom staff. No cash in the kitty to lure a relatively big name to the hotseat down at WD18.

The financial constraints placed on Aidy (and probably were a reason behind his demise) won`t change over night just because we want a new boss…

Hardly the kind of freedom to make a difference that will inspire the established names of Ian Dowie, Billy Davies or Martin Allen (who has already appeared as fans favourite for the role despite only just signing on at Cheltenham) to want to throw their hat into the ring.

Likewise with Alan Curbishley - he refused to play as a 'yes man' to the Icelandic board at Upton Park so he's highly unlikely to want the same position at a lower league club of lesser stature.

Those dreaming of a Sam Allardyce, a Glenn Hoddle even, should get a reality check - too high profile with a wage expectation to match

Here at VitalWatford, we even think the likes of those fans pushing for a Gibbs-Jacket dream team are living in cloud cuckoo land. Jacket was a shambles last time around when he took over from GT whilst we can`t afford to buy anyone out of a contract even if it as first team coach at Reading.

No, truth of the matter is the Hornets board are most likely to appoint a freebie and hence why John Ward`s name has been mentioned - Ward is as much as a legend as Taylor after spending years as GTs number 2 and his departure from his position as boss of Carlisle could be well timed.

But 11 defeats in 12 games for the Cumbrians hardly inspires confidence he can do it at the next level up so is he right for modern Watford?

Our guess is Watford will simply appoint from within…

Don`t be surprised to see Boothroyd`s right hand man Mackay get the nod - despite being half the problem!!!. He`s been about as much use as a chocolate fireguard in his role of first team coach but he knows the set-up and he knows the board`s demands.

Martin Hunter too must be in with a shout - he`s got the FA credentials to be a great YES man for Simpson and co but again he has been 1 of them pulling the strings behind the scenes at the Vic so don`t expect him to rip up any trees.

Us, well here at VitalWatford we`d throw our support behind Watford legend Andy Hessenthaler. Hessie knows how to work on a shoestring, bleeds passion and won`t want a complete overhaul of the playing staff either…

And that, well that, should appease the board who simply don`t want to be challenged and still give the fans a name synonymous with Watford who at least will get some of the players playing for the shirt.


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