Watford January Transfer round-up

For those of you still recovering from Deadline Day fever, Vital Watford bring you a round-up of our January dealings.

It was, by-and-large, a successful January for Gianfranco Zola, Gian Luca Nani and co., with the primary objective of clearing some of the deadwood completed.

There was even the bonus capture of Fernando Forestieri on a five-and-a-half-year (take it in, savour it), contract.

In case you'd forgotten about some of our dealings, here's a chronological run-down of all the Hornet's January Transfer Window business.

January 3: Nathaniel Chalobah extends his loan.

One of two pieces of incoming news for Hornet's supporters was the extension of Nathaniel Chalobah's loan deal until the end of the season.

Signed on the August Deadline Day on a six-month loan, Chalobah excelled from the off and pleasingly extended his stay until the end of the current campaign.

January 4: Adam Thompson loaned to Barnet

The first piece of outgoing news is Adam Thomspon's month-long loan deal with Edgar Davids' Barnet.

Thompson is in need of first-team football, and a move to our Hertfordshire-based friends is ideal for all parties. That is until Thompson returns having played just once thanks to injury.

January 4: Stephen McGinn loaned to Shrewsbury Town

Forgotten man Stephen McGinn finally gets his loan move after failing to secure a temporary deal with Coventry City earlier in the season.

Back to full fitness following a serious knee injury, the Scot will look to build up his match sharpness with the Shrews.

January 4: Steve Leo Beleck 're-loaned' to Stevenage

On a busy day, perhaps the most interesting piece of business is the discovery of a little-known piece of football legislature which allows Steve Leo Beleck to be loaned out from Watford to Stevenage.

The powerful striker has made next to no impact on-loan from Udinese, but clearly Zola and his coaching staff see something in the Cameroonian as he joins Gary Smith's 'Boro on-loan for the rest of the season with Udinese's consent.

January 8: Joe Garner's contract is cancelled

Striker Joe Garner, signed for £200,000 from Nottingham Forest on August 31 2011 finally leaves the Vic' after a nondescript 18 months.

One, albeit priceless, goal at Millwall is the new Preston North End forward's solitary strike in yellow.

January 8: Lee Hodson extends his Brentford loan

Northern Irish international Lee Hodson extends his loan deal at League One Brentford until the end of the season, the day after announcing his eagerness to do so.

The right-back goes on to help the Bees force a replay against Champions League holders Chelsea in the F.A Cup.

January 14: Fernando Forestieri inks permanent deal

Six days pass without activity before the most exciting piece of January news, ever. Fernando 'Fessi' Forestieri, he of the disturbing Disney fetish, signs on a permanent basis for five-and-a-half-years.

The Argentine-Italian may only have bagged three goals in 15 appearances but shows no little ability during his initial loan spell and is clearly keen to sign on the dotted line. Let the floodgates open!

January 15: Jean-Alain Fanchone departs for Nimes

Frenchman Jean-Alain Fanchone becomes the first of the loanees to depart Vicarage Road, joining French second division side Nimes on-loan.

The left-back played just once - and by all accounts did OK at Blackburn - but has failed to trouble Daniel Pudil for his left wing-back berth.

January 24: Dale Bennett leaves for Forest Green Rovers

Homegrown defender Dale Bennett is forced out in favour of some jumped-up foreigner, or at least that's how The Daily Mail's Martin Samuel reads it as 23 year-old backup Bennett leaves.

The powerful centre-half links up with Blue Square Premier side Forest Green Rovers after his contract is cancelled.

January 31: Chris Iwelumo loaned to Oldham Athletic

A loan move to League One Oldham Athletic signals the end of 'Big' Chris Iwelumo's Watford career.

The 34 year-old Scot is out of contact in June and moves to Boundary Park to put himself in the shop window.

January 31: Piero Mingoia joins Boreham Wood on-loan

Italian-born midfielder Piero Mingoia does something similar, joining Blue Square South side Boreham Wood on-loan until the end of the 2012/13 season.

The playmaker had been on-loan at Accrington Stanley - two whole divisions higher.

So there you have it, eight out, either on-loan or permanently, and two prolong their Vicarage Road stays, leaving us with 32 professionals on the books.

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