Boothroyd uses Rat Pack in defence

Hornets gaffer Adrian Boothroyd did it 'his way` in front of the judge ruling on Al Bangura`s Asylum and Immigration tribunal appeal in Hatton Cross yesterday.

The Watford supremo, whose press soundbites are well renouned, told the hearing that deportation back to Sierra Leone would be "professional disaster" for Bangura and compared the midfielders fate to "the equivalent of Frank Sinatra coming over here and not playing Wembley, but playing at Batley Frontier Working Men`s Club in Yorkshire".

Boothroyd added "He`d go there and never be heard of again".

Al Bangura, who has interested Arsenal, was spotted by the Championship leaders playing for Chertsey Town juniors in a local park and is a first team regular for the Hornets.

The 20 year old hard tackling midfielder was forced to flee Sierra Leone for his own safety after being threatened with mutilation by a secret society in Freetown.

Bangura has paid 40% tax on his 6-figure salary since arriving in the UK in 2004, owns his own property and has a child on the way - Does he smell like a burden on UK economy or the social services?

VitalWatford would like to thank The Times, The Guardian and The Daily Mail for their continued coverage of the story. A decision on whether Bangura can remain in the UK is expected in the next 28 days.