Mid-table obscurity, isn't it great? Stanley dreamt long and hard about it throughout the autumn, it seemed then an impossible dream.
Yet here we are, not much more than four months later well and truly 'plateaued' on the cusp of the Ceefax mid-table page split.
The winter surge which took us clear of danger and, as the unbeaten run went on and on, led to, with hindsight, ridiculous talk of the play-offs… well, all that has finally ebbed away, leaving us safely becalmed in the gentle waters of mid-table obscurity. Stanley's advice? Lay back and enjoy the peace and quiet, next season is going to be a thrill-packed promotion charge which will leave you exhausted.
It was a very well-earned point last night. Vicarage Road in the cold and wet, oh yes, not exactly Stanley's idea of footballing heaven. Let's face it, Stanley doubts very much it's the idea of a Watford fan's footballing heaven either. The perfect surrounds for watching Leigh Bromby 'put the shot' from the half-way line… Ah yes quality all the way. For Norwich, a point at Watford, mid-week, is always a good point.
It was probably a good thing that the Huckster was injured; this wasn't his cup of tea. If the Huckster is lucky he may not have to play at Vicarage Road ever again, you lucky, lucky, man.
So City were solid, gritty and took their chance when it came. City even attempted to play football when they got the chance, possible the first time parts of the Vicarage Road pitch had been touched by a ball since the ill-fated days of Gianluca Vialli. Somehow I don't think Luca's heart was ever really in that gig.
Jamie scored a cracker, is the 'wee fella' about to start out on a goal-scoring streak that will culminate in the winner at Bin Central? You wouldn't bet against it. One bit of quality on a grim, dour night of utilitarian football, all percentages, all calculus but never hedonistic, virtuous or simply pleasurable.
To be fair to Watford, Stan doesn't like to criticise other teams for how they play. The likes of Watford and Stoke play that way because it works.
If it didn't, and they lost more than they won, then they would soon be trying to play like the 'Arse' away at Milan, or Blackpool away at Norwich.
But, boy, is it hard work to watch. A painful experience admittedly made worse by the fact that City have always tended to struggle against this style of football.
If we are honest Watford should have had the game sewn up inside the first 30 minutes. We struggled to get into the game, our full-backs had real problems and we were lucky that 'Duke' Ellington was so off song, hitting every dud note in the book. ?3m? Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. How much will Ched be worth in comparison?
Still we didn't concede the all-important second goal and gave ourselves a chance to get back into the game in the second-half. Something we deserved to do, for ethical reasons, if not in all fairness, performance ones. If Watford and Stoke claim the two automatic promotion spots, particularly at the expense of West Brom, then Stan will feel a twinge of sadness but, ultimately, it's all about maximising your ability in the most effective way.
Strength, fitness, organisation, team spirit, are far easier to find, develop, or even buy, at this level then the silky skills of a Hucks. The trick is, of course, to marry the two together in a way which is robust enough to endure the long march through a Championship season.
Idealism and pragmatism, the two essential ingredients in a promotion cake that is refined enough for the palate of a connoisseur fan like Stan, purist in heart but a realist in mind. Stan is confident that St Glenn will bake the perfect cake next season. Gentle on the eye, whilst effective in the table.
So, ultimately, Stan says good luck to Watford. If you get promoted you will have deserved it, whatever the aesthetics of the argument may say. Plus, of course, Stanley won't have to watch you play City twice next season. Stanley you lucky, lucky man…
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