2008–09 Watford F.C. season
Encyclopedia
Watford Football Club are an association football team from the county of Hertfordshire
, England. The 2008–09 season was their second consecutive one in the Football League Championship
, following relegation from the Premier League in 2006–07. The club finished the season in 13th position out of 24 Championship teams. They reached the fifth round of both the League Cup and FA Cup, where they were eliminated by Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea
respectively. Both teams went on to reach the finals of the corresponding competitions, with Chelsea going on to win the 2009 FA Cup Final
.
Off the pitch, there were a series of personnel changes through the course of the season. Chairman Graham Simpson and chief executive Mark Ashton resigned, and were replaced by Jimmy Russo and Julian Winter
respectively. Following a decline in form throughout 2008, manager Aidy Boothroyd left the club by mutual consent, and was replaced by Brendan Rodgers
. In turn, Rodgers controversially left the club a few weeks after the last game of the season, having previously suggested that rumours linking him to Reading were "questioning his integrity". His replacement was first team coach and former player Malky Mackay
.
The season is perhaps best remembered for the "ghost goal
" incident, which occurred in a league match against Reading
on 20 September 2008. Following a corner from Reading player Stephen Hunt, John Eustace
kicked the ball across the line, level with the six yard box. Initially, linesman Nigel Bannister seemed to signal for a goal kick, and players from both sides ran away from the penalty area, waiting for goalkeeper Scott Loach
to take it. However, Bannister walked over to referee Stuart Attwell
, and after a brief discussion, Attwell awarded Reading a goal. The match eventually finished 2–2. The match also marked Loach's debut; the "ghost goal" was the first goal he conceded in his Watford career.
Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in the East region of England. The county town is Hertford.The county is one of the Home Counties and lies inland, bordered by Greater London , Buckinghamshire , Bedfordshire , Cambridgeshire and...
, England. The 2008–09 season was their second consecutive one in the Football League Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
, following relegation from the Premier League in 2006–07. The club finished the season in 13th position out of 24 Championship teams. They reached the fifth round of both the League Cup and FA Cup, where they were eliminated by Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
respectively. Both teams went on to reach the finals of the corresponding competitions, with Chelsea going on to win the 2009 FA Cup Final
2009 FA Cup Final
The 2009 FA Cup Final was the 128th final of the world's oldest domestic football cup competition, the FA Cup. The final was played at Wembley Stadium in London on 30 May 2009 and marked the third time that the final has been staged at the stadium since it was rebuilt...
.
Off the pitch, there were a series of personnel changes through the course of the season. Chairman Graham Simpson and chief executive Mark Ashton resigned, and were replaced by Jimmy Russo and Julian Winter
Julian Winter
Julian Winter is the Chief Executive for Sheffield United.-Playing Career:Born in Huddersfield he is a former professional footballer, who played for Huddersfield Town, Scunthorpe United and current employers Sheffield United. Signed by Dave Bassett for the 1989-90, he sustained career-ending...
respectively. Following a decline in form throughout 2008, manager Aidy Boothroyd left the club by mutual consent, and was replaced by Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers is a Northern Irish former footballer, who is currently the manager of Swansea City.After retiring as a footballer at the age of 20, Rodgers stayed at Reading and was appointed as youth team coach. He joined Chelsea, under the leadership of José Mourinho, as youth team manager in...
. In turn, Rodgers controversially left the club a few weeks after the last game of the season, having previously suggested that rumours linking him to Reading were "questioning his integrity". His replacement was first team coach and former player Malky Mackay
Malky Mackay
Malcolm George "Malky" Mackay is a Scottish football manager and former player, who played as a central defender. He is currently the manager of Cardiff City. Mackay began his playing career in Scottish football, with Queen's Park and Celtic. He joined English side Norwich City in 1998, remaining...
.
The season is perhaps best remembered for the "ghost goal
Ghost goal
Ghost goal is a term used in association football to describe a questionable decision, usually involving incertitude or controversy as to whether a ball crossed the goal line or not.- Background :...
" incident, which occurred in a league match against Reading
Reading F.C.
Reading Football Club is an English association football club based in the town of Reading, Berkshire who currently play in the Championship...
on 20 September 2008. Following a corner from Reading player Stephen Hunt, John Eustace
John Eustace
John Mark Eustace is an English footballer who plays for Watford as a central midfielder. He has previously been contracted to Coventry City and Stoke City, and has spent time on loan at Dundee United, Middlesbrough, Hereford United and Derby County.-Coventry City:Born in Solihull, Eustace began...
kicked the ball across the line, level with the six yard box. Initially, linesman Nigel Bannister seemed to signal for a goal kick, and players from both sides ran away from the penalty area, waiting for goalkeeper Scott Loach
Scott Loach
Scott James Loach is an English footballer. He plays as a goalkeeper for Watford in the Football League Championship, having previously spent loan spells with non-league Stafford Rangers and League Two sides Morecambe and Bradford City. He has played for England at under-21 level, and in August...
to take it. However, Bannister walked over to referee Stuart Attwell
Stuart Attwell
Stuart Steven Attwell is an English professional football referee from Nuneaton, Warwickshire. He made a prominent debut in 2008 as the youngest person ever to referee in the Premier League.-Career:...
, and after a brief discussion, Attwell awarded Reading a goal. The match eventually finished 2–2. The match also marked Loach's debut; the "ghost goal" was the first goal he conceded in his Watford career.