Football Season Review

Watford looked set to challenge the top six positions in the early stages of the season following a bright start to the campaign. Malky Mackay’s youthful Hornets squad showed no fear throughout the course of the season with a number of good young prospects gaining a full season of Championship football under their belt. A lack of experience in key areas eventually cost Watford dear in the race for a playoff place, but Mackay will know his side is more than capable of mounting a top half finish again in 2011/12. It may prove harder if the division’s leading goalscorer Danny Graham chooses to leave Vicarage Road for the Premier League this summer. Graham struck 24 league goals, finishing top scorer in the division by some three goals. His performances have seen him linked to a host of top flight sides and with his contract up at the end of next season it looks inevitable he will move on to pastures new. As a result Mackay will be calling upon experienced duo Martin Taylor and John Eustace even more next term to rally the troops and provide a calming influence both on and off the pitch. If Watford cannot afford to replace Graham’s goals in the summer it could prove a more difficult season in 2011/12.

Player of the Season: Danny Graham