Something in the Making: Lam Matteo

[Matt10]

Watford welcome Matteo with open arms
Striker joins Hornets in last week of transfer window
by Mark Schwarzer last updated 21 July 2017


After a grueling offseason, Matteo has possibly found a home

Watford Manager, Malky Mackay has apparently found "his man" in natural goalscorer, Lam Matteo.

Matteo, now 26 years of age, had his glory days for Fulham - and after a stint with Swansea and Leicester City, the striker has joined the ranks of Tom Cleverly, Ross Jenkins, Adrian Mariappa and keeper, Scott Loach.

The incredible fact of Matteo's signing was that he is the only signing for the Hornets this offseason.

"Yeah, it's not necessary after the season we had last year," states Mackay, "We won the cup - but did not fair too well in the league. That is going to be a different story with a goal scorer like Matteo."

Matteo had to make a tough decision in choosing Watford because of the other 4 teams that had shown interest him. The four teams were Queens Park Rangers, Bristol City, his own side Leicester for renewal and finally Blackpool.

"It came down to who showed me that they can win," says Matteo, "I understand I am here to make a difference - and I hope that I can win enough matches with Watford to prove my worth."

Matteo has been issued the #8 kit number, Watford's first match of the 2017-2018 season will be home to Coventry City.

[Matt10]

Watford FC 2017 Roster

First eleven: 4-5-1 Formation
Manager: Malky Mackay


1|GK - Scott Loach
2|CB - Adrian Mariappa (c)
22|CB - Craig Cathcart
33|RB - Lee Hodson
12|LB - Lloyd Doyley
28|CMF - John Eustace
14|CMF - Ros Jenkins
20|RMF - Tom Cleverley
7|LMF - Don Cowie
5|AMF - Henri Lansbury
10|CF - Danny Graham


Substitutes


35|GK - Bontond Antal
6|CB - Jay DeMerit
4|CMF - Scott Severin
17|SB - Dale Bennett
23|SB - Jordan Parkes
30|CMF - Rob Kiernan
8|SS - Lam Matteo


Reserves

32|SMF - Billy Gibson
15|SB - Jon Harley
18|SS - Will Hoskins
11|CF - Heidar Helguson
13|GK - Jonathan North
16|GK - Richard Lee
27|SB - Matthew Sadler
3|SB - Jure Travner
34|SB - Eddie Oshodi
29|SMF - Michael Bryan
31|SS - Marvin Sordell
21|SS - Lewis Young
19|SS - Liam Henderson
36|CMF - Kurtney Brooks

[Matt10]

Should be a good fit with a team that finished near the top last season. Hopefully the goals flow this season.

Watford actually finished 19/20 :P - they won the Championship Cup though, against league leaders Newcastle.

[Matt10]

Fixture 1 - (Aug. 4, 2017)
Watford v Coventry City


It was a physical match full of yellow cards and one red.

Prematch: Watford – Coventry City
It's a new season, a new ball, an old stadium actually - but alas, we are here at Vicarage Road with Watford hosting Coventry City. Only one signing for Watford in the offseason, and he's not starting. Lam Matteo created some controversy by leaving Leicester City, but let's hope it's not the same for the Hornets this time around. Speaking of last, the Hornets finished one spot from last place in the previous season, and Coventry City did not finish too far off. Heida Helguson leads the attack by his lonesome for Watford, while Coventry's Leon Best is expected to have a standout season. Watford v Coventry - NEXT!!

Halftime: Watford 0-0 Coventry City
An opening nervy match, just as expected - Coventry and Watford are very close together here. Heidar Helguson had the best chance for the Hornets when his shot in the 20th minute just flew over the crossbar. Coventry's Freddy Eastwood madea dazzling run through the defense, but his final shot was less than desired as it went well right of goal. The football is great, the shout from Vicarage Road faithful are of Lam Matteo's name to be entered into the match hopefully soon.

Fulltime: Watford 0-0 Coventry City
A free flowing match, but scoreless in the end. It was without controversy however, the referee sending off Tom Cleverley for a sliding tackle from behind on Coventry's Michael McIndoe. Lam Matteo's arrival as a center midfielder spakred some attack, but when the ball dropped to the feet of Helguson, the striker seemed too confused to do anything with it. Plenty of things to work on, but a point is never a bad way to start the season.


Caution: Eastwood (Coventry) - Cathcart (Watford) - Severin (Watford) Hussey (Coventry)
Sent off: Cleverley (Watford)
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Next Match - Watford v Leicester City (Championship Cup)

[Matt10]

Championship Cup, 1st Leg - (Aug. 11, 2017)
Watford v Leicester City


Danny Graham starts over Helguson in the first leg.

Prematch: Watford – Leicester City
Watford begin their title defense today against Leicester City, a side that has not faired well in the Championship. Danny Graham gets the start over Lam Matteo and Helguson, while everyone knows Andy King in the center of the pack for Leicester is always a treat to watch. The first leg between Leicester City and Watford from Vicarage Park - let's hope it's a cracker!

Halftime: Watford 2-1 Leicester City
Danny Graham's double in the first half is what separates the two sides at the moment. But Scott Loach's save on Lloyd Dyer from two feet away was magnificent. A really nailbiting match, will Leicester come back or will the champions, Watford, run away with it? It seems Lam Matteo is set to enter the fray as well!

Fulltime: Watford 2-1 Leicester City
Winning at home is a prerequisite, especially if you are champions, and Watford have abided to the golden rule. Leicesetr looked like a better team than last year - but Danny Graham's performance was too much. Lam Matteo came in to face his old team, and while no blood was lost - there was a sense of distaste among he and the Leicester players.

Watford Goals: Graham 15,32
Leicester City Goals: Clemence 6

Caution: Matteo (Leicester City)
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Watford v Ipswich Town

[Matt10]

Fixture 2 - (Aug. 18, 2017)
Watford v Ipswich Town


Lam Matteo sporting the team colors in his boots.

Prematch: Watford – Ipswich Town
The night is full, and Ipswich are in town to visit for a bit! The Hornets are fresh off a first leg victory over Leicester in the Championship Cup, while Ipswich are getting over the hangover that was the drubbing from Newcastle United. Heidur Helguson gets the nod from Mackay over the favorite Danny Graham. Graham scored the two goals against Leicester and it is a suprirse to not see him starting here. Also a surprise, is Lam Matteo's absence, still apparently not worthy of a start in the midfielder, let alone as striker.

Halftime: Watford 1-1 Ipswich Town
John Eustace's goal was matched by Grant Leadbitter's fortunate strike at the stroke of halftime. Watford look like a side that is trying to pass the ball into the net, rather than throw everything at the Ipswich defense. While Ipswich is taking advantage of some of the bad passes by the Hornets. The second half is shaping up to be more of a chessmatch, but Watford would be advised to mix things up a bit.

Fulltime: Watford 2-1 Ipswich Town
Lam Matteo's first goal for Watford turns out to be the match winner in front of a packed Vicarage Road stadium. Matteo's effort in regaining possesion of the ball, then a slight dip of the shoulder past the defender, and finished with a precise "dribbler" past fully stretched Richard Wright in the Ipswich goal.

Watford Goals: Eustace 18 - Matteo 75
Ipswich Town Goals: Leadbitter 44

Caution: None
Sent off: None
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[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dotQGRQISkY"]YouTube- vitownwatford[/ame]

Next Match - Crystal Palace v Watford

[Matt10]

Fixture 3 - (Aug. 25, 2017)
Crystal Palace v Watford


Crystal Palace's Stern John is a veteran, and can score goals at will.

Prematch: Crystal Palace (19th, 0pts) v Watford (8th, 4pts)
Will Hoskins gets the start over Helguson and Graham, while Matteo makes his first official start in the midfield. Matteo scored the match winner against Ipswich last weekend - and with the American finding his shooting boots, one can only imagine how many more he has in him. Crystal Palace are on a bit of a stint in the lower part of the table, but will be looking to regain form in the rainy affair against the Hornets tonight.

Halftime: Crystal Palace 1-0 Watford
Malky Mackay will have to find the right words to motivate his side in the second half. No shots on goal from the Hornets, but several from Palace. Stern John's calm finish in the 16th minute is what separates the side, and his strike partner Victor Moses went inches wide in the 35th. So far Will Hoskins has not done a thing with the ball, an eerie trend of the Watford forwards this season - maybe we will see Danny Graham shortly.

Fulltime: Crystal Palace 1-0 Watford
Despite Matteo's best efforts, Watford go down today to a resilient Crystal Palace side, Stern John's first half goal was enough to push Palace through. Questions will arise towards Mackay's decision making as to why Danny Graham was not chosen over substitute Heidar Helguson.

Ipswich Town Goals: John 16

Caution: None
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Leicester City v Watford (2nd Leg, Championship Cup)

[Matt10]

Championship Cup, 2nd Leg - (Sept. 2, 2017)
Leicester City v Watford


Helguson shushed his critics of starting the match.

Prematch: Leicester City v Watford | Watford lead 2-1 on agg.
Malky Mackay continues to shift in Helguson over Graham, something we might as well shut up about now, yeah? Watford come into Leicester with a 2-1 lead on aggregate, the hopes are that Watford can finish off Leicester to keep their title defense alive. However, Nigel Pearson and Leicester City will no go down so easily as Yann Kermorgant is paired up with Paul Gallagher, both strikers who can find the back of the net when the big match comes along.

Halftime: Leicester City 0-2 Watford
Watford now lead 4-1 on aggregate thanks to goals by captain Jon Harley and Mr. Helguson himself found the back of the net after some nice interchange between the midfielders led by Lam Matteo. Harley almost scored another after being sent on a terrific through ball, but to Leicester's credit, their keeper has shown up to play. It seems it's curtains for Leicester city, let's just see how long till the close.

Fulltime: Leicester City 0-2 Watford | Watford advance 4-1
The Hornets have advanced, quite easily mind you, two goals for Watford against a less than competitive Leicester side. Lam Matteo was surely the playmaker, and can be seen as the future of Watford in the midfield, he didn't recieve any statistics as far as assist, but if we played NHL hockey, he would surely have had two assists today.

Watford Goals: Harley 21 - Helguson 29

Caution: None
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Watford v Derby County

[Matt10]

Fixture 4 - (Sept. 9, 2017)
Watford v Derby County


Derby's keeper, Kalac, would be the focal point of this match.

Prematch: Watford (13th, 4pts) v Derby County (16th, 3pts)
Watford are coming off a huge 4-1 advancing over Leicester City, and the confidence going into today's match against Derby is at a high. So high it seems Malky Mackay has opted to start Lewis Young over several other striking options, such as Heidar Helguson who scored last weekend in the Championship Cup second leg..

Halftime: Watford 1-0 Derby
An own goal by Derby County keeper, Kalac is all that separates the two sides. Lam Matteo looks a bit gassed and we could possibly see the American subbed out fairly early, obviously still fatigued from his last couple of matches for the side.

Fulltime: Watford 1-0 Derby
Watford secure all three points today at Vicarage road. While not the goal they would have liked, a goal nonetheless even if it was an own goal. They had their chances to add onto the lead, but Kalac made some brilliant saves, one in particular on Lam Matteo's strike from 20 yards.

Watford Goals: Own Goal (Kalak)

Caution: Lansbury (Watford)
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Watford v Doncaster Rovers

[Matt10]

Fixture 5 - (Sept. 16, 2017)
Watford v Doncaster Rovers


Lam Matteo floats a ball into the path of Scott Severin.

Prematch: Watford (9th, 7pts) v Doncaster Rovers (11th, 6pts)
A match that features similar formations. It's a chess match between the managers, while the players on the field are pawns. Watford are coming off of a somewhat unconvincing victory versus Derby County - so Malky Mackay has decided Heidar Helguson's presence in the front line should render some much needed goals. Lam Matteo starts again, a tireless worker who is stated as being fatigued - but the results are needed, son - pick it up and get stuck in!

Halftime: Watford 2-1 Doncaster
A bittersweet first half for Watford as midfielder Lam Matteo was subbed out after absorbing a calf injury. Matteo was tackled at the top of the box by Sam Hird, who completely missed the ball. Doncaster took the lead when Chapi took advantage of Scott Loach's intial save. Watford responded right back though through Heidar Helguson, who controlled a high pass in the box, and struck the ball with pure venom past Doncaster's keeper, Telkengkamp. Matteo played a part in what is currently the winning goal by playing a delicate ball over the defense and into the heading path of Scott Severin - who drove the ball into the back of the net.

Fulltime: Watford 2-1 Doncaster
Back to back wins for the Hornets, Scott Severin's heading goal in the first half proved to be the winner as Watford played defensively the entire second half. Another three points, but at the cost of Lam Matteo's injury - we are told he has suffered a strained calf muscle and will only miss a couple of days.

Watford Goals: Helguson 13 - Severin 20
Doncaster Rovers Goals: Chapi 11

Caution: None
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Nottingham Forest v Watford (to be simulated)

[Matt10]

TEAMS ANNOUNCED FOR BLATTER'S UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE
From anywhere to Europe to everywhere

(Reuters) -- FIFA President, Sepp Blatter, has announced the joining of several clubs throughout Europe to partake in what is known as the "UEFA Europa League". The UEFA Europe League consists of teams from all throughout Europe's premiere divisions, but also the lower divisions as well. Teams such as from England, like Watford FC or Queens Park Rangers are invited despite participating in the lower leagues of the UK.


"There is a chance for every team to meet the challenge," states Blatter, "I believe this is how UEFA will succeed in providing teams from all throughout Europe gain exposure to different competition - only good can come of this."

- Group Stage 48 teams, 12 groups, Each team Home & Away matches
- Top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 32

[Matt10]

Wear that patch proudly
Mackay's "golden boys" confident in UEFA debut
by Mark Schwarzer last updated 25 September 2017


The Hornets begin their UEFA journey tonight as hosts to Atletico Madrid

"A brilliant opportunity," stated Watford midfielder, Tom Cleverley, "We have been given the chance to make a name for Watford and gain some exposure with this UEFA league."

It's true, the random choosings of teams has benefit Watford and Malky Mackay will be the first to admit that he accepted the invitation almost immediately.

"Absolutely. There's no possible way I would second guess UEFA's decision to invite us. This is one of those once and a lifetime opportunities that the lads will surely take advantage of."

With a rejuvinated squad, including the return of Lam Matteo, Mackay has the issue of containing the Spanish side in Atletico Madrid.

"They are a brilliant team. They work the ball from side to side with grace. Their midfield is governed by incredibly gifted individuals who only know success.But what we possess is a nack for making scores count. We will not go down as easy as some papers might say. The lads know it's a big stage, that just grows their confidence even more."

Match time in two hours, say hello to UEFA history, Hornets.

[Matt10]

Groupstage Matchday 1 - (Sept. 27, 2017)
Watford v Atletico Madrid


Gudjohnsen reacts to his own goal, while Watford are stunned.

Prematch: Watford - Atletico Madrid
Yes Hornet fans, we are witnessing club history tonight, Watford versus Atletico Madrid! Will Hoskins starts up front while Lam Matteo is seated still nursing a bit of an injury, but do not be surprised to see if Mackay introduces the midfielder in the second half. Atletico are the favorite of course, but Watford's Vicarage Road has seen its days of upset before!

Halftime: Watford 1-2 Atletico Madrid
An absolute frenzy at the half! First Watford go up by the most unlikely of sources in Jure Travner cleaning up Will Hoskins initial shot - however Diego Forlan equalized within minutes on a glazing run. The go ahead goal for the visitors came at the stroke of halftime when Lloyd Doyley attempt to clear a cross came right back into the defender's chest and up in the air, the first one to react was Sergio Aguero - deflecting the ball past a helpless, and confused, Scott Loach. Malky Mackay has signaled Lam Matteo to join the fray for John Eustace, will we see more goals in thsi one? At this rate...asbolutely!.

Fulltime: Watford 3-3 Atletico Madrid
Vicarage Road has never seen the glorious light of UEFA football - but tonight it bore witness to sublime play by Watford FC! A draw against one of the best La Liga teams is a dream start to their UEFA campaign. Lam Matteo captained the side in the second half and set up Will Hoskins goal to claw back by one after Gudjohnsen had scored two minutes after kickoff. The tying goal was that of Gudjohnsen, but into his own net - sending the Watford crowd and players into absolute delight in the 77th minute. The save of the match was by Watford's Scott Loach, who managed to prevent Diego Forlan from scoring a diving header in the 85th minute. Lastly Watford had a chance to win after Matteo played a ball over the top for Henri Lansbury - but the midfielder's shot went agonizingly wide of target.

Watford Goals: Travner 30 - Hoskins 71 - Own Goal (Gudjohnsen)
Atletico Madrid Goals: Forlan 36 - Sergio Aguero 45 - Gudjohnsen 47

Caution: Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid)
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Cardiff City v Watford

[Tearz49ers]

I am glad this has stayed on . Are you playing this years one on the PC?

[Matt10]

Fixture 7 - (Sept. 30, 2017)
Cardiff City v Watford


Lam Matteo started off slow today, but would soon be involved.

Prematch: Cardiff City (9th, 3pts) v Watford (3rd, 13pts)
Watford come into Cardiff fresh with jubilation after their shocking draw against a strong Atletico Madrid side in the UEFA Europa league first leg. The Hornets today are looking to continue their season's form. Cardiff's Stephen McPhail has stated mid week that Watford are a team to look out for, and even though they are not a flashy team - there are some class finishers.

Halftime: Cardiff CIty 2-0 Watford
Watford must be wondering where it all went wrong in the second half, two goals in quick succession - Stephen McPhail being the scorer of the first then setting up the second for Bothroyd two minutes later. The Hornets offense looks stale with Hoskins holding the ball too long and Matteo seemingly unable to control the ball in the rain.

Fulltime: Cardiff City 2-2 Watford
The goals came fast for Cardiff in the first half, while the goals were swift on Watford's part. Lam Matteo robbing Capaldi on the touchline, before slotting the ball cooly past David Marshall. Three minutes later, his first touch of the match, Heidar Helguson was at the right place at the right time after Matteo's volley struck the post. Helguson tapped the ball in for the equalizer. A full one point, never a bad thing, especially considering what it could have been 45 minutes ago!.

Watford Goals: Matteo 77 - Helguson 80
Cardiff City Goals: McPhail 38 - Bothroyd 40

Caution: DeMerit (Watford)
Sent off: None
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[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whsJmOe_5Bs"]YouTube- 2017vcardiff2.wmv[/ame]

Next Match - Watford v Hearts (UEFA Europa League, Matchday 2)