Fourteen days have now passed but today was surprisingly refreshing as I watched the underdog triumph.
Homely Watford disposed of the challenge of, once proud, Leeds United in the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. The 3-0 score-line didn?t flatter the Hertfordshire town and they the ease with which they won the play-off final should serve them well in the Premiership next season.
In a team devoid of any stars, the side worked for each other and showed that passion allied with work rate can bring surprising results. However, the step up into the Premiership is a big one but history is on their side. They have only to look at the teams that have done something similar in recent years.
West Ham United came up via a similar route last year and had a season they?ll never forget. Could Watford do something similar? Well to be brutally honest, no! Indeed, of three the teams that came up I suspect only Reading stand a cat in hells chance of making a go of it.
It?s becoming blatantly obvious that the gap between the two divisions is becoming wider and without substantial investment in the transfer market, survival is the be all and end all of it. Wigan and West Ham, both promoted last year spent wisely and that is something Watford must do to succeed in their ambitions to remain a Premiership club.
As for the losers today, Leeds United. It?ll be interesting if they come again. Guided by the astute chairmanship of Ken Bates, you get the feeling that they may have missed the boat today. With West Bromwich Albion, Birmingham City and Sunderland entering the fray next season, exiting the Championship is going to be one hell of an achievement.
Never mind, at least we?re a day nearer the new season. Anyone for Watford away for the first fixture?
More tomorrow.