Planet Swans ArchivesThe Watford manager saw his side draw 1-1 with Swansea City and then told the official Watford website after the game "What we musn't forget here is that we've got players going out there coming to this stadium and playing against this very good Swansea side for the first time
"I wasn't too disappointed with the way we set ourselves up, even before half-time, it was just that bit of extra self-belief the players needed to carry about them that eventually saw us through to a really hard-earned – and fully deserved, in my view – point from tonight.
"There was a lot of hard work went into that performance tonight; from the staff beforehand in preparation and then the players in putting themselves on the line in terms of both the physical and mental challenges you face with two games in a short space of time.
"Troy Deeney was my 'Man of the Match' this evening, no question about that in my mind," smiled the manager.
"And he's another one – only 22, remember – who's come into the club and had to adapt to a new way of life down here, and a new training regime.
"I thought he was tremendous this evening, and it was probably only fitting that was instrumental in creating the goal which Danny Graham took so well.
"I was delighted for Troy tonight – and for all of the young players who really are learning as they go along.
"There's no hiding place in this division but that's fine, because this group wants to be in the firing line all time, trying to rise to the next challenge we thrust upon them.
"I made sure we all went across to the fanstonight. It's the least we can do to say thanks when people are taking time off work and spending their money coming to cheer us on.
"Our fans never let us down, particularly away from home. And okay it was only a small group tonight, but several hours from home will seem a much shorter journey I would hope after they've watched their team really give it everything."
