Hammond is buzzing for tough test against Hornets

9:30am Thursday 27th December 2012 in Sport By Howard Griggs

Dean Hammond reckons Watford are one of the best footballing sides in the league Dean Hammond reckons Watford are one of the best footballing sides in the league

DEAN HAMMOND is relishing the prospect of facing what he believes is one of the best sides in the division.

Albion return to action after a blank Boxing Day at home to Watford on Saturday.

The Hornets, whose match at Bristol City was postponed yesterday due to a waterlogged pitch, are sixth in the table with just one defeat in their last ten matches.

Gianfranco Zola’s side have won six and drawn three in that period compared to Albion’s three wins in their last 16 matches and none in the last four.

Albion slipped a place to tenth in the table following yesterday’s Championship results when Nottingham Forest moved above them with a 4-2 defeat of Leeds which was not enough to save manager Sean O’Driscoll from being sacked.

Midfielder Hammond knows the threat posed by Watford but is looking forward to Saturday’s televised early evening showdown.

He said: “They are playing really well. We played them earlier in the season and we beat them 1-0 but they are one of the best sides we have played.

“They play good football like us and it will a tough game but it doesn’t matter who you play in this division it will be a tough game.

“We are ready and we are looking forward to it.”

Right-backs Bruno and Inigo Calderon trained with Albion yesterday and manager Gus Poyet confirmed afterwards they will be fit for Saturday’s game.

Gary Dicker, who would have been in the squad for last Saturday’s game at Blackburn which was postponed, also trained yesterday while left-back Marcos Painter should resume training today.

Comments(10)

Bushell says...
10:00am Thu 27 Dec 12

Really looking forward to Saturday, it will be a real test against a very good Watford side. Glad to see the injuries are cleared up and we will get either Bruno or Calderon back and possibly Orlandi in midfield ( or bench ). On another subject what was that all about at Forest sacking their manager ? They were doing ok and had a really good win against Leeds yesterday - might that mean Billy Sharp might be available if CMS is going as many of you seem to believe ?
UTA !

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ballantrrae says...
1:58pm Thu 27 Dec 12

Certainly all beginning to happen at the moment with both Berg and O'Driscoll sacked.
Looks as if Wood is joining Leicester not that I think Poyet was after him. If BHA were interested I think we would have signed him in the summer.
Watford game should be interesting especially with Bruno and/or Calde back. Dicker will probably be on the bench but I suspect that Orlandi won't be risked not that I am sure he is fit enough again yet.
I will be interested to see who the striker or strikers we sign in are. Still think we need another defender. Another possibility would be midfield or even a young winger to support Buckley and LuaLua.
I see there are various rumours re CMS going to Norwich or Leeds, Buckley being a target for Southamptopn and even Bridcutt attracting interest from premiership teams.
The next few weeks might be quite lively one way or another.

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tonytowner1 says...
4:55pm Thu 27 Dec 12

We are good enough to play with swagger and confidence very often. It just needs to be instilled and become consistent

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Tony the tiger eastbourne says...
6:10pm Thu 27 Dec 12

All these rumors going around about who,what, where will happen or not.trouble is money talks and even the most settled player if touted and its right for the club and player will go!! There is no such thing as loyalty these days, except extreme cases

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namgo49 says...
6:45pm Thu 27 Dec 12

It's a shame Blackburn bottled out of the home game against the Albion and got the ref to postpone it. Now the club have got rid of Berg they will get someone half decent in to lift the club by the time the rescheduled game is on!!

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sussexram40 says...
8:00pm Thu 27 Dec 12

Forset sacked O'Driscoll because they want top 6 and with the transfer window opening wanted to trust the new man with the cheque book. In a way GP is fortunate to still be in charge after a disappointing first half to the season but it brings back into focus that he probably won't be if he doesn't do some good dealings in January and get the Albion back into contention. GP is managing the best supported club in the championship and he needs to prove his credentials soon. No pressure then Gus..!

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Clean Sheet says...
9:45pm Thu 27 Dec 12

Some people on here do spout some drivel. I don't think you can compare the relationship that GP has with TB with other Managers, especially those at clubs owned by non footballing people. TB is part of a dynasty that has supported BHA for many years, and recognises the value of his investment. GP puts enough pressure on himself to succeed, and is part of a team moving the Albion on very nicely.

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Bushell says...
8:55am Fri 28 Dec 12

Sussexram40 : What nonsence, Gus has completely transformed this club into a real force in The Championship and in a couple of seasons we will be in the Premier League. He is with us for the forseeable future I am glad to say and he will get us to the Premier league so enjoy the ride. TB and Gus have a terrific relationship and there is no chance of Gus being sacked !
UTA !

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tug509 says...
12:18pm Fri 28 Dec 12

Clean Sheet,Bushell,

Excellent posts if you dont mind me saying. Gus and Mr Bloom have a rare relationship in these times,and ultimately that will bring the success the club and us fans want. I consider us a very stable club as a result,and not many can say the same,as recent events at Forest can prove. UTA

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buckler says...
4:52pm Fri 28 Dec 12

Tough test not the word for it! The Hornets are buzzing and could easily take any team apart in this division!

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