OnlineHost: Good Evening and Welcome to UKLive.Tonight we will be talking to Chris Day, the 22year old goalkeeper for Watford. Chris was sold by Crystal Palace earlier this year for a quarter of a million pounds. Hello Chris and welcome. Would you like to say a few words about yourself and maybe some opening comments before we start?
Chris Day: My name is Chris Day, I'm 22 years old. I was originally born in London and live just outside London now. Thanks for inviting me into football chat to talk to you this evening.
OnlineHost:
EMK3557 would like to know: I've seen you play for the reserves, what do you think of the up and coming players such as Lowndes or Easton?
Chris Day: I am very good friends with Clint Easton and he is a very good prospect for next season in the first division where he will probably get more time on the ball to pass it and it will be less physical, so it will suit him more. There are a lot of young boys at the club who are coming through and playing first team
and reserve team football at youth level, which is good. Personally, I think there are three or four that could go on and do very well for themselves next year, like Paul Robinson.
OnlineHost: One of the football hosts UKHostWolf, asks about the former England manager, as a fan of Wolverhampton Wanderers, I know all about Graham Taylor and his managerial techniques. However, I was at a loss as to why he achieved very little with our club. His association with Watford is a distinguished one - what is it that clicks for him?
Chris Day: I think the back room staff. Having a lot of ex-players from Watford definitely helps. The supporters as well have always idolised him instead of giving him stick. At Wolves, when things went a little bit wrong, they were on top of him like a ton of bricks. He's idolised at Watford and is a clever man football wise. I believe deep down at Wolves he was in the wrong job at the wrong time, and perhaps even the England job.
OnlineHost: AOL member AndrewMes takes you back to your old stamping ground, Spurs:
What was it like at White Hart Lane under such world class keepers such as Ian Walker and Erik Thorstdvedt ?
Chris Day: It was brilliant for a young lad. It gave me a good grounding in football, on top of that I dealt with coaches like Ray Clemence and Pat Jennings and when you work with these people, you have to get better. I have a lot of thanks for these people, for how they helped me and it's nice to see Ian back fit now and going to the world cup. He's worked very hard and he deserves it.
OnlineHost: A common question tonight is:
Do you think Watford will go up next season?
Chris Day: Looking realistically - probably no. But with the playoffs, at any one point in the season if you string five or six wins together, come April you could be in there with a shout. So it would be very interesting to see what happens and if we bring in new players, which I am sure we will, that will help strengthen the squad, but if we can stay up and finish in the top half, I am sure there won't be too many frowns at Watford next season.
OnlineHost: Chris, out of all the clubs you have been at, what was your favourite?
Chris Day: I have to say Tottenham because since I was a little boy I've been a Tottenham fan. It was a dream come true to leave school, sign for Tottenham and get a pro contract. Although not playing a first team game at league or cup level obviously was very disappointing, but a big club like Tottenham was a great starting block for my career. I still look out for their results first every weekend and was delighted when eventually, they stayed up this season.
OnlineHost: An AOL favourite now:
What has been the highlight of your career?
Probably when we won the Euro U18 Championships in 1993. We had a very good team and to win at home in England was absolutely fantastic. The likes of Sol Campbell, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Robbie Fowler and Kevin Gallen were in the side. So it shows what has happened and they have all gone on and looking back, it's a fantastic memory and something I didn't think would happen, playing for England and winning a European Championships medal.
OnlineHost: Tony958 is interested to know:
What do you think are the main strengths of the Watford team if the are to make progress in Division 1?
Chris Day: The main strengths have been a fairly solid defence as a unit and this year, that we have scored goals all over the pitch. Our top scorer got 12 goals in the league, so for 4 or 5 others to chip in with 10 was fantastic. It's like the old clichΘ, we have a good blend of youth and experience backed up with a good management team as well.
OnlineHost: Another Spurs question now:
Was Gary Mabbutt an inspirational leader at Spurs and what was it like to be in the same squad as Jurgen Klinsmann?
Chris Day: Gary Mabbutt was unbelievable as a person as well as captain and player. He still does a lot of work with the PFA and still keeps in contact with players when they leave Spurs. Consider what he did with his diabetics and his injury against Wimbledon, is a real credit to him as a person and a player that he is the way he is. As for Jurgen, he was an unbelievable player, finishing and training wise, as well as on the pitch.
Off it, he joined in with the mickey taking, banter and things like that. He was a very very nice person. I can look back on it and if I bumped into Jurgen tomorrow he'd call me by my nickname and probably give me some stick at the same time.
OnlineHost: EMK3557 asks about general keeping technique:
I'm a goalkeeper myself, do you have any tips?
Chris Day: Basically keeping-wise you can never stop learning with all the new rules coming in each and every season. I am sure it won't be too long before they ban keepers picking the ball up, but seriously it's all about doing lots of training, repetitions of things you may have to do in a game. For example: when we block a shot with our legs in a game, a commentator may say it'1s lucky, but there has probably been eight to 10 hours done on the training field. That goes for anything that can come up in a game as well. What you want to do is not encounter anything on a Saturday that you haven't trained or prepared for, if at all possible.
OnlineHost: ANROL 1, asks about the World Cup:
If you were in Glenn Hoddle's shoes, who would you consider to be a must for the world cup squad?
Obviously your backbone is Seaman, Adams, Shearer, Ince and Gazza. I would definitely pick him, and then for the rest you've probably got 10 to 12 players that can fit in around that. There will be suspensions and injuries, that backbone is essential though.
OnlineHost: Chris, I would like to know what you think about the gulf between first division football and the Premiership......does it not say so much when the three teams that were promoted are relegated back down again?
Chris Day: There is a big gulf between the first and the premiership, but as we saw on the last day of the season it was almost Everton that went down and not Bolton. It was a pity that those three teams had to go down the way they did in the end, but what you find when you go up each division is that the game slows down and the skill levels, fitness, strength and pace improves. You have to shape up or ship out. When you sign players to bring them in to this, you have to sign the right players, otherwise you are in trouble, like Palace.
OnlineHost: RichardS19 asks:
Chris, what was your best save of the season?
Chris Day: I made one in the reserves a couple of weeks ago at Spurs which was a four yards out header from Iversen, and it was in the last minute of the game and won us the game! I was chatting with the Spurs management after and they couldn't believe I kept it out. What you need as a goalie is the chance to make the save in the game. In training we do that 10 times every day, you just have to be lucky to have the chance
to launch yourself at something and pull it out of the top corner as it happens.
OnlineHost: Forest5983 asks a question about a man close to Watford's supporters hearts:
What is Elton John like?
Chris Day: I've only met him a couple of times, but he has the club running through his blood and we all got a fax when we won promotion from America where he is touring, congratulating us and saying he will look forward to watching First Division footy next season when he's not touring the world. Again, like Graham Taylor, he is held in high esteem in the town and may have been given the freedom of Watford, I think he got given that a couple of years ago, and all the boys like his music as well. The two seem to go hand in glove.
OnlineHost: Back to the World Cup. The question is simple, who does Chris think will win the World Cup?
Chris Day: There are five teams you can pick. Brazil, Germany, England, Argentina and perhaps Italy or Spain. The thing with England is that to win the world cup we have to beat Argentina and Brazil on the
way to the Semis. Whoever comes out of that could go on and beat Brazil. Fingers crossed for England anyway.
OnlineHost: Chris, what do you think about Kevin Phillips? I was desperately disappointed to see him leave Watford. To me, he has the makings of the next Kevin Keegan, for such a little guy he scores a lot of goals with his head.
Chris Day: He's had a fantastic season and I think it's another case of he's stepped up the division and because he's not 6' 4" like Niall Quinn, he's benefited from the fact that more football is played in that league and reaped the benefits. I am sure playing up there with Niall, they are both thankful for the other one being there. I am sure Watford have a sell on clause if he does go anywhere for ú4million, so we will all be rooting for him.
OnlineHost: Many members are asking this: have the club made any new signings since the close of season?
Chris Day: Not that I believe. I think we have been linked with some free targets like Tony Dailly, Don Goodman and David Howells, but you probably know as much as me, as I found out over a coffee reading the papers in the morning. We don't know who's coming in as yet. With the Bosman ruling as it is this season, there are bargains and a lot of experience to pick up on free transfers. It will be a very busy close season at Watford and across the league with people tooing and frowing.
OnlineHost: IceMan5245 asks a very topical question:
How does Chris think the current England team compares to the 1966 one?
Chris Day: It's a very hard question that one. Football is very different now to then. To compare the sides is unfair on the boys now and back then, but I think they had many world class players then, maybe four or five, and the team we have now has about the same and it may rely on something special like Geoff Hurst scoring four or five goals, like Platt and Lineker have in the past. Then they had a world class goalie - we have one now. Anything that leaks through, David Seaman will be there to emulate Gordon Banks and pick up a medal himself. I would pay a lot of money to see it if they could stage it.
OnlineHost: Jhardy1 asks about your own international ambitions:
You were in the England U18's which won the tournament in 1992, do you still have ambitions to join Fowler, Butt and Campbell in the full England squad?
Chris Day: That is anyone's ambition. I won eight U21 caps in my time as an U21 player, but it's any player's ambition to go on and play for England and for me it would be just the same to complete my set of caps, but first thing's first, you have to get in and do well in your club side. I have a job next year to compete with Alex Chamberlain and I have to take that first before looking to bigger and better things. One step at a time as they say. Obviously this season the Saracens players have kicked the pitch up and in rugby it has different areas of wear where the scrums are there are nasty looking 20 yard ruts of mud, but I do know next season we are having a new pitch, being laid at this moment, and I think they are hoping to make it a firmer type of grass Spurs or Arsenal that will take for next season. Certainly you need a good pitch to play football on, fingers crossed the groundsman will get it sorted out in the summer it will come right for us come August.
OnlineHost: From seven year-old Max:
How did you feel when you went up to Division One?
Chris Day: We were all delighted. It was a long season and there were long spells when we were way out in front. To be promoted in April against Bristol City, it was fantastic but we still had a job to do to go on and win the league and the way it happened on the last day at Fulham. I am sure that will stay in the memories of many of the players for years to come. All the celebrations after, we had an open-top bus on Sunday and it was fantastic to see up to 50,000 supporters welcoming us home with the trophy.
OnlineHost: Forest5983 asks about a player notorious for non footballing issues:
How has Jason Lee settled in at the club?
Chris Day: He has settled in quite well. After a good start where he scored a few goals. He went on a barren run and got sent off for what I thought were harsh offences a couple of times. Jason is a good pro, he knuckles down and although he probably only scores 11 goals, the amount he created and hit the line this season was a great asset to us and he should help bring on others next season.
OnlineHost: Back to Spurs now, Pete8636 simply wants to know:
Why did you leave spurs?
Chris Day: I left because I wanted to play first team football. I could have been England number three goalkeeper at the time because the lad in front of me was playing in the England first team. I also felt it was right to go to a club where I knew I could challenge for a place on equal terms, not as the young lad that had come through. Ian Walker had done that but he was looked upon as the first team 'keeper and the season at Palace where I played 30-odd games was very good experience for me, although it was a wrench to leave the club that you support obviously.
OnlineHost: AGoo555901 asks about an ex-Watford legend:
Any chance of John Barnes coming back to Watford as a player or coach?
Chris Day: Hopefully that will be the type of signing we can make this season to strengthen the side. He's another one that will probably be on a free transfer and I am sure he would love to join up with Graham Taylor and Watford again and although I don't know anyhing about it, fingers crossed he might be in a Watford shirt next season. Obviously Newcastle will be in Europe next year so that is another consideration for him.
OnlineHost: An issue raising concern to fans is now asked for your comments Chris. Do you agree with the regular team shirt changes? I'm not referring just to Watford...Do you think there should be some regulation to suggest a kit must last two seasons?
Chris Day: Looking at the way clubs do change their kits, I have always said to my friends, you'd probably pay the same amount of money for a shirt from a high street shop, so you do get good value for money with what you do buy. The only problem is the way they advertise it for the young kids in the family. When poor old mum and dad have to shell out 50 quid each kit this season and then a third kit comes out and the kids want to keep up with it. Put from an adult leisure point of view, I wouldn't mind paying for the shirt, knowing that I'd get a good deal of wear and fun out of wearing it.
OnlineHost: RAJ091 asks:
Have you ever met Peter Schmeichel, if yes what do you make of him?
Chris Day: I have met him when we played Manchester United and beat them 4-1 on New Years Day and obviously he's a great goal keeper. The type of goalie that makes you think about your game and what you can add to it.
OnlineHost: MGGScott asks a tricky question:
Well, first, congrats on promotion. If a big club like Arsenal or Man Utd came in for you but your club at the time wouldn't sell you what would you do? Would you walk out and join or what...?
Chris Day: Thank you. The two teams in question are the last I'd want to sign for because I am a Tottenham fan and with the way the country views Man United and the rivalry with Arsenal, but at the same time I am sure they'd be offering loads of money so, it would be a dilemma. The way contracts are done you will probably be tied down for five years or so and it wouldn't be realistic. I need to get some games under my belt before I think about a big money move and it would be disruptive. I wouldn't want to do that because I am very happy at Watford.
OnlineHost: ACohen1234 asks a question about opposition front lines:
Who's the hardest attacker you've ever played against?
Chris Day: We played Spurs against Cologne in an Inter Toto Cup Tony Polster, an Austrian attacker, destroyed us with a hat-trick and 8-0 Cologne win. The last time I remember a performance like that was when I was back in my school team!
OnlineHost: What is the best second division ground you have played at in the last season?
Chris Day: There are a few good ones. Watford is a nice ground at the minute. Millwall is a nice ground but, obviously they almost went bankrupt over it and Bristol City, there was a tremendous atmosphere in the stadium when we played there. In the next few years teams will be selling their grounds and going on to buy new stadiums to push onwards and upwards and looking forward to next year, there are some fantastic stadiums to visit next year.
OnlineHost: TigsyWigsy asks about striking potential:
Have you ever played in any other position than goalkeeper? We have often heard that goalies have special football skills hidden away!
Chris Day: I used to be a centre forward until I was about 15, and as a kid I played in the same team as David Beckham when he was on the right wing and Michael Hyde from Watford was in midfield. I played for the district team and scored lots of goals, but when I shot up in height I played in goal and everything went from there really. I am sure that boys at the club, I know Nigel Gibbs is watching tonight, will certainly agree I have some unique talents when I come to play on the pitch in training!
OnlineHost: A new AOL favourite now:
What do you think of Man City's dramatic slide?
Chris Day: It's unbelievable to think we will be a league above them next season. I think more than anything there are too many players at the club that weren't performing and there seemed to be a bad atmosphere there which Joe Royle needs to sort out and clear up. It will be essential for them to go straight back up next season, because Division Two is more of a scrap than division one and everyone will be lifting their game to beat Man City, so I am sure they will find it difficult.
OnlineHost: A question regularly being asked is:
Alright, Chris, so what's it like to be worth ú250,000?
Chris Day: When you consider for that amount of money you can buy a very, very nice house or top of the range sports car, it's frightening to put it into perspective, but then at the same time when you consider it in the market these days, it's just a token gesture in transfers these days. At the end of the day if the football clubs can keep affording to pay these prices, people keep watching football, I am sure they will keep happening.
OnlineHost: Jos8Gem asks:
What do you think about when a penalty is being taken against you?
Chris Day: You think at the time, this is my time to be a hero, and before the game, sometimes you discuss what way they normally put the penalties, but you just try and psyche them out and be as big as you can and fingers crossed, if you go the right way, you have a one in three chance of saving it.
OnlineHost: PHar654321 asks about the female game:
What do you think of females playing football? And do you think eventually it will become as popular as male football?
Chris Day: I have no problem with women playing football whatsoever, but the only problem is it will never be as big as male football, because there isn't the money and the fans to make it as big as that, but looking at some of the women's football, its probably more skillful than the men's. Like in the women's tennis, because there isn't the physical and pace present, but that's what the fans pay for at the end of the day.
OnlineHost: Another AOL favourite being asked now is:
Who is your best mate at Watford?
Chris Day: My best mate is probably Clint Easton, but I am sure most of the boys will vouch I am quite popular in the dressing room and one of the jokers at the club. We are always having a laugh and joke with each other and we get on well, which is good.
OnlineHost: You'll be facing some big name strikers in Division One next season - how do you feel about that?
Chris Day: It will be a good test for everyone at the club really. I am sure the forwards in our club are looking forward to playing against a better defender and I reckon every week you will be playing against three or four internationals, so it's a big step up from this season, but a test we are all looking forward to.
OnlineHost: KbMalone3k asks:
Have you ever met any of the Saracens team?
Chris Day: We met them the other day when we were at a reception after we went on the bus tour around
Watford, but I didn't want to say much in case I offended them, because they are all around 7' tall. Seriously though, we are almost in awe of them, because they have four or five all time legends down there. You just look and stare as a football fan would do to Alan Shearer.
OnlineHost: JRoden3354 asks another old favourite:
Who was your hero as a boy?
Chris Day: As a boy it was probably Neville Southall out of the Eighties, and being a spurs fan, Chris Waddle had a spell when he was electric and I used to enjoy going to watch him play.
OnlineHost: Do you hope to have the same success as David James?
Chris Day: It would be nice to go on and play half as many games as he has at a Premier League club and obviously it shows that Watford is a good grounding for keepers. We are coached by Peter Bonetti each week and hopefully one day the same question will be asked to a future Watford 'keeper who will follow my footsteps. Fingers crossed!
OnlineHost: DBailey625 asks:
Do you feel that a lot of superb English players now have to drop divisions and maybe get unnoticed for international duties, just because the foreigners in the game stifle their chances of first team appearances?
Chris Day: With all the foreign players coming in it does limit the young English players' chances, but training with such quality players teaches you skills you wouldn't have learnt otherwise. It's been good for the game overall, but before lads dropped down divisions and then came back and proved clubs wrong, but I am sure that will always happen.
OnlineHost: Slipmatt asks:
Who is the best striker in Division One in you're opinion?
Chris Day: This season - Barry Howells at Bristol Rovers. He has a lot of pace and a lot of clubs are looking to make a bid in excess of ú2 million for him, which is tremendous when you think he was playing for Stevenage a year or two ago.
OnlineHost: Tarff26 asks another question about Graham Taylor:
Is Graham Taylor really as stressed and overexcited as he appeared to be on TV?
Chris Day: He does get very involved in the game as we are playing it and he does put a lot of time and effort into training. He lives his whole week for his 90 minutes on a Saturday afternoon. At the same time, off the pitch he's always there to speak to and he does have his funny moments behind the scenes in the
dressing room.
OnlineHost: DofgsrCats an avid Watford fan asks:
Chris, I've been a life-long Watford fan, how does the club compare to the likes of Crystal Palace?
Chris Day: It compares favourably. It's very well run, if not better run than Palace, and the reason why I left Palace to go there was ultimately because I spoke to Graham Taylor and because I was so impressed with the ground and ambitions of the club. It certainly deserves to be at least in the First Division.
OnlineHost: What do you think about the Chelsea crisis with goalkeepers?
Chris Day: At the moment they keep changing them and that every game I find it unbelievable that a manager can play one in the league and one in the cup and hope for consistency between the two of
them. However, I think in defence of Vialli, what he's trying to do is choose who he can have as his first
team goalkeeper next season and perhaps release the other one, because they have other goalkeepers as well that can be there for cover.
OnlineHost: Thank you all for joining us here on UK Live. We have been talking to Chris Day. Would you like to say a few parting words Chris?
Chris Day: Thanks for all the kind words and congratulations for the promotion. I am looking forward to next season and hopefully we will speak again and we can be in the Premier League. Thanks a lot and goodbye.
