It has been a season of two halves for Watford who need to beat Blackpool on Saturday to secure their place in the end of season play-offs. The Hornets looked nailed-on certainties for an instant return to the Premier League as they raced to a ten-point lead at the top of the championship. However, they have been limping towards the play-offs as they have recorded just one win from their last 13 outings and currently lie in fifth place. However, one man who has still caught the eye is Danny Shittu whose performances at centre half saw him voted into the PFA Championship team of the year by his fellow professionals. Shittu has played for Charlton, Blackpool and Queens Park Rangers before arriving at Vicarage Road and his colossal presence at centre half has quickly ensured he is a fans' favourite. Givemefootball's Ian Clarkson spoke exclusively to Shittu ahead of this weekend’s game at Bloomfield Road as he received his award at the Grosvenor Hotel in London.
Q:THIS AWARD MUST MAKE YOU VERY PROUD?
A:I have been very happy with my performances this season and nine goals has been a bonus from centre half. On a team level we are glad to still be up there and the first half of the season was very pleasing. We are still there and whilst we aren't promoted yet we are still working to try and get there and have a big game on Saturday.
Q:DO YOU STILL FEEL PROMOTION IS ON THE CARDS DESPITE YOUR RECENT RUN OF RESULTS?
A:We still believe we can do it. Definitely. It will have to be through the play-offs now but everyone is still very positive and we are looking forward to every game which includes this Saturday’s trip to Blackpool.
Q:ARE EXPECTATIONS HIGH AMONGST SUPPORTERS AT VICARAGE ROAD?
A:Expectations are high at Watford and that are rightly so as we were ten points clear at the beginning of the season. For us to now be in fifth place is disappointing and the fans don't really expect us to be losing or drawing no more. They expect us to be winning very game so we are playing under a lot of pressure but it is good pressure and it something we can deal with. We believe we should be higher in the table than where we are but it is the play-offs now and we are looking forward to it.
Q:YOU HAVE HAD TO BATTLE THROUGH LOWER LEAGUES TO ARRIVE ON THE DOOR OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE – DOES THAT MAKE YOU MORE APPRECIATIVE?
A:That definitely makes me appreciate it more. The way football is means you have got to appreciate it and I am glad just to be playing professional football at any level. It is a great career.
Q:AIDY BOOTHROYD IS REGARDED AS ONE OF THE BRIGHTEST YOUNG MANAGERS AROUND ISN'T HE?
A:He is a good manager who gets us motivated and gets us going and even though we have dropped from first place to fifth we still believe. We are working as hard as we possibly can every day to try and get promotion. He is extremely organised. The coaching staff are well organised and the players are well organised. Everyone knows what they are doing and they are working hard to do it to the best of their ability. It is good to have someone like that around that pushes everyone – not just the players but the coaching staff as well.
Q:SO WILL WATFORD BE CELEBRATING PROMOTION AT THE END OF THE SEASON?
A:We still believe we are going to achieve our goal and are confident it will happen.
