All Watford fans of a certain age will have been very sad to hear of the passing of Les Simmons. He was a real character and was held in great affection by the staff and the fans alike. The hard work and the pride that he took in preparing the pitch was evident in the pristine surface, which was sadly then ruined by the players. Many fans also have tales of tickings off for having dared set foot on the hallowed turf.

Watford Supporters Trust (WST) board members, Graham Sterry, Steve Temple and Frances Lynn, met with Julian Winter, Watford FC CEO, and Michael Jones, Head of Customer Sales, at the club’s offices yesterday (Wednesday) to discuss the recent events surrounding the club as well as their plans for the future.

I am sure that all members of the Watford Supporters Trust (WST) will share their board's delight at the news this evening that the threat of administration has been lifted. Administration would have been a disaster for the football club and it is still hard to understand why the former Chairman thought it necessary to make the threat that he did. There are still a number of outstanding questions regarding the leadership and the future running of the club for which the WST board will endeavour to obtain answers and report back to the members.

I attended the AGM of Watford Leisure etc in my capacity as Chairman of Watford Supporters Trust. Since the AGM, the Supporters Trust has not been able to meet to formulate its views and there will undoubtedly be differing views and interpretations of events – some informed by having been there and through experience. Some not.

I’m sure that all Watford fans will join the board of the Watford Supporters Trust (WST) in expressing their great sadness at the passing of Terry Challis. For decades, Terry’s cartoon was the first thing a Watford fan would look for each Friday in the Watford Observer. He was a fan, like all of us, and shared the pleasure and the pain of following the Hornets. His cartoons beautifully captured the feelings of a typical Watford fan and would always raise a smile or bring a tear to the eye, sometimes both.

Yesterday (Thursday) finally saw the departure of Tommy Smith and, while all Watford fans were disappointed to see him go, it softened the blow that he chose Portsmouth over Reading. Tommy’s return to Watford in 2006 was not universally welcomed as the nature of his departure in 2003 had angered many, but his performances and commitment to the cause whenever he pulled on a Watford shirt soon won over even his sternest critics.

Again this season, WST members have the chance to win a corporate day out at Vicarage Road for each home fixture in the Championship. For an additional £46 (£2 per match), members have the opportunity to enter a ballot for the package which includes match day parking, a pre match meal for two in the Corporate Lounge with a Q&A session involving a former Watford player, two tickets for the luxury seats in the Upper Rous, half time refreshments and a programme which comes complete with pre match team sheet.

Board members from the Watford Supporters Trust (WST) met with WFC Chairman - Jimmy Russo, CEO - Julian Winter, and Head of Customer Sales - Michael Jones, on Monday 6th July. The topics discussed were many and varied and the responses received are detailed below. We thank Jimmy, Julian and Michael for their time.

Saracens

The board of the Watford Supporters Trust (WST) would like to congratulate Malky Mackay following his appointment as Watford manager. In the 4 years that Malky has been at Watford, he has been a wonderful servant as player, coach, and also as caretaker manager in the period that he had in that role prior to the appointment of his predecessor. As a player, his leadership skills were apparent on the field and those qualities were greatly missed when he hung up his boots.

The board of the Watford Supporters Trust (WST) were very disappointed to hear the news of Brendan Rodgers’ decision to take the manager’s position at Reading. Having recently made statements stating that the speculation linking him with the vacant position at Reading brought his integrity and loyalty into question, his subsequent decision to talk to Reading about their vacancy has severely damaged his reputation in the eyes of Watford fans. However we do thank Brendan for his efforts last season and wish him well for the future.