Wealdstone away. Rupert's birthday, and a comfortable seven goal victory over a team who Watford morally owe more to than just a one off pre-season friendly.

While the laughable efforts of Des Lyttle were once again being paraded in front of us on the Isle of Man, Herwig Walker stood between the posts for his first, and ultimately his biggest, game for Watford.

The injury to Chamberlain in Douglas (IoM) had forced Taylor's hand in getting in a cover stopper, and the likeable Austrian jumped at the chance. This quiet, unassuming chap, visibly grateful for any chance he had to impress, saw out the opening weeks of the season sitting on the bench while Alec sat in the stands. But Alec's return meant that it was 'Earwig' who found himself on corporate duties, and the reserve run-outs proved to be the only action he saw.

In other seasons, 'Earwig' might well have got a run in the side, but the days of the two Perrys are long gone! Digweed and Suckling moved on, and with the arrival of a new hero in Kevin Miller, the Watford faithful were able to put the sorrowful few seasons of inept goalkeepers behind them, as first Kevin then latterly Alec restored the belief in our stoppers.

Maybe it is unfortunate that Herwig never got to strut his stuff on the bigger stage. After all, his reserve performances suggested in no way that he would have been any more costly than some of the blunders we have witnessed this year. But fortune was not kind, and at the end of the season the inevitable news came that his one-year contract would not be renewed.

We wish him well, as yet another Nice Guy passes along the Yellow Brick Road and onto the M25.

Pete Fincham