Mine is quite simple really . . . three.
That’s right, the magic number, the one that means your team goes from zero to hero because they’re winning. The one that can turns carping into clapping.
That, in itself means, scoring goals which is what Graham went on to talk about in that 2015 radio interview ‘Being Human’. Basically football is about scoring goals and winning.
He had previously talked about the media and public abuse that he endured in his England management role. Something as Watford fans we would almost all be able to agree on and would find unimaginable.
Graham went on to say that despite all of that he still loved the game. And that is the point isn’t it. We love football, but it isn’t always a harmonious relationship. Depending on how it goes you either come home with a smile or walk about banging doors with a scowl on your face.
I am sure that many Watford fans who listened to Graham speak on Jeremy Vine would have been stunned to hear him tell how after the game at Brentford some supporters were coming out of the pub to throw beer over him, because someone had publicly said “he shouldn’t manage again”.
He had gone from hero to zero thanks to a great deal of ignorance and someone who thought being smart with words was more important than being decent and respectful.
We are fortunate that we are able to express opinions freely. Whether it is about life at large or what happens on a football pitch. But as on that pitch, there are lines that should not be crossed.
Opinion is one thing, but that doesn’t make it fact you know. Winning however, is a fact.
Talking about winning was the result more important than the performance on Saturday?
Luther: The purpose of football is to win. There are times in a season though when it feels like ‘now or never’.
This had the feeling of result over performance and at times, yes, it was ugly. But there is a saying we used to use a lot: ‘Winners know how to win ugly’.
The squad has some great youngsters, Asprilla, Kone, Martins and so on. From your experience do young players need to be used sparingly at the start of their careers or taken out of the starting line-up?
Luther: I find it sad that I actually have to remind people that Barnsey was just 17 when he tore up the pitch with the first team. Rod Thomas, who came through our youth ranks and was being hailed the young Pele aged 14, came on to make his first team debut as a sub at Highbury at just 17, playing against the great Kenny Sansom.
Many a young player though has gone through the process of needing to find their consistency and impact appearances help them achieve their goal. Even the great Ronaldo went through it at Man Utd.
You played in a Watford team that was direct in its approach. The current team plays more possession-based football. Can you understand fans finding that frustrating?
Luther: We played possession too - after we had won the game.
Our way was simply to put them under pressure and test the opposition. Shots, crosses, win the ball high up the pitch. Never turn down a cross or shot opportunity and never turn down an opportunity to turn over the oppo.
In the interview I have been sharing that Graham gave back in 2015 he talked about possession and statistics. Something he taught us as his coaches was the fact that quoting possession statistics are all well and good, but the statistics mean nothing if you are passing the ball back and forth in your own half.
Goals are what count and you have to get the ball up there fast if you need to.
Ah yes that interview on the radio. Explain about why you brought that back to our attention.
Luther: It was simple. Everyone is entitled to their views. But let’s stop and think, do the majority have a voice or are they, particularly with social media platforms, being drowned out by certain people who know how to use that to their advantage?
I was also asked to do that feature as a tribute to Graham and of all his great observations, what he had to say about ‘Being Human’ really stays with you. Putting aside his genius as a manager, it was the empathy and respect that he inspired and encouraged as a man that those of us who really knew him continue to be driven by.
In that same interview Graham went on to talk about the game at that time (2015), he was not someone impressed by statistics and our results and his were built on simplicity. Just as great communication is based on simple good manners that means all get to have their say.
We saw some criticism aimed at the club and it’s matchday announcer on social media, regarding the minute’s silence held prior to the game last weekend. What was your view?
Luther: I think I made my view clear really on the very same soapbox.
During the week there had been a lot of supportive work going on in the community behind the scenes by the club. I had actually checked on this when I was contacted by different fans who were deeply and personally affected by the horrific attack in Israel and the loss of life there and in Gaza.
The club was required to follow EFL guidelines about showing support and had to wait for required protocols to be shared. Bear in mind that this has wider considerations at an event, such as well-being and crowd safety.
Come matchday, and alongside the EFL statement the club added a personal message of support for Ken Sema, at his request, to observe the loss of life of his countrymen.
The agreed wording was mindful of all those attending, including children, and was a simple act of tribute and solidarity for our player.
I find it most odd that two minutes from kick off, turning a gesture of empathy into a negative on social media, could be a priority at a game.
There have been the odd mutterings that a fan should not be highlighted for their behaviour, do you have a view?
Luther: There are two things really here that I think about. Firstly - if you want to make personal attacks on a public platform, then you are setting the rules of engagement and don’t complain.
Maybe think a little more about the impact on an audience rather than trying to gain attention.
However, at the same time I love creative fan banter. We all do. As a player you actually miss out on that, the jokes and the songs.
There is a huge difference, though, between being funny through football and setting yourself up as an authority or opinion leader.
Sometimes things are said ‘in the spur of the moment’ and I have often had to accept that. I have had racist snipes, but also seen people struggle with being confused by over-zealous political correctness.
Common sense and an understanding of that person is key. Right now I am having discussions about the way we evaluate complaints and identify genuine abuse, I think there are better ways than asking fans to do the policing.
If you have the right community spirit, which is what Watford really trailblazed as a club for years, well you create a better understanding all round of what is acceptable behaviour.
So we have just had two back-to-back wins. Now, this weekend you will be seeing a Watford lad (one who speaks of you highly) in the opposition dug out. How does that feel?
Luther: Firstly let me say I love Robbo and am really pleased to see him come back to the club. So proud of what he has achieved.
He is everything and more about what it means to play for your hometown club. Committed, never give in, take no prisoners, pride in your shirt. This man has truly exemplified Watford through and through.
But, come Saturday, when he is on my manor again, he’ll get a nod but I hope his lads get well and truly stuffed by us. After the game it’s a different matter and time for a drink and a chat.
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