Late business to blame for fitness and form issues

The recent struggles of Watford's football team have been attributed to the team's late business activities. The squad was notably thin in the first month of the season, with only two recognized center-backs available for August. This situation worsened after the transfer deadline, but the board claimed they were waiting for more promising, younger players.

However, by the time the market closed, the damage had already been done. Despite some excellent early transfers, the head coach, Alessio Dionisi, found himself playing the same players repeatedly. This led to injuries mounting and tiredness setting in, affecting the team's form in August and September. The problem was exacerbated by the late arrivals who were not fully match-fit or sharp, and at times, they found themselves in a depleted squad.

Dionisi has consistently expressed the difficulty of the situation before and after games. The international break cannot come soon enough for the Italian coach, an ironic statement considering the timing of recent departures at Vicarage Road. With three weeks for recovery following their last game, Watford will need to regroup and prepare for the next stage.

The board's reluctance to spend early in the season, hoping to wait for better options, has backfired. While the Hornets will eventually have a competitive squad, the goal of challenging for promotion could be delayed until late October.