12 o'clock kick off on Boxing Day? Who decides this kind of stuff. Do they give the normal football fan any consideration in these ridiculous decisions? It will give people the opportunity to get home earlier, admittedly, but they are also going to be getting up early the day after Christmas to make their way down the M1 to Watford.

It's a shame that we've been denied another Saturday visit to Watford which prevents a trawl round the decent bars the town has to offer. Oh well, maybe next year...

The Ground

Two identical bank of seats sit at either end of Vicarage Road with a two tiered structure, the Rous Stand down one side. The ground has an official capacity of 19,900 but this is not currently all available due to the antique East Stand being closed down to supporters due to safety concerns. The stand is a mish-mash of four sections which include a small area of terracing and an old two-tiered barn-like stand. Only the more modern seating area to it's right still admits supporters in.

The Vicarage Road Stand at one end accomodates travelling fans. In years gone by, the entire stand was opened up to away supporters although the black strip of material down the middle is a permanent fixture regardless of the size of the following. This was used to divide those with tickets and those that had paid on the gate, presumably to allow an unreserved seating policy to be used for the latter group. 

Last season, we were allocated just the left half of the end with Watford fans using the other section. It appears as though the same will apply this time around especially with the timing of the game likely to deter a huge support from Nottingham. Half of the stand still gives an allocation of approximately 2,000 tickets.

Surrounding Area

As mentioned at the beginning of this preview, Watford isn't half bad for a few beers before the game. The town centre is only a short walk away which includes pubs and bars in all directions. The Moon Under The Water Wetherspoons establishment is typically the prime choice when Forest are in town but better pubs can be found nearby. Of course, it will be hard pressed on Boxing Day to find any other pubs open before kick off so this could well be the only choice for those after a beer.

The Chicago Rock Cafe can be found by doing a left out of 'Spoons and offers a beer for less than £2 although it does feel like being on the set of Grease. Elsewhere, although I can't quite remember where, is a Walkabout.

Towards the ground, there are two bars that stand out. Oddfellows (formerly Mac's Bar) is just around the corner from the away turnstiles. Simply take the first left when walking past the away end and it can be spotted almost immediately. Even closer than that is the Red Lion which is on Vicarage Road itself although it is best avoided according apparently.

Travel

There are no trains running on Boxing Day I dont believe so that is immediately a non-starter.

By car, leave the M1 at Junction 5 taking the A4008 (Stephenson Way) for a couple of miles until the A411 which leads to Vicarage Road after a mile. On the approach, follow signs to the hospital which is literally next door to the ground. This is also an ideal parking spot in the hospital car park at the rear.

Official Skills coaches depart from the Brian Clough Stand car park at 8.30am and cost £13.

Tickets

We have been allocated 2,250 tickets in the Vicarage Road Stand behind the goal.

SOLD OUT