THE polarisation of views on the management continues. There have been those who have questioned the wisdom of appointing Luca Vialli in the first place and those who have criticised such people as Luddites.

At one stage, reading the postings and letters pages, it seemed you could not voice a doubt about the Watford management without being labelled a Graham Taylor man and living in the past.

Why being critical of any of the managers in the past 20 years, should earn such labels as living in the past or being a GT man, is beyond me.

Managers are judged on their merits, and, while GT is a hard act to follow, he did make it slightly easier by having an extremely disappointing second half to last season.

Vialli is judged by his own successes or failures.

Now it would appear there is a new slant on those critical of Watford's present direction and position. They are labelled as not being true supporters.

What a strange world we live in when someone who is critical of the club is dismissed as not being a true fan. Surely, because he or she is criticising, shows that he or she cares.

It is just as sweeping a generalisation as to label those who do not criticise as being nodding lap-dogs prepared to put up with anything.

One things is certain, and that is at Birmingham there were angry scenes among the Watford contingent over the substitution of Heidar Helguson. It was the angriest I have seen away fans since the days of Dave Bassett.

As someone who did acknowledge reservations about the appointment of Luca Vialli, and was critical of the board's decision not to insist on maintaining some continuity of staff (namely Jackett and Blissett), people ask me which side am I on.

The plain fact is Watford have invested heavily in this management team. Luca bought a large staff to Vicarage Road and so, even if they wanted to, which they do not, it would be a very expensive business paying up everyone and saying goodbye.

Because so much is invested, the board has trimmed their financial sales, but given the support to the manager as he prepares for next season.

Watford are too far down one road to pull out, and so Vialli will be given time to turn it around as he acclimatises himself to the first division and its requirements.

That is the reality of the situation, and I prefer to deal in realities.