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Watford's former owner Laurence Bassini gloats over club's Championship play-off defeat to Crystal Palace
Watford's former owner Laurence Bassini made his feelings clear to the editor of a local newspaper following the Hornets' Championship play-off defeat to Crystal Palace at Wembley on Monday afternoon.
Immediately after the 1-0 defeat, local businessman Bassini sent several gloating text messages to Frank Smith, deputy sports editor of the Watford Observer.
Bassini said: “How is the feeling in the town now? Ask Anthony (Matthews, the group sports editor) because for me the feeling is amazing.
“What goes around comes around. This is my happiest memory of Watford. Print this in the paper, Laurence Bassini. I have to go now and open the Champagne. All my love to Watford.”
He followed up this classy exchange with: “Can’t see any Watford fans on telly. They must be in Watford town enjoying the feeling with Anthony.
He then added: “Put me on your website tonight; every word I have quoted.”
According to Smith, Bassini has had little contact with the club since he departed Vicarage Road last summer.
Bassini, formerly Bazini, took over Watford FC in May 2011 when the club's previous parent company, Watford Leisure PLC was de-listed from the London Stock Exchange.
The Stanmore-based businessman subsequently sold the club to the Pozzo family which owns Italian Serie A side Udinese and Spanish club Granada.
(Edited by Cameron Macphail)