Before he went on trial to Scarborough in early February 2003, I barely knew we had a professional called Gary Cohen. Further investigation reveals he stayed on at school to finish his studies while pitching in part-time with the Academy scheme.

Impressed enough with his on-field antics, the club gave him a one-year pro' contract, the ink on which can hardly be dry before he's on his way again. A decent physical specimen, he was played in a variety of positions by the Academy's Under-19 team, and enjoyed brief glimpses of the heady heights of the Reserve team in the Herts Senior Cup - no doubt enjoying some of the county's most over-worked surfaces.

Gary will perhaps serve to remind Watford that, when thinking about rewarding fine seasons in the youth team, the question should in future surely be asked: "Has this player got any chance of making a first-team appearance?".

In Gary's case, the answer was clearly "No".

Anon