If you're of a #WatfordFC persuasion and want a team to follow when the Bundesliga returns on Saturday, here's why you should back Mainz, Watford's Twin Town.
Thread (1/9)
Thread (1/9)
Mainz is located towards the West of Germany, a short distance from Frankfurt.
Situated on the Rhine, it is the capital of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate with a population of 217,118. (2/9)
Situated on the Rhine, it is the capital of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate with a population of 217,118. (2/9)
Watford and Mainz have been twinned since 1956, due to both towns' prestigious role in printing press in their respective countries.
Here's a piece from Mainz's official website about the partnership: https://www.mainz.de/verwaltung-und-politik/partnerstaedte/watford.php#c15
Below; the certificates of partnership (3/9)
Here's a piece from Mainz's official website about the partnership: https://www.mainz.de/verwaltung-und-politik/partnerstaedte/watford.php#c15
Below; the certificates of partnership (3/9)
The partnership has flourished throughout the years. Here's the piece from @Observer_Owl commemorating the 50th anniversary of the partnership in 2006:
https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/1011524.flag-flies-high-for-twinned-towns/
(4/9)
https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/1011524.flag-flies-high-for-twinned-towns/
(4/9)
So what of the football team?
The local team is 1. FSV Mainz 05
Founded: 1905
Kit Colours: Red and White
Nicknames: Die Nullfünfer (The 05's) & Karnevalsverein (Carnival Club)
Here's their English Twitter: @Mainz05en
And website: https://www.mainz05.de/en/
(5/9)
The local team is 1. FSV Mainz 05
Founded: 1905
Kit Colours: Red and White
Nicknames: Die Nullfünfer (The 05's) & Karnevalsverein (Carnival Club)
Here's their English Twitter: @Mainz05en
And website: https://www.mainz05.de/en/
(5/9)
The club play their home games at the Opel Arena.
Opened: July 2011
Capacity: 34,034
They have never won any major domestic honours. (6/9)
Opened: July 2011
Capacity: 34,034
They have never won any major domestic honours. (6/9)
The club have been playing in the Bundesliga since 2009/10.
Like Watford, this season they find themselves in a bit of a sticky situation, currently sitting one place above the relegation playoff place with nine games to play. (7/9)
Like Watford, this season they find themselves in a bit of a sticky situation, currently sitting one place above the relegation playoff place with nine games to play. (7/9)
Here are their remaining fixtures
You can watch their first game away to FC Cologne live on BT Sport 1, Sunday 17th, from 14:15 BST. (8/9)
You can watch their first game away to FC Cologne live on BT Sport 1, Sunday 17th, from 14:15 BST. (8/9)
So there you have it!
Twinned Towns
Similar history
Similar size
Similar seasons
All the reasons to be backing 1. FSV Mainz 05 for the remainder of the Bundesliga!
And if you don't; their mascot Johannes the Clown will kill you in your sleep. (9/9)
Twinned Towns
Similar history
Similar size
Similar seasons
All the reasons to be backing 1. FSV Mainz 05 for the remainder of the Bundesliga!
And if you don't; their mascot Johannes the Clown will kill you in your sleep. (9/9)