AFTER Lloyd Doyley completed the signing of his new Watford contract on Monday, his manager Brendan Rodgers said it was "fully deserved" for the Academy graduate.
"When I first came into Watford with my ideas on how to work and how I wanted the team to play and my methods, Lloyd wasn't originally in my thinking" admitted the Northern Irishman.
"But Lloyd came into the team and showed me other qualities that are Premier League qualities, and what I love about him is that he's kept the same mentality whether he was in or out of the team and he proved me wrong.
"I'm not arrogant enough not to give people an opportunity. I like to see people respond and see what their belief is and how they work. And both him and Grzegorz Rasiak have proved that they can be a big part in what I want to do here."
 |
|
Rodgers on Doyley: "I always recognise hard work" |
Doyley, or 'Lloydinho' as he is affectionately called, has definitely blossomed into a key player for Rodgers and his growth has been largely down to the coaching of the backroom staff at Watford.
"The switch of him going to left-back has really helped him" said Brendan Rodgers.
"I think you see the growth of him as a player and I always look at players and how they cope in adversity, like against Coventry, in adversity you see growth and it's the same with Lloydy.
"When he wasn't playing; he obviously knew that he wasn't what I wanted technically but he worked and worked, and the way I work improves players anyway; and he's made that improvement."
The Watford boss believes it is vital for players to feel that hard work really does pay off in this world.
"I feel it was important to recognise hard work. I may not always get the type of player I want here for various reasons, but we certainly want characters that you know when you go into fight, they will do everything they can for you.
"I'm proud that Lloyd came and offered himself and his family and has got the contract. As I said, it gives him another three years to get his goal!"
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT ON YOUR MOBILE
