WATFORD goalkeeper Richard Lee says next year could be his year to have a pop at the Hornets number one jersey.

"In the past when I've had a point to prove, I've always had a really good season so hopefully it will be my year next season.

"I always set my goals high and want to push Scott, he's number one and he's great but my aim is to get in the team again.

"But if I don't, then I'll continue to work hard and push Scott too. But if I do get my chance I fully intend to take it."

Lee joins the successful list of Watford Academy graduates to rise up through the ranks and go on to sign for another season at the Vic under the watchful eye of Brendan Rodgers.

Lee: planning on some hard work for next season

"I'm delighted, not just for myself but the other lads who have sorted out contracts recently; I think it's great for WFC going forward" Said Lee.

"Like with any club, if you have players who know the club and have been here a while, of which we have a few- myself, Lloyd and Mariappa; it's a real good nucleus for the team. 

"The supporters appreciate that we have the club at the heart and perhaps that helps our connection with the fans."

Although this year's campaign hasn't been the highlight of the goalkeeper's career at the club, Lee says the team all gelled together to come out the other end after a bad start to the season.

"It's been a testing season for Watford, when you consider halfway through, we only had 30 points. Looking back, I remember sitting in the dressing room after the Sheffield United game, losing 2-0 at home, you thought realistically we could be going down here. I think the fact that we've come through it now shows signs that next season could be a really positive one.

"We seem to have sorted ourselves out behind the scenes, the people in charge have got the best interests of the club at heart, and that bodes well for the future."

Lee: "The people in charge here have the best interests of the club at heart"

And for the Academy graduate, youth is the key to this future.

"I think if you look at Watford over the years you can see that the academy is the way forward for Watford, for example looking at the young players that are coming through now we've got some great talent in the 15, 16, 17 year olds that will be looking to become regulars in years to come.

"Hopefully if we can get back up to the Premier League in the coming years, this is the way we're going to do it, with lots of home grown talent."

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