ASSISTANT Manager Sean Dyche was a player alongside Heidar Helguson and he has played an important part in reuniting the striker with Vicarage Road in 2009.

The Hornets' number two was a familiar face to the Iceland international when talks started between the Golden Boys and Helguson's parent club, Queens Park Rangers.

"We got on personally and we've kept in contact over the years" said Dyche.

"Then a possibility came up of bringing Heidar here. I strongly suggested it to Malky and he liked the idea immediately and thought that we should do it.

"I don't think it's a surprise to anyone that we need some experience, the squad is forever getting younger which is fantastic in many ways, but it can leave you a little bit short sometimes of people with know-how.

"Heidar fitted into the category of having experience, being a good-solid pro and his record as a player stands up - especially so at Watford for being the player he is and scoring goals."

The forward is worshipped by the Vicarage Road crowd and his stature has grown even more during his second spell with the Club, having bagged five goals in just three starts and two sub appearances.

"The crowd reaction is a nice by-product" commented Watford's second in command.

"The fans appreciate him and know all about him and tune in to what he gives the team.

"There are certain players who fit the fabric of a Football Club and Heidar does so at Watford."

The striker returned to Vicarage Road in mid September and as well as stepping off the bench to score a brace and force a draw with Leicester City, he also picked up an injury that would keep him out of action until the end of October.

However, he's been back on the goal trail since, scoring in the Hornets' last two home games.

Dyche on Helguson: "In my time as a player he was excellent"

Dyche played with Helguson for the best part of three years between 2002 and 2005 under the stewardship of Ray Lewington and the former defender has fond memories of the 32-year-old.

He said: "He was a real honest hardworking forward.

"He was very enjoyable to play with, you always knew what you were getting and he had a knack of scoring goals. It was all positive.

"In my time as a player he was excellent, he scored goals, was a handful and he was instrumental in those great cup runs."

Dyche reveals that Helguson's team mates don't always see the real 'H' during sessions on the training pitch.

"Heidar is far better on the pitch on a Saturday than he was in training" joked the former Millwall centre half.

"Training was the easy part, on a Saturday afternoon and a Tuesday night that's when you see what he is all about.

"He trains properly but on the pitch that's where he really gets to work.

"I actually only played against him once. I was at Millwall and he came on as sub for Watford under Gianluca Vialli.

"He's very honest in training so he's not going to knock you around, but in a game he'll certainly knock people around!"

There was plenty of speculation linking Helguson with a loan move back to Vicarage Road in September and behind the scenes Dyche offered the striker an insight into life in WD18 under new boss Malky.

Sean Dyche with manager Malky Mackay

However, he still had to offer a bit of encouragement to the former 'Orn as the old saying 'to never go back' did jump into his mind.

"When I spoke to him privately once we had the green light to bring him here, I think its fair to say that even though he knew he would be appreciated here, there is always a little doubt in your mind that he or even other people could be disappointed.

"I'm obviously delighted to say that hasn't happened. I said to him that I thought people would take to him again and I always said that because of the way we play he'll have chances and that's been quite apparent.

"He came round to it and we're all delighted he's come back on loan to play with us.

"It was disappointing to see him get injured so early, but then it's been great to see him come back so strong and scoring goals immediately."

Helguson is a senior figure in Watford's youthful dressing room, offering advice and passing on tips whenever he can.

Dyche on his former teammate: "He was a real honest hardworking forward"

His know-how around the training ground has been invaluable, both for the Hornets' defenders and forward players.

"I think it's showed our young central defenders some things" said Dyche.

"It's another experienced person and they were all talking about his two great headers against Scunthorpe the other week.

"The game has moved on considerably" reflected Dyche.

"We use DVD analysis to show the guys the runs that he makes, just because he's older and wiser and we can show the younger guys what he offers.

"You can coach them of course but a visual can be as strong as words.

"I think he's settled in very well. It's been very well documented but we've got a fantastic group of lads, so that hasn't been an issue, but they've really taken to H.

"Heidar's got an opinion and a dry wit and he's offered his view in some of the de-briefs for us; a look from a well-rounded older player, but it's all been positive."

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