NEW signings Tom Aldred and Rene Gilmartin joined the Watford squad yesterday (Thursday) as they took to the training pitches for the very first time this pre-season.

The duo completed their respective moves to Watford yesterday and they wasted no time in joining in a training session after completing a series of medical tests at London Colney.

Centre half Aldred has arrived from League One outfit Carlisle United after impressing with his five league appearances last season as well as in their youth and reserve set-up.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Gilmartin appeared 23 times last season for Walsall.

The Irish Under-21 stopper will work under Goalkeeper Coach Alec Chamberlain at Vicarage Road.

Twenty-year-old Aldred has previously collected the League One Apprentice of the Year Award in 2009.

Speaking about his arrival in WD18, defender Aldred said: "The gaffer told me about the younger players in the squad and judging by what I've seen already, they seem a talented bunch of lads, so they're going to be a really good group to work with as we're all similar ages, I'm really looking forward to it.

Tom Aldred holding Watford's new home shirt

"The development of youth was a key factor in my move here and the facilities are fantastic - the gym, training ground and pitches.

"They are brilliant and good enough for me to become a better player and person at.

"It is a big leap between League One and Championship, but I'm up for the challenge and have the belief in my ability that I can make that step up."

Goalkeeper Gilmartin signed a two-year deal with Watford, as did Aldred, the Club also has the option of further extending their contracts by another year.

Gilmartin linked up with Chamberlain and fellow stopper Scott Loach for their first training session of the summer.

He said: "The training ground, facilities and staff here really attracted me to Watford and it's been a great move for me.

"I really enjoyed the first day of training, Alec Chamberlain and Scott Loach are really nice guys, hopefully the goalkeepers' union here will help me settle in.

"The opportunity to move up a level was a big factor in my decision to come here, but also the coaching set-up. 

"At Walsall, the goalkeeping coach could only be in two days a week and I know how good Alec Chamberlain is and to work with him will be brilliant for my career and for my game to step up.

Rene Gilmartin at London Colney

"To work with Scott Loach, the England Under-21 goalie is going to be great for me, and we can hopefully push each other on.

"So, all these things along with the training ground facilities and the ambitions of the Club made me want to come here."

Watford boss Malky Mackay oversaw the first training session yesterday afternoon in the heat at London Colney and he's looking forward to helping the pair develop in Hertfordshire.

Aldred has a good role model in Martin Taylor to look towards, while Gilmartin can benefit from the experience that Loach has picked up over the last couple of years.

The manager feels the pair can develop by learning from the duo and other players in the squad.

He said: "It's a massive challenge for them here at Watford.

"All players look up to fellow professionals who they think are role models and as long as it's in the right way, then it is fine.

"They can mirror image some of our older professionals and see how they've achieved what they have.

"If they can take on board the professional qualities then they have every chances of making it.

"Both are very keen to be here and to learn.

"I've spoken to them about the amount of work we do with the video technicians - analysing their own performances, as well as looking at other players' performances.

"We'll do extra one-on-one work with them as well, alongside the general group work.

"But, I must say both are keen to learn and to step up to this level."

You can meet both the new signings and Malky at our event at Vicarage Road on Thursday 2 September. For further information please click here.

LET WATFORD BE THE PERFECT HOST