AFTER kicking off their pre-season preparations with a 5-0 victory over Boreham Wood last Saturday, Malky Mackay emphasised the importance of the early preparation for the forthcoming season.
"It's a case of making sure that we prepare, get the correct fitness work in and do everything properly in pre-season.
"Saturday was the first touch of a competitive ball and the players have worked really hard since they came back so I'm delighted with the way the day went."
The Hornets' boss explained what he and his backroom staff are looking for in the countdown to the first League game at the start of August, which sees the Golden Boys meeting Norwich City at Carrow Road, a game that will also be live on Sky Sports.
"We are looking for a wee bit of everything" said Malky.
"A bit of judgement, calls from the players and fitness work.
"But you also want it done properly. You need to make sure the players are keeping their shape on the field of play and link-up with their teammates so it's a gradual thing as well.
"I'm very impressed by the way that all the players have come back as far as fitness is concerned."
Young striker Will Buckley scored a hat-trick in the 5-0 win last weekend and his boss praised the forward's efforts, as well as the hard work from the top scorer from last season, Danny Graham.
"I'm delighted that Will got his goals and the work he did with Danny.
"Danny worked incredibly hard and was tremendously unselfish and allowed Will to get into those positions and I'm really pleased for both of them.
"Will is a forwarding-thinking footballer because he likes to be up there causing problems.
"There's a number of areas he can play in for the team. He's also young and still developing.
"For his development, we want him to know that he can play various areas of the pitch that could hurt the opposition and that's what we are trying to teach him."
After acquiring the services of defender Tom Aldred and goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin in the last two weeks, Malky was keen to state that he hopes to add more players to the fold before the end of the summer transfer window, although this may not be in the immediate future.
"We are still looking to bring in more players, not just to strengthen the squad in experience, but also in numbers" he explained.
"Last year, you saw that we lost a few players at the end of August, after a full four weeks of games.
"It's not ideal, but this happens and sometimes you will find Clubs who will allow youngsters out before that and sometimes not. It's their decision and you have to look at everything on an individual basis."
Pre-order your Watford 2010/11 replica kit, as seen at Boreham Wood, by clicking on the link below.
SHOW YOUR COLOURS!
