It’s been a busy period for the Hornets’ Academy, following the announcement that 13 players have put pen to paper on new professional contracts over the summer.
In this second instalment of a two-part series, we get reaction from familiar, and new faces, who have received fresh deals to begin the next chapter in their Watford stories.
To read the first part, click HERE.
Victor Wachowicz
“Yeah, I’m delighted to be at this club, it’s a great feeling to finally sign the deal and I’m excited and can’t wait to get started. I was at Beaconsfield Town playing for the Under-23s and I was doing well, I got called in to go on trial at Watford and I got an offer.
“I’ve had many setbacks. Recently, just after I joined, I got injured but I’m ready to bounce back now, I’m just delighted. It’s been good since we came in for pre-season, the work rate from the squad has been good, we just need to keep getting better week by week until the season starts. Then start well and kick on from there.”
Hamzat Balogun
“It’s a proud moment for me and my family. It’s something I’ve hoped for ever since I was a kid. Now I’ve finally done it, it’s very relieving and I’m honoured to earn the opportunity.
“It’s good because like myself, my teammates have all worked very hard to get to where they are, so it is good to do it together and take this big first step together. Now I want to get as much game time as possible and possibly some men’s football – get that taste and learn what it’s like to be in a winning environment.”
George Abbott
“I’m delighted to extend my stay here at Watford. It was a tough season last year, but I think towards the end we got through it and this year I’m looking to push on and hopefully get some first-team football. I’m really grateful for all the staff putting that trust in me to extend my time here. Now I want to show what I’m capable of doing and hopefully I can better the team and better the club.
“Pre-season has been really good, we’ve come in and been working hard. It’s the things you have to do in football. You have to get it right for the season, so we’ve done the conditioning and now hopefully it’s about getting better in the games to come.”
Laken Torres
“I’m very excited because back in the day I would have never imagined to be in this position, so I’m excited to get the season going and hopefully score a lot of goals. When I got told I was extremely happy, it’s been a long journey for me and my family and they’re all supporting me.
“Charlie [Daniels] helped me a lot through the trial, encouraging me. All the staff have helped me, they have been really welcoming. It’s like a family here. Training has been tough, but I’ve been coping well. Now I’m hoping to score as many goals as possible, get closer to the first-team and maybe train with them and progress from there.”
Dawid Hamiga
“It feels great, I was here as a kid and I got let go but now I’ve come back stronger and signed another contract, I feel really good. My family is happy as well, everyone’s happy. Honestly, I’m over the moon.
“Now I want to hopefully get into the first-team, be on the bench for a cup game or maybe make my league debut, but that’s the main goal this season alongside starting for the Under-21s as well throughout the season.”
Jonathan Macaulay
“Honestly, it’s a dream come true. I was playing Sunday League only a couple of years ago and it feels nice to finally sign a pro deal, especially at Watford, at such a big club. It’s been my aim since I was young. Watching people on the TV and coming in at Watford in the Under-16s and seeing the Under-21s and first-team - it’s something I’ve always dreamed of.
“My aim now is to keep working and keep pushing. As everyone says, the hard work starts now, but my aim this season is to play as many games as possible, try to stay injury-free and keep as many clean sheets as possible.”
Luigi Gaspar
“It means a lot to me to sign, I’m so happy. Last season was not an easy season for me, I had a couple of injuries and missed most of the games so signing the extension means a lot to me, it means the club trusts me as well, so I’m really happy.
“I’m back for the start of the season, so hopefully I can get the pre-season all done then step onto the pitch and play games. It’s been my first week back fit after five months. My goal now during pre-season is to stay fit for the start of the campaign and then play for the whole season.”
