Football Season Guide

Watford’s close season plans were dealt a double blow following the departure of last season’s leading goalscorer Danny Graham to Premier League new-boys Swansea City and former boss Malky Mackay who filled the vacant managerial hot-seat at Cardiff City. The Hornets handed the manager’s job to former player Sean Dyche for his first taste of senior management having previously worked as a coach. Watford also recouped money for winger Will Buckley who moved onto pastures new with newly promoted Brighton. The likes of Mat Sadler and Nathan Ellington were also eased off the wage bill this summer, trimming the wage budget enough to allow seasoned Championship pros such as Mark Yeates and Chris Iwelumo to sign on the dotted line at Vicarage Road. Iwelumo remains one of the most dangerous physical front men in the division and will lead the line in a different manner to that of former hero, Danny Graham. With a squad based largely on youth, Dyche will look to the likes of John Eustace, Martin Taylor and Chris Iwelumo to provide guidance and stability to steer the club clear of potential troubled waters.