Watford have decided which members of its Under-16 side will be offered scholarships by the club

The Hornets continue to place a strong emphasis on youth development despite the pathway to the first team becoming increasingly harder following Watford’s promotion to the Premier League.

McGuane says those players who have been offered two-year scholarships have been informed but admits telling the remaining youngsters that their future lies away from the club is difficult.

“It’s the worst time of the year and the best time of the year,” he explained. “Sitting down with players and saying ‘unfortunately the pathway isn’t there for you at Watford.

We can’t offer you something next year’ is probably the hardest conversation we have with them.

“It’s why it’s important to get to know them off the pitch. You need to have a Plan B and work out their progression route.

“Is it carrying on in football or not? It’s difficult. The flip side is then getting to tell the boys that they’re being offered a scholarship.”

Meanwhile, decisions will be made later this month as to which of the club’s current scholars will be handed professional contracts.

Nathan Gartside, Connor Stevens, Brandon Mason, Andrew Eleftheriou [pictured], Jacob Cook, Max Makaka and Charlie Rowan will all be hoping to join Michael Folivi and Ogo Obi in earning pro deals with the Hornets.

“We give the Under-18s their decision with seven, eight or nine games to play so the Under-16s get an opportunity to play at a higher age group,” McGuane explained.