Owner Gino Pozzo insists “the true journey” has only just begun for Watford after promotion to the Premier League was secured.

The Pozzo family completed their takeover of the club in 2012 and a return to the top flight of English football was always the target.

Gino has been in charge at Vicarage Road throughout the three-year reign but was only made the sole owner officially last summer and spends most days either at the club offices in Vicarage Road or at the training ground in London Colney.

The goal of promotion may have been achieved but the Harvard-educated businessman stressed there was much more to come from Watford.

Speaking at the civic reception held at Cassiobury Park on Monday, he said: “We really see this as the beginning of the journey and that is why we have worked so hard and now is when the true journey begins.

“I hope you all enjoy it with us and there are going to be some interesting times ahead.”

Pozzo does not seek the limelight despite his impressive track record and has only given three interviews in England since the takeover.

But he used the civic reception to praise the players and staff for their achievements.

At the reception he added: “It is an honour for us to be here; it has been an incredible journey. I would just like to take the opportunity to share this very special moment with all the people that have made this possible; the players, the staff and everybody who works for the club.”

“We really have a Premier League group – even before we reached the Premier League. So I think it has been an incredible moment for us,” he added.

The night before Pozzo had been at the club’s end of season awards dinner at Shendish Manor and gave a short speech before presenting captain Troy Deeney with a watch, pictured, after he made Hornets history by becoming their first player to hit 20 league goals in three consecutive seasons.

“I would like to show my appreciation to the people who have made this possible; all the players, the staff, the manager and our supporters,” he said.

“I have been a bit of surprised by the lack of recognition for some of the hard work our guys have done this season. [And] since Troy did not get the trophy for Player of the Year from the Football League, I hope this compensates.

“Since we don’t get the recognition from this league, I think we had better stay up.”