Promoted sides tend to do one of two things when they reach the top flight: either stay loyal to the players who won promotion or make wholesale changes. There is little middle ground. Craig Cathcart, however, believes Watford have discovered it.

The Hornets defender says Gino Pozzo, Luke Dowling and Nicola Salerno have got the balance just right this summer and insists the closeness of the squad has been retained despite a recruitment drive which has seen 10 players signed.

Asked after Tuesday night’s first loss of pre-season – a 2-1 defeat at Cardiff City – whether the Golden Boys remained as close-knit a group as last term, Cathcart was adamant.

“I would say so, yes,” he replied. “We had momentum at the end of last season which got us promoted. If you achieve something as a group of players then that sticks with you.

“We are looking to take that momentum into the new season and hopefully make a good start to the league campaign.”

He continued: “I think they [the new players] have settled in really well and we have had a good three weeks’ training and done a lot of work on the training pitch.

“Things are coming together quite well. It is always difficult when players come in; it will take time for them to settle in but I think it is definitely coming together.”

It is a stance which his boss, Quique Sanchez Flores, seconds. Indeed the Spaniard has no doubt the hoard of summer additions has integrated well.

“Some of our players began pre-season at other teams but we have been collecting, collecting, collecting and waiting for a good situation where we can take the players,” said Flores after Saturday’s 1-0 win at Dundee United.

“It [the number of signings] won’t be a problem for us. The players are excellent people so they are creating a high atmosphere.

“Everyone is making good friends so I believe it is easy to put players into this group. They are adapting really easily.”

Whilst Flores is a Premier League rookie, Cathcart knows the step up required to survive in England’s top flight. He knows what it is like to be relegated, too, after suffering that agony with Blackpool as recently as 2011.

And the Ulsterman knows quality additions are imperative if survival is to be secured.

“It is a different level the Premier League, so we knew we had to bring quality players in, which we have done,” he stated.

“The lads who have come in have looked great in training and now we are just trying to get them integrated into the games in the way the manager wants us to play.

“It is going to take time but I think you are starting to see little bits coming together.”

With 10 signings already made – the most in the Premier League at this stage – Cathcart expects further acquisitions before the transfer window closes on September 1.

“Yes, we need to strengthen our squad [further],” admitted Cathcart. “You need a big squad for the Premier League. It is going to be a tough season and the additions we will bring in will be quality players. They will be welcomed with open arms.”

Napoli’s Miguel Britos and Werder Bremen’s Sebastian Prodl have both arrived to bolster the Hornets’ central defensive ranks this summer, meaning Cathcart is far from certain of his place this season.

For someone who enjoyed an excellent first campaign at Vicarage Road, the prospect of being marginalised might be considered a kick in the teeth.

But Cathcart is not losing any sleep over the battle for a starting shirt. “I would not say I am concerned,” he reasoned when asked.

“Competition for places is the strongest it has been since I joined and that can only be good for the club. We want to have two players at the same level in every position so if players go out of the team the people who come in are going to do their job and not bring the level of the side down.”

It was a far less experienced Cathcart who made his Premier League debut with Blackpool in 2010, in the same way it was less rounded Cathcart who moved from Manchester United to Vicarage Road on loan for 12 games in 2009.

Now the Belfast-born stopper believes it is a better version of himself taking the step up to the top flight once more.

He said: “You learn from your mistakes as a player and you gain that match experience.

“You start doing things off instinct as well, so I definitely think I am improved and I’m looking forward to helping Watford stay up.”