The Russo brothers were in the crowd last night as Watford made it through to the second round of the Carling Cup.

Jimmy and Vince attended a home match for only the second time since they were removed from the board in May 2007 and sat in the Rous Stand for the match with Bristol Rovers.

The Broxbourne-based Italians, who own a 29.1 per cent stake in the club, have expressed their interest in buying the club but only if the price is right.

A Hungarian and an Israeli businessman are also understood to have expressed an interest in buying the club while the Watford Observer understands Saracens owner and former Watford FC director Nigel Wray has also held discussions with chairman Graham Simpson over the freehold of the stadium.

Also among the crowd of 5,574 were former Watford manager Dave Bassett and Aston Villa and England winger Ashley Young.