The day most Hornets’ supporters thought they would never see looks set to arrive tomorrow (Saturday) as Nathan Ellington is expected to pull on the yellow of Watford once more.

Watford travel to Boreham Wood for their first pre-season fixture and new manager Malky Mackay has confirmed Ellington, John Eustace, Mat Sadler and new signings Danny Graham and Scott Severin should all feature.

Ellington’s Watford career seemed to be over last summer when Derby County signed him on loan for £1.5m with a view to making the move permanent on a free transfer last month.

However, new Rams’ boss Nigel Clough did not see the striker as part of his plans and the 28-year-old returned to training with the rest of the Watford squad last week.

Ellington only scored four goals in 38 appearances for the Hornets following his £3.25m move from West Bromwich Albion in 2007. The Hornets are set to make another payment as part of the deal to the Baggies next month.

Mackay said Ellington should feature, although it may not be for long.

The Scot said: “Everything is going great. The boys have come back in incredible shape, which makes it easier to get back into high-level training.

“The first game will be just to get them back into a match situation. It is more about fitness than anything else.

“Ten days into pre-season training, it is a game where people will get around 45 minutes and there will be big rotation.”

Mackay confirmed “99 per cent” of the first team should travel to Boreham Wood, with the club’s youngsters taking on Tring Athletic the same day.

Tickets for tomorrow’s game against Borehamwood will be £12 for adults and £6 for concessions, with Tring £5 and £3 respectively.

Supporters only have until Tuesday to purchase tickets online for next Saturday’s Watford XI game against Wealdstone, which will be a testimonial for the Stones’ boss Gordon Bartlett.

Although entrance will be available on the day, fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets at www.wealdstone-fc.com at £10 for adults and £5 for juniors and concessions, although there will be a £1 or 50p handling fee.