Watford manager Sean Dyche claims some of the club’s youngsters have “regressed” as a result of playing in the first team too much last season.

Since taking over from Malky Mackay in June, Dyche has relied more on experienced signings and sent several of the Hornets' younger players out on loan to lower league teams.

It is a different approach to that of his predecessor who, due to financial restrictions, regularly selected the likes of Matty Whichelow, Lee Hodson and Adam Thompson in his starting line-up last season.

“I have suggested many times that the loan system is very important to us, not just for us as a club but to develop our players,” Dyche said.

“I stated when I took over that we needed to allow some of the young players time.

“Last year we were throwing them in and they were not ready. They have actually regressed and now we have had to put them back on the platform to go forward.”

One player to benefit from the loan system is Gavin Massey, who has had his spell at Yeovil Town extended for a third month last week.

The first-year professional scored again for the League One side in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Chesterfield - his third goal in ten league appearances.

“I am really pleased for Gavin,” Dyche said. “He nicked a couple the other week too. I have spoken to him a few times and he is really enjoying the taste of first team football and it can only stand him in good stead moving forward.”