The part-opening of the new East Stand at Vicarage Road is now scheduled to take place in two weeks time and a full opening is expected on November 1.

The Golden Boys had been hopeful of using a section of the Watford FC Community Stand for tomorrow’s (Saturday’s) game with Bournemouth.

However, they have decided to wait for Saturday, October 4 for a part-opening when a few hundred will have a chance to watch the Hornets take on Brighton & Hove Albion from the new structure.

Those who were relocated from the old East Stand were given ‘promises’ they would have first option to move into the new structure once it was built.

And those who last year expressed an interest to do so will have the chance to watch the game in two weeks time.

More supporters will then try out the new stand on Tuesday, October 21 for the contest with Nottingham Forest before a full opening against Millwall on Saturday, November 1.

Richard Walker, the club’s head of supporter communication and sales, said: “Watford fans who held an old East Stand promise and confirmed their interest in possibly relocating back to the new stand were sent a letter yesterday (Thursday) detailing timelines for their exclusive preview opportunities.

“The Brighton matchday on October 4 will give the ‘old promise’ supporters a chance to preview a potential move on a matchday, and there are three further non-matchday preview opportunities in the week following the game.

“In line with guidance from our stadium safety consultants, the club intends to increase occupancy for the October 21 home match with a view to a full opening of the entire Watford FC Community Stand on Saturday November 1.”

He added: “Those with an old East Stand promise will at all times receive preferential treatment with regard to seat allocation in the new stand.

“Details of a specific seat movement window for existing season ticket holders will be announced once all ‘old promises’ have been honoured.”

The finishing touches are being applied to the section of the stand between the Vicarage Road end and the old players’ tunnel in time for the Brighton match.

The steelwork for the final section at the Rookery End of the structure started to be erected this week.