6:09pm Monday 6th July 2009
By Frank Smith
Watford’s new signing Danny Graham is aiming to score 20 goals this season after making the step up to the Championship.
Graham joined the Hornets on a free transfer from League One-outfit Carlisle United on Thursday, although the Hertfordshire club will have to pay compensation.
The 23-year-old had a blistering start to last season, scoring 16 times by January, but then went on a goal drought and has not scored since.
However, the former England Under-20 striker has defended his scoring record and said he is looking forward to next year.
Graham told the Times and Star: “The Newcastle and Middlesbrough games will be unbelievable for me, being a North-East lad, but there are so many big teams in this division. I’m looking forward to them all.”
He added: “Training has gone really well so far and I know a couple of lads from the past – Will Hoskins from England Under-20s, and Tommy Smith from when I was on loan at Derby. I’ve been made very welcome by everyone.
“The manager [Malky Mackay] is very good, very thorough with everything he does. He has left us in no doubt as to what he expects from all the players.
“I’m a confident person and I always set out to get 20 goals every season I play.
“I’ll be aiming to do that, but I don’t expect to walk straight into the team.
“I will work hard over pre-season and hopefully give him something to think about.”
Graham scored 40 goals in 113 appearances for Carlisle but his form dipped after the transfer window closed.
Huddersfield Town had a £250,000 bid rejected in January and Graham said that had nothing to do with his dip in form because he scored three goals after the offer was made.
There were a number of clubs interested in the former Middlesbrough man but he claims Watford “stood out”.
He said: “There was one other Championship club and several in League One who showed firm interest, but Watford stood out for me.
“This was always my plan – to move up a division. Not for one second would I have signed for any other club in League One. My aim was to play in the Championship and I’ve got to grab the opportunity with both hands.”
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