Watford's commercial department has bucked recent trends by reporting an increase in sales for the third successive year.

The Hornets are one of only two clubs in the Championship that recorded an increase in commercial revenues for last season.

The increase in sales covers areas such as executive boxes, memberships for the President’s Business Club and Legends Club and advertising boards, among other things.

Raj Athwal, head of commercial, said “Since I arrived three seasons ago we developed a long term plan to drive the commercial sales with a unique methodology that I had been using at my previous club. The results have been incredible.”

So far this season 95% of the corporate areas have been occupied, the club have secured an Academy sponsor for the first time in Soccerade and the East Stand is sponsored by local company Orbital Fasteners.

Watford are now looking into trying to invite 'major investors' to the club for 'secondary sponsorships', for example for the kit and stands.