The arrival of new Reading manager Steve Clarke wasn’t enough to stop another Almen Abdi strike giving a very resilient ten-man Watford a vital third win in succession, keeping them firmly in the promotion hunt at the halfway stage of the season.

After what can only be described as a ridiculous sending off from referee Gavin Ward, the Hornets showed the nous and character – that I called upon last week - to grind out, in my opinion, their most important win of the season.

Despite being out-fought by a buoyant Reading in the first half, our quality and clinical finishing after the break made the difference and secured a crucial three points before entering the unpredictable Christmas period.

Although Saturday’s game was meant to signify the start of a new era for Reading with the appointment of Steve Clarke, I feel the occasion was overshadowed by the true arrival of our new boss Slavisa Jokanovic.

Since taking charge of the Hornets back in early October, Jokanovic has had a fairly indifferent start to his tenure at the club. To a certain extent the Serb has been thrown in at the deep end, after being named our fourth manager of the season during a chaotic period at the club.

I must admit even though it is still early days, I didn’t think it would be too long until we’d be looking for our fifth. Taking over a club with the fans, players and backroom staff in such a state of confusion but yet still intent on gaining promotion must’ve been an incredibly difficult position to fill.

In a way I do sympathise with the new boss. He’s trying to take the club a giant leap forward with an unfamiliar squad while working under a board that have a reputation for being impatient with their managerial appointments.

However despite losing four on the trot throughout a tricky November, they have stuck with Jokanovic and now the Serb is repaying their trust by steering Watford back in the right direction.

In our recent auspicious run of victories, Jokanovic has reverted back to our favoured 3-5-2 formation and it’s starting to pay dividends. But, it was Saturday’s game after being reduced to ten men against a spirited Reading, that the new boss made a real mark on the team and in turn created a real turning point in his tenure.

Following a laboured first-half performance, Jokanovic made some key changes at half time and the Hornets returned with an energetic outlook and a genuine attacking purpose despite being a man down.

The half-time substitution of Juan Carlos Paredes for the out-of-form Matej Vydra completely changed the game giving Watford the pace and endeavour on both flanks that blended well with the dynamism and creativity that our midfield three exuded in abundance.

Although Reading had more than enough chances to win the game, Jokanovic created a balance that minimised the impact of the sending off which allowed us to steal a valuable win against the wasteful Royals. Now with the Serb settled, will his personality finally grow and become a recognisable feature in this Watford team?