“I’ve always said together we can achieve special things.” That’s the message from Scott Duxbury to fans as Watford get set to embark on their fifth successive season as a Premier League club.

Bouyed by the signings of England international Danny Welbeck and the club-record purchase of Ismaila Sarr from Rennes this week, the Hornets will be aiming to make a winning start to the campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion at Vicarage Road tomorrow – just as they did on the opening day of last season when a Roberto Pereyra brace fired Javi Gracia’s men to a 2-0 victory against the Seagulls

The Watford chairman and chief executive has sent a message to Hornets fans via the club website, expressing his “optimism for both the short-term and long-term future of this fantastic football club”.

Duxbury said: "I’d like to welcome everyone to the new season ahead.

"With player recruitment now concluded for the summer, and further improvements and developments to infrastructure and facilities at both Vicarage Road Stadium and the training ground, I believe we can look forward to 2019/20 with the kind of joy expressed on the faces of hundreds of Junior Hornets who recently spent the afternoon with our players and coaching staff.

"I trust all supporters will share our optimism for both the short-term and long-term future of this fantastic football club.

"I’ve always said that together we can achieve special things. Tomorrow we start another exciting journey with a home match. I look forward to seeing – and hearing – many of you there.

"Best regards,

Scott"