It has been a busy week for Watford as they prepare for this evening's Championship curtain raiser with Middlesbrough.

Vladimir Ivic faced the media for the first time since his appointment, spoke about his philosophy and revealed that Ismaila Sarr would not be available for this evening's game.

Ivic was not the only one to be speaking to the press - Tom Cleverley said he was excited to be a part of the club's "new era" and said he hoped to be one of the team's leaders this season.

Ben Foster and Joao Pedro also gave interviews as they prepare to try and get Watford back into the Premier League, while CEO and chairman Scott Duxbury provided fans with an update.

Pedro was also in the news on Thursday when it was revealed he would be wearing the number 10 shirt from now on.

Watford learned who they would be facing in the Carabao Cup second round, and also who they might play the round after should they progress.

More incomings and outgoings happened this week, with the arrivals of Stipe Perica and Francisco Sierralta, while Abdoualye Doucoure joined Everton for around £25million.

Andre Gray is on the radar of West Bromwich Albion, should they fail in their pursuit of Karlan Grant. Another player the Baggies are interested in, albeit less so, is Troy Deeney, who hinted he might stay with Watford this season, but said he has been given no clarity about his position.

The players who are still at the club have backed head coach Ivic to succeed this season and say they are firmly behind him, following a report last week that suggested there had already been some complaints about the intensity of his training sessions. Sources in the dressing room told the Watford Observer the report was "false" and "inaccurate".

Meanwhile, former player Allan Smart gave an emotional interview in which he discussed his mental health problems following a court case that almost saw him go to prison.

It was also revealed that Championship players this season will be wearing the league's anti-discrimination campaign slogan on their shirts.