The Watford FC Supporters Trust has issued a statement calling on the club to both improve their communication with fans and rethink their "current model" over concerns they have about the future.

The statement, published via the trust's Facebook page, claims that supporters are "frustrated and confused" by the "current situation", as part of which they include "the hiring of an inexperienced head coach" and also making what they have labelled as "strange decisions" during the January transfer window.

They have requested that important decisions be explained in the future, in order for supporters to better understand how the club is being run.

The trust suggests this ought to be done via increased communication from owner, Gino Pozzo, and CEO and chairman Scott Duxbury.

The full statement reads: "Since taking ownership of Watford FC in 2012 with the club in a state of turmoil, Gino Pozzo and his leadership team have brought the club stability and its period of greatest success: promotion to the Premier League, five seasons in the top-flight, significant and sustainable investment in the training facilities and stadium, and many good memories along the way. The club simultaneously maintained its family and community focus, particularly during the pandemic with its support for the NHS Hospital staff and Watford fans who need help.

However, the club and football are in a difficult period. The Watford Supporters Trust believes the past 18 months show there are significant issues that require a careful consideration of the current model to ensure the club’s financial stability and achieve its stated goal of returning to the Premier League.

When Vladimir Ivic was fired in December, we suggested the club examine its player and head coach recruitment efforts, management approach and communication with supporters. We also encouraged Watford’s players take responsibility to improve their performance on the pitch and actions off it.

Since then, supporters have been increasingly frustrated and confused by the situation at the club, including the hiring of a head coach with limited experience, seemingly strange decisions during the January transfer window, and uninspired on-pitch play. This has been exacerbated by very limited explanation and communication from the club on its priorities, strategy and financial status. While the running of the club is the responsibility of the management, during this strange, difficult period it is particularly important for fans to understand the factors shaping the club’s actions and performance.

We have now called upon the club to quickly begin improving communication with supporters. This should include a series of fan forums over the coming months and a commitment for regular communication from Gino Pozzo and Scott Duxbury. Restoring the connection with fans when we are more distanced than ever from the club because of COVID-19 is essential to prevent unhelpful speculation and unrealistic demands.

In addition, we have encouraged the club to review its approach on and off the pitch, and to share its findings with supporters, who are eager to see the club succeed. The Trust has offered to support this process, using our experience helping Watford navigate two past periods of difficulty to provide constructive feedback.

After relegation, Gino Pozzo and Scott Duxbury promised “there will be lessons learned and changes made” and “it’s how you react that defines you”. Their actions unfortunately have not matched up with their words. Now is a pivotal moment to take decisions that will ensure the future success and stability of the club and maintain the confidence of supporters.

We welcome the input and feedback of all supporters, so we can continue to represent your views to the club."

The club were approached for comment, but declined to respond.