Xisco Munoz was delighted to finally get the chance to meet the Watford supporters during their 0-0 draw with West Bromwich Albion.

Covid-19 restrictions have, up to now, meant fans had to stay away from football grounds, but yesterday 3,612 of them entered Vicarage Road for the first time since December following the lifting of lockdown protocol.

The head coach said it was emotional for him to finally say hello to those who will be supporting the team throughout next season.

“Football is a totally different thing to enjoy when we have the fans here,” said Muñoz in a club interview.

“I have emotion when we play with them and today I can say welcome, because we need them in full power this season so they can always help the team. If we are together we have more power.”

The match itself was a bit of a damp squib, with neither side able to make the breakthrough, while earlier in the day, a different Watford team was beaten 3-1 by Brentford at the Hornets' training ground.

Despite the two results, Munoz was pleased to have so many of his players playing some important pre-season minutes.

“Both teams gave all their best, worked very hard, with high intensity, and it was the perfect day for our team because if you can play two games in one day, it’s because you have two very good teams, so I am happy," he added.

Having had a small taste of what a matchday at Vicarage Road can feel like with fans, the head coach is now looking forward to seeing what it will be like when the stadium is full once again.

Looking ahead to the beginning of the Premier League, Munoz believes the supporters could make all the difference.

“It was lovely. It was amazing. I said before how much we missed our fans last season," he said.

“Today we feel this situation. When the stadium is full it will be even more emotional and they can give even more help to us. Also for our players, they will give all the best for our fans. It’s important we have that connection this season."