Watford owner Gino Pozzo says his commitment to make the club one of stability, sustainability and growth is "as steadfast as the moment it was first stated" when took the club over a decade ago.

This week marked his tenth anniversary at the Vicarage Road helm, a period that has seen six seasons of Premier League football, an FA Cup Final and huge developments both at the stadium and the training ground.

In a message released via the club, the Italian said: "Please understand that my will for this club to compete at the highest level possible and to be competitive against the toughest of opponents burns as brightly as ever."

The full message reads as follows: "It was ten years yesterday since we bought this fantastic football club, so it is a matter of great pride to be able to communicate directly with fans to express the deep gratitude we have for your continued and unwavering support.

"When you are immersed in football for this length of time, you will inevitably have some downs as well as ups. I believe, on balance, we have had far more ups than downs as we aspire to create a series of very special moments for everyone to enjoy.

"Ten years do seem to have flown by, and I guess that reflects the intensity and spotlight which this industry brings.

"My family's long experience in the game, as custodians of other football clubs over many years, tells us that if you are prepared to show unity when difficult moments come along, then the successes seem that much more richer.

"We said right at the start that we wanted to build a club founded on the core principles of stability, sustainability and growth. These are values which don't have a time limit and this has been proven, in Watford's terms, because the long-term commitment we made in 2012 remains as steadfast as the moment it was first stated.

"Please understand that my will for this club to compete at the highest level possible and to be competitive against the toughest of opponents burns as brightly as ever.

"Now we must focus on the immediate challenge ahead of us, and the excitement a new season brings. It is fantastic to have so many fans signed up to support us once again.

"As the club moves towards marking 100 years at Vicarage Road and continues to respect its rich history, I wish you a restful summer and look forward to experiencing the noise and colour once again in August."