This afternoon we will publish the first of a seven-part exclusive with Watford’s Technical Director Ben Manga.

Having now spent six months at the club, the 49-year-old who joined after a highly-successful spell with Eintracht Frankfurt gave The Watford Observer his first in-depth interview.

As chairman Scott Duxbury intimated in his programme notes on Saturday, Manga explains the full parameters of his role at Vicarage Road – but the interview covers so much more.

In the seven pieces which will be released over the next few days, Manga talks about:

  • Last week’s stories about a new head coach already being lined up
  • The problems agents and their journalistic contacts cause
  • What areas he has responsibility for, and what he will decide upon
  • How he will work with the head coach
  • The scouting network he has brought with him
  • How scouting will increase and use of agents will decrease
  • He is not obliged to use particular agents, and wants to spend less on agent fees
  • His conversations with Gino Pozzo about the need for head coach stability
  • Why he wants all areas of the club to be patient
  • An outline of transfer planning for next season
  • He only wants players at Watford who really want to be here
  • If players are sold for large sums, how that money will be used
  • How he has already worked on potential replacements for possible departures
  • His mantra that ‘mentality wins over talent’
  • The need for a blend of youth and senior players
  • The overriding ambition is for ‘fans to be happy and proud of this club’

It’s essential reading for Watford supporters, and shines a light on what appears to be coming next at a time when performances on the pitch and harmony among supporters are both worryingly on the decline.

The first story will be online at 4pm this afternoon, and more will follow this evening and tomorrow.

The best way to make sure you can read every word of this Manga exclusive is to get a Watford Observer digital subscription, which gives you unlimited access to every story on the club, as well as less adverts and a faster website.

You can now purchase a six-month subscription for just £6, which will mean you can access each part of the Manga interview, plus all the usual club coverage for the rest of the season, through the summer transfer window and into the start of next season.

For details of how to subscribe, click here.

This special offer of £6 for six months will only be available until May 4.