Another week goes by and no sign of that new No.9 – but head coach Valerien Ismael says he will not be rushed or compromise on what he wants.

With two goals in three games Vakoun Bayo has led the line so far, while summer signing Rhys Healey does offer a different option but needs time to be confident in his fitness the head coach said earlier.

Shaq Forde was loaned to Orient at the start of the week but missed out on his debut when getting injured in the warm-up at Wycombe Wanderers in midweek, while the only other No.9 that has featured in the squad so far is youngster Tobi Adeyemo.

Fans have expressed their concern, frustration and even anger at the lack of a signing in that area, but Ismael stressed again he is happy with how things are and, while he wants another option, he has not missed out on any targets.

“We are happy with our squad, but we know that we to add in some positions. But it’s not that easy, and that is the reality of the market,” he said.

“Everyone is fighting to find a player and we will find a No.9. But what would you compromise to find what you think is the right No.9?

“We have a way to play and we have to be sure the player is able to help us straight away, or will it be a player that will need time?

“There are lots of questions we have to ask. From the club point of view there is the financial possibility, plus what we are demanding in that position – everything has to be right.

“We have to make sure everything is right and that we have a good feeling about the player.”

Putting aside the lack of a striking option, there is a generally thin look to the current Watford squad after the departure of so many players during the summer.

Ismael wanted that change and feels it is a positive.

“It’s a process that is still ongoing. The first thing was to have a lot of outgoing players and to have a reset, in order to change the mentality,” he explained.

“Secondly when you train with a small size squad then all the players can be involved, and they know they will get a chance.

“You cannot afford to have a lot of injuries in the squad: maybe two or three is not a problem.

“But it gives you strength in the squad when the players feel ok and know they will get their chance. They see they have only one player in front of them, not two or three.

“That creates a better environment and they can then create a better work ethic on the pitch. They can push each other better if every player feels involved.

“It’s a young squad, they are hungry and they want to do better. They want to prove themselves, and that includes the players that were here last season as well.

“They are willing to do better and they want to have a better season.

“It’s a combination of all those ingredients, and then every game you win will cement that mentality.”

The head coach is clearly mindful that any new players have to fit in with the group he has assembled, and the attitude and mindset they have adopted.

“I’m a new coach, we have a new team and we have new players. You need to get a rhythm to create a connection between the group,” he said.

“We also haven’t had all the players on the same level so far.

“We have to make sure that when someone comes into the team we know he is 100% to do the job we need.

“While we are performing well it gives us time to get the other players ready to come in. Because we haven’t changed a lot so far it doesn’t mean we will be the same like that all season.

“We want to make sure we give time to players who have missed some training sessions or have missed some games to come back in a great shape, so they can make an impact.”