When the bottom side in the league that has been relegated for several weeks is the only one that can end the season with fewer home wins than you, then it’s abundantly clear that things have to change when Watford play at Vicarage Road.

Indeed, had it not been for the Hornets picking up more points on their travels than two of the teams currently sitting in the play-off places, this season could have taken on a far darker mood than has been the case.

When Watford were promoted out of the Championship in the 2020/21 season they won 19 home league games – they have only won 19 in total in the three seasons since.

Therefore, making Vicarage Road a place where the Hornets look and play with confidence and dominance, and visiting sides don’t feel a point or three is easy pickings, has to be essential for next season.

“It’s right up there at the top of the list of priorities,” admitted head coach Tom Cleverley.

“I know personally you have to be very good at home. When we got promoted last time we won 19 of 23 at home.

“Your home form is key to this league, and then you try to pick up as many points as you can on the road.

“Ultimately it will be your defensive record and your home form that will see you through this league.

“So home performances and results has to be right at the top of our list.

“I feel we’ve reconnected with the fans through spirited performances full of desire and heart, so we’re starting to form those connections.

“Now it’s up to all of us to make this place a fortress next season.”

Cleverley has only had four games during which to chart a difference course at Vicarage Road from the previous safety-first, shadow-boxing approach.

With a whole pre-season, plus likely recruitment, at his disposal, will Cleverley look to change the way his side play at home next season?

“The way we want to play is as a front-footed team who are in control of possession, but it also has to be possession with a purpose,” he said.

“It’s easier to implement that in your home games because you are more naturally on the front foot.

“It should be a match made in heaven for our results to improve at home next season.

“But as I have said before, consistency is key.”

A fifth clean sheet in eight games was just one of the reasons why Wes Hoedt was the recipient of the Graham Taylor Player of the Season award.

“Wes has been fantastic, not only on the playing field but on the training pitch as well,” Cleverley commented.

“He is a massive leader among the squad and someone with huge experience, and has been a big part of why our defensive record has been so good since I’ve come in.

“Him winning the award was thoroughly deserved.

“You could take your pick from a few for goal of the season, like Yaser’s wonder strikes and the goal that Wes won it with.

“But I don’t think anyone could have any complaints about him winning Player of the Season.”

Mention of Asprilla obviously led to the question whether his waves to the fans after receiving the Young Player of the Season award after the game were of thanks, or a sign of a farewell.

“I’m not too sure on that: you’d have to ask Gianluca Nani and Scott Duxbury those questions at the minute,” said Cleverley.

“But he’s a player I have enjoyed working with who has bags and bags of talent.

“His balance is unbelievable and he is someone I would like to keep. Time will tell.”