Rene Gilmartin had only been at Watford's London Colney base four days but the goalkeeper had a confidence and a presence about him which suggested he had been there for years.

Gilmartin became Watford's first summer signing when he joined from Walsall last Thursday and was immediately involved in pre-season training.

The 23-year-old conducted his first interview with the Watford Observer on Tuesday and he did not hold back when it came to expressing his opinion, particularly on the possibility of the Hornets being involved in a relegation battle this season.

"I don't see relegation as an option next year and don't ask me that question again because it will not be the case with Watford, I can not see it happening, no way," Gilmartin boldly stated.

"Last year they were a little out of sorts. Some teams have a bad season and then they kick on and I can really see that happening, especially with the rapport the players have, the team spirit, the coaching staff and the way everyone works together."

Gilmartin comes across as a very likeable character and although he did reject Walsall's contract offer because "I valued myself at a bit more than the deal they offered me," the fact the player does not feel the need to have an agent gives an insight into the man.

As does his request for this paper to thank his "second family" – uncle Iain, auntie Lorraine and cousin Rohan – for letting him stay with them in Cockfosters following the move to Hertfordshire.

"It is great to have and they have opened their arms to me, so give them a good mention," Gilmartin requested.

But what is he like as a player?

"I am big, command my area and I am a good shot stopper," Gilmartin said.

"I am very eager to learn and very eager to work on different aspects of my game. I am not in a rush to do things, I want to work with Alec [Chamberlain] and really step on and do well here.

"The fact Watford have given me an opportunity here is brilliant and I will take that opportunity.

"Obviously Watford fans will be thinking 'ok, they have taken in a young lad who played at Walsall last year and did well but he is from a League One club. Is he going to step up?'. Well I think I am strong enough to make the step up and I will always give 100 per cent, there is no question about that."

Gilmartin is from Malahide in Dublin and moved over to England to join Walsall five years ago.

He spent most of his time as understudy to Clayton Ince but finally dislodged the Trinidad and Tobago international last season.

Gilmartin looked set to be Walsall's number one this season but has opted to move to Watford, where Scott Loach has cemented his place in the past two seasons.

Such decisions often leads to criticism from supporters but Gilmartin, who stated working with goalkeeping coach Chamberlain as his number one reason for joining Watford, came out fighting when asked about his motives for moving.

He said: "When I spoke to Watford they said 'we want to give you a two-year contract'. Now that is not a one-year deal to say 'let's see how you get on', that is a two-year contract which says 'we could see you as our future goalkeeper'.

"Scott Loach is doing very well at the moment and I am not here to tread on anyone's toes but, at the same time, I am here to push him as hard as I can.

"Now if I push him as hard as I can and overtake him then brilliant. There is no disrespect in that sense, but I have come in here and I will work as hard as I can with Alec and the coaching staff and take it from there. Hopefully my opportunities will come and I will take them.

"I was Walsall's number one last year but the way I look at things, there is never a number one at any club. Who is performing at that time and doing well at that time will play.

"I can see a really good relationship with Loachy this year and along with Alec, the three of us will step on and develop.

"The opportunity to develop my game, week-in week-out, five days a week was not an opportunity I was willing to turn down.

"At Walsall it was a struggle. Mick Kearns [a former Republic of Ireland international] is a great friend of mine and he came in off his own back twice a week.

"But twice a week compared to five days a week at a quality place like Watford was something I wasn't ready to turn down. It is a great opportunity for me."