Troy Deeney captained Watford for seven years (Image: Action Images). “I’m a little concerned about the average age, to be honest, but it’s exciting because there are so many new players who can do things differently.

“There are some exciting players, but no one stands out as the one who will get them into the play-offs or over the finish line. “I like the boy from Peterborough, Hector Kyprianou.

I’ve seen him a few times, and he’s solid, runs a lot, and scores goals. I can see him becoming a fan favourite.

“If [Kwadwo] Baah stays healthy, this will be a big year for him as well.

He gave glimpses last year.” Deeney made his Watford debut against Norwich on the first Friday night of the 2010/11 season, having signed with the club that morning.

Two of his 140 goals for the club have come in opening weekend games, including in 2014/15 when he led the Hornets to promotion – and he stressed that avoiding defeat at Charlton on Saturday is critical.

“That doesn’t mean you have to win the first game; just play well. Don’t lose and maintain your momentum. Luca Kjerrumgaard: ‘

My game is a good fit for the Championship’ “Taking Charlton away will not be easy. Their crowd will be large, so don’t go under.

You want to look around at your team and say, ‘Right, we can fight, we’ll stick together, and we’ll win’. “They [Charlton] will look at Watford and believe it is not the Watford of the past and that they can beat them. This is what the Watford players will have to deal with.

“Valon Behrami will try to introduce some steeliness by saying, ‘We are Watford, and we’re going to show you what we do week in and week out.

“Enjoy it, too, because once it’s over, it’s over. Have some fun!”

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