Scott Duxbury on transfer window: 'This is a team capable of exciting the fans'

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Duxbury outlined the commitment to giving head coach Paulo Pezzolano "the tools to mount a real challenge" as well as praising owner Gino Pozzo after he resisted bids for the club's best players.

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In a statement, Duxbury said: "As I drove away from the training ground last night, it gave me time to reflect on the last few - long! - weeks and what we have achieved in a relatively short space of time.

"Yes, I think it's been a positive transfer window where we've been able to bring in 14 new players and build to a position where the squad is so much stronger in depth and talent.

"But, more than that, I was able to reflect on a sense of pride where so many people have worked so hard on behalf of the football club.

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"Together we are always stronger and while players are identified at board and recruitment level, it takes so much more than that to get transfers over the line.

"The dedicated team behind the scenes may not have a high public profile but they are invaluable in terms of their skill, experience and wisdom and have played as big a role in this window's success as anybody.

Nestory Irankunda (Image: Alan Cozzi/Watford FC)

"And I think it has been a success. From the moment Paulo was appointed, we wanted to give him the tools to hopefully mount a real challenge in this most demanding of divisions.

"The objective was to move swiftly, avoid any scrabbling in the final hours of the window and add depth in every area of the team.

"Our recruitment model was vital in that respect with our targets identified early and a commitment to bringing in exciting talent - especially in attack - while also planning for the future with younger players who will serve the club well in the coming seasons.

"Gino's financial commitment also meant we were able to retain our best players, often in the face of lucrative offers from high-profile clubs. Those players I am sure will have a key role in helping the club achieve its goals.

"This is a team, I believe, which is capable of exciting the fans and it was thrilling to see so many of you out of your seats at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

"The season is always the longest of journeys and, while there will always be moments of regret and disappointment, I sense something building at the club where the team provides moments of sheer joy and pride amongst the supporters."

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Ryan Andrews (Image: Alan Cozzi/Watford FC) Duxbury also reserved a section of his statement for Ryan Andrews, after the academy graduate left the club for Young Boys in Switzerland.

He said: "I'd like to pay my tributes to one player who has often shared those moments and obviously loves the club.

"Ryan Andrews is very definitely one of our own and I, like many of you, was moved by his farewell speech after the Southampton game.

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"There was a real sense of pride here at his development as both a player and person but we couldn't stand in his way to pursue more regular playing time.

"Ryan and his family will always receive the warmest of welcomes any time they are back at The Vic enjoying the adventure we are on."