Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Watford news: Hornets boss Javi Gracia demands more of three players
JAVI GRACIA is banking on his goal-shy strikers keeping Watford safe this season.
The Hornets have made seven new signings this summer but none are strikers.
With star man Richarlison joining Everton, it means the onus is on Troy Deeney, Andre Gray and Stefano Okaka to spearhead their attack.
The trio scored just 11 between them last season and Watford are now among one of the favourites for the drop.
But Watford manager Gracia said: “We must try to be more effective in attack. In some of the closing games last season we got only one shot on target.
“But I’m sure they will be able to score more goals and Okaka, Andre and Troy will be successful. The players I have at this moment are the best and I have to be able to convince them that they are the best.”
Watford host Brighton today with Seagulls owner Tony Bloom saying his backing of manager Chris Hughton is his best gamble yet.
Bloom – nicknamed the Lizard on the professional poker circuit – tied Hughton down on a new three-year deal at the end of last season.
And he has supported his manager by overseeing a summer spending spree that has brought in 10 players at a cost of more than £60m.
And he said: “It was one of the easiest deals of the summer.”