The final whistle at the Millennium Stadium on May 21st 2006 signaled the start of a new era at Watford Football Club.
Back in the big time, dynamic manager, Aidy Boothroyd had little time to assess the strengths of his squad and prepare for the new challenges that lay ahead.
Would the squad that had performed so admirably throughout the 2005/06 campaign and ultimately delivered the club back amongst the best, be strong enough to cope in the rarified world of the FA Barclays Premiership?
Faced with some tough decisions, the
It is fair to say, and the scribe has had only pre-season and three Premiership games to form an opinion, that Boothroyd has again performed admirably.
The impact of three newcomers, Chris Powell, Damien Francis and Danny Shittu has, even at this early stage proved significant, while much is expected of a fourth, young Hungarian International, Tamas Priskin. 
The straight talking Yorkshireman began his rebuilding by acquiring experienced defender, Chris Powell on a free transfer from Charlton Athletic.
Powell, who recently made his 700th league appearance against another of his former clubs, West Ham United, continues to defy the advancing years, and his top flight knowledge aided and abetted by consistent no nonsense displays, most notably at Everton on the season's opening day, has already won over potential skeptics amongst the
Boothroyd soon added further to his already talented squad by securing the signature of powerful midfielder, Damien Francis from Wigan Athletic.
The ex-Wimbledon, and Norwich City player certainly appears to have added essential bite to the central midfield area and his £1.5m capture was especially welcomed by the Watford boss, who at the time went on record to say, 
"He's a £2million player, and the fact we've got him for the money we have is a real coup for us."
Naturally strong in the air and combative in the tackle, two excellent attributes for a player in his position, Francis has also notched two goals from his first three Premiership starts, a handsome return for a player not necessarily renowned for his goal scoring ability.
The third summer arrival was that of powerhouse defender, Danny Shittu from Coca-Cola Championship, Queens Park Rangers, after a long lasting transfer saga which saw at least three bids rejected by the Hoops.
The Chairman of the West Londoners, Gianni Paladini had originally stated their star man would not be leaving his club for a fee of less than £2m, but when first West Bromwich Albion and then
The only decision then for the player was his preferred destination, Hertfordshire or the West Midlands, and it was the lure of the Premiership that finally persuaded him to opt for 
Shittu, at 6' 4” is an uncompromising centre back, who strikes fear into opposition strikers when challenging for the ball. Despite not being the fleetest of foot, the 26-year-old certainly would appear to make up for it with his positional sense and tenacious tackling.
First appearances can prove deceptive, but Shittu like, Powell and Francis appears to be another superb acquisition for Watford, and it is to be hoped his burgeoning central defensive partnership with American, Jay DeMerit can continue to flourish.
The final ‘major' signing of the close season involved Tamas Priskin joining from Gyori ETO for an undisclosed fee.
Arriving originally on trial during the early part of pre-season, the Hungarian impressed immediately, bagging four goals in as many games. Coupled with his all round hold up play and commitment to the team ethic this return was deemed more than enough for the engaging Boothroyd to snap him up on a four-year deal. 
The Hungarian already has three full international caps for his Country, and with a neat first touch and a real eye for goal, the 19-year-old seems destined for a prolific career at
Footnote: This article was written just prior to the purchase of Tommy Smith.