THE Watford team returned to training this week at their new base in London Colney.

With a few injured expections, the players enjoyed a successful start to their pre-season training - with the added boost of the new facilities.

'The first week of training has been fine,' said Graham Taylor.

'All the players see the huge difference in the facilities and the pitches are excellent. It really makes a difference.

'The weather has obviously been poor, but the pitches are not hard and the rain has given them a softness, so coming back has been okay.

'The massive improvement in venue has meant the first week has really gone well.'

Several players are

limited by injuries

MICAH HYDE has taken part in the early stages of training and is expected to begin full training next week.

He will not be travelling with the squad to HMS Raleigh and will concentrate on training at the Colney base.

'Micah is not eligible for the first two games as he is suspended, so he will stay behind and ease back into training,' said Taylor.

Nick Wright is progressing well, but will also not travel to Raleigh.

'Nicky will be improving the tempo of his training as the pre-season progresses,' said the Watford boss.

Knee problems are still blighting the progress of Allan Smart.

He has undergone an exploratory operation on his knee and has seen two specialists.

'The knee has been causing Allan problems with some slight swelling,' said Taylor.

'The surgeon cleaned the knee out and we are hoping this troublesome problem settles down now.

'He will miss the pre-season build-up.'

Gifton Noel-Williams is participating in 'light training'.

'That is good news,' said Taylor. 'We are hoping, bit by bit, that we can progress Gifton the way that everyone wants.'

Some off-season training back in Iceland has proved to be a set-back for Johann Gudmundsson.

The striker was doing some early training when he went over on his ankle in a pot hole.

'Johann has reported back with a sprained ankle and has not been able to join in with training at Colney yet,' said the Watford boss.

James Panayi continues to recover well and is currently training, apart from bodily contact, which he will continue to do for the next month.

A serious car accident has left Stephen Brooker with whip lash injuries and unable to train.

'Steven was involved in a car crash with his girl friend, four days before we reported back,' said Taylor.

'Both of them were knocked unconscious and taken to hospital, but both were very fortunate.

'Stephen has a very stiff neck, but he is a fortunate young man. The car is a write-off.'

Steve Palmer is fine, following a hernia operation.

Players handed over

to HMS Raleigh PTI's

THE squad's training tempo will be increased on a trip to HMS Raleigh at Torpoint under the personal training instructors.

'The games against Torpoint and Newquay will be low key affairs,' said Taylor.

'I expect all 22 players to be playing a part in every game.

'We will have a week of increased training, but it is also a chance for everyone to be together for a week when we can concentrate on ourselves and our fitness.

'There will be a group of players left behind, which Luther (Blissett) will take care of.

'They will link in with the Under-19 squad who have their first game a week on Tuesday against Amersham Youth.

For supporters travelling to Cornwall for Watford's visit, Torpoint have provided the following information.

On Thursday, July 20, there will be a river cruise along the historic Tamar River, departing at 6.30pm from Torpoint. Tickets are priced £5.

On Saturday, July 22, a family football fun day has been planned with coaching events for children prior to the afternoon's match involving Torpoint and Watford. Starting at 9.30am, a morning soccer school will be held for boys and girls aged between seven and 12.

Each participant will receive a Mitre ball, a T-shirt, a photo with the Watford team, plus a programme and ticket for the afternoon's game. The total cost will be £20 per person.

At 2pm, Torpoint will play Watford. Admission prices are £4 for adults and £2 for children and OAP's.

Clubs show interest in Williams

No definite news of

signings from boss

GRAHAM TAYLOR has revealed that he is talking to clubs and interested in players, but has no news of any future signings.

'Supporters are only keen to hear when we have actually signed someone,' added the Watford boss.

'We have had a couple of inquiries about Mark Williams and we could leave him behind from HMS Raleigh if any of these inquiries hot up during the next 48 hours.'