Ben Wilmot is hoping to use his Championship experience in the upcoming campaign as he looks to establish himself in the Watford first-team.

The 20-year-old played in the second tier with Swansea City last season and learnt some lessons he feels could prove valuable in the Hornets quest to regain top flight status.

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With defensive problems clear throughout Watford's relegation and some players set for talks with the club before decisions are made on their future, Wilmot is hoping there is a chance for him to make himself a key part of head coach in waiting Vladimir Ivic's squad.

Speaking to the club website, Wilmot said he was looking forward to finally getting a chance to play at Vicarage Road.

“I’m excited to see everyone again and then get started,” he said.

“This will be my third season here now, but it feels like my first again because I haven’t really done anything here for over a year really. I haven’t played at Vicarage Road yet and I’ve been here for two years, so I’m desperate to get out there and start playing for the club.

“I think I gained a good amount of experience last season and I’ll definitely use that as an advantage this season. Hopefully the things I would have learned and picked up last year, I can implement this season and be in good shape to hopefully do something special.”

Watford Observer:

During his time in South Wales last season, Wilmot gained experience of a promotion push, with the Swans making it to the Championship playoffs, only to be beaten by finalists Brentford.

The defender said that in that time he learned to be more confident with the ball at his feet as well as improving his game overall.

“The way we played at Swansea, we were told to play out from the back, so I’ve improved on the ball in that aspect I’d say, quite a lot,” he said.

“I’m used to receiving goal kicks in the box and having to play from there, so technically I’ve come on quite a bit I’d say.

“In those 20 or so games I’ve sort of grown as a man as well. You’ve got to grow up quick in this league and I’ve just grown up. I’m stronger and mentally smarter and more equipped now.

“I think I’m a far better player than I was the first time I played for Watford.”

Watford Observer:

Wilmot didn't personally play in the playoffs with an injury ruling him out of the final few weeks of the season.

While he is not yet fit enough to be playing, Wilmot remains determined to be match-ready in time for the first match on September 12.

“It must have been about five or six weeks ago now so I think I’ve got about two or three weeks left to go of rehab before I can be back fully fit,” he said.

“Hopefully I won’t miss too much of pre-season, I’m just going to make sure I’m fit for that first game of the season and then hopefully I can wiggle my way into the team.

“We’ll have a new manager and I’ll probably miss a few weeks of pre-season, which might give others a bit of a head start on me, which is annoying, but I’m going to train hard and when I get my chance hopefully take it.

“I want to play in every game this season if I can, so I’m definitely going to be trying to make that position my own, for sure.”