Head coach Valerien Ismael is very relaxed about talks he is having with club officials about a new contract, but says the fact those conversations are even happening are another tangible sign there is change behind the scenes at Vicarage Road.

The Frenchman was only appointed a little over four months ago and has presided over just six league games and a cup tie.

However, even with only two wins the quite obvious difference in approach, squad and mentality makes the new contract less surprising than would ordinarily be the case.

The Hornets have become renowned for their lack of stability rather than any patience when it comes to head coaches.

Counting caretaker manager Hayden Mullins only once (he had two brief spells at the rudder), Ismael is the 11th different man to take charge in the last three years.

Despite both owner Gino Pozzo and chairman Scott Duxbury saying at fan events this summer that they accepted there needed to be change, supporters and media alike were understandably sceptical – and with one international break gone and two more to come in 2023, many wondered if Ismael would go the way of many of those who preceded him.

Nonetheless, while nothing has yet been signed the Watford boss gave very positive vibes when he spoke to the Watford Observer earlier this afternoon.

“The talks are ongoing,” he said.

“As I have said from day one, I have a good feeling here. I think the club is pleased with our way of working, how we define our work and the identity we want to put into the club, and the way we work with the players.

“I think that everyone understood the process, and it feels good and it feels right.”

Ismael believes that being invited to discuss a new contract by the club is validation that those who hired him like what he has done so far.

“For me it is just confirmation that we are going the right way. It is confirmation that we are doing the right things,” he said.

“It is a good feeling for my staff to see that the board can see exactly what we are doing every day.

“It’s not just about the results on the pitch, but it’s the process we are putting in to try and get those results.

“It gives a good feeling to me and my staff.”

However, fans would be forgiven for thinking that even a new contract for the head coach could be little more than window dressing, and that sustained real change – meaning patience and a more long-term way of thinking – still needs to be seen to be believed.

“Everyone is willing to change. This is something I can say,” he said.

“It’s a real deep will to change and to work together, and to be successful together.

“Everyone is on the same page, everyone is on board, and everyone believes in our work.”