Club captain Daniel Bachmann will start the new season as Watford’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Head coach Tom Cleverley confirmed that earlier today, but stressed the return to the club of Jonathan Bond means nothing can be taken for granted by the Austrian international.

Bachmann will turn 30 on July 9, meaning he is only a year younger than Bond, who was 31 on May 19.

Bond has just returned to the UK after three seasons in America, where he made 92 appearances for MLS side LA Galaxy.

However, it’s Bachmann that will begin the season between the posts.

“At the minute that would be the hierarchy,” said Cleverley.

“But there are also absolutely no guarantees for Dan, although right now he is my No.1 and club captain.

“He is someone I respect as a top Championship goalkeeper and I hope that Bondy will come in and be up to the level whenever we call upon him.

“I’m sure Bondy will do that, and he will push Dan from the start of the season onwards.

“It’ll be a healthy competition for that No.1 spot and we have a more than capable, experienced goalkeeper waiting in the wings.”

Cleverley was at Vicarage Road during Bond’s first stint at the club.

“He was a teammate of mine back in 2009, and the club is close to his heart and I like to have people in the building who are passionate about Watford,” said the head coach.

“All that off-the-field stuff compliments his ability as a goalkeeper. He is super reliable, good with his feet, consistent and he has all those qualities and more that you would want in a goalkeeper.

“He will push Dan’s levels to new heights hopefully.”

With five goalkeepers training together this week, Cleverley outlined his plans for some of the others.

“We’re going to look to send Myles Roberts out on loan, and he is on board with that idea,” the Watford boss explained.

“We want to send him to the right place where he’s going to play and gain good experience, and that will most likely be at National League level.

“He’s been really good in pre-season, and with that experience he can then hopefully kick on.

“Myles is a model professional for all the other players in the building.

“As for Jonathan Macaulay, I’ll have more conversations with the goalkeeping department to map out his future.

“And Alfie Marriott will stay in the building as third-choice goalkeeper.”