Young defender Mattie Pollock is itching to build on a strong end to last season by firmly establishing himself in the Watford squad and ultimately helping the Hornets push for promotion in the upcoming fresh campaign.

The 21-year-old has been on the club’s books since joining from Grimsby Town in the summer of 2021, and after spending the subsequent season on loan at Cheltenham Town in League One - where he featured 39 times and won the Robins’ Young Player of the Year award - he endured a somewhat frustrating start to 2022/23 back at Vicarage Road.

After making his debut for the Golden Boys against MK Dons in the Carabao Cup, and featuring a total of five times in yellow, Pollock embarked on a second temporary spell away from Hertfordshire in January, this time north of the border with Scottish Premiership giants Aberdeen.

A hugely successful few months yielded two goals in 15 appearances as Pollock and the Dons secured a third-place finish in the table and European qualification, and the North-East native believes he is now better equipped to bolster Watford’s backline in the Sky Bet Championship.

“The first six months of last season were obviously disappointing, but I went out on loan and I learnt a lot,” he said. “I think I’ve improved a lot, and I think I’ve come back to Watford as a better player and a better person.

“I had a sticky spell and I needed the games. To go up there and play 15 times was great, and I’d say it’s probably the most I’ve enjoyed football since I started playing.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Aberdeen. Everyone at the club was unbelievable - defensively we were good and attacking-wise as well - it all came together and it was a special group to be part of.

“I think the season overall was a big learning curve - including the time I wasn’t playing. I’ve had a good break now, and I’m buzzing to be back. Hopefully this year can be a bit different at Watford, and I’m aiming to hit the ground running in training.”

With the first week of pre-season coming to a close Pollock has enjoyed getting acquainted with new Head Coach Valérien Ismaël and his staff, as he looks to catch their eyes in the run-up to the new term.

Thursday’s announcement of the 2023/24 schedule sees Watford pitted against West Londoners Queens Park Rangers on the opening day (Saturday August 5), and Pollock is eyeing a spot in or around the XI for that match and beyond.

He added: “I’m really excited for pre-season and the new campaign, and to be back amongst the lads at the training ground. There’s a new manager and staff to try and impress, and hopefully I can do that because I want this year to be a bit different.

“It all goes very quickly and the countdown’s already started for that first game. I’m really eager to kick on, and I want to try to work myself into the team or at least be around it. Hopefully it’s a good year for me and everyone at the club.”

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