Omer Riza is itching for the opportunity to take his place in the first-team dugout on the opening day of the fresh Sky Bet Championship season, having moved up from the Academy to join Valérien Ismaël’s backroom staff during the summer.

The 43-year-old was announced as a First-Team Assistant Coach last month, marking his latest career milestone on a journey that started with a position working with the Hornets’ Under-16s five years ago.

Having gradually worked his way through the ranks, and spent the last three campaigns in charge of the Under-21s, Riza - who made more than 250 career appearances as a player - feels more than ready to make an impact at the top level.

“I think everyone knew what I wanted to achieve, and where I wanted to get to in the game,” the former striker said. “I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity by the club this year.

“I’m going into my sixth season now, and it’s been a great ride so far. I came in to work with the Under-16s, then to the 21s - first as an assistant, then as the Lead Coach - and now with the first-team.

“Obviously there’s a difference in the level of coaching between academy and first-team - at youth level it’s a bit more developmental, and you have to give them a bit more time - but you’re still coaching an idea and a method. I’ve really enjoyed getting my teeth into it, and I think it’s all gone really well so far.”

Already a familiar face to many of the young Watford stars who have stepped up into the first-team set-up recently, and those senior stars who gained valuable minutes playing for the 21s in the last campaign, Riza insists he’s quickly settled into his new surroundings.

The announcement of his move coincided with the arrival of Dean Whitehead and Jack Riley - as Assistant Head Coach and Video Analyst respectively - and Riza believes that together with Ismaël and the wider team, the trio have built up a strong working relationship.

He said: “I think I can help some of the young lads feel more comfortable, and that can only help with their performances. I think I’ve always been good with young players, and I’ll always have that bond, and it’s nice to see them working hard and getting their rewards.

“I already knew a lot of the staff around the first-team, so that’s helped me transition smoothly. A few of the lads came down to the 21s for different games last year as well, so that familiarity and respect is already there.

“It’s been great with the other coaches so far. The gaffer’s been great in terms of the autonomy he’s given to Dean and myself, especially with the in-possession stuff. As a group we’re always talking and bouncing ideas off each other, and we just can’t wait to see all the hard work be put into practice now.”

The countdown to 2023/24 is firmly on, with just over a week to go until Queens Park Rangers arrive at Vicarage Road (Saturday August 5, 3pm KO), and Riza is full of confidence for the first fixture as well as the full season ahead.

He added: “It’s been a really strong pre-season - the togetherness in the group, the buy-in and the work they’ve put in has all been great. We’re looking forward to getting going, and hopefully we’ll really nail what we’ve been focusing on.

“On a personal level, I feel ready. I’ve sat in the dugout with the Academy teams and I’ve always said I’d love to be there with the stadium full up as part of the first-team, and I’m close to doing that now. I’m really looking forward to it, and to hopefully having a great season.”

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