Kortney Hause is pleased to have reunited with Head Coach Rob Edwards at Watford, after the former Wolves defender joined the club on-loan from Aston Villa for the 2022/23 campaign.

Having worked closely with Hause at youth level at Molineux, Edwards spoke to the Hornets’ latest arrival about life at Vicarage Road, with the 27-year-old encouraged by the strength of the squad and the club’s eagerness to clinch the deal.

The London-born centre-half is back south following eight years in the Midlands, and is relishing the challenge of Sky Bet Championship football this season.

“I’m happy to be here, it’s a big club in the Championship and I’m expecting us to be up there throughout the whole season,” Hause began. “It’s somewhere I want to be, I’m originally from down south so I’m closer to my family and friends. Being at a club like Watford is a good thing for me at this moment in my career.

“Watford have been after me for the last few transfer windows. They’ve shown they want me, and it’s good to go where you’re wanted, so coming to Watford had loads of pros.

“I spoke to Rob beforehand. Everyone knows what Rob’s like - he’s a good guy, a bubbly guy and a Head Coach you want to play for. I had a chat to him prior to signing, and I’ve worked with him before so I know what he’s about. It was a no-brainer, really.

“He brings a real enthusiasm to his work which you need every day. He’s a young Head Coach, and being a young Head Coach you want to prove yourself. He brings that determination to do well, which is what I’m all about, so it’s a good match.”

Edwards isn’t the only familiar face to Hause at The Vic. Fellow Villa loanee Keinan Davis, a close friend of the England youth international, joined the club earlier this month. Knowing the striker’s quality and the strength of the entire squad, Hause has clear ambitions for his time at Watford.

“Before I signed I looked at the team. My mate Keinan, he was one of the reasons why I wanted to come as well,” smiled Hause. “We get on really well, and he’s a great player.

“The other boys as well, we’ve got a good squad here that can do something this season if we stay consistent in every game, compete and be at our best.”

A left-footed defender capable of dominating in the air and dealing with attackers in one-on-one battles, Hause feels he can be a vocal presence on the pitch and use his top-flight experience to aid the team’s push for promotion.

“I bring leadership, a desire to keep the ball out of the net, clean sheets and I want to score some goals at the other end of the pitch as well,” Hause added. “I want to lead by example.

“Watford’s one of the bigger clubs in the Championship so you’re going to have to have the ball more often than not, so building up with a left footer and right footer on either side helps in terms of build-up.”

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