Lloyd Doyley is backing Watford to overcome their disappointing start to the season and enjoy another positive Premier League campaign.

The Hornets go into this afternoon’s clash against West Ham United seeking their first goal and point of the season following defeats against Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton.

But the 36-year-old, who came through the Hornets academy to become the club’s fifth highest appearance maker, has been impressed with the club’s summer transfer business and believes they will finish in a similar position to last season.

Speaking after signing for Kings Langley on Thursday, Doyley said: “[It’s been] a difficult start but they did really well last year. If anyone would have said at the beginning of the season they’ll finish 11th and get into a final, even though the final wasn’t good, it was still a great achievement by Watford to get there.

“This year I think they’ve added a few good players. It will take them time to bed themselves in and I think the Watford manager does that anyway. He allows them to train with the team for weeks before he actually puts them in. I still think they’ll do well this year. I personally think about mid-table again.”

Doyley still takes the opportunities to stay involved at a club which has been a major part of his life and he is hoping he may be able to return to Vicarage Road in a more formal role in the future.

He said: “I did a little bit on the big screen before the cup final, I played in a charity game, I was at the club shop a few weeks back when the new kit was launched, so I’m still involved in and around Watford and hopefully in time there will be a job there for me.

“I was there for over 20 years so hopefully when I do hang up my boots there will be something there for me.”