Read Graham Potter's Watford programme notes

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The head coach looks ahead to the first home game of the 2021/22 season.

BHAFC

2021-08-21T05:00:00Z

Graham Potter celebrates Albion going in front at Turf Moor alongside Bjorn Hamberg and Billy Reid.

Read Albion head coach Graham Potter's programme notes for this weekend's Premier League match against Watford.

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Graham Potter

A warm welcome to the Amex Stadium for our opening home Premier League game of the season against Watford.

It is great that we are finally able to welcome our supporters back into the Amex, and I am sure this evening’s game will be an emotional occasion for everyone. We have all waited for this moment. We have really missed our fans, and I am really looking forward to playing back in front of full houses this season. It made a huge difference at Burnley last week, and those of you who made the trip, thank you for your support.

We went into that game on the back of what has been a disjointed pre-season, with players coming back at different times due to international commitments, while others have seen their schedule interrupted due to COVID-19 restrictions. That’s made it really tough during the pre-season period, so with all that in mind, I was delighted with the team’s performance, particularly in the second half, against a side that are always difficult to play against, particularly at Turf Moor.

Yes, we had to dig in and work really hard during the first half to stay in the game, as Burnley took what looked like a contentious lead, but we played on the front foot after the break and I was delighted with the way we took the game to the opposition and turned the game around.

This is a squad game and it was really pleasing to see all three of our subs make such an impact when they came on. We were able to stretch Burnley in the closing stages as a result and scored two really well-taken goals. It was the start we all wanted and while we enjoyed the moment, our focus was soon on Watford – who got off to an equally impressive start to the season.

It has been impressive to see the way Watford have reacted since their relegation and I congratulate Xisco Munoz and his players on their promotion last season.

They have clearly come into the new season with real momentum, having invested well over the close season, and I think that was evident against Aston Villa last Saturday. Today will be another tough Premier League fixture, against a pacey and skilful side.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our fans who’ve been patiently waiting to come back to the Amex. We know you can make such a difference to the players. It’s going to be fantastic for the players to know we’ll have a packed Amex Stadium this evening for the first time in 18 months – and we look forward to seeing and hearing your support, although please do abide by the safety procedures put in place at the stadium. Enjoy the game.