Adrian Boothroyd has expressed his relief after bringing in a 'key piece of the jigsaw' in the form of Nathan Ellington.
Boothroyd excited by Ellington
Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd has expressed his relief after bringing in a 'key piece of the jigsaw' in the form of Nathan Ellington.
Boothroyd had been tracking Ellington's progress at West Brom for some time before finally securing the striker's services on Wednesday.
The Hornets had to pay out a club record fee of £3.25million, which could rise to £4.25million depending on appearances, but Boothroyd believes the deal shows the club's ambition.
Though he has a number of other forwards at his disposal, Boothroyd admits Ellington will be entrusted with a very important role.
"I think it's impressive that this club has gone out and made as bold a statement as it has with this transfer," Boothroyd told the club's official website.
"I'm a relieved manager because this was the big one for me, the key piece in the jigsaw.
"We've been monitoring him for a long time and we had tried to get him in January but were unable to.
"It's been a long chase but (chief executive) Mark Ashton, myself and the chairman (Graham Simpson) have worked really hard to get this player in."
Boothroyd is confident Ellington will settle in quickly and prove a handful for Championship defences.
"I think Nathan will be a great asset to this club, he is extremely talented and a really exciting player for the fans.
"He can score all types of goals, with left foot, right foot, headers, tap-ins, goals from outside the box and he could prove to be really potent for us."
Bangura blow
Watford have also confirmed that midfielder Al Bangura broke the ulna in his elbow during the Carling Cup defeat to Southend on Tuesday.
Bangura was able to complete the match after suffering the injury but will now stay on the sidelines until he recovers.
