Eustace eyes play-off spot

Eustace: Confident

John Eustace has warned Watford's Championship rivals to expect a late charge from his side.

Hornets manager Malky Mackay set his side a target of 52 points before the season started and they have already topped that with eight games remaining.

Currently ninth in the standings and just four points from the play-off places, Eustace has set his sights on a top-six spot.

He said: "We have got everything to lose as we want to get into that top six.

"The squad certainly feels we are good enough to do it. We have played all the top teams and done well against them so why not?

"We've had a good run previously and can have one again. We will go all-out for these last eight games."

Deficit

Watford's parent company, Watford Leisure Plc, meanwhile, has announced a pre-tax loss of £2.51million for the six months ending 31st December.

That was up from £172,000 for the same period in 2009, although the greater loss has been attributed to the fact the club did not sell any players during that period.

Revenue was up by more than £250,000 at £5.44m for the six months, however.

"It should be no surprise to anyone to read that our half-year figures state a deficit," said Hornets chairman Graham Taylor.

"Our focus on ensuring we remain true to our business plan means that failure to trade in either window inevitably leads to the need for a working capital injection from alternative sources."