New Watford boss Still on possible Bove debut, Pollock’s fitness and first game in charge | OneFootball

New Watford manager Ed Still confirmed that Edoardo Bove would be on the bench for the Hornets’ game against Preston North End this weekend.

The Italian midfielder signed for Watford in January, but has not made a single professional appearance since his cardiac arrest in December 2024.

“He’ll be on the bench on Saturday and I’m really pleased he will be,” said Still.

”He’s a top player, he’s shown that in Italy. He’s been out for a very long time but he’s chomping at the bit to get going again.

”His game time is going to be limited this week and probably in the next couple of weeks, as we need to get him up to speed. But I’m really happy we can have him on the bench.”

Still will take charge of his first match for Watford, after signing a two-and-a-half-year deal earlier this week. He said: “I’m delighted, I’m buzzing to be here.

“The last couple of days have been really positive. The players have responded really well and the staff have been fantastic. It will be one of the hardest games of the season.

“The challenge is a positive one – we’re playing games to win and look upwards. We’re not stuck in a relegation fight or stuck in mid-table, we are three points from the play-offs. I know what the squad is capable of, we are more than good enough to go there and get a good result.”

The Hornets boss also provided a positive update on Mattie Pollock’s fitness following his hamstring injury.

Still said: “He has had a really good training week. We’ll evaluate between now and Saturday if he is fit enough to start.  I had a really good chat with him this morning and he said he’s feeling good.”

Rocco Vata and Hector Kyprianou remain out of action with their respective injuries, while Nestory Irankunda will complete his three-match suspension.