Transfer truth emerges as player snubs Wrexham, Derby County and Millwall | OneFootball

Mattie Pollock has opened up on why he turned down interest in the summer to stay at Watford

Watford captain Mattie Pollock has opened up on why he turned down late summer transfer window interest from Wrexham, Derby County and Millwall.

The defender was the subject of interest on deadline day, but opted to remain at Vicarage Road beyond 1 September.

He has been a key figure for the Hornets this season, having been promoted to the role of skipper, and starting in each of their opening seven Championship fixtures.

The 24-year-old is in his fifth campaign with Watford, having joined from Grimsby Town in 2021, and breaking into the first team squad in 2022/23.

The centre-back has a contract with the club until June 2029, with the option for another year, but that didn’t stop speculation over his future in the final hours of the summer.

But fans will be pleased to see that he is still with the team, as Alessio Dionisi looks to guide the team back up the second division table.

Mattie Pollock opens up on his Watford future

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Pollock has claimed that he had no interest in leaving Watford amid the late interest from Championship rivals, as he had already decided to commit his future to the club when he was made captain early in the summer.

He is proud of the achievement of being named as the dressing room leader, and he wants to continue the tradition of great captains at Vicarage Road, which led to him having no interest in exiting the club before the market closed.

“It was huge, I've been at the club a long time and if you look at the captains the club has had, there are some really big names,” said Pollock, via CBS Sports.

“Good players, too.

"To actually be named captain for a club like Watford is something I didn't think would probably happen but I'm over the moon with it.

“Really proud.

"I think when there was a little bit of interest in the summer and then a club like Watford tell you you're going to be captain, I knew where I wanted to be.

"I'm really happy I'm here and the captaincy is a real achievement."

Watford’s underwhelming start to the season

Pollock has played every minute of Watford’s league campaign so far, with the team winning two of their opening seven fixtures.

The Hornets have earned eight points from a possible 21, with the team sitting 17th in the Championship table.

Dionisi’s side earned a 2-1 victory against Southampton on the opening day of the season, but have won just once since then.

Watford drew with Wrexham prior to the close of the summer transfer window, while also drawing against West Ham and losing to Swansea City.

Since then, the club have lost to Watford, beaten Preston North End 2-1 and lost to Stoke City.

Pollock will be hoping that he can play a central role as the main dressing room leader to ensure their form improves in the coming fixtures.

Next up for Watford is a trip to face Bristol City on 18 September in an 8pm kick-off.

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Mattie Pollock’s commitment is a big boost for Watford

It hasn’t been the most promising of starts to the season for Watford, but keeping Pollock is still a big boost for Dionisi’s side.

The defender has made a strong start to the campaign on an individual basis, and it’s no surprise that he attracted interest from rivals.

Having someone of his quality and with his leadership skills will be important to ensuring the team’s form can be turned around after a rough few weeks.

But Watford must find some way to improve, otherwise Pollock’s loyalty will be tested again in the next transfer windows if the threat of dropping into League One becomes a live possibility.