Watford has confirmed Mattie Pollock as the new captain for the 2026-27 season, with head coach Alessio Dionisi praising his strong work ethic and leadership skills. The 2025-26 season saw Pollock share captaincy duties with Imran Louza, who made a 20-minute cameo at the end of a 1-0 pre-season friendly defeat by Fiorentina at Vicarage Road. Dionisi told BBC Three Counties Radio that Pollock's mentality is very good, and he works very strongly every day on the pitch. He also spoke about Louza, who was looking for a summer move away from the club but could yet stay. Louza wanted to see another opportunity at the start of pre-season, but Dionisi hopes he can recuperate and be important for the team. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 16th in Championship, 57 pts, 14W-15D-17L from 46 games, recent form LLLLL. Goals this season: 53 scored, 65 conceded (-12 goal difference). Title race: 38 points behind leaders Coventry. Next fixture: vs Bristol City (at home, 2027-02-20) (12th in the table).