Gino Pozzo remains committed to Watford's long-term success and the ambition to return to the Premier League. The club's position was detailed in minutes from a Supporters Board meeting held on 3 September 2026, which were released this week.
Chairman Scott Duxbury and sporting director Luke Dowling attended the gathering a fortnight ago. They confirmed Pozzo's ongoing dedication while outlining a financial model that does not rely on him injecting further personal funds, despite him holding a significant amount of debt within the club. The notes state Pozzo "remains willing to provide working capital support when required."
A strategy of sustainability
Watford's path forward is built on regular revenue and player trading. This summer saw the sales of key first-team players Imran Louza, Giorgi Chakvetadze and Nestory Irankunda to fund operations. The club admits it cannot compete with many Championship rivals on salaries, operating with one of the division's lowest wage bills. The intent is to build a sustainable model that can eventually propel the club back to the top flight, though no immediate timeline or specific targets for the 2026/27 season were published. The club's current standings position reflects the early challenge of this approach.
"The Club stated that GP remains committed to Watford's success, highlighting the ongoing support provided through player development, recruitment opportunities and the relationship with Udinese," the minutes recorded.
That relationship with sister club Udinese is described as collaborative, providing access to talents like Iker Bravo and Branimir Mlacic who would otherwise be beyond Watford's financial reach. Pozzo would be open to external minority investment, likely for infrastructure projects like the stadium or training ground, rather than day-to-day football operations.
This season's squad and challenges
Despite the summer exits, the club believes it has recruited a strong, unified and well-balanced squad. The immediate focus is on the next Championship fixture away to Bristol City on 18 September. Top scorer Amin Nabizada will be a key figure as Watford looks to climb from its current place. The team's overall stats, including Nabizada's contribution, show the need for improvement.
Read the full report at Watford Observer
The minutes from the 3 September meeting reveal Gino Pozzo holds more than £50m debt in the club. Head coach Alessio Dionisi has been looking ahead to the international break since August due to squad thinness. He named only eight substitutes for the 1-2 defeat to Stoke City on 12 September, with two unfit to play. The club stated it would act in Watford's best interests if performance levels fall significantly. Watford's next fixture is away to Bristol City on 18 September.
