Watford had a poor season last year and despite their efforts, they suffered relegation to the Championship. 

However, the club have now appointed Rob Edwards as manager after he did a brilliant with Forest Green Rovers last season, gaining promotion to League One.

There is plenty of work to be done between now and the start of the season for Edwards to ensure his team are in a position to compete at the top end of the league, but it feels as though a new era is underway at the club.

The Hornets' fixtures came out this morning and the new boss looks to be thrown in at the deep end as his side host Sheffield United on the opening day of the season, with games against West Brom and Burnley to follow.

Despite taking on three sides who will also be looking towards the top end of the table, Edwards is looking forward to the start of the season as he told Sky Sports News (via The Star): "It's brilliant. A huge game, an exciting game for us to be under the lights at home is great for us as well.

"It's our centenary year here at Vicarage Road so that's a nice way to start. Then West Brom after that, Burnley after that. They're tough games. Great challenge for us this year. Every game we know is going to be difficult, you play everyone how end away in the end so it all evens itself out but it's a great start for us."

The Verdict: 

Watford have a really tough start to the new season especially as they start life under a new manager and given these are sides who want to be at the top of the table too, they are big games for the Hornets.

However, Edwards seems to be looking forward to the challenge and getting started. Given he was in charge of a side that gained promotion as champions last season, he will be used to the pressure of a big game every week so hoping that experience can come in handy now.

That being said, taking the step up for the Championship is a massive one and the feel of the occasion will no doubt be big. The new Watford boss will be hoping his side can get off to a good start though in the hope that this will provide them with some early momentum.