Watford are extending the capacity of the Sir Elton John Stand by 700 seats, whilst a number of mandatory improvements are being made at Vicarage Road in order to meet Premier League requirements.

The Watford Observer had been told in April that an increase in capacity at Vicarage Road was unlikely, however, the decision has been taken to boost the capacity by roughly 700 seats to just over 21,000 in total.

In order to increase the capacity of the Sir Elton John Stand, the staircases at the front of each block have been removed and in their place additional seats will be fitted.

Premier League rule K21 states "Unless otherwise permitted by the board, in league matches the length of the pitch shall be 105 metres and its breadth 68 metres." This will mean an increase of 1.4m in length and 2m in width for the Vicarage Road surface.

Top flight clubs have the benefit of video technology for referees and the Hornets will therefore install the Goal Decision System which enables officials to determine whether or not the ball has crossed the goal-line.

LED boards will be installed around the three sides of the ground facing the television gantry, as is already commonplace among the majority of Premier League and a number of Championship clubs.

The current television gantry, hanging from the roof of the Graham Taylor Stand, will be doubled in size whilst further, smaller, pods will be installed at the 18-yard lines.

A gantry platform has also been bolted to the Graham Taylor Stand where 'The Graham Taylor Stand' lettering had been housed until now. The lettering will be re-located after the almost 50m gantry for overseas commentary and cameras has been installed.

Other projects to be undertaken include IT hardwiring, Wifi for the media and permanent television studios.