Hornets legend Graham Taylor believes Watford will avoid relegation from the Premier League this season but admits it may take some time for all the Golden Boys’ summer signings to make an impact.

The 70-year-old had two spells in charge of the Hornets and on both occasions guided the side into the top flight of English football.

It was in 1999 that Taylor steered Watford through the play-offs and into the Premier League. However, the Golden Boys made an instant return to what was then Division One after finishing rock bottom of the league table.

But the Hornets are now a very different club. Owner Gino Pozzo has heavily invested in the first-team squad with 15 new players being signed during the summer transfer window.

And Taylor – who also held a role as the Hornets’ non-executive chairman for two-and-a-half years – is optimistic about the club’s chances of survival.

“I believe Watford will stay up,” the former England manager told the Watford Observer last week. “The Premier League is a different level, everyone knows that. It’s vital that every player keeps their belief.

“They must continue to believe in themselves and keep the belief in their teammates. I can’t see any reason at the moment for any [Watford] player to lose that belief.”

The number of signings made by the Hornets this summer has undoubtedly raised eyebrows and opposition fans have cast enviable glances.

Watford are believed to have spent more than £30 million in the transfer market in order to bring in players from across Europe, with three deals being completed on transfer deadline day.

Taylor knows full well squad strengthening has to take place after sealing promotion but he did offer a few words of guidance.

“The little bit of advice I can offer is that when you sign players you are also signing their families. You’ve always got to remember that,” he said.

“Obviously the more players you sign the more risk there is of a player finding it difficult to adapt to a new country and a new club.

“We as supporters, and that is what I am now, watch the players perform and if we don’t like what we see we can be critical.

“But those players will have wives and children at home and they need to be happy. So it does concern me a little bit when a lot of players sign.”

While there have been several new arrivals at Vicarage Road, several of last season’s promotion-winning squad have been moved on.

The departures of Matej Vydra and Gabriele Angella on loan to Reading and Queens Park Rangers respectively caused mixed emotion among supporters.

Some accepted the club’s decision to let them move on while others were disappointed to see the duo leave.

Taylor’s view on any player exit is simple. “Football is a game that never stands still. You’ve always got to be prepared to move forward,” he said.

“You’ve always got to be ahead of the game. I can’t say my feelings because I haven’t seen those players who have left enough to judge properly.

“But let’s not forget, the Premier League is the toughest league in world football.

"And the money which will come into the Premier League next season will be good for every team. That’s why it is very important that Watford stay up this season.”

When Hornets fans reflect on the 2014/15 campaign the memories which will immediately spring to mind will be associated with winning promotion.

It’s easy to brush over that off the pitch Vicarage Road was transformed. The Sir Elton John Stand was constructed and the Rous Stand was renamed after the Hornets’ iconic manager.

“It was a fantastic honour,” Taylor said. “I was very pleased the club honoured me in that way. Having Elton’s name across the pitch from mine as well can’t help but bring up some very happy memories for both of us.

“I very much appreciated what the club did and I am happy to remain a patron of the club. I am back living in the Midlands but there is no doubt about it, I will be at a few games this season.”