Beppe Sannino has told his Hornets players they must play for the shirt and the town when they run out for Watford.

Sannino praised his team’s togetherness - describing them as “like a family” but he is also demanding more passion from his players.

He said: “If I can say something now that I want to happen in the future. I would like to see a feeling of belonging from the players to this club – to feel part of the club and to feel the shirt as something that is very important in their life.

“I made an example of Luke O’Nien and Lloyd Doyley [earlier this week] - one experienced player and one not so experienced – two players that when you see them you see Watford.

“Almen (Abdi) is another player who has shown me he has this feeling inside - as the other lads do - but I want a step forwards.

“I would like my players to still wear the shirt even when they leave Vicarage Road after a game.

“I want them to know they are playing for the town, the supporters and the club. If they can feel that we will improve a lot.”

When asked yesterday (Thursday) if his comments suggested there was a lack of passion in his squad, he replied: “Maybe there was a misunderstanding. I didn’t say there was a lack of pride, I was saying that if you want to have success at a club in the future, then you need to have players like the ones we have who show a sense of belonging.

“Watching my players and their environment, such as when they eat in the canteen, it shows they like to be here and it is like being at home. They are like a family. If we can keep this then we will be able to give more on the pitch.

“They have been fantastic in that aspect but I am a demanding guy and I am never happy and I always want more.”