Craig Cathcart will be a good signing for Watford and has never let Blackpool down, according to one of the men who has covered the centre half's career more than most in recent years.

William Watt, the Blackpool FC reporter for the Blackpool Gazette, said Cathcart was popular with fans during his four years at the club.

The Seasiders were keen for Cathcart to stay but didn't offer the 25-year-old a new deal after he expressed a desire to leave.

It was confirmed this morning that Cathcart had joined Watford on a two-year contract.

"For me, he is a good signing," Watt said of the player's switch to Vicarage Road.

"He impressed at Blackpool. He came in as an unknown quantity for many Blackpool fans when he arrived two days before the Premier League season started. That year he played virtually every game and did really well.

"In the last three years, whenever he has played, he hasn't let the team down.

"He is very quick on the turn, strong in the tackle and decent in the air.

"He was popular with the Blackpool fans and they were sad to see the back of him."

Cathcart joined The Seasiders shortly before the club started their Premier League campaign in 2010.

Blackpool were relegated the following summer despite reaching 39 points and impressing under the guidance of Ian Holloway.

Watt says Cathcart suited Holloway's style of play because the former Manchester United defender is comfortable on the ball.

The Seasiders almost secured a return to the top flight in 2012 when they missed glorious chances in the Championship play-off final before losing 2-1 to West Ham United.

The club's fortunes have declined significantly since then and were almost relegated to League One last season.

But Watt says Cathcart's four-year stay on the coast shows he can play well in promotion-chasing sides, with the Hornets' hierarchy hopeful of mounting a challenge this time around.

Watt said: "He played a full season in the Premier League when Blackpool finished on 39 points and then they got to the play-off final the following season and lost due to a goal in the final minutes.

"So he has played in good teams before and I don't see a reason why he can't [perform well for a promotion-chasing team].

"If he is playing in a decent side and with good players around him, then he should do well at Watford."