Zola asks fans for patience as he looks to excite (From This Is Local London)

Watford boss Gianfranco Zola asks fans for patience as he looks to excite

3:19pm Tuesday 7th August 2012 in Latest Sport By Frank Smith , Deputy Group Sports Editor

Gianfranco Zola has asked supporters to be patient with his new management team as they try to create a Watford side which will "excite" the fans.

Zola was appointed Hornets manager a month ago today and it has been noticeable during pre-season that he wants his side to play 'a passing game'.

It was evident he had told his team to play from defence against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday and whilst his team kept possession well, the Golden Boys struggled to break down the Premier League side in the final third.

Sunday was Zola's first game at Vicarage Road and the Italian was pleased with the warm reception he received.

He said: "I was really pleased, the supporters were very encouraging with us.

"All we ask is for a little bit of patience with us, to give us a chance. Then it will be down to us to make them excited, but today (Sunday) was very encouraging."

Watford have their final pre-season game tonight away to Gillingham, with kick-off 7.30pm.

At the weekend Zola indicated that many of the players who featured against Spurs, two days ago, would not be involved tonight.

When asked whether it will be a first team game, he replied: "It will be a mix, I don’t think the players that played 90 minutes today will play on Tuesday as well."

Manuel Almunia, Martin Taylor, Nyron Nosworthy, John Eustace and Mark Yeates all played 90 minutes on Sunday. Whilst Lloyd Doyley , Carl Dickinson, Jonathan Hogg, Prince Buaben and Sean Murray featured for more than an hour, with Joe Garner playing for 58 minutes.