Players know 'every moment matters' - Still

Watford head coach Ed Still says his squad are aware that "every moment of the game matters" as they enter a key part of their Championship season.

Former Alderlecht assistant manager Still, 35, took over a week ago following the resignation of Javi Gracia.

The Hornets are 12th in the table, three points adrift of the top six.

They host sixth placed Derby on Saturday before the visit of fourth placed Ipswich on Tuesday, followed by a trip to ninth placed Bristol City.

Still told BBC Three Counties Radio: "It's cool to be at that moment of the season. You know that every game matters just maybe that little bit more.

"It's up to us to manage that expectation, to stay focussed on what we can control and not to be thinking about Ipswich on Tuesday or Bristol [City] next week.

"We just need to do everything we can to get the result against Derby and go from there.

"The players know how big it is, and they know that we're now at that moment of the season where not just every point but every moment of the game matters.

"We don't need to big that up any more. It's just a case of getting the players fit, sharp, and in the mindset of playing to win every game and go from there."

The weekend clash with the Rams gives Still an opportunity to sample the Vicarage Road crowd at his first home match in charge.

"I can't wait, really looking forward to it and hopefully we can give something to really get behind.

"It's that feeling of wanting them to identify themselves with who we are and with what we're doing.

"Their role can be huge and we even felt it in those away moments at Preston. It's actually in those tricky moments of the game, where either the energy dips or you lose a little bit of control of the game.

"Those moments when you feel you've got your fans with you and behind you, can can make a huge difference.

"That tipping point between getting a foothold back in the game or managing to create that positive momentum again can be triggered by the fans."

Derby arrive in search of a fourth successive away win, form which has helped them climb into the play-off places. Still said he knows the test they will provide.

"This is the toughest" he added.

"They're in that place where they know exactly what they're doing. They're really well coached, with a strong identity.

"Hats off to Derby with what they've done this season and we're ready for a really stern test".