Boothroyd is confident Watford can bounce back next season

The Hornets went down after drawing 1-1 with Manchester City on Saturday.

Boothroyd said: "Our fans have been good enough but maybe this time round we are not. The table does not lie.

"We now know what is required for this division - and we did not have enough of it. It will be tough to come straight back up but I think we can."

The Hornets have spent just one season in the Premiership following their victory in the Championship play-off final last May.

They had to wait until November to record their first league win, and have won just three more league matches since.

We will look to keep the nucleus of the squad together. No-one will raid us, and no-one will go Aidy Boothroyd

But Boothroyd says he and his squad have benefited from their time in the top flight and he is full of confidence about the club's future.

"I have learned loads this season," he said. "I have had 'bouncebackability' - to quote Iain Dowie - and effort from my players but it is not enough in this league.

"Nobody has died. It is not a time to be sad and say 'if only'.

"It is a time to reflect, and make sure we build on all the good things from this season. The club is in a better place, and we are better for the experience."

And the Watford boss is already thinking about how he will approach next season in the Championship.

"We will look to keep the nucleus of the squad together. No-one will raid us, and no-one will go," he explained.